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
Celtis—common name hackberry—is a genus of mostly deciduous trees and shrubs. Hackberries are related to elms and make good shade lawn and street trees. They can withstand very cold winters, wind, and summer heat, and drought. Celtis is a deep-rooted plant. Hackberry roots do not grow near the surface or heave sidewalks and drives. They […] More
Acacia is a large genus of evergreen or deciduous shrubs and trees that are sometimes called wattle or mimosa. Acacias bear brilliant yellow flowers in spring and early summer. A few varieties bear white or cream-colored flowers. Acacias commonly have ferny leaves and flattened leafstalks called phyllodies. Flowers look like puffballs or spikes depending on […] More
Davidia is a medium to large tree with a domed crown. Davidia bears pale white bracts in spring that look like fluttering handkerchiefs or nesting doves—thus Davidia’s two common names dove tree and handkerchief tree. Davidia has a spreading habit that well suits it to be planted as a specimen in the landscape. Flowers and […] More
Ornamental flowering pears are grown for their profuse flowers that appear in late winter and early spring. Pyrus are medium to large deciduous trees valued for their upright form. Most grow well in tight urban or street settings although some with closely angled branches can be susceptible to wind damage if not trained or pruned. […] More
Coral tree is the common name for several deciduous and nearly evergreen trees or shrubs that are chiefly grown for their brilliant-colored flowers. Flowers range in colors from greenish-white through yellow, light orange, and light red to orange and red. Members of the Erythrina genus range in height from 3 feet (.9m) tall to more […] More
Sophora is a genus of hardy evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs. One species, the Pagoda tree, is a popular landscape tree with rich green leaves, a rounded head, and creamy white flowers in late summer and autumn. Flowers on the Pagoda tree and other members of the Sophora genus appear in drooping clusters. Flowers […] More
Chestnut trees are large, dense-leaved additions to the landscape. They grow tall and wide and cast deep shadows. Chestnuts can mature at 60 (18m) to 100 feet tall and wide. They should be planted where they have ample room to grow and thrive. Chestnuts live from 100 to 1000 years. They can take several years […] More
Many trees, shrubs, and perennials are grown especially for their autumn foliage color. Autumn is a time when many deciduous plants and a few evergreens make their presence known. Many people find the colors of autumn the loveliest of the year. Autumn plant color is part of the natural processes which begin with the shortening […] More
Deer-resistant trees, shrubs, and groundcovers are plants deer have shunned in many gardens. If deer are hungry enough, they will eat practically any kind of plant. But if deer are a problem in your garden, you may be able to discourage them–most of the time–with your plant choices. This list includes trees, shrubs, and groundcovers […] More
Drought-tolerant trees can withstand dry conditions once established. No native or commonly used landscape plant is drought-resistant until it becomes established in the site. All plants require a steady supply of moisture when first planted. Trees can tolerate drought if they are deep-rooted. Deep roots can harvest soil moisture from past rainfalls. Trees planted in […] More
Stephen Albert