This document provides information on several tree varieties, including their botanical names, sizes, hardiness zones, descriptions of foliage, bark, and fall colors. It covers species such as aspens, beeches, birches, buckeyes, cherries, coffeetrees, and crabapples. Key details are highlighted for each variety, with an emphasis on ornamental traits and landscape uses.
This document provides information on several tree varieties, including their botanical names, sizes, hardiness zones, descriptions of foliage, bark, and fall colors. It covers species such as aspens, beeches, birches, buckeyes, cherries, coffeetrees, and crabapples. Key details are highlighted for each variety, with an emphasis on ornamental traits and landscape uses.
30-40’ x 15-20’ This Nebraska native is very heat, drought, and humidity tolerant as well as dis- ease resistant. Light green leaves turn golden-yellow in the fall on a narrow oval to pyramidal form. Prairie Gold® is fast growing and works well planted in a naturalized setting with other native trees.
Quaking Populus tremuloides Zone 2
50-75’ x 30’ An oval, medium sized tree known for its leaves which tremble in the breeze, excellent yellow fall color and white to gray-green bark. Pyramidal in youth be- coming oval, loose, open, informal, sometimes irregular. Very adaptable, tolerat- ing wet to dry sites. Native across most of Canada and throughout the US from Alaska to Georgia; the most widely distributed plant in North America.
Summer Shimmer™ Populus tremuloides ‘Summer Shimmer’
40’ x 40’ PPAF Zone 2 This Quaking Aspen cultivar has spectacular foliage all season long! The dark green leaves have silver-green undersides and turn a brilliant yellow-gold in the fall. It has an upright, rounded crown and tolerates wet or dry sites.
Swedish Columnar Populus tremula ‘erecta’ Zone 2
40’ x 8-10’ One of the narrowest of the columnar trees. Rounded leaves suspended on long petioles tremble with the faintest whisper of wind, creating similar rustling sounds as the leaves of Quaking Aspen. It is seedless, adaptable to many soil conditions and hardy to zone 2. Fall color can range from yellow to orange. More resistant to cankers than other aspen. BEECH Blue Carpinus caroliniana Zone 3 20-30’ x 30’ The attributes of this slow growing native tree have given rise to many common names (American Hornbean, Blue Beech, Ironwood, and Musclewood.) The wood is very hard and heavy and the handsome blue-gray bark is fluted with long sinewy ridges that is particularly interesting during the winter. It prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil. The leaves are dark green turning shades of or- ange to red in the fall. BIRCH Dakota Pinnacle® Betula platyphylla ‘Fargo’ Zone 3 30-35’ x 8’ PP 10,963 One of the hardiest columnar deciduous trees. Dakota Pinnacle® has pure white bark into maturity, but the bark doesn’t have the same tendency to peel. It also has a wonderful golden fall color, but what really sets this variety apart from most birches, is its rigidly columnar, spire-like habit. It does well in sun to part shade, tolerates heat, drought, and heavy clay soil. Dakota Pinnacle® was devel- oped at the North Dakota State University in Fargo.
Fox Valley® Little King Betula nigra ‘Little King’ Zone 4
10’ x 12’ This dense, compact, multi-stemmed birch is more of an irregularly rounded- spreading large shrub than a tree. Interesting peeling cinnamon colored bark is extremely showy and adds significant winter interest. It is a wonderful addition to the garden setting with its ideal size and yellow fall color. Does well in sun to part shade, medium to wet soil.
Heritage® Betula nigra ‘Cully’ Zone 4
45-50’ x 30-35’ Vigorous, fast-growing, medium-sized tree which can be grown as either a single trunk or multi-stemmed tree. This cultivar features salmon-cream to brownish bark which exfoliates to reveal a creamy white inner bark. Leathery, diamond- shaped, dark green leaves with doubly toothed margins are larger and glossier than the species and turn a respectable yellow in fall. One of the most disease- free birches. Heritage® is extremely resistant to the bronze birch borer and also has good resistance to leaf spot diseases.
Prairie Dream® Paper Betula papyrifera ‘Varen’ Zone 2
50-60’ x 35-40’ PP 15,768 Outstanding with its snow-white peeling bark and gold fall color, Prairie Dream® Paper Birch is more adaptable and stress-tolerant than the species. It is less susceptible to birch borer and tolerates harsh sites. It displays an attractive, bright golden-yellow autumn color, has a semi-pyramidal to upright-oval growth habit, and becomes broadly-oval with age. A North Dakota selection that is very cold hardy. BIRCH River Betula nigra Zone 4 50-60’ x 30-40’ Oval headed tree growing more round with maturity when in open landscape. Attractive when grown as multi-stemmed tree. Exfoliating bark of branches and trunk exposing the reddish-brown or cinnamon-brown color on younger trees is the feature attraction encouraging its use in the landscape. Old bark on mature trees becomes darker brown or gray and ridged or scaly. Lustrous green leaves turn light yellow in fall. Does well wet or well-drained soils.
Shiloh Splash Betula nigra ’Shiloh Splash’ Zone 3
25-30’ x 12-15’ PP 16,362 The highlight of this River Birch variety is the green and white variegated foliage that turns an outstanding yellow in the fall. It has an upright, pyramidal to oval form, is slow growing and tolerates wet soils. The incredibly showy bark creates wonderful interest in the winter with its papery, peeling, tan and peach con- trasting tones. This is a low maintenance tree that does best in full sun to part shade, and acidic soil.
Whitespire Betula populifolia ‘Whitespire ‘ Zone 4
40-50’ x 20-30’ This is the beautiful native white-barked birch, found growing in the northern states around the Great Lakes. Pyramidal in youth turning oval in maturity. Bark does not peel like River Birch. It is heat tolerant and does well in sun to part shade. Its narrow, pyramidal crown displays dark, glossy green leaves throughout the summer turning golden in the fall. BUCKEYE Autumn Splendor Zone 4 20-30’ x 20-30’ Aesculus x arnoldiana ‘Autumn Splendor’ Deep green palmately compound leaves turn a brilliant maroon-red in autumn on this medium sized rounded tree. Foliage is resistant to summer leaf scorch in the northern states. Flowers are showy yellow-green clusters that bloom in the spring. Only needs to be watered occasionally once it’s established. Plant in sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soil.
Ohio Aesculus glabra Zone 3
20-40’ x 20-40’ The palmately compound leaves of this tree are unusual and attractive, especially in the autumn when the fall color is a range of yellows, oranges and reds. Green- ish-yellow flowers are produced on large panicles in spring followed by large light brown fruit capsules. Ohio Buckeye have round crowns and do best in full sun. CHERRY Amur Chokecherry Prunus maackii Zone 3 20-30’ x 25-30’ A graceful, ornamental cherry tree that is known for its exfoliating golden brown to russet colored bark. Fragrant white flower clusters appear in April-May on the dense, broad-rounded crown. Small, glossy black cherries ripen in late summer and are often used in jams, jellies and juices. Foliage turns undistinguished yellow in fall, often dropping early. Does well in sun with rich, well-drained soil.
10-12’ x 6-8’ PP 19,665 Zone 3 A very distinctive tree with its compact growth habit and dense, dark-green foli- age. Creamy white spring flowers produce racemes of tiny edible black fruit that are enjoyed by humans and birds alike. The golden colored exfoliating bark makes for a wonderful winter presence. As one of the first clones of Amur Cher- ry, it offers uniformity in this underused species. An excellent small tree for the landscape. Resistant to black knot fungal disease. COFFEETREE Decaf® Gymnocladus dioica ‘McKBranched’ Zone 3 50’ x 40’ PPAF This well-branched cultivar produces a full crown at a younger age. It is a male selection of the species that does not tend to fruit or drop seeds making it a much cleaner tree. New leaflets emerge a caramel color that deepen to green. Sun, heat, and drought tolerant.
Espresso Gymnocladus dioicus ‘Espresso-JFS’ Zone 3
50’ x 30-40’ Large, doubly compound, bluish-green leaves on open, arching branches, gives this tree a tropical look. Espresso is tolerant of heat, drought, and cold, making it a great selection to provide light, dappled shade. This seedless variety displays a beautiful yellow-gold fall color. CRABAPPLE Candymint™ Malus sargentii ‘Candymint’ Zone 4 10’ x 15-16’ PP 6,606 Deep carmine buds open to single pink blooms which become deep purple fruit that persist into winter. Leaves are a showy rich purple that turn a yellow-orange in the fall on attractive, brick red stems. It has wide-spreading, horizontal branches. Best in full sun.
Cinderella® Malus ‘Cinderella’ Zone 4
7-8’ x 5’ One of the smallest crabapple trees on the market. In the spring, red buds open to fragrant, white flowers, which produce small, persistent, golden fruit in the fall. It has a low canopy of dark green foliage that turns a beautiful gold in the fall. This variety has very good resistance to apple scab, fire blight, powdery mil- dew, and cedar-apple rust. Does best in full sun and shouldn’t be allowed to dry out.
Coralburst® Malus ‘Coralcole’ Zone 3
8-10’ x 12-15’ This slow growing, dwarf crab variety forms a dense canopy of dark green leaves which are resistant to apple scab, fire blight, cedar-apple rust and mildew. Coral- pink buds open to double, rose-pink flowers in the spring. Small, reddish-orange fruit are present in fall and winter. It has a compact, rounded crown which makes for a excellent accent tree for smaller landscapes.
Emerald Spire® Malus x adstringens 'Jefgreen' Zone 2
15-18’ x 6-7’ A columnar crabapple that is extremely cold hardy and has shown remarkable disease resistance. Spring flower color is fuchsia turning to white, followed by typical dark green to almost purple crabapple leaves. Leaves turn golden yellow in the fall and drop quickly for easy clean up. Dark red fruit is large and plentiful adding another showy feature to the mix. CRABAPPLE Firebird® Malus sargentii ‘Select A’ Zone 4 8’ x 10’ PP 12,621 Stunning clusters of fragrant white flowers emerge from rose colored buds in the spring before the leaves. The foliage is a dark green that turns yellow in the fall. Showy red fruit is abundant early to mid fall. Another attribute that adds inter- esting texture and dimension to the landscape is the rough, brown bark and brick red branches.
Gladiator® Malus x adstringens ‘Durleo’ Zone 2
18-20’ x 8-10’ PP 20,167 An excellent ornamental crab tree with narrow, upright branching, bright pink flowers, and glossy, bronze-purple leaves. Small, reddish-purple fruit persist through the fall. The foliage maintains its purple color all season and has good disease resistance.
Golden Raindrops® Malus ‘Schmidtcutleaf ’ Zone 4
18-20’ x 12-15’ White, star-shaped flowers are followed by deeply cut, dark green leaves which turn orange in the fall. A beautiful display of golden berries are abundant late summer through winter, making this variety a wonderful choice for year-round interest. It has an upright, vase-shaped form and a low canopy.
Harvest Gold® Malus ‘Hargozam’ Zone 3
20-22’ x 16-18’ This upright crabapple tree is covered with white flowers in the spring followed by very showy yellow fruit. Clean green foliage is very disease resistant and turns a vibrant yellow in the fall. It thrives in full sun and just about any type of soil. In addition to superior disease resistance, it is low maintenance, and very hardy. This hardy crabapple can even tolerate salt, pollution, and deer. CRABAPPLE Lancelot® Malus x ‘Lanzam’ Zone 3 8-10’ x 8’ PP 8,056 This crab variety provides interest and appeal year-round. In the spring, brilliant red buds turn to snow-white blooms. Disease resistant foliage starts off glossy green and changes to an elegant gold in the fall. Golden yellow berries are persis- tent well into the winter months. It has an upright, compact growth habit.
Lollipop® Malus ‘Lollizam’ Zone 4
10’ x 10’ Slow growing dwarf form with a dense, rounded crown resembling a lolli- pop. Displays a profusion of fragrant, white blooms in spring and is followed by small yellow fruit. The formal, symmetrical appearance makes it perfect for pati- os or courtyards. It needs minimal pruning to maintain shape and has good dis- ease resistance.
Marilee® Malus ‘Jarmin’ Zone 4
20-25’ x 8-10’ PP 14,337 Pink buds open to double white blooms on a stiffly upright form. Tends to be a fruitless variety with good resistance to insects and dieseases. Naturally narrow with deep green leaves and very showy spring flowers.
Pink Spires Malus ‘Pink Spires’ Zone 2
15-20’ x 12’ Lavender-pink flowers in spring start earlier and last longer than most other crab varieties and is followed by persistent maroon fruit. Foliage emerges purplish and turns to bronze-green. The dense, upright branching structure gives it a sym- metrical appearance and can be quite narrow when young. Slow growing and very hardy. Cedar-apple rust resistant. CRABAPPLE Prairifire Malus ‘Prairifire’ Zone 4 15-20’ x 20’ Rich, dark true red flowers are followed by medium sized, persistent, cone- shaped maroon fruit. Red-maroon spring foliage becomes red-green in summer and is scab resistant. This variety has a wide and upright growing habit with glossy, red bark.
Purple Prince Malus ‘Purple Prince’ Zone 4
20’ x 20’ Carmine red buds open to single red flowers in the spring that become maroon fruit in summer. It has a rounded growth habit and foliage is purple all season long then turning a bronze-green in the fall. Excellent resistance to scab, fire- blight and cedar-apple rust, and good resistance to mildew.
Red Jewel® Malus ‘Jewelcole’ Zone 4
15’ x 12’ Beautiful white flowers in the spring give way to brilliant red fruit, which is what this variety is named after. It has an irregular, oval crown and dark green foliage that turns yellow in the fall. It does fairly well in tough sites where compacted soil, poor drainage and drought are issues.
Red Splendor Malus ‘Red Splendor’ Zone 3
20-25’ x 20’ Red buds open to light pink blossoms which are followed by fruit that is bright red and persistent. This tree has an upright, open, round, spreading habit and good disease resistance. Dark, reddish green leaves turn reddish purple in the fall. A very reliable and hardy selection. CRABAPPLE Rejoice™ Malus ‘Rejzam’ Zone 4 15-18’ x 9-12’ This new selection of crab from Lake County Nursery has exceptionally stream- lined, upright form, and requires no pruning to maintain its naturally symmetrical form. Semi-double, rose pink flowers blossom in spring occasionally followed by burgundy fruits. Attractive dark green foliage is accented with a rich burgundy overcast and stays very clean and disease-free all season long.
Royal Gem Malus ‘Royal Gem’ Zone 3
5-8’ x 5-8’ Royal Gem has a very small and compact form. In the spring it displays rose-red flowers. Foliage is green with a red tint that turns yellow fall color and has great disease resistance. Because of its small stature it makes a great accent or speci- men plant.
Royal Raindrops® Malus transitoria 'JFS-KW5' Zone 4
20’ x 15’ PP 14,375 Bright pinkish red flowers combine with deep purple cutleaf foliage to present a unique new crab. Deeply lobed leaves and upright form with good branching and density are inherited from its Golden Raindrops® parent. Adaptable to a wide range of soils and site conditions. Has shown good resistance to common crab diseases.
Ruby Tears™ Malus ‘Bailears’ Zone 4
8-10’ x 12-15’ PPAF Naturally weeping branches are a hallmark of this lovely variety; loaded with pink blossoms in mid spring and burgundy foliage keeps the interest all season long. The pointy leaves are ornamentally significant and turn an outstanding red in the fall. The fruits are showy red pomes carried in abundance from early fall right through to late winter, which can be messy if allowed to drop on the lawn or walkways. Its smaller size makes it a perfect ornamental choice for the garden. CRABAPPLE Showtime® Malus ‘Shotizam’ Zone 3 15-20’ x 15’ With fuchsia-red flowers in the spring, followed by tiny, cherry red fruit, and yel- low-orange fall color, this crab is truly a showstopper. An added bonus is that its bronze-green foliage is very disease resistant and stays clean all summer long. It has an upright, spreading growth habit.
Spring Snow Malus ‘Spring Snow’ Zone 4
25-30’ x 15-18’ This fruitless Canadian introduction is completely covered with pink buds that open to fragrant white flowers in spring. It has bright green, shiny foliage that turns yellow in the fall. With good heat tolerance and resistance to rust and mil- dew, Spring Snow is a great choice for any patio or courtyard.
Starlite® Malus baccata ‘Jeflite’ Zone 2
20’ x 12-15’ COPF A beautiful, fragrant, white flowering crab with an upright branching habit. Glossy, dark green foliage turns yellow in the fall. Apple scab resistant and very cold hardy! Upright branches display small, bright red, persistent berries into the winter. Grows best in full sun or part shade and prefers well-drained soil with adequate moisture.
Sugar Tyme® Malus ‘Sutyzam’ Zone 4
18’ x 12-15’ In spring, pink buds open to fragrant white flowers which are followed by small, bright red, persistent berries from fall until winter. It has an upright oval shape and disease resistant, rich, glossy green foliage. The masses of fruits are attractive to birds and the sweet smelling spring flowers are delightful. CRABAPPLE Tina Malus sargentii ‘Tina’ Zone 4 6-8’ x 8-10’ A densely branched, dwarf patio tree with pink buds that open to a profuse spring bloom of fragrant, white flowers. Flowers are followed by small, red crabapples which mature in the fall. The pea-sized fruits are long-lasting and attractive to birds.
Velvet Pillar™ Malus ‘Velvetcole’ Zone 3
20’ x 10-12’ Velvet Pillar has a narrowly upright and columnar growth habit and features showy clusters of fragrant pink flowers along the branches in mid spring, which emerge from distinctive red flower buds before the leaves. It has attractive deep purple foliage throughout the season. The pointy leaves are ornamentally signifi- cant and turn an outstanding burgundy in the fall. The fruits are showy crimson pomes carried in abundance from early to late fall. DOGWOOD Pagoda Cornus alternifolia Zone 4 15-20’ x 20-25’ This graceful small tree has fragrant, pale yellow flowers in May, followed by blue-black fruit, and the leaves turn a beautiful maroon red in the fall. Branches grow in distinctive irregular tiers, forming a somewhat horizontal, layered look to the plant. Performs best in cooler climates. It is native to Minnesota in both moist and dry forests, forest margins, stream banks and fields. Sold in both sin- gle stem and clump forms. ELM Accolade Ulmus japonica x wilsoniana ‘Morton’ Zone 4 60-70’ x 40-45’ This Elm is characterized by upright arching limbs and a graceful vase shape like that of the classic American Elm. Its glossy dark green foliage changes to yellow in the fall. It has shown great resistance to Dutch Elm Disease, elm leaf miner and elm leaf beetle, and is also tolerates both wet and dry sites.
Cathedral Ulmus x 'Cathedral' Zone 4
40-50’ x 40-50’ An attractive hybrid elm selection with a dense canopy and an upright spreading habit. Its large, shiny, dark green leaves turn yellow in the fall and are very re- sistant to Dutch elm disease. Cathedral Elm makes a superb street tree or shade tree for home landscapes. It is fast growing and very adaptable to adverse condi- tions. Under ideal conditions, it can be expected to live for about 100 years.
New Harmony Ulmus americana ‘New Harmony’ Zone 4
60-70’ x 60-65’ Upright and vase-shape with arching branches, this tree displays the typical char- acteristics of the American Elm. It has excellent resistance to Dutch Elm Dis- ease. Dark green summer foliage turns yellow in the fall. A vigorous grower and generally low maintenance tree.
New Horizon Ulmus carpinifolia ‘New Horizon’ Zone: 4
50-60’ x 30-40’ This fast growing, stately elm has an upright, oval form and is finer-textured than other elms. Dark green leaves turn yellow with a rusty red tint in fall. It has ex- cellent disease resistance and is very adaptable to a variety of site conditions. Its gray bark is ridged and furrowed. ELM Prairie Expedition® Ulmus americana ‘Lewis & Clark’ Zone 2 50-60’ x 50-60’ A lovely shade tree with lustrous dark green foliage on a broad, rounded to vase- shaped crown. The leaves turn yellow in autumn. This classic American street tree is extremely cold hardy and shows excellent resistance to Dutch Elm Dis- ease. This tree is fast growing and tolerant of both wet and dry conditions and a variety of soil types.
Princeton Ulmus americana ‘Princeton’ Zone 3
60’ x 40’ One of the most ornamental of all shade trees, a stately vase-shaped specimen, the ultimate street tree forming an overhead arch. Its dark green leaves turn a rich golden yellow in the fall. It is very hardy and extremely adaptable. Princeton has shown good resistance to Dutch Elm Disease. It has a fast growth rate and will live 100+ years.
St. Croix™ Ulmus americana 'St. Croix' Zone 3
60-70’ x 75-90’ PP 20,097 A new and distinct American elm with exceptional tolerance to Dutch Elm Dis- ease. It features a grand, vase shape and an open, spreading canopy, and beauti- ful dark green foliage that turns a wonderful yellow in the fall. The parent tree was discovered in Afton, Minnesota and developed at the U of M. EUONYMUS Dwarf Winged Tree Euonymus alatus ‘Compactus’ 6-8’ x 5-6’ Zone 4 Known for its winged, corky bark, this “burning bush” has been grafted onto a standard tree form. It’s dark green leaves turn an outstanding, long lasting, bright red fall color. It does well is sunny or shady sites. GINKGO Autumn Gold Ginkgo biloba ‘Autumn Gold’ Zone 4 50’ x 30’ This prehistoric plant is an upright, columnar, then spreading, deciduous tree with grey bark. Fan shaped leaves are medium green to yellow green and taper into stems, usually lobed at the edges. These beautiful trees are extinct in the wild, but luckily are becoming increasingly popular in cultivation, possibly this is due to the tree’s use in herbology. Very slow growing, but long lived.
Princeton Sentry Ginkgo biloba ‘Princeton Sentry’ Zone 4
40-60’ x 20-30’ This seedless cultivar typically has an upright, narrowly conical habit. Green summer leaves turn a uniform golden yellow in autumn and persist for several weeks. When the leaves do drop, they drop rapidly, forming a golden carpet around the tree. Slow growing and pest free. HACKBERRY Common Hackberry Celtis occidentalis Zone 2 50-75’ x 50-60’ The bright green leaves of the Hackberry turn an attractive, bright yellow in the fall and the edible fruits are commonly consumed by birds. The crown is narrow and rounded in the forest, but broad, with pendant lower branches when grown in the open. The tree is tolerant of a wide range of habitats and is often used as an ornamental because of its hardiness and frequently used as a "street" tree in cities because of its drought tolerance.
Prairie Sentinel® Celtis occidentalis ‘JFS-KSU1’ Zone 4
45’ x 12’ A columnar Hackberry with the same tolerance to heat, cold, drought, and tough urban sites. The fruit is an important food source for various wildlife. Green foli- age turns yellow in fall. HAWTHORN Thornless Cockspur Crataegus crus-galli inermis Zone 4 15-20’ x 15-20’ This vigorous small ornamental tree bears abundant white flowers in June, fol- lowed by small bright red persistent fruit in autumn. It has a rounded, spreading crown with rust-free dark green leaves that turn orange to bronze in the fall. Alt- hough this attractive thornless tree prefers moist conditions, it is also drought tolerant. HONEYLOCUST Northern Acclaim® Gleditsia triacanthos inermis ‘Harve' 35-45’ x 30-35’ Zone 3 This cultivar was developed at NDSU, where it outperformed other honeylocust cultivars in winter hardiness. Thornless and seedless, it has a rather upright form similar to Skyline®, and gradually widens with age. This sturdy, vigorous tree is quite drought resistant as well. Its small, green leaves turn a brilliant yellow fall color.
Shademaster® Gleditsia x ‘Shademaster' Zone 4
45-50’ x 32-35’ Small green leaves on widely spaced branches cast a nice shade but not such a deep shade that the grass or other plantings beneath it can’t grow well. Autumn foliage is a bright yellow that doesn’t need to be raked after they drop. Shade- master® will thrive in full sun in either wet or dry soils and requires almost no maintenance.
Skyline® Gleditsia triacanthos inermis ‘Skyline'
50’ x 30-35’ Zone 4 A stately and unusual variety with distinctive pyramidal form, this tree develops a strong, sturdy trunk and shapely crown. Dark green foliage turns a beautiful gold in the fall. Thornless, and essentially fruitless, it is a valuable tree for light, fil- tered shade. Best grown in organically rich, moist, well-drained soils in full sun, but is tolerant of a wide range of soils, wind, high summer heat, drought and sa- line conditions.
Street Keeper® Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Draves’ Zone 4
45’ x 18-20’ PP 21,698 This cultivar has a tight, narrow form making it a perfect choice for urban land- scapes and boulevards. Its canopy only gets about half as wide as other honeylo- custs but maintains the same tough nature which allows it to withstand the harsh urban sites. Foliage is a deeper green than most other varieties with a yellow fall color. HYDRANGEA (TREE FORM) Fire Light™ Hydrangea paniculata ‘SMHPFL' Zone 4 6-8’ x 4-6’ PPAF Unlike other paniculata types, Fire Light™ quickly turns pink in summer, bring- ing lots of color much earlier. Flowers turn red as they mature into the fall. It has strong, arching branches which remain upright even during the heaviest bloom time. Does best planted in sun to part shade with well-drained soil. For best flower development, prune in the spring. This is typically a shrub, but has been grafted onto a standard tree form.
Limelight Hydrangea paniculata ‘Zwijnenburg’ Zone 4
8-10’ x 6-8’ Bright, lime-green flowers add a much needed brightness to the late summer landscape. In autumn the blooms display shades of pink, burgundy and green. Excellent vigor and floriferous blooming. Flowers on new wood so it can be pruned in winter or early spring. Typically a shrub, or multi-stemmed tree, has been grafted onto a standard tree form.
Pinky Winky™ Hydrangea paniculata ‘DVPpinky’ Zone 4
8-10’ x 6-8’ PP 16,166 Pinky Winky™ has unusual flowers with a two-tone coloring. The blooms start out white in mid to late summer and turn pink from the base up, often leaving the tips white. Panicles are very pointed and can get to 16 inches in length. Grafted onto a standard tree form.
Quickfire™ Hydrangea paniculata ‘Bulk’ Zone 4
6-8’ x 4-6’ PP 16,812 Quick to bloom, a month earlier than other varieties. It flowers in late May or early June depending on your location. The flowers will start off bright white, then turn pink, then a deep pinkish-red. A terrific way to extend the hydrangea season. Grafted onto a standard tree form. HYDRANGEA (TREE FORM) Vanilla Strawberry™ Hydrangea pan.‘Renhy’ Zone 4 8-10’ x 4-5’ PP 20,670 Flowers emerge vanilla white in the spring, then turn a shade of soft pink and finish off a strawberry red by late summer. With older flowers and newer blooms on the same plant, all three colors may be present later in the season. Flowers are held upright on the sturdy branches of this tree form hydrangea. IRONWOOD Common Ironwood Ostrya virginiana Zone 4 30-50’ x 25’ A native tree with gray bark and a slender branching habit. Catkins in the spring are followed by small fruit resembling hops. Ironwood is hard wooded, shade tolerant, and grows in most soils. The root system is shallow and the growth rate is very slow. Ironwood tolerates pruning, is hard to transplant, and has a yellow fall color. LILAC (TREE) Bloomerang Syringa ‘Penda’ Zone 3 6-8’ x 4-5’ Purple-pink, ultra fragrant flowers are heaviest in spring, then rebloom through- out the summer and into the fall. This tree form lilac has a compact, mounded growth habit, grafted onto a standard. Does best in full sun with well-drained soil. Pruning after the flowers are spent encourages a more prolific second bloom. This variety has good powdery mildew and deer resistance.
Dwarf Korean Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’ Zone 4
6-8’ x 5-6’ This tree form has the same fine features of the shrub-form Dwarf Korean. Grafted on Syringa reticulata, it makes an excellent globe for accent or interest in the landscape. Very fragrant, pale violet flowers are abundant from late May into June and contrast nicely with the dark green foliage.
Ivory Silk® Japanese Syringa reticulata ‘Ivory Silk’ Zone 3
25’ x 15’ This lovely ornamental tree has a sturdy, more compact, oval growth habit than the straight Japanese Tree Lilac. A most attractive small flowering tree with cher- ry-like bark, it bears large creamy white flower clusters in early July. It will per- form best in full sun and is available in single stem or clump form.
Miss Kim Syringa patula ‘Miss Kim’ Zone 3
6-8’ x 4-5’ This tree form has the same features of the shrub form Miss Kim. Grafted on Syringa reticulata. It has an upright and compact form with fragrant, lilac-pink flowers that bloom a little later than most other lilac varieties. The leaves are dark green and wavy and turn burgundy-red in the fall. This ornamental tree has good mildew resistance and makes a nice addition to a smaller landscape. LILAC (TREE) Snowdance™ Syringa reticulata ‘Bailnce’ Zone 3 18-20’ x 18-20’ PP 20,458 This beautiful ornamental tree has large showy panicles of fragrant, creamy white flowers. It is an exceptionally heavy bloomer in June (and sometimes again later in the summer) and does not produce seedheads! Its dark green foliage adds a nice contrast against the flowers. It has a rounded crown with a shelved branch- ing habit. Plant in full sun for abundant blooms! LINDEN American Sentry Tilia americana ‘McKSentry’ Zone 3 40’ x 25-30’ Selected for its uniform branching habit and upright narrow form, American Sentry is an excellent landscape tree for boulevards and smaller yards where space is at a premium, but shade is required. It has a pyramidal shape when young that rounds out with age. Yellow spring flowers are fragrant and enjoyed by bees. Green leaves turn golden-yellow in the fall. It is the most resistant Lin- den to Japanese beetle.
Boulevard Tilia americana ‘Boulevard’ Zone 3
50-60’ x 25-30’ Tall and narrow, this selection of the native American Basswood is very hardy and well suited to street plantings. It has a narrow pyramidal form with ascend- ing branches in its youth that becomes more rounded as it matures. The large, dark green foliage combines beautifully with fragrant yellow flowers in early summer. Leaves turn a beautiful yellow in the fall.
Greenspire® Tilia cordata ‘Greenspire’ Zone 4
40-50’ x 30-40’ Very suitable for street planting, this 1998 Iowa Tree of the Year has a straight trunk, rich foliage and fragrant, pale yellow flowers. It has a very uniform, py- ramidal to oval crown and a lovely gold fall color. Adaptable to most soils and shows good tolerance to urban conditions.
Harvest Gold Tilia x mongolica 'Harvest Gold' Zone 3
30-40’ x 25-30’ An excellent boulevard tree, it has lovely exfoliating bark, golden buds, con- sistent fall color and is resistant to sunscald injury and leaf spot. Harvest Gold is a tough tree which was selected for its majestic upright form, strong central lead- er and disease-free foliage. Developed in Manitoba, Canada, it is both cold hardy and adaptable to a wide range of soil types. LINDEN Redmond Tilia americana ‘Redmond’ Zone 4 40-60’ x 25-30’ A valuable tree for street planting, Redmond has the largest leaves of the Lin- dens. It has dense, glossy green foliage with bright yellow autumn color and showy, fragrant flowers in late spring. Somewhat drought tolerant but does not like air pollution or urban conditions. Voted 2000 Urban Tree of the Year by the Society of Municipal Arborists. MAACKIA Amur Maackia amurensis Zone 4 20-30’ x 20-30’ This underutilized tree with an open, round crown, has decorative flowers and foliage as well as unique, slightly peeling bark. Stiff flower clusters are white with greenish yellow. Leaves are a dark olive green with a lighter underside. New leaves have a fuzzy, silver-gray appearance. In autumn, flat seed pods appear.
Amur Starburst Maackia amurensis ‘Starburst’ Zone 4
25-30’ x 20’ A more dense and uniform growth habit than the species, with showy spikes of fragrant creamy white pea-like flowers rising above the foliage in mid summer. Attractive dark green leaves emerge silver in the spring. The mottled olive green bark is very ornamental and provides significant winter interest. MAGNOLIA Ann Magnolia x ‘Ann’ Zone 4 8-10’ x 10’ This variety develops a somewhat open habit with lightly scented reddish-purple flowers that emerge from beautiful, tapered buds. Compact and shrubby, can be grown as a large shrub or small tree. In general, avoid southern exposures close to houses where the buds may be induced to open too early in spring. This is a late-blooming magnolia that is less apt to suffer frost damage in spring. Mulching the roots is also helpful in reducing winter dieback and good air circulation may reduce onset of powdery mildew.
12’ x 12’ PP 22,248 Zone 4 Prolific pink buds open to fragrant, pale pink flowers in spring. Attractive green foliage turns yellow to bronze in the fall. An interesting branch structure is re- vealed after the leaves drop in the fall. It can be grown as a large shrub or a small tree.
Merrill Magnolia x loebneri ‘Merrill’ Zone 4
25-35’ x 20-30’ This lovely Magnolia produces masses of large white starry flowers in April. Foli- age emerges bronzy green maturing to deep green. It has a dense branching habit and vigorous growth rate. It can be cultivated as a large shrub or small tree. It does best in moist, organically rich, well-drained soil and typically doesn’t like to be too we or too dry.
Royal Star Magnolia stellata ‘Royal Star’ Zone 4
8-10’ x 8-10’ In April, this hardy magnolia’s pink buds open to double white fragrant flowers of 25-30 petals. The flowers are larger and showier than the species. An upright and densely branched plant, it has dark green foliage that changes to bronze in fall. This cultivar blooms about 2 weeks later than the species making it less sus- ceptible to frost damage. MAPLE Amur Flame Acer ginnala ‘Flame’ Zone 3 15-20’ x 15-20’ This tree has a graceful, irregular shape formed by slender spreading branches. Extremely hardy, it is an excellent xeriscape plant. It has fragrant, creamy white flowers in May and are followed by winged samaras (to 1” long) that turn a showy red in summer/fall as they mature. Its green leaves turn a brilliant, fiery red in autumn. It is available as a single or multi-stemmed tree. This vigorous tree has been identified as an invasive species in certain parts of the United States.
Apollo® Acer saccharum ‘Barret Cole’ Zone 4
25-30’ x 10’ PP 10,590 A narrow, columnar sugar maple with dense branching and a low canopy. Green foliage turns golden-orange to red in the fall. Growing only about half the size of a typical sugar maple, it’s perfect for the smaller landscape. Apollo® is adaptable to many soils but dislikes compaction. Plant in full sun to get the best fall color.
Armstrong Acer rubrum ‘Armstrong’ Zone 4
40-45’ x 15’ A very distinctive hybrid maple with a narrow, upright growth habit. Fast grow- ing and may broaden with age. Fall color is inconsistent and may range from yel- low to red. It features showy red flowers along the branches in early spring be- fore the leaves. The furrowed gray bark and brick red branches add an interest- ing dimension to the landscape.
Armstrong Gold® Acer rubrum ‘JFS-KW78’ Zone 4
40’ x 12’ PP 25,301 This improved ‘Armstrong’ cultivar has brighter foliage color (brilliant yellow- orange,) greater foliage density and a more compact, less leggy growth habit. Im- proved columnar form makes it a great choice for narrow street planting sites. Fast growing when planted in full sun. MAPLE Autumn Blaze® Acer x freemanii ‘Jeffersred’ Zone 4 50-60’ x 40’ This hybrid of Silver and Red Maple has experienced phenomenal popularity due to its ascending branch habit, rapid growth rate, drought tolerance, ability to grow in most soils, beautiful fall color and form. It was selected as the 1997 Iowa Tree of the year and 2004 Urban Tree of the year, Society of Municipal Arbor- ists.
Autumn Radiance® Acer rubrum ‘Autumn Radiance’ Zone 4
50’ x 40’ Excellent choice when a fast growing maple is desired. Strong, ascending branch- es form a dense, rounded crown. Numerous, small red flowers appear before the leaves in early spring, hence the name red maple. Its most outstanding ornamen- tal feature is its stunning orange-red to red fall color. Autumn Radiance turns about two weeks earlier than most other rubrum varieties.
Emerald Lustre® Acer platanoides ‘Pond’ Zone 4
50-60’ x 50-60’ This maple is hardy, well branched, and has a broad crown. Red-tinged young foliage matures to a glossy, deep green with wavy margins which turn a beautiful yellow in the fall. Greenish-yellow flowers are present in early spring. It’s tolerant of poor soils and harsh environmental conditions, but should be grown where vigorous surface roots will not be a problem.
Fall Fiesta™ Acer saccharum ‘Bailsta’ Zone 4
50-75’ x 50-60’ PP 11,119 A rapid grower with a full and symmetrical branching habit. This sugar maple variety is resistant to sun scald and frost cracks, and the leathery foliage is re- sistant to leaf tatter and leafhopper damage. Exhibits more orange and red fall color than other sugar maple cultivars and is very cold hardy. Best in fertile, slightly acidic, moist soils in full sun. It does poorly in compacted, poorly drained soils. MAPLE Firefall® Acer x fremanii ‘Firefall’ Zone 4 40-60’ x 30-40’ PP 15,593 This University of Minnesota introduction has rich green leaves that turn crim- son red in early fall. It is a male selection and is therefore seedless. It is fast growing and has an upright, oval crown with good branching structure. A cross between red maple and silver maple that tolerates harsh climates.
Hot Wings® Acer tartaricum ‘GarAnn’ Zone 3
15’ x 15’ PP 15,023 Small in stature but big in performance and impact! This Tartarian Maple has graceful, upright spreading branches and is broadly oval when young. Dark green foliage is a nice contrast with the bright red samaras in the summer. Fall colors range from yellow to orange-red. Tolerant of harsh conditions and high pH.
Inferno™ Sugar Acer saccharum ‘Jeferno’ Zone 3
50-60’ x 30’ This upright, oval sugar cultivar has dark green leaves that turn a fiery orange-red in autumn. Chosen for its cold hardiness and consistent fall color. It is a slow growing, relatively low maintenance tree.
Korean Arctic Jade® Acer x pseudosieboldianum ‘IsIAJ’
15-20’ x 10-15’ Zone 4 An Iseli Nursery introduction that combines the cold hardiness of the Korean Maple with the deeply cut foliage of the Japanese Maple. Large, dark green leaves turn a dazzling orange-red in the fall. Does well in sun or part shade. MAPLE Korean North Wind® Zone 4 15’ x 15’ Acer x pseudosieboldianum ‘North Wind’ This Korean/Japanese Maple hybrid has palmate leaves that emerge red in spring changing to green by mid-summer. Fall color is a beautiful orange-scarlet. A hardy alternative to Japanese Maple. Works well as an understory tree as it seems to prefer some shade.
Matador™ Acer x freemanii ‘Bailston’ Zone 4
40-45’ x 20-40’ Matador™ has an improved growth habit and superior, deep red fall color. Its upright form and symmetrical branching make it an excellent selection for any landscape setting. Seasonal color develops later than others and holds longer, extending the beauty. Highly tolerant of urban pollution and adaptable to heavier soil.
Northwood Acer rubrum ‘Northwood’ Zone 3
50’ x 35’ Northwood red maple has an oval to rounded crown with showy red flowers in the spring. Its leaves are shiny dark green on top and pale green on the under- side. This University of Minnesota introduction has its best fall color in colder climates, which is a blazing orange to red. It is relatively low maintenance and is an excellent specimen for yards, streets or parks.
Red Rocket Acer rubrum ‘Red Rocket’ Zone 3
35-40’ x 10-15’ A narrow, upright Maple from a Minnesota seed source, is as cold hardy as you can get. A brilliant show of orange-red to red fall foliage adds to its appeal. It is slower growing and remains tight even at maturity. Does best in full sun with moist, well-drained soil. MAPLE Regal Petticoat® Acer pseudoplatanus ‘Tunpetti’ Zone 3 50’ x 35’ PP 17,537 An extremely unique cultivar with superior foliage coloration in spring and sum- mer -leaf color is deep glossy green with a deep velvety purple underside. And a never seen before fall color- leaves turning bright yellow on top and bright ma- genta pink on the underside accented with reds, oranges, and salmons. In addi- tion to the outstanding foliage, it is also seedless! Has an upright, vase-shaped growth habit. Prune in the summer when fully leafed out to prevent bleeding. Plant in full sun with moist soil.
Royal Red Acer platanoides ‘Royal Red’ Zone 4
35-40’ x 25’ This Norway maple selection has a dense canopy, a straight trunk, and a broadly oval crown. It is best known for its glossy dark maroon to purple year-round fo- liage. Once established, it is heat tolerant and moderately drought tolerant. It is slow growing which makes it less susceptible to frost crack.
Sienna Glen® Acer x freemanii ‘Sienna’ Zone 3
50-60’ x 40’ PP 11,322 One of the very hardiest red fall-coloring shade trees available. With a uniform branching habit and attractive pyramidal-oval shape, it features showy red flow- ers along the branches in early spring before the leaves. It has green foliage that turn an outstanding red in the fall. The furrowed gray bark and brick red branch- es add an interesting dimension to the landscape. Tolerant of alkaline, acidic and wet soil conditions.
State Street® Miyabe Acer miyabei ‘Morton’ Zone 4
35-45’ x 25-30’ Thick, five-lobed, dark green leaves turn a pale golden-yellow in fall on an up- right, oval crown. Interesting, corky bark develops deep, verical ridges as it ma- tures. This variety has shown excellent heat and drought tolerance as well as tol- erance to alkaline soils. It grows best in moist, well-drained soil with full sun. MOUNTAIN ASH Showy Sorbus decora Zone 2 20-25’ x 20’ Commonly used as an ornamental, understory, or small shade tree. In the spring, large clusters of small white flowers stand out against the dark green foliage. Its leaves have a lovely, tropical appearance. In the summer, large clusters of orange -red berries (which the birds love) are very ornamental and enhance the tropical look. The fruit will persist even after the leaves have dropped in the fall. The har- diest of the species in this country, it is slow growing and resistant to disease. NINEBARK (TREE FORM) Amber Jubilee™ Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Jefam' Zone 2 7-9’ x 4’ PP 23,177 The foliage is really the appeal of this patio tree. Leaf colors in an array of glow- ing tones ranging from lime green to yellow to orange and change to purple and red in the fall. Whitish pink, button-like flowers emerge in June. It has a rounded and dense growth habit and does best when planted in full sun.
Summer Wine® Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Seward’ Zone 4
6-8’ x 4-5’ PP 14,821 An improved ninebark, with neat compact branching and fine cut dark crimson- red leaves. Small pinkish-white flowers in dense, flat, rounded clusters appear in late spring and contrast nicely with the dark foliage. Easily grown in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions. OAK Bur Quercus macrocarpa Zone 3 60-80’ x 60-80’ Bur oak has the largest acorns of all native oaks and is very drought resistant. Its open, broad, rounded crown is covered in dark green foliage which turns yellow- brown in autumn. It grows slowly on dry uplands and sandy plains but is also found on fertile limestone soils and moist bottomlands in mixture with other hardwoods. The acorns are an important source of food to wildlife. This easy to grow oak makes it a fine tree for streets or lawns.
Crimson Spire™ Quercus alba x robur ‘Crimschmidt’ Zone 4
40-45’ x 13-15’ PP 9,103 A columnar oak with mildew and insect resistant dark green leaves that turn spectacular shades of red in the fall. This is a strong wooded tree that grows moderately fast and can withstand high winds. Long lived and adaptable to many soil types.
Heritage® Quercus x macdanielli ‘Clemons’ Zone 3
40’ x 40’ PP 11,431 Heritage Oak has a moderate growth rate and upright/oval growth form in youth, becoming rounded with age. It has relatively clean, glossy foliage and adapts well to different soil conditions. It will occasionally have minor pest prob- lems, but these do not usually affect the long-term health of the tree. Fall color is yellow to yellow-brown. Heritage oak produces acorns. May require a higher lev- el of maintenance (watering and pest control) in the first few years after planting.
Kindred Spirit® Quercus x warei ‘Nadler’ Zone 4
30-35’ x 6’ PP 17,604 This narrow, columnar oak is a hybrid between English and Swamp White. It is mildew resistant and tolerant of drought and a wide range of soil conditions. Fo- liage is dark green with a silvery underside and turns yellow to amber in fall. OAK Northern Pin Quercus ellipsoidalis Zone 4 50-60’ x 40-45’ This native tree is well adapted to sandy, acid soils, but will tolerate heavier soils and more alkaline conditions than Pin Oak. It is great for use as a specimen tree in lawn or boulevard plantings. Foliage is glossy green and turns bright red in autumn. Fall color can be quite brilliant!
Northern Red Quercus rubra borealis Zone 4
60-80’ x 40-50’ The fastest growing of the oaks and one of the easiest to transplant, this tree is great for street use or as a landscape tree. The dark green foliage is dense and lustrous and the red to bronze autumn leaves hang on the tree into the winter. Northern Red Oaks have a pyramidal to round crown. This Minnesota native was the 1999 Iowa Tree of the Year.
Prairie Stature® Quercus × bimundorum ‘Midwest’ Zone 3
40’ x 30-35’ This exceptional oak tree features emerald-green, semi-glossy, leathery foliage with reddish coloration in autumn. It has a dense, pyramidal form and a medium growth rate. It is adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments.
Regal Prince® Quercus x warei ‘Long’ Zone 4
40-50’ x 20’ PP 12,673 An improvement over the other columnar oaks that are available. The branch structure is much stronger and consistently fuller than other columnar cultivars of oak. The foliage is glossy bright green on the top and a soft light green color on the underside giving the leaves a nice two tone color contrast. In fall both the leaves and acorns turn dull yellow, then brown. Excellent as a specimen, in small groups or as a tall screen. Good resistance to powdery mildew and borers. OAK Swamp White Quercus bicolor Zone 4 50-60’ x 45-60’ Excellent in both wet and well-drained soils, this tree has a coarse and slightly incised leaf, and acorns borne on 2- 4" stalks on an open, narrow, rounded crown. Foliage is dark green turning tan to red in the fall. It shows good trans- plant success. This Minnesota native was named a 1999 "Great Plants for the Great Plains" Award winner. REDBUD Northern Strain Cercis canadensis Zone 4 20-30’ x 20-25’ This handsome tree bears small pink flowers in spring before leaves appear and has a rounded to vase shape. Later in the summer, brown fruit pods form. Fall color is a brilliant yellow. This strain is grown from seed collected at the Minne- sota Landscape Arboretum. It does well in sun and part shade, but needs a somewhat protected area. Selected for hardiness by the University of Minnesota and introduced in 1992. SERVICEBERRY Autumn Brilliance™ Zone 3 20-25’ x 15’ Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘Autumn Brilliance This tremendously popular tree offers white blossoms in spring, followed by showy, sweet purplish-black fruit. Heavily branched, the tree has an interesting spreading branch pattern, and attractive light gray bark. The blue-green foliage turns a brilliant orange-red in the fall and are quite persistent. VIBURNUM Nannyberry Viburnum lentago Zone 2 20’ x 8-10’ An excellent performer in shade or sun, this hardy native tree has single, white flowers in spring followed by blue-black fruits. It is tolerant of many soil condi- tions, and is ideal for naturalizing. Shiny, green leaves turn purplish-red in au- tumn. WILLOW Flamingo Tree Salix ‘Flamingo’ Zone 4 6’ x 4-5’ An improved sport of 'Hakuro Nishiki' with spectacular deep pink, speckled foli- age in spring retains its strong color through the growing season. Flamingo pro- duces a wide range of contrasting colors in the garden. This plant even has fall and winter interest with its striking red stems. Regular pruning will promote a denser and bushier plant.
Niobe Salix alba ‘Tristis’ Zone 4
50-70’ x 50-70’ This is an upright, fast-growing, deciduous tree with erect branching that typical- ly forms a broad, loose, open crown. Bark is yellowish-brown, and leaves are small and green turning yellow in autumn. This cultivar is very popular due to its weeping form and showy yellow winter twigs. It thrives in moist soil and full sun. Needs adequate space to grow.
Weeping Pussy Salix caprea pendula Zone 4
5-6’ x 5-8’ This is an excellent dwarf, weeping willow for small gardens. A low canopy of soft, silky catkins develop along the branches in late winter and early spring and bloom before the leaves appear. Pointy, dark green leaves turn yellow in the fall.
Guide to Standard Floras of the World_ An Annotated, Geographically Arranged Systematic Bibliography of the Principal Floras, Enumerations, Checklists and Chorological Atlases of Different Areas ( PDFDrive )
Guide to Standard Floras of the World_ An Annotated, Geographically Arranged Systematic Bibliography of the Principal Floras, Enumerations, Checklists and Chorological Atlases of Different Areas ( PDFDrive )