missouribotanicalgarden.org
ACER DAVIDII
o Père David’s Maple
o Sapindaceae
o Hers’s Maple
o USDA Hardiness Zone 5-7
o mature height- 30-50 ft. spread- 20-40 ft.
o form- upright, vertical
o water use-medium
o soil requirements- acidic, moist soil
o leaf arrangement-oppositely arranged, simple- no lobes, elliptic oblong
o excellent orange, yellow, red fall color
o flower/cone/fruit description(s)- Small, inconspicuous, yellowish flowers bloom in pendant racemes (2-3″ long) in spring. Flowers give way to small but abundant winged samaras which mature in fall.
o limitations-Uncommonly found in cultivation, no serious disease or insect problems. Do not perform well in heat and humidity. Perfect for PNW.
o suitable uses-street tree, shade tree
Photo (c)2007 Derek Ramsey
Photo by and (c)2007 Derek Ramsey
ACER GRISEUM (griseus means grey in Latin, referring to color of underside of leaf) o Paperbark Maple
o Sapindaceae o USDA Hardiness Zone 4-8 o mature height- 20-30 ft spread- 15-25 o form-oval to oval rounded with upright branching
o water- medium
o soil requirements-average, slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade o leaf arrangement- Trifoliate leaf 3-5″ long, coarsely toothed small leaflets, back of leaf covered in fuzz- slows loss of water (drought adaptation)
o fall colour- showy orange-red
o flower/cone/fruitdescription(s)- Ornamentally insignificant yellowish flowers bloom in April-early May in clusters (drooping cymes to 1” long) on pendulous downy stalks. Flowers give way to winged samaras (to 1 1/4” long) with unusually large seeds o limitations-propagation is difficult. No serious insects or diseases.
o suitable uses-Excellent small tree for small properties. Deserves a location where its ornamental features can be appreciated (near a deck or patio). Appropriate as an understory tree in a woodland garden or as a specimen in many locations around the home. Popular bonsai subject, particularly in Europe.
Bigleaf maple in the McKenzie River valley in western Oregon. photo by Jsayre64
Photo by Tony Perodeau Angilbas at English Wikipedia
o Sapindaceae o USDA Hardiness Zone 6-7 o mature height- 40-75 ft spread- 40-75ft, occasionaly over 100 ft o form-oval to broad rounded crown
o water- medium
o soil requirements-moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade o leaf arrangement- Simple, palmately lobed and veined, Deeply 5-lobed (occasionally 3-lobed) leaves (to 8-12” long and wide) -largest leaves among all Maples, very long petiole (means it is shade adapted). Glabrous- no hair on stem or leaf, stem has milky white sap
o fall colour- yellow-orange
o flower/cone/fruitdescription(s)- Fragrant greenish-yellow flowers (each to 1/3” across) bloom in April-May in 4-8” long pendant, cylindrical, chain-like clusters (racemes), with each cluster having up to 175 tiny flowers. Flowers bloom as the new burgundy-tinted leaves are developing, providing an often attractive color contrast. Flowers give way to two-winged samaras (each to 1 1/2” long) with wings spreading to 60 degrees. Samaras mature by autumn. o limitations-Shallow spreading roots can crack sidewalks and driveways. Hazardous after 60-75 old because branches will fall off.
o suitable uses-Excellent small tree for small properties. Deserves a location where its ornamental features can be appreciated (near a deck or patio). Appropriate as an understory tree in a woodland garden or as a specimen in many locations around the home. Popular bonsai subject, particularly in Europe.
