REDBUD Redbud is known as the harbinger of spring and the delicate blossoms and buds are one of the season s most dramatic displays. Unique and irregular branching patterns combine with a trunk that commonly divides close to the ground to create a very handsome, spreading and often flat-topped crown. The tree is considered both a flowering tree and an ornamental. It is typically planted for both its visual interest and profusion of spring flowers. The Redbud has a local distinction of being the Village Tree since 2015. The tree grows at a medium rate, with height increase of 13-24-inches per year. At maturity, the height can be 20-30-feet with a spread of 25-35-feet. Full sun and partial shade are best for this tree; meaning it prefers a minimum of 4 Grows in acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, well-drained and clay soils. Blooms in a profusion of rosy pink flowers in April. Begins flowering at a young age; as early as 4 years. Leaves are somewhat heart-shaped 2-6-inches in length and they emerge with a reddish color, turning dark green as summer approaches and then yellow in the fall. Redbuds make a bold landscape statement. They grow in rounded and vase shape. Early blossoms draw in nectar-seeking insects; including several species of earlyseason butterflies. Northern bobwhite and a few songbirds, such as chickadees, will eat the seeds. It can be used for nesting sites and nesting materials and it also provides shelter for birds and mammals. Native to North America and Canada with cousins in Europe and Asia, this tree was noted by the Spaniards who made distinctions between the New World species and their cousins in the Mediterranean region in 1571. Centuries later, George Washington reported in his diary on many occasions about the beauty of the tree and spend many hours in his garden transplanting seedlings obtained from the nearby forest. The Village of Richfield adopted the Redbud as the Village s tree in 2015.
KOUSA DOGWOOD Dogwood trees are known for their delicate beauty and the Kousa variety adds a toughness that makes this species an excellent choice for home landscapes. The tree makes a visual contribution year-round. In spring, it produces a heavenly array of star-like blooms. In summer, it produces an intriguing canopy of layered branches that provides shade and beauty. In autumn, it offers spectacular bright red color. In winter, the bark resembles a jigsaw puzzle. The Kousa Dogwood grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases from less that 12-inches to 24-inches per year. At maturity it will grow to a height of 15-feet to 25-feet and a spread of 25-feet. Full sun and partial shade are best, meaning it prefers a minimum of (4) four The Kousa grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained and clay soils. It prefers moisture and is somewhat drought resistant. This tree blooms May-June, with distinctive white bracts surrounding small, greenish-yellow flowers. It is a good choice for planting near utility lines, buildings or walls. It is considered both a flowering tree and an ornamental tree and is typically planted for both its visual interest and profusion of spring flowers. Leaves are dark green that are 2-inches to 4-inches long and elliptic-ovate shape. It has beautiful form with horizontal branching and grows in a rounded shape. It requires mulch around the trunk to protect it from lawn mower or weed cutter damage that could cause poor health. It provides great fall color, with leaves turning purple and scarlet and is tougher than the native flowering dogwood when it comes to diseases and pests. The Kousa Dogwood is also known as the Japanese Dogwood. It produces pinkish-red fruit that attracts songbirds. The Kousa Dogwood trees are eaten by squirrels and birds. Kousa is native to Japan, Korea and China and the first scientific observations of the Kousa Dogwood in the United States was recorded in 1875. Kousa is the Japanese word for dogwood and it is also known as the Chinese dogwood, Japanese Dogwood, Japanese Flowering Dogwood and Japanese Strawberry Tree.
BLACK TUPELO The Black Tupelo is known as one of the best and most consistent native trees for fall color. Along with its distinctive bark, which resembles alligator hide, the Black Tupelo is a terrific landscaping choice adding visual and textural interest. Often on the same branch, it will display various hues of yellow, orange and bright red and purple. While the blooms may not seem noteworthy, bees will be very appreciative of the presence of this tree for the late spring food source. This tree grows at a slow to medium rate in an oval shape, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12-inches to 24-inches per year. At maturity, the Black Tupelo has a height of 30-feet to 50-feet and a spread of 20-feet to 30-feet featuring a canopy capable of blocking sunlight. Full sun and partial shade are best for this tree; meaning it prefers a minimum of (4) Trees grow well in acidic, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, silty loam and well drained soils. Trees provide stunning fall color, bringing many shades of yellow, orange, bright red, purple and scarlet. The Black Tupelo develops bark that furrows with age, resembling alligator hide on old trunks. Its leaves are 3-inches to 6-inches in length with an ovate, obovate or elliptical shape that are extremely glossy and dark green in the summer. Yields small, bluish-black fruit that ripens in late September and early October, eaten by many species of birds and mammals. Grows in an oval shape. The fruit of the Black Tupelo attracts many birds and wildlife. It also provides nutrition for bees in early to late spring. A tree of many monikers, the Black Tupelo is also known in various areas as a Gum Tree, Sour Gum, Bowl Gum, Yellow Gum or Tupelo gum. Still others call it Beetlebung, Stinkwood, Wild Pear Tree or Pepperidge. When combined with the several other tupelo species, these trees have the distinction of being favorites with honey producers. It is a million-dollar business annually in Florida with Tupelo honey in excess of $15 per pound.
COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE The Norway Spruce is one of the most popular ornamental conifers. Also known as the blue spruce, it is a truly magnificent sight. From the book, A Natural History of Western Trees, This insistently pretty tree displays its charms of tier on tier of branches graduated in perfect symmetry from the longest boughs that sweep the ground to the slender but strong top. The silvery blue-green coloring and perfect Christmas tree shape make this tree a great landscaping focal point on commercial and residential properties. It is also widely used for privacy or a windbreak. The blue spruce grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases from less than 12-inches to 24-inches per year. It grows to a height of 50-feet to 75-feet and a spread of 10-feet to 20-feet at maturity. Full sun is the ideal condition; meaning it should get at least (6) six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. The blue spruce adapts well to many soils, growing in acidic, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, well-drained and clay soils. It requires normal moisture with moderate tolerance to flooding and drought. This tree displays its unique silvery blue-green color year-round. Withstands wind better than most spruces due to a wide-spreading and moderately deep root system. It is a long-lived specimen and features needles that are stiff, prickly and roughly 1-inch to 1 ½-inches in length. Provides privacy and a windbreak when planted in a row. Yields light brown 3-inch to 4-inch cones which hang downward on the branches and are concentrated in the upper crown. The blue spruce grows in a columnar and pyramidal shape. This spruce provides food and shelter for siskins, nuthatches and crossbills. The Colorado blue spruce is such a delight that nature seems to have kept it a well-guarded secret for a very long time. It was not until 1862 that this spectacular species was discovered growing in enchanted meadows and stream sides high up in the Rocky Mountains. Once found, the fame of this spruce spread quickly, and today it is one of the most widely planted landscape trees. It is also the state tree of Colorado.
GINKGO The Ginkgo is hailed as undoubtedly one of the most distinct and beautiful of all deciduous trees. Unique fan-shape leaves turn a stunning yellow color in the fall. It can tolerate many urban conditions including heat, air pollution, salt and confined spaces. It establishes easily in your landscape. This tree also comes with a bit of history; it is a living fossil, with the earliest leaf fossils dated from 270 million years ago. The Ginkgo tree is considered both a shade tree and an ornamental tree. This tree grows at a medium rate, with height increases of 13-inches to 24-inches per year. At maturity, the Ginkgo has a height of 25-feet to 50-feet and a spread of 25-feet to 35-feet. Full sun and partial shade are best for this tree; meaning it prefers a minimum of (4) four The Ginkgo grows in acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, silty loam, welldrained, wet and clay soils. It tolerates moderate drought and wetness but does not grow well in hot, dry climates. This tree features simple, fan-shaped bright green leaves that are 2-inches to 3- inches long and just as wide. It provides attractive yellow fall color, works well as a street tree, even in confined spaces. It transplants easily and establishes without difficulty. The ginkgo yields naked seeds that are tan in color and plum-like shape. It features a spreading canopy capable of blocking sunlight and adds visual interest and beauty to landscaping. It can live as long as 3,000 years, grows in a pyramidal shape, tolerates heat, air pollution and soil salt. It may grow slowly for several years after planting. Due to the Ginkgo seed s odor, it is not known to attract wildlife. As a living fossil, dispersal of the Ginkgo seed remains somewhat of a mystery since it is possible that its animal pollinators are extinct. The seeds do have a significant amount of nutrients, which could attract squirrels. The Ginkgo tree is a living fossil, with the earliest leaf fossils dating from 270 million years ago. It was rediscovered in 1691 in China and was brought to this country in the late 1700 s. The seeds and leaves have been used in medicine throughout the world. The Chinese have used the ginkgo leaf and seed for thousands of years as a herbal medicine. According to modern research, Ginkgo improved cognitive and memory functions and has improved mood and energy levels. It is used as a natural remedy for the treatment of ADHD and dementia.
BALDCYPRESS The Baldcypress tree is the classic tree of southern swamps. There, in its native habitat, it displays a peculiar habit of raising conical knees from its roots. The function of these growths is something of a mystery, although some believe it is a way to help the roots get oxygen. This tree dwells in swamps because it out-competes most other trees on such sites. When planted in the right soil, it is a beautiful specimen tree. It has been grown successfully in cities as far north as Milwaukee and the dry Texan hills. This tree grows at a medium rate, with height increases of 13-inches to 24-inches per year. At maturity, the Baldcypress grows to a height of 50-feet to 70-feet and a spread of around 25-feet. Full sun is the ideal condition for this shrub, meaning it should get at least (6) six The Baldcypress grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, silty loam, well-drained and clay soils. It is adaptable to wet or dry conditions and can withstand flooding. This tree is a deciduous conifer. It features short needles arranged in pairs along slender branchlets. Their coloring ranges from yellow-green in spring to soft green in summer to reddish or orangish brown in autumn. It yields cones that appear as little gloves approximately 1-inch in length that contain triangular seeds and are attractive to wildlife. It grows in a pyramidal shape, adapts well to wet and dry conditions. The Baldcypress will only develop cypress knees in wet conditions. Baldcypress form characteristic groves in swampy areas that support complex and variable ecosystems and are used by many wildlife species. Baldcypress trees are native from Maryland along the eastern coast to Texas and as far west as the Mississippi valley. The first scientific reference to the species was made in 1640. The origin of the common name, however, seems to have been lost to time. No on is sure why it is called bald. This tree has inspired much poetry and prose over the centuries due to its melancholy and mysterious appearance. Longfellow refers to its towering and tenebrous boughs that waved like banners than hang on the walls of ancient cathedrals in his 1847 poem, Evangeline. It is the state tree of Louisiana.
SCARLET OAK TREE The Scarlet Oak is a parade of red throughout the seasons. In the early spring, new leaves unfurl with a red hue. The vibrant red fall display is truly magnificent and those red leaves often hangs on through the first snow, giving winter a touch of much-needed color. The inner bark of the scarlet oak is even red. This tree is a very popular landscape choice for more than vivid color due to its tolerance for poor soils and wind resistance. It is a widely used species in parks, large yards and along streets. This tree grows at a medium rate, with height increases of 13-inches to 24-inches per year. At maturity, the scarlet oak grows to a height of 60-feet to 80-feet and a spread of 40-feet to 50-feet. Full sun is the ideal condition for this shrub, meaning it should get at least (6) six The scarlet oak is very versatile, growing in a wide range of soils except alkaline. It prefers normal moisture and can tolerate some drought. This tree provides brilliant red fall color that extends well into winter, making an excellent splash against the white snow. The leaves are 4-inches to 7-inches long with 7 [rarely 9] narrow, bristle-tipped lobes separated by deep sinuses. It yields acorns that are ½-inch to 1-inch in length and are enclosed by a bowl-like, scaly cup. An especially large crop of acorns is produced every 3 to 5 years. The tree grows in a rounded shape with an open crown which provides light shade. Scarlet oak acorns are an important food source for many large songbirds, wild turkeys, grouse, squirrels and white-tailed deer. The native range of the Scarlet Oak tree extends from Maine to Florida and west to Missouri. The first scientific observations of this tree were made in 1691. It has the honor of being the official tree of the District of Columbia.
RED ROCKET CRAPEMYRTLE Red Rocket Crapemyrtle is a stunning shrub that is renowned for its showy flowers, beautiful bark, fast growth and tolerance of soil conditions. The petals are wrinkled like crepe paper, adding to its appeal. The Red Rocket Crapemyrtle also adds ornamental value to landscaping in all seasons, and it is considered one of the fastest growing crapemyrtles; growing as much as 5-feet per year. It is a good food source for birds and bees. This shrub grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24-inches per year. At maturity, the Red Rocket has a height of 1-feet to 15-feet and a spread of 12-feet to 15-feet. Full sun is the ideal condition for this shrub, meaning it should get at least (6) six The red rocket Crapemyrtle grows well in moist, well-drained soils. Once it is established, it is drought-tolerant and mildew-resistant. This shrub blooms July through September, producing huge 24-inch clusters of cherry red flowers that have wrinkled petals similar to crepe paper. It grows up to 5- feet per year and works well as a specimen plant or as part of a mixed border. The Red Rocket grows in a rounded shape and adds all-season interest with crimson red new growth, unique bark, showy flowers and orange to red fall color. It is deer and mildew resistant and tolerates heat and drought, one established, making it a waterwise choice. This is a flowering shrub, typically planted for its profusion of flowers. This shrub attracts bees and provides bird habitat. The Crapemyrtle is called lilac of the South, and the number of cultivars is enormous. Originated in China and Korea, the common crepe myrtle was introduced in 1790 to Charleston, South Carolina by a French botanist. Just like the name suggests, the Red Rocket Crape Myrtle shoots up like a rocket and gives you beautiful red flowers from early July to September.