Attractive, spreading small deciduous tree hardy in Zones 3-8. The new stem growth is covered in a reddish brown pubescence reminiscent of the new horns on a male deer, hence the name. As the stems mature the bark turns grey and are smooth in texture.
Rapid growth rate can grow two feet or more per season, reaching heights of 15-25′ in the landscape situation and will grow taller in native locations.
The Staghorn Sumac is readily adapted to a wide variety of soil types, but does best in well drained areas. Once it is established it can tolerate very dry sites and is often found in a rather nutrient deprived locations. Care must be taken in selecting a planting site as this species spreads from the roots and may quickly overtake a site. Excellent for holding soils on steep slopes. Native to North America.
This stately deciduous tree is native to Europe. Hardy to USDA Zones 4-7, it will reach 50-60′ in height and 35-45′ in general landscape cultivation, however can reach 100′. Rather slow growing and dense pyramidal to oval habit produces a eventual specimen with quite a stately presence.
In spring the leaves emerge as a bright, shiny green and 2-4″ long and 1.5-2.5″ wide. Alternately arranged and simple margins. As the season progresses they turn to a deep green before developing a great bronze fall color. The bark on this specimen is smooth, gray and has often been compared to the hide of an elephant adding year round appeal.
Plant this tree in moist well drained acidic soils. With a rather shallow root system this tree cannot withstand compacted soil and it is difficult to cultivate a lawn under the canopy of this tree. Best if planted in the sun but it will withstand light shade.
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The Amur maple is a deciduous small tree or large shrub hardy to Zones 3-6. Often used in a landscape as a screen or massing plant due to its rather dense, compact habit. Mostly sold in the nursery trade as a multi-stemmed plant it can be trained and maintained as a single stem tree with regular maintenance.
Green leaves emerge rather early in the spring and mature into a dark green color in the summer. Spectacular red-orange fall color. Winged seeds (samara) remain persistent on the tree throughout the winter months providing food for both birds and small mammals. (more…)
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The Hollywood Juniper is a cultivated variety originating in Japan. Hardy to zones 3-9 it is a conifer that grows to a height of 25 feet and 15 feet wide. Regularly chosen for use as a specimen in the landscape. This evergreen conifer has blue-green cones and a combination of juvenile and adult foliage. Once established this selection has great drought tolerance and often suffers if planted in areas that receive too much water. When planted in well drained soils and full sun exposure you can anticipate that this tree will perform well. (more…)
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Ginkgo, one of the most ancient of living species of trees, is prized for its picturesque growth habit and its beautiful light green, fan shaped leaves. The leaves resemble in pattern the leaflets of the maiden-hair fern, hence the common name of this tree. The leaves turn bright yellow in the fall.
Large tree, ultimately growing more than 100 feet. Branching often irregular, and wide spreading in old specimens. Widely used as a specimen in the landscape, care should be given to select only male trees as the fruit from the female tree produces a pungent odor, often described as a spoiled butter or dog feces aroma.
Hardy to zone 4. Native to China. Ginkgo is tolerant to a wide variety of soil types, however drainage is key to its success. Highly resistant to wind, air pollution and city conditions. With no real preference to light Ginkgo will perform well in both the sun and shade.
The Western Sword Fern is an evergreen fern native to Western North America is often found in the understory moist soils of the coniferous forests. The large dark green fronds of this fern grow to 20-70 inches (50-180 cm) tall and persist for 1.5-2.5 years.
Can be used with great success in the landscape, removing old fronds yearly in the early spring will keep this native fern looking great.
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