‘Satomi’ Dogwood is a pink-flowered variety of the Korean Dogwood.

This slow growing deciduous tree has a rounded form with beautiful horizontal branching. Deep pink bracts surround inconspicuous flowers and emerge in late spring, often later than other dogwood varieties and are followed by large red fruit. Fall color is orange-red. The deep green leaves often have a purplish tinge and are resistant to anthracnose.

Stewartia monodelpha known commonly as Tall Stewartia or Orangebark Stewartia is a slow growing deciduous tree hardy in zones 6-8. Reaching a mature height of 20 to 25 feet and a spread of 15-25 feed this tree develops a rather symmetrical pyramidal crown in its youth developing into a vase shaped outline as it matures.

1.5-2″ dark green leaves cast light shade due to its rather open habit. The green leaves turn to a rich red color in the fall. Smooth cinnamon brown bark adds great winter interest, while its small white flowers that develop in the spring are not particularly notable.

With no known major pests or diseases this small tree is well suited for use in the landscape. Plant in partial shade and in a well drained location.

This fast growing Norway Maple variety forms a rounded canopy that is densely branched. Hardy in USDA Hardines Zones 3 to 7, this deciduous shade tree reaches heights of 45′ and spread of 40′. Medium green color in spring and summer turing yellow in the fall. Performs best in full sun to part shade, and moist well drained soils.

Reported to be tolerant of deer, pollution, wind and dry sites (once established).

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.

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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.

Due to its overall potential size this tree is best suited for use in large open area such as parks, campuses, and plazas. It is tolerant of heavy pruning and has been used as a screen due to its dense nature. There are numerous cultivars of this species, many of them are in current production in the nurseries.

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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.

Performs best in moist soil, and is somewhat drought tolerant in maturity and adaptable to a wide variety of soil types. Plant in full sun to part shade, it has been noted that the brighter fall color appear on trees that have full sun exposure. This tree does grow at a medium to fast rate. Susceptible to verticillium wilt.

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.

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Coral red winter bark gives this attractive specimen tree its name. Bark color is more intense when tree is planted in full sun. Deeply lobed light green leaves develop red margins and turn a golden yellow to red orange in the fall. Hardy in zones 5-8, avoid dry and windy site placement.

This very attractive deciduous shade tree deserves to be planted more often, growing 40-60 feet high and 30-40 feet in spread. The Silver Linden has a medium growth pattern and is pyramidal in habit in its youth and matures to more of a rounded shape. 

Medium-sized, dark green leaves with white smooth pubescence on the under surface turn yellow in the fall. This native of Europe has smooth grey bark in its youth becoming ridged and furrowed as it ages. 

Performs best in full sun, this shade tree has a moderate water demand. Plant in well-drainded fertile soil. Tolerant to alkaline soils. The silver Linden is not immune to pests, like the rest of the Lindens this tree is susceptible to aphids, leaf miners, scale and mites.  Planting this tree over walkways, parking or other pedestrian surfaces can generate complaints as the honeydew from the aphids make a mess.

Silver Linden is a proven choice for street trees, where overhead utilities are not an issue, as it is superior to other Linden varieties in its drought hardiness. 

Hardy in Zones 5-6 this deciduous shade tree is quite drought tolerant once established, performing best in full sun. This excellent tree does very well in hot, dry summers and cold winters. Thick, dark green leaves with toothed margins turn yellow to purple in the fall. Adding to its striking features are the 2 inch long drooping brown catkins that emerge in the spring in addition to its edible nuts. Well-drained, loamy soils are best however it will tolerate alkaline soils. I have seen this tree performing quite well on the campus of Boise State University.

Growing to heights of 40-50 feet tall and 20-30 feet in spread this pyramidal shaped tree is somewhat formal appearance in the landscape and is often selected for use as a street tree.

images courtesy: Hans-Cees Speel