Corylus — which includes filberts and hazelnuts–are grown in shrub borders and as specimen trees. Smaller hazels are best grown in shrub borders. Larger species and cultivars are excellent specimen trees. Filberts and hazelnuts are usually thought of as trees grown for their edible nuts, but several are pleasing ornamental shrubs–particularly European filbert (Corylus avellana), ‘Contorta’–known as […] More
Taxus — commonly called yew–are broadly rounded to upright and columnar evergreen coniferous large shrubs and trees. Taxus can be grown as trees or shrubs. They can be used as specimens or used as hedges or topiaries. Taxus have linear, dark green leaves, often paler beneath. The leaves are spirally arranged. Taxus are conifers but they do […] More
Podocarpus — sometimes called Southern Yew–is an evergreen coniferous shrub or tree. It can be grown as a dense hedge or screen or planted as a specimen tree in large gardens. Podocarpus bears deep green needle-like leaves arranged spirally around the stems. Podocarpus can be pruned to a columnar shape and kept to hedge height or it […] More
x Cupressocyparis — commonly known as Leyland Cypress–is a hybrid coniferous tree grown in hedges, for screening, and as a large lawn or specimen tree. x Cypressocyparis is a natural hybrid between species of Chamaecyparis and Cupressus. x Cupressocyparis (the x denotes that it is a hybrid) produces flattened spray of scale-like dark green leaves. It is columnar […] More
Cryptomeria —often called Japanese Cryptomeria–is a graceful conifer that grows eventually into a skyline tree, however, there are several dwarf cultivars that are low-growing and well-suited for even small gardens. Cryptomeria has soft bright green to bluish green foliage during the growing season. Needle-like leaves can turn brownish-purple in cold weather. Branches are slightly pendulous; the species […] More
Cassia is a genus of flowering shrubs and trees and one perennial (Cassia marilandica) which are known for their yellow and golden pea-like flowers. Cassia species are commonly found in moist woodlands, along riverbanks, and in tropical scrubland regions around the world. Cassias have pinnate leaves and 5-petaled loosely bowl-shaped flowers produce in open panicles […] More
Melia—commonly called Chinaberry—is a medium-sized deciduous tree that grows best in warm-winter regions. It is often grown as a shade tree in poor conditions; Melia is a tough tree that tolerates heat, wind, poor alkaline soil, and drought. Melia bears interesting star-shaped flowers in spring. Each flower has 5 or 6 spreading petals and 10 […] More
Tilia—commonly called linden—trees are large, stately deciduous trees that are best suited for large gardens or parks. They grow to 60 feet (20m) tall and 50 feet (15m) wide or more. Tilia leaves are bright green and are generally heart-shaped with serrated edges. They turn pale yellow in autumns. Tilia produces small, fragrant pale yellow […] More
Robinia is fast-growing and well adapted to dry, hot regions. It produces hanging clusters of white or pink sweetpea-like flowers. The leaves are delicate and feathery, made up of numerous small leaflets borne on slender branches. Robinia tolerates drought and urban conditions but its wood is brittle and susceptible to breaking in high winds. As […] More
Gymnocladus—commonly known as the Kentucky coffee tree is a tough tree for difficult situations. It grows to 70 feet tall and 50 feet wide. It has an oval crown, silvery twigs, and ascending branches. Gymnocladus tolerate drought and occasional wet soil. It can withstand urban conditions. It may be too large to plant as a […] More
Jacarandas bear long clusters of lavender-blue tubular flowers in spring. They are one of the showiest spring-blooming trees. Jacarandas are semi-evergreen trees native to the rain forests of South America. They are well suited as street trees or specimens. They grow to 50 feet tall and 30 feet wide. Jacarandas grow best where summers are […] More
Trees of the genus Carya which include hickory and pecan trees are fast-growing deciduous trees. They grow from 60 to 100 feet (18-30m) tall and live for more than 100 years. Carya trees have slender, upright gray trunks with rounded to conical crowns. Most have deep and wide-spreading roots. They are well suited for large […] More
Stephen Albert