Missouribotanicalgarden.org
Missouribotanicalgarden.org
CERCIDIPHYLLUM JAPONICUM (Cercis=redbud genus, phyllon= Leaf in Greek)
o Katsura Tree
o Cercidiphyllaceae o USDA Hardiness Zone 4-8 o40-60 ft spread- 25-60 ft o dense, rounded, beautiful shape
o water- medium
o soil requirements-rich, moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates full sun, but has little tolerance for drought particularly when young o leaf arrangement- opposite, round-oval leaves (to 4” long) resemble those of a small redbud
o fall colour- orange and red, the fallen autumn leaves have been varyingly described as smelling of cinnamon, burnt sugar or ripe apples
o flower/cone/fruitdescription(s)- Tiny flowers (red on male trees and green on female trees) appear in spring before the foliage but are not particularly showy. Pollinated flowers on female trees are followed by clusters of greenish pods (to 3/4” long). o limitations-Foliage may scorch in hot, dry and/or windy conditions. non drought- tolerant
o suitable uses-small specimen suited for shade or street tree
www.boethingtreeland.com
o Bignoniaceae o USDA Hardiness Zone 6-9 o 20-35 ft spread- 20-35 ft o dense, spreading, oval crown
o water- medium, drought tolerant
o soil requirements-deep, moderately fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade o leaf arrangement- Lanceolate leaves (to 6″ long) are dull green above, fuzzy underneath, and taper at both ends.
o flower/cone/fruitdescription(s)- Bell-shaped, pink to white, catalpa-like flowers (to 1″ across) bloom in upright racemes (15-40 flowers per raceme) at the branch ends in summer. attract hummingbirds and bumble bees. Beautiful summer flowers! o limitations-Foliage may scorch in hot, dry and/or windy conditions. non drought- tolerant
o suitable uses-small specimen suited for shade or street tree
missouribotanicalgarden.org
missouribotanicalgarden.org
missouribotanicalgarden.org
DAVIDIA INVOLUCRATA
o Dove Tree
o Cornaceae (dogwood family) o USDA Hardiness Zone 6-8 o 20-40 ft spread- 20-40 ft o broad pyramidal habit
o water- medium
o soil requirements-organically rich, consistently moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade o leaf arrangement- Toothed, broad oval, red-stalked, bright green leaves (3-6” long) are heart-shaped at the base. Back of leaf covered in wax- helps slow loss of moisture
o fall colour- dull pastels to bright oranges and reds
o flower/cone/fruitdescription(s)- Red-anthered flowers in rounded clusters bloom in April-May. However the showy parts of the bloom are the large oval-rounded showy white involucre bracts (one 3-4 inches long and the other 6-7 inches long) which subtend each flower cluster. The bracts flutter in the slightest breeze, and, from a distance, purportedly look like white doves sitting in the tree, hence the common name. Flowers are followed by round, greenish-brown, golf ball-sized fruits on 2-3” stems o limitations-
o suitable uses-Specimen landscape tree. In full flower, this tree produces a spectacular bloom. Street and park planting in BC.
rhs.org.uk
EUONYMOUS PLANIPES
o Flat-stalked spindle tree
oCelastraceae o USDA Hardiness Zone 6-8 o 1.5-2.5 meters spread- 1.5-2.5 meters o bushy
o water- medium
o soil requirements-Well-drained, Moist but well-drained, full sun, partial shade o leaf arrangement- opposite. ovate
o fall colour- red leaves
o flower/cone/fruitdescription(s)- Flowers small, green, followed by large, lobed red fruits splitting to reveal orange seeds o limitations-All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested
o suitable uses-Specimen landscape tree. In full flower, this tree produces a spectacular bloom. Street and park planting in BC.
missouribotanicalgarden.org
GINKGO BILOBA (bi lobed leaves), dioecious
o Ginkgo
o Ginkgoaceae o USDA Hardiness Zone 3-8 o 50-80 ft spread- 30-40 feet o tall, somewhat sprawling and awkward, quirky
o water- medium
o soil requirements- average, medium moisture soil in full sun. Prefers moist, sandy, well-drained soils. Tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, including both alkaline and acidic soils and compacted soils. o leaf arrangement- two-lobed, somewhat leathery, fan-shaped, rich green leaves with diverging (almost parallel) veins. Long shoot, short shoot morphology.
o fall colour- bright yellow leaves
o flower/cone/fruitdescription(s)- Nurseries typically sell only male trees (fruitless), because female trees produce seeds encased in fleshy, fruit-like coverings which, at maturity in autumn, are messy and emit a noxious, foul odor upon falling to the ground and splitting open. o limitations-Female fruit smells bad
o suitable uses-street tree, specimen tree. tolerant of saline conditions, air pollution and heat. Adapts well to most urban environments.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
KOELREUTERIA PANICULATA (panicle of flowers)
o Sapindaceae o USDA Hardiness Zone 5-9 o 30-40 ft spread- 30-40 feet o small, open-branching, irregularly-shaped, deciduous tree with a rounded crown which typically grows 30-40′ tall and as wide
o water- dry to medium
o soil requirements- average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Adapts to a wide range of soils. Tolerates drought and many city air pollutants. o leaf arrangement- pinnate or bipinnate, feathery, compound leaves (to 18″ long), each leaf having 7-17 irregularly lobed leaflets
o fall colour- pinkish bronze to purplish in spring, mature to a bright green in summer and turn yellow (quality variable) in fall
o flower/cone/fruitdescription(s)- Bright yellow flowers (1/2″ wide) appear in early summer in long, terminal, panicles (12-15″). Falling blossoms may or may not resemble “golden rain”, but the fallen blossoms often form an attractive golden carpet under the tree. Flowers give way to interesting, brown, papery seed capsules which somewhat resemble Chinese lanterns.
o suitable uses-Small shade tree, street tree, lawns or terraces.
o Roseaceae o USDA Hardiness Zone 3-6 o 15-30 ft spread- 15-25 feet o open rounded crown
o water-medium
o soil requirements- moist, acidic, humusy, well-drained soils in full sun o leaf arrangement- serrate compound-pinnate leaves
o fall colour- red leaf, yellow fruit
o flower/cone/fruitdescription(s)- Dense flattened clusters (corymbs to 3-6” across) of very small 5-petaled white flowers (each to 1/4” wide) appear in May. Flowers are followed by bright orange-red berries (each to 5/16” diameter) that ripen in late summer and remain on the tree after leaf-drop. Berries are attractive to birds and animals, but too acidic to be eaten fresh off the tree by humans. o limitations-not drought tolerant, flowers smell like old fish
o suitable uses-Lawn specimen or small shade tree for cool northern climates. Don’t plant next to entry way.
o Styracaceae o USDA Hardiness Zone 5-9 o 20-30 ft spread- 20-30 feet o compact, deciduous flowering tree with horizontal branching and a rounded crown
o water-medium
o soil requirements- organically rich, acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. o leaf arrangement- simple, ovate
o fall colour- yellow-red, insignificant
o flower/cone/fruitdescription(s)- It is noted for its pendulous clusters of bell-shaped, mildly fragrant, 5-petaled, waxy white flowers (each to 3/4” diameter) that bloom in May-June. Drooping flower clusters are easily visible because of the upward posture of the foliage. Flowers give way to greenish-brown, olive-shaped drupes that often persist into late autumn. o limitations-cant tolerate compacted soil
o suitable uses-Small landscape tree for lawns or patio areas.
missouribotanicalgarden.org
missouribotanicalgarden.org
missouribotanicalgarden.org
VACCINIUM PARVIFOLIUM (N)
o Ericaceae o USDA Hardiness Zone 6-8 o 10 ft spread- 6feet
o soil requirements- rotting wood in soil, not easy to grow , full shade-partial shade
o flower/cone/fruitdescription(s)- yellow-white to pinkish-white with pink, decumbent bell-shaped. red buds, edible red-orange berry
o Lamiaceae o USDA Hardiness Zone 6-9 o height-8-10 ft spread- 5-8 feet o vase-shaped
o water-medium
o soil requirements- loose, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun o leaf arrangement- aromatic, compound, palmate, grayish-green leaves with 5-7 lance-shaped leaflets (each leaflet to 6″ long)
o fall colour- yellow-red, insignificant
o flower/cone/fruitdescription(s)- tiny, fragrant, lavender to pale violet flowers appearing in loose panicles (to 12″ long) in mid to late summer. Flowers are quite attractive to butterflies. o limitations-cant tolerate compacted soil
o suitable uses-Shrub borders
- North American Landscape Trees, Jacobson, A, L., 10 Speed Press, Berkeley, California
Has most of the trees we looked at. Nice pictures.
- Bean’s Trees and Shrubs <http://www.beanstreesandshrubs.org/>
Barely has any of the plants we looked at.
- E – F l o r a B C <http://ibis.geog.ubc.ca/biodiversity/eflora/>
Has a nice variety of plants found in BC with locations and images.