Download SMALL GARDEN TREES

SMALL GARDEN TREES
Top 10 picks for small properties; available in the Chicago market
Size dimensions are typical for smaller size properties.
TRIED AND TRUE
1) Acer japonicum "Aconitfolium" (Golden Full Moon Maple)
10' h x 8' -10'w
Deeply divided green leaf with great crimson fall color. Mounded habit
can be single or multi-stemmed. Lovely speciman tree.
Acer palmatum/various cultivars:
2) Japanese Maple "Twombley's Red Sentinel"
6-8' h x 3-5' w
Upright columnar habit is great for tight spaces. Red leaf turns orange in fall. Vigorous and
can handle some sun.
3) Japanese Maple "Fireglow"
12-15' h x 8'-10' w
Similar in habit to "Bloodgood", but smaller stature. Red leaf becomes glowing red in fall.
Vigorous and can handle some sun.
4) Japanese Maple "Shaina"
5' h x 4' w
Dwarf that stays small. Red leaf turns maroon in fall. Needs some protection; hard to
establish, but worth it for smaller stature.
5) Acer shirsawanum "Aureum" (Golden Full Moon Maple)
15' h x 8-10' w
Small, rounded habit that "layers" as the tree ages. Easily pruned to fit a space, this tree
absolutely glows in darker locations. Must be sited so it will not dry out in a shaded spot.
Chartreuse leaves turn orange and red in fall.
6) Carpinus betulus "Frans Fontaine" (Frans Fontaine European Hornbeam)
30' h x 8' w
Best variety for small spaces, as it stays narrow and columnar without shearing. Great for
screening, allees and planting near buildings. Rich green foliage turns golden in fall, with
dense branching that maintains some screening effect in winter. Needs some sun.
7) Amelanchier canadensis "Glenform" (Rainbow Pillar Serviceberry)
12-15'h x 8-10'w
This dense, upright and symmertrical amelanchier has the same bloom and fall color as
other canadense species, but with much less fruit. This makes for easier placement in
smaller gardens near hardscape and buildings. Not affected by powdery mildew.
8) Fagus sylvatica "Red Obelisk" (Red Obelisk European Beech)
20' h x 5' w
This columnar tree is a great vertical accent for small spaces, as it stays narrow and is slow growing. The wavy,
shiny, purple leaves turn coppery in fall and hold on late. Silver bark adds winter interest. Needs moist soil.
9) Cornus kousa "Wolf Eyes" (Wolf Eyes Kousa Dogwood)
6' h x 6' w
Small, slow growing dogwood with a vase-like shape and layering habit. The wavy,
variegated leaves tinge pink in fall. The tree has typical white dogwood blooms in late
spring and red raspberry-like fruit, which birds love. An excellent tree for shady spots
but can handle some sun.
10) Stewartia pseudocamellia
(Japanese Stewartia)
20' h x 15' w
This slow growing, multi-stemmed tree has a pyramidal habit with exfoliating bark in shades of grey, orange
and brown. White camellia-like flowers bloom in early summer. Dark green foliage turns shades of orange, red
and burgundy in fall. Wonderful four-season speciman tree.
NