SHADE AND ORNAMENTAL TREES
ACER
A. x freemanii ‘Bailston’ – Matador Maple – (40’ x 40’) Rate 1’-2’. Deeper red fall color than Autumn Blaze and more consistent colors than Sienna Glen. Very adaptable tree. (Zone 4).
A. ginnala - Amur Maple - (15-18’ x 15-18’) Rate 1’-2’. Available in clump and single stem form. Dark green lobed leaves are light green beneath. Graceful irregular head. Fine to medium textured foliage that turns a combination of yellow, orange, and brilliant rusty red in fall. Seeds are persistent into the spring. Fragrant yellow flowers appear in April and May. One of the hardiest maples. (Zone 3).
A. miyabi ‘Morton’ – State Street Maple – (20’ x 20’) Rate 1’-2’. Tolerant of heat, drought, salt, and pollution. Fall color is soft, buttery to golden yellow. Very adaptable. (Zone 4).
A. negundo ‘Sensation’ – Sensation Boxelder – (30’ x 25’) Rate 2’+. Very uniform growth habit. Excellent scarlet red fall color. Very hardy tree tolerant of a wide variety of soil conditions. Male clone, does NOT attract Boxelder bugs. (Zone 3)
A. palmatum ‘ Emperor 1’- Emperor 1 Japanese Maple-(20’ x 15’) A vigorous upright grower with large, red leaves that hold their color better than most red-leafed palmatums, lasting late into summer. Fall colors are usually bright crimson. (Zone 5) NOT WARRANTED
A. saccharinum – Silver Maple – (50’ x 40’) Rate 1’-2’. Hardy tree, easy to grow. Transplants well. Tolerant of a wide range of soils. Nice golden yellow fall color. Upright oval shape. (Zone 3)
A. tataricum - Tatarian Maple - (20-25’ x 18-25’) Rate 1’-2’. Large shrub or small tree with dark green foliage, similar to, but arguably better than, Amur maple. Oval irregular shape. Tolerant of alkalinity and dry conditions. Yellow to red in fall. Variety “Hot Wings” produces showy red samaras. (Zone 3)
A. x freemanii ‘Sienna’– Sienna Glen Maple – (60’ x 40’) Rate 1’-2’. A fast growing, hardy maple with uniform branching and a Pyramidal form. Tolerant of alkaline, acidic and wet soil conditions. Superior to Autumn Blaze Maple in withstanding strong winds. Is considered a very good substitute for Ash varieties. (Zone 3)
AESCULUS
A. glabra -Ohio Buckeye - (30’ x 30’) Rate < 12”. Native buckeye is more drought tolerant than the European Horsechestnuts. Compound leaves turn orange yellow before dropping in early fall. Flowers small in upright clusters pale yellow, followed by buckeye seeds. Best planted in parks or open areas, not a street tree. (Zone 3)
BETULA
B. papyrifera - Paper Birch - (40-50’ x 34-40’) Rate 1’-2’. Available in clump and single stem form. White-barked birch that is perfectly chalk-white, and exfoliating when older. Very hardy. Bright yellow in fall. Longer lived than other white barked birches. Loosly pyramidal in youth, with oval to rounded crown at maturity. We have both smaller single stem and larger clumps of this tree. (Zone 2)
B. platyphylla ‘ Fargo’- Dakota Pinnacle Birch-(30’ x 7’-8’) Rate 1’-2’. Developed at NDSU, this tree was selected for its narrow, columnar habit. After several years, bark matures to a yellow white. Tolerant of heat, drought, and alkaline soils! (Zone 3)
CERCIS
C. Canadensis – Eastern Redbud – (20’ x 25’) Rate <12”. This handsome tree bears small pink flowers in spring before leaves appear. Later brown fruit pods form. It does well in full sun and part shade. (Zone 4).
CRATAEGUS
C. laevigata ‘Supurba’– Crimson Cloud Hawthorne– (15’ x10-15’) Rate ~ 6”. A thornless hawthorn that exhibits large red flowers with white star shaped centers. Resistant to leaf spot, and displays a colorful glossy red fruit in fall that can continue into winter. (Zone 4)
FRAXINUS
F. americana ‘Junginger’ – Autumn Purple Ash – (50-60’ x 30-40’) Rate 1’-2’. Similar to Calypso White Ash. Seedless and tolerant of moist soil conditions. Glossy, green leaves in the summer change to deep purple in fall. Few seeds produced. (Zone 4)
F. mandschurica ‘Mancana’ – Mancana Ash - (30-40’ x 20-25’) Rate ~12”. A seedless selection of Manchurian ash from Morden research station. It forms a tailored, formal-looking tree with a compact, narrow oval-shaped crown. The foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season. In fall the leaves drop in 2-3 days. Growing slower than green ash. Tolerates drought and excess moisture. Disease tolerant. Yellow fall color. (Zone 3).
F. nigra ‘Fall Gold’ – Fall Gold Ash – ( 50’ x 20’) Rate <12”. Fall Gold is a columnar, medium sized tree. Has long lasting golden-yellow fall foliage, bears no fruit, and tolerates wet areas. Is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions. (Zone 3)
F. pennsylvanica ‘Patmore’ - Patmore Ash - (40-50’ x 30-40’) Rate 1’-2’. A very hardy tree from the harsh climate of western Alberta, Canada. Has an oval growth habit, and the foliage is a very attractive, glossy, deep green. Seedless. Disease resistant and relatively pest free. Tolerant of a wide variety of soil conditions. Excellent for street use. (Zone 2).
F. pennsylvanica ‘Cimmzam’ – Cimmaron Ash-(50-60’ x 30’) Rate 1’-2’. An
upright-branched, narrow tree while young, developing a rounded crown as it matures. Pinnate foliage is dark, glossy green through the summer, becoming orange-red to brick red in the fall. Seedless. (Zone 4)
F. pennsylvanica ‘Rugby’ – Prairie Spire Ash - (50-60’ x 30’) Rate 1’-2’. This seedless cultivar was selected for hardiness in adverse prairie conditions. Pyramidal growth habit, and the foliage is a very attractive, glossy, deep green with gold fall color. Disease resistant and relatively pest free. Tolerant of a wide variety of soil conditions. Excellent for street use. (Zone 3)
GLEDITSIA
G. triacanthos ‘Imperial’ - Imperial Honeylocust - (30-35’ x 30-35’) Rate 1’-2’. A strong, graceful, spreading variety with dainty, refined foliage. More compact than other honeylocusts. Thornless and mostly seedless. Lends well to trimming. Bright green summer foliage, turning yellow in the fall. Transplants readily, very adaptable to soils. Tolerant of heat, drought, compaction, etc. Full sun. (Zone 4)
G. triacanthos ‘Skyline’ - Skyline Honeylocust - (50-55’ x 30-35’) Rate 1’-2’. Essentially the same features as Shademaster, but perhaps more pyramidal. Thornless. Few seeds. Transplants readily. Adaptable to a wide range of soils. Tolerates heat, salt, drought, compaction, etc. Prefers full sun. (Zone 4)
JUGLANS
Juglans nigra- Black Walnut-(50’). A large growing shade tree with a rounded habit and coarse branching. (Zone 4)
MALUS
- Crabapple
(* means the fruit is persistent and hangs on the tree into winter, making no mess)
* Kelsey – (15’ x 15’) Rate <12”. Canadian crab with double pink/purple blooms. White markings at the base of the petals give a bicolor appearance. Foliage is bronze green, the fruit is dark purple and persistent. (Zone 2)
* Morning Princess – (8-12’ x 8’) Rate <12”. One of the most unique of all the crabs. Its dwarf weeping form benefits the smaller urban garden. Has attractive pinkish-red blossoms in the spring which are later replaced with persistent purple ornamental fruit. (Zone 2)
*Perfect Purple - (20’ x 20’) Rate <12”. Perfect Purple has reddish young foliage that turns purple with a green undercast. Deep pink flowers. Uniform habit finishes to a superbly rounded shape. (Zone 3)
Pink Spires – (15-20’ x 12’) Rate <12”. Red-purple foliage in spring turns to dark green-bronze in summer. Covered with lavender-pink blossoms. Purplish-red small fruit is fairly persistent and holds well into the winter. Ideal for confined screen or border planting. (Zone 2)
* Radiant – (15’ x 20’) Rate <12”. A compact selection from the University of Minnesota. Single, deep pink flowers are followed by bright red fruit. Foliage is reddish purple when young, ages to dark green. (Zone 3)
Red Barron- (12’-15’ x 5’-6’) Rate<12”. This crab is uniquely columnar in form at a young age, and then matures to a more rounded shape. The foliage is purple fading to bronze-green. The buds, flowers, and fruit are all dark red. (Zone 4)
Spring Snow - (25-30’ x 15-20’) Rate <12”. An introduction from Canada. Bears masses of pure white, very fragrant blossoms, rich bright green foliage in the spring, fine rounded shape. Nearly sterile, bearing no or few fruit. Heat tolerant. (Zone 4)
Thunderchild - (15-20’ x 15-20’) Rate <12”. Introduced from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Compact, upright, spreading with deep purple leaves. Single pink blooms arrive before foliage. Very resistant to fireblight and powdery mildew. Dark red fruit. (Zone 3)
PHYSOCARPUS
P. opulifolius ‘Seward’ – Summer Wine Ninebark Tree Form – (6’ x 5’) Rate ~6”. Fine textured wine colored foliage, with white button like flowers in June. (Zone 3)
POPULUS
P. alba – Silver Poplar – (60’ plus) Rate >2’. Fast growing, large shade tree. Leaves are green on top and white on bottom. Tolerant of alkaline soils and salt. Full sun. (Zone 3).
P. sargentii – Plains Cottonwood – (80’ x 50’) Rate > 2’. Fast growing, broadly crowned native cottonwood for large rural areas. The most common native cottonwood of the Great Plains. Produces cotton. (Zone 3)
P. sargentii 'Jeronimus' – Jeronimus Poplar – (70-80’ x 40’-50’) Rate > 2’. This cotton-less variety has become quite popular in Colorado and the western states. Valued for its tall, straight growth habit. Fast growing with a broad, oval crown. Only moderate water needs. (Zone 4)
P. tremuloides - Quaking Aspen - (30-40’ x 15-25’) Rate 2’. Hardy, fast growing native with open habit. Smooth, powdery, greenish-gray to white bark. Green heart-shaped leaves tremble in the slightest breeze. Brilliant yellow, orange, or red in the fall. Excellent in groups of natural wooded sections. Spreads underground to form groves. Can take a lot of water. Indifferent to soil conditions. Excellent for naturalizing. (Zone 2)
P. tremula ‘Erecta’ - Swedish Aspen or Swedish Poplar - (60’ x 10’) Rate 2’. Hardy, fast growing with distinctively columnar shape. Smooth white bark with bright yellow foliage in fall. Hardier and more attractive than Lombardy or Theves poplars. (Zone 2)
P. x acuminata – Lanceleaf Poplar – (45’ x 20-25’) Rate > 2’. Hardy, cottonless cottonwood with upright rounded crown. Fast growing, with large, glossy, dark green leaves. (Zone 3)
P. ‘Highland’ - Highland Poplar – (45-50’ x 20-25’) Rate > 2’. Originally a seedling from Cheyenne Experiment Station. Large dark green, waxy leaves on an upright, oval shaped tree. Broad spreading shape. Expected to be resistant to canker. Light colored bark, smaller than most poplars. Disease resistant. Seedless. (Zone 3)
PRUNUS
P. cerasifera – Newport Plum – (15’ x 15’) Rate 1’. A small ornamental tree with beautiful reddish-purple foliage and red tips throughout the summer. Blooms early in the spring with fragrant pink flowers, followed by medium sized purple fruit. (Zone 4)
P.x cistena - Purpleleaf Sandcherry Tree – (8’x 8’) Rate < 12”. Popular Purpleleaf Sandcherry pruned to a tree form. Rounded head and short stature make this a perfect choice for a small area. Outstanding reddish purple foliage. Profuse pink flowers in the spring followed by a small crop of blackish purple fruit. (Zone 3)
P. sargentii ‘Hokkaido Normandale’- Spring Wonder Sargent Cherry- (20’ x 20’). This upright vase-shaped tree is native to Japan and blooms in early May with single pink flowers. The bark is a polished, reddish brown. New growth is purplish while the summer foliage is a shiny dark green. Good looking tree with three season appeal. No fruit noticed to date! (Zone 4)
P.virginiana var. melanocarpa – Western or Native Chokecherry – (20-30’ x 18-25’) Rate 1’-2’. Tree form of chokecherry that is native to the Rocky Mountains. Will tend to multi-stem form. Tough, will withstand harsh conditions. Dark green foliage. Small, white flowers in April and May. Produces red fruit that turns dark purple. (Zone 2)
P. virginiana ‘Canada Red’ - Canada Red Cherry - (20-25’ x 20’) Rate 1’-2’. Noted for vigorous growth, straight trunk, and uniform top. New leaves green, turning to dark maroon-red foliage as leaves mature. Soil needs good drainage and aeration. White fragrant flowers
followed by a few reddish/black fruits. (Zone 2)
PYRUS
P. calleryana ‘ Autumn Blaze’- Autumn Blaze Pear- (35’ x 20’). Rate 1’-2’. This cultivar has a distinct rounded form that distinguishes it from other pears. The most cold hardy of the calleryana cultivars, it has white flowers in spring, dark glossy foliage, and good red fall color. Has insignificant, inedible, small olive brown fruit. (Zone 4)
QUERCUS
Q. macrocarpa - Burr Oak - (60-80’ x 60-80’) Rate < 12”. Majestic large shade tree with a rounded open form. Drought resistant and faster growing than most other oaks. Large mossy fringed acorn. Yellowish brown to purple fall color hanging on to tree into winter and corky branches add winter interest. Long-lived and very hardy. Native to central North America. Tolerant of a wide variety of soil types and air pollutants. (Zone 3-8)
SALIX
S. alba vitellina – Golden Willow – (50’ x 35’) Rate 2’+. Large, fast growing tree with graceful form and bright yellow branches. Bright green leaves with silver cast underneath. Fall color an excellent golden yellow. Good for wet, moist areas. (Zone 2)
S. pentandra ‘Silver Lake’ – Prairie ReflectionLaurel Leaf Willow-(35’ x 25’) Rate 1’-2’. From NDSU! Grows rapidly, producing a dense rounded tree with very dark green, highly glossy foliage. Does not tend to suffer from chlorosis due to iron deficiency. (Zone 2)
S. ‘Prairie Cascade’ - Prairie Cascade Willow - (35-45’ x 35-40’) Rate 2’+. An exceptionally hardy weeping willow from the Morden Research Station in Manitoba, Canada. Has the hardiness and glossy green foliage of the Laurel Willow while inheriting the weeping habit and predominate winter golden stem color of the Weeping Willow. Landscape use for large
properties, particularly where moisture is plentiful. (Zone 3)
SORBUS
S. decora - Showy Mountain Ash - (20’ x 20’) Rate <12”. Smaller ornamental tree grown for its white flowers, handsome foliage, and showy red fruit. Hardiest of the species in this country. Slow growing. Disease resistant. Foliage dark green turning red in the fall. (Zone 2)
S. hybrida – Oak Leaf Mountain Ash – (30’ x 20’) Rate <12”. Upright shape with dark green lobed leaves turning to rusty brown in fall. Orange-red fruit is very showy. Fireblight resistant. Originally found at the Cheyenne research station. (Zone 4)
SYRINGA
S. meyeri ‘Palibin’ – Dwarf Korean Lilac Tree – (5’ x 4’) Rate < 6”. Tiny tree for that hard-to-fit space. Dwarf plant has excellent, uniform globe-shaped habit and red-purple buds that open to fragrant pale lilac flowers. Grafted. (Zone 4)
S. reticulata ‘Ivory Silk’ – Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac - (25’ x 15’) Rate <12”. Creamy white flowers in large panicles in June and July. Handsome deep green foliage. Cherry like bark. Useful as small specimen tree or large shrub. (Zone 4)
TILIA
T. americana ‘Redmond’ - Redmond Linden – (40-60’ x 25-30’) Rate <12”. Glossy light green foliage turns to bright yellow in fall. Nice pyramidal form. Largest leaves of any Linden tree. Branches show reddish color in winter. Basswood. A valuable street tree. (Zone 4)
T. cordata ‘Greenspire’ - Greenspire Linden - (40-50’ x 30-35’) Rate <12”. A fine tree but a slow grower. Forms a shapely, pyramidal head. Growth uniform. Foliage leathery, dark green, very dense shade. Small pale yellow flowers with a spicy fragrance. A good street tree.
(Zone 4-7)
ULMUS
U. davidiana var. japonica ‘Discovery’-Discovery Elm – (35-40’ x 35-40’) Rate 12”. Developed in Canada. Upright, vase like habit, that generally forms a more arched shaped canopy. Resistant to Dutch Elm disease, elm leaf beetles, and aphids. Clean looking throughout all seasons. (Zone 3)
Discontinued items:
ACER
A. ginnala ‘Embers’ - Embers Amur Maple - (15-20’ x 15’) Rate 1’-2’. A graceful tree with an overall, irregular head. Spreading slender branches. Extremely hardy. Xeriscape plant.
Medium green foliage turning scarlet in fall with red fruit. (Zone 3)
A. grandidentatum ‘Big Tooth’ – Big Tooth Maple – (45’ x 30’) Rate 2’+. Brilliantly colored fall foliage. Lustrous green leaves, seeds emerge rosy pink. Shrubby in youth, rounded head at maturity. (Zone 3)
A. ginnala ‘Flame’- Flame Amur Maple – (15-20’ x 15-28’) Rate 6”-12”. Round, multi- stemmed tree noted for its drought tolerance and magnificent fiery red fall color. It is widely adaptable to all soils, and can survive in full sun or partial shade. They make an excellent screen or hedge. (Zone 3)
A. rubrum ‘Northwood’ – Northwood Maple – (40’x 35’) Rate 1’-2’. Excellent fall colors of orange and red, good clean summer foliage. More resistant to sun scald. (Zone 3)
A. platanoides ‘Royal Red’ – Royal Red Maple – (35’x 40’) Rate 1’-2’. Dense shade tree. Maroon red all season long. Large, well-shaped canopy. Requires full sun. (Zone 4)
A. palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ - Bloodgood Maple – (13’x 18’) Rate < 6”. Upright habit. Burgundy foliage throughout the entire growing season. Attractive red samara fruit/seed. New growth is red/burgundy color, aging to gray. Prefers moist soil and afternoon shade for best look. (Zone 5)
A. palmatum dissectum ‘ Crimson Queen’-Crimson Queen Japanese Maple- (10’ x 10’) Laceleaf Japanese Maple. A low branching dwarf tree with cascading branches. Lace-like foliage retains color through the summer. (Zone 5) NOT WARRANTED
A .rubrum ‘Franksred’ - Red Sunset Maple – (50 x 40’) Rate 1’-2’. A dense, upright crown, with an oval habit. Showy orange-red fall color that lasts for a long time. Requires full sun to partial shade. Prefers moist, well-drained soil, but tolerates clay soils. (Zone 4)
A. x freemanii ‘Sienna’– Sienna Glen Maple – (60’ x 40’) Rate 1’-2’. A fast growing, hardy maple with uniform branching and a Pyramidal form. Tolerant of alkaline, acidic and wet soil conditions. Superior to Autumn Blaze Maple in withstanding strong winds. Is considered a very good substitute for Ash varieties. (Zone 3)
A. rubrum ‘Autumn Spire’ – Autumn Spire Maple – (50’x25’) Rate 1’-2’. From Minnesota, this specimen offers showy flowers in spring, consistently beautiful red fall color, and good hardiness. (Zone 3)
B. pendula – European White Birch – (30-35’ x 15-20’) Rate 1’-2’. Graceful, open branched pyramidal form tree. Distinctive flaky white bark. A wonderful yard tree with yellow fall color. Leaves broadly ovate, tolerates wet soil and does best in moist well drained sandy or loamy soil. (Zone 2-6)
B. pendula ‘Dalecarlica’ previously ‘Laciniata’ – Cutleaf European White Weeping Birch - (30-40’ x 25-30’) Rate 1’-2’. Very attractive tree with silvery white bark. Tolerates wet soil, but does best in moist well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. Yellow-green fall color.
Recommended for lawn or park plantings. Bark does not exfoiate as much as paper birch. (Zone 2-6)
CELTIS
C. occidentalis - Common Hackberry (40-60’ x 40-50’) Rate <12”. Broad ascending branches with corky, gray brown bark. Name possibly from the “hacked” appearance of the bark? Purplish fruits relished by birds and wildlife. Tolerates urban environments, winds, dry soils. Grows well in a variety of soil types. Yellow fall color. (Zone 2-7)
CORNUS
C. alternifloia – Pagoda Dogwood (15’ x 20’) Rate < 12” . Small rounded tree, with horizontal branching. Pale yellow flowers in May turn into attractive blue-black fruits. Good red color in fall. (Zone 4).
CRATAEGUS
C. crus-galli var. inermis –Thornless Cockspur Hawthorn - (15’-20’ x 15’-20’) Rate ~6”. Multi-season interest. White flowering in June, red persistent fruit in the fall. Prefers moist conditions, however, it can tolerate drought conditions. (Zone 4).
EUONYMUS
E. alatus – Burning Bush Tree Form - (10’ x 8’) Rate < 12”. Wonderful small tree for a space-limited area. Yellow flowers in May-June, winged, corky bark, and nice fall color. May be pruned to smaller size if desired. (Zone 3)
F. pennsylvanica ‘Green Ash’– Native Green Ash – (50-60’ x 30-40’) Rate 1’-2’. This hardy native is widely recommended for street and lawn plantings.. Native to moist sites, it is
extremely adaptable and tolerates alkalinity, salt, drought, wind, and poor soils. Rarely to never fed on by Japanese beetles. (Zone 2-7)
F. americana ‘Calypso’ – Calypso White Ash – (50-60’ x 25-30’) Rate 1’-2’. Similar to Autumn Blaze Ash, but hardier, and with a much more uniform branch habit, producing a significantly improved crown. Dark green leaves in the summer change to deep purple in fall.
GLEDITSIA
G. triacanthos inermis ‘Shademaster’ - Shademaster Honeylocust - (50-60’ x 30-35’) Rate 1’-2’. Rapid grower with a straight trunk and ascending branches. Dark green foliage. An
outstanding variety of honeylocust. Drought resistant. Vase shaped. Thornless. Few seeds. Transplants readily. Adaptable to a wide range of soils. Tolerates heat, salt, drought,
compaction, etc. Prefers full sun. (Zone 4-7)
G. triacanthos ‘Harve’ – Northern Acclaim Honeylocust - (35-45’ x 30-35’) Rate 1’-2’. Essentially the same features as Skyline, but wider with age. Thornless and seedless. Very winter hardy, sturdy and vigorous. Tolerates heat, drought, compaction, etc. Prefers full sun. (Zone 3)
G. triacanthos ‘Sunburst’ - Sunburst Honeylocust - (40-45’ x 30-35’) Rate 1’-2’. Bright golden-bronze foliage on the tips of growing branches fading to green as it matures. Tree is well formed and broadly pyramidal. Thornless and seedless. Valuable for light shade. (Zone 4)
CATALPA
C. speciosa – Northern Catalpa – (50-60’ x 35-40’) This tree has few branches at an early age. Once branched, limbs are gnarled and twisted. White tube-like flowers appear in 4-8” panicles in early summer. Fruit is a long persistent pod. Tolerant and adaptable. Great for xeriscapes. Zone 4)
CLADRASTIS
C. kentuckea – Yellowwood – (30-40’ x 30-40’)Rate <12”. Yellowwood is most spectacular in the spring with large creamy white flowers. When mature, the bark turns gray similar to a beech. Yellowwood is named after the yellow heartwood. Adapts well in either high or low pH soils. (Zone 4)
CRATAEGUS
C. laevigata– Crimson Cloud Hawthorne–
C. x mordenesis ‘Toba’–Toba Hawthorne - (12-15’ x 12’) Rate ~12”. Introduced by Morden Research Station of Manitoba, Canada. Glossy foliage, fragrant large double white flowers. ½ inch red fruit. Complimented by twisted trunk. (Zone 3)
C. ambigua – Russian Hawthorn -(15’-18’x 18’-20’) Rate ~6”. This early blooming,
spreading, small ornamental tree is not only desired for the bright red fruits in the early spring, but also for the beautiful yet somewhat irregular branching that is visible during the winter months. Resistant to cedar apple rust. A great addition to the home landscape. (Zone 4)
CORNUS
C. racemosa ‘Jade’ –Snow Mantle Gray Dogwood – (12’ x 7’) Rate < 12”. Small tree developed in North Dakota blooms profusely in spring with white flowers followed by small white fruit. Lingering pink flower/fruit stalks and purple fall foliage add autumn interest. Gray to red/brown bark provides winter color. Can be grown as a single stem or multi-stem tree.
C.kousa chinensis ‘Milky Way’ – Milky Way Chinese Dogwood – (20’x20’) Rate <12”. Very floriferous small tree with large creamy white flowers. Striking in late May/early June. Pinkish red fruit and exfoliating bark. Requires protection. NOT GUARANTEED. (Zone 5)
CELTIS
C. occidentalis - Common Hackberry (40-60’ x 40-50’) Rate <12”. Broad ascending branches with corky, gray brown bark. Name possibly from the “hacked” appearance of the bark? Purplish fruits relished by birds and wildlife. Tolerates urban environments, winds, dry soils. Grows well in a variety of soil types. Yellow fall color. (Zone 2-7)
ELAEAGNUS
E. angustifolia - Russian Olive - (12-20’ x 12-20’) Rate 1’-2’. Can be grown as a very hardy shrub or small tree. Handsome silvery-gray foliage. A desirable landscape plant with highly fragrant flowers in spring followed by decorative silvery yellow berries that are eaten by birds. Also used as a windbreak. Medium to fast growing. Transplants readily. Salt and drought tolerant. Useful in hedges, along roadways or as an accent plant in a shrub border. Fixes nitrogen. (Zone 2)
E. bungeana – Prairie Radiance Winterberry – (18’x 15’) Rate < 12”. Small, low branching tree with superior winter hardiness. Pink fruit in mid-August that split open to expose bright red arils. (Zone 3)
FRAXINUS
F. americana ‘Junginger’ – Autumn Purple Ash – (50-60’ x 30-40’) Rate 1’-2’. Similar to Calypso White Ash. Seedless and tolerant of moist soil conditions. Glossy, green leaves in the summer change to deep purple in fall. Few seeds produced. (Zone 4)
F. americana ‘Autumn Purple’ - Autumn Purple Ash - (50-60’ x 30-40’) Rate 1’-2’. Deep green foliage changing to deep purple to mahogany in fall and lasting 2 to 4 weeks. Rapid grower. Variety of white ash. Seedless. Tolerates moist, well-drained conditions, and acid to neutral soil. Excellent street and lawn tree. Transplants easily. (Zone 4)
GINKGO
G.biloba ‘Autumn Gold’ – Autumn Gold Ginkgo – (50’x30’) Rate <12”. Male selection (so no fruit) of Ginkgo with broad, upright, conical shape. Nice yellow fall color. One of the oldest surviving tree species in the world. EXPERIMENTAL, NOT GUARANTEED. (Zone 4)
HYDRANGEA
H. paniculata ‘Pink Diamond’- Pink Diamond Hydrangea – Tree Form – (6-8’ x 8-10’) Rate 12”+. Large cream to pure white double flowers bloom in June and July, gradually turning to a rich pink shade. Thrives in full or partial shade. Rich green foliage. Would like to be mulched in the fall. (Zone 4)
MALUS
*Royal Raindrops – (15-20’ x 15’) Red to purple cut-leafed crabapple, brilliant color especially noteworthy during summer. Plentiful magenta-pink blossoms. (Zone 4)
*Louisa – (15’ x 15’) Rate < 12”. Pink flowering weeping crab with persistent yellow fruit. Disease resistant. Special order only. (Zone 4)
Red Jade - (12-15’ x 12-15’) Rate <12”. A dependable weeping variety. Good specimen plant. Glossy vibrant green foliage. White to light pink, single flowers. Persistent, bright red 1/2" fruit.
Purple Prince – (20’ x 20’) Rate <12”. Outstanding rose-red blooms and maroon fruits. Rounded shape. New purple foliage ages to bronze green. Fireblight and cedar apple rust resistant! Faster growing than other crabs. (Zone 4)
Selkirk – (20’ x 25-30’) Rate <12”. Glossy foliage, red at first turning bronze-green. Large single purplish pink flower and bright glossy red fruit. (Zone 2)
Perfect Purple - (20’ x 20’) Rate <12”. Perfect Purple has reddish young foliage that turns purple with a green undercast. Deep pink flowers. Uniform habit finishes to a superbly rounded shape. (Zone 3)
* Prairifire - (15-20’ x 20’) Rate <12”. Upright, spreading form, becoming rounded with age. Crimson buds open to true red flowers. Flowering later than most varieties. Fruit is 1/2" maroon and is persistent. Red-maroon foliage ages to reddish green. Beautiful glossy dark red bark. Scab resistant. (Zone 4)
Rudolph – (16’ x 13’) Rate <12”. Uniform and somewhat upright. Showy red fruit and green-bronze foliage with small, dark, orange-yellow persistent fruit. Very deep rose-red flower buds opening to rose-red flowers. (Zone 2)
Spring Bride – (15-25’ x 15-20’) Rate <12”. Double white blossoms in the spring that follow the branch structure closely, creating a garland of white flowers. Hardy variety with limited fruit production. (Zone 3)
*Royalty - (15-20’ x 15-20’) Rate <12”. Outstanding for its foliage. New growth reddish, turning purplish with green undercast. Leaves have a bright varnished appearance. Leaves turning orange in the fall. Very hardy and blight resistant. Fruits and flowers dark red. Introduced from Saskatchewan. (Zone 3)
PHYSOCARPUS
P. opulifolius ‘Monlo’ – Diabolo Ninebark Tree Form – (8’ x 8’) Rate ~6”. Reddish purple foliage adorns a tree like form, adding a whole new dimension to the home landscape. Its unique white exfoliating bark is simply unforgettable. (Zone 3)
POPULUS
P.deltoides ‘Siouxland’ – Siouxland Poplar – (70’x35’) Rate>2’. Cottonless cottonwood from South Dakota. Foliage is slightly larger than common cottonwoods. Round head. (Zone 3)
PRUNUS
P.triloba – Double Flowering Plum Tree Form – (10’ x 10’) Rate < 12”. Vigorous small tree trained to a single stem with a nicely branched head. Handsome shape with a profusion of pink flowers in May. (Zone 2)
P.virginiana var. melanocarpa – Western Chokecherry – (20’ x 15’) Rate 1’-2’. Tree form of chokecherry that is native to the Rocky Mountains. Will tend to multi-stem form. Tough, will withstand harsh conditions. Dark green foliage. Small, white flowers in April and May. Produces red fruit that turns dark purple. (Zone 2-6)
P. cerasifera ‘Cripoizam’– Crimson Point Plum – (20’ x 6’) Rate 1’. Columnar shaped, purple leafed, ornamental plum has glossy bronze foliage, which turns maroon green as it ages. (Zone 4)
P. padus ‘Drietree’ – Merlot Birdcherry or Mayday Tree – (20’ x 15’) Rate 1’-2’. Green spring foliage changes to red in summer. Does not sucker. Better habit and more columnar form than ‘Summer Glow’. (Zone 3)
ROBINIA
R. pseudoacacia ‘Purple Robe’ - Purple Robe Locust - (30-40’ x 20-35’) Rate 1’-2’. Very attractive form of Black Locust with dark rose-pink flowers on a compact rounded tree. New growth emerges bronzy red. Yellow fall color. Drought tolerant. Nitrogen fixer, tolerates a wide range of soils (alkaline, salt, acid). (Zone 3)
SALIX
S. matsudana ‘Tortuosa’- Corkscrew Willow – (30-40’ x 20-25’) Rate ~2’. A medium sized tree with corky twisting branches. Picturesque, broad, rounded habit. Young branches turn yellowish green in color and make great cut stems for floral arrangements. Like most willows, the corkscrew prefers moist soils. (Zone 4)
S. pentandra - Laurel Leaf Willow - (30-35’ x 30’) Rate 2’+. Very desirable upright grower with shiny green foliage. Excellent for shade and quick screen or windbreak planting. Grows well in any soil, even in moist conditions. Golden yellow fall color. (Zone 2)
S. ‘Golden Curls’ – Golden Curls Willow – (30-35’ x 20-25’) Rate 2’+. Hybrid Willow that resembles Corkscrew Willow with its curly branches, but has golden bark in winter. (Zone 4)
SORBUS
S. aucuparia ‘Black Hawk’-Black Hawk European Mountain Ash-(30’-40’) Rate <12”. A very dense growing Mountain Ash. Has large, white, flat topped flower clusters and orange fruit. A very suitable shade tree where uniformity is important in boulevard plantings, entryways, etc. (Zone 3)
S. aucuparia ‘Skinneri’ –European / Skinner Mountain Ash - (30’ x 25’) Rate 1’. An improved selection of European Mountain Ash with better sunscald resistance and a more columnar form. Dark green foliage has a silvery underside, turns red in fall. Moderate to vigorous grower. Valuable ornamental tree with white flowers and showy orange-red fruits, August - September. Dense, pyramidal shape. Needs good drainage. (Zone 2)
S. aucuparia- European Mountain Ash – (25’ x 25’) Rate ~1’. Ornamental tree that has multi-season interest, with white flowers in the spring, showy orange red fruit in late summer, and red fall color. (Zone 2)
SYRINGA
S. patula ‘Miss Kim’ - Miss Kim Tree Lilac - (8’ x 6’) Rate < 6”. Hardy compact lilac from Korea with dark glossy green foliage turns burgundy-red in the fall. Purple buds form single fragrant pale lilac flowers bloom late in the season when other lilacs have finished. (Zone 3)
S. reticulata – Japanese Tree Lilac – (20’ x 20’) Rate <12”. Handsome small specimen tree with creamy, fragrant white flowers in late spring. Very hardy. (Zone 3)
S. pekinensis ‘SunDak’ - Copper Curls Lilac – (20’ x 15’) Rate <6”. A small tree selected for its very showy coppery-orange, peeling bark and large, attractive creamy-white flower panicles. Large seed clusters remain on the tree and these capsules add winter interest. (Zone 4)
S. pekinensis - Pekin Lilac – (18’ x 15’) Rate <6”. Pekin Lilac is a hardy, tough, upright tree. The flowers are fragrant, small, and creamy-white. The peeling or flaking bark adds to the
TILIA
T. Americana – American Linden – (70’x40’) Rate <12”. Hardy native linden, with large dense foliage that provides excellent shade. Flowers are yellow and fragrant. (Zone 3)
T. cordata ‘Boulevard’ – Boulevard Linden – (60’x30’) Rate <12”. Strongly columnar, narrow, pyramidal habit with ascending branches. Great for locations where height is desired but width is limited. Fragrant yellow flowers. (Zone 3).
T. cordata ‘Shamrock’ – Shamrock Linden – (40’x30’) Rate <12”. Broadly conical, with stouter branching than Greenspire, and a more open canopy. More vigorous growth than Greenspire with slightly larger foliage. (Zone 4
T. cordata ‘Baileyi’ – Shamrock Linden – (40’x30’) Rate <12”. Broadly conical, but with stouter branching than Greenspire and a more open canopy. More vigorous growth than Greenspire with slightly larger foliage. (Zone 4)
ULMUS
U. pumila – Siberian (Chinese) Elm – (60’x 40’) Rate ~2’. Incredibly tough and fast growing single stem or multi-stem tree. Suitable for difficult sites where it has plenty of room, but can be messy and invasive. Tolerant of poor soils, wet or dry conditions, and air pollution. (Zone 2) U. ‘Morton Plainsman’ – Vanguard Elm – (50’ x 50’) Rate 1-2’. A hybrid of Japanese and Siberian Elm that has excellent Dutch Elm disease resistance. Glossy deep green foliage turning yellow in the fall. Drought tolerant. (Zone 3)
U. ‘Morton Plainsman’- Vanguard Elm – (40-50’ x 40-50’) Rate 1-2’. This hybrid of Japanese and Siberian elm closely resembles Japanese elm. Excellent glossy deep green foliage and resistance to elm leaf beetle damage. Vanguard will tolerate drought prone areas of the Midwest and Great Plains. (Zone 3).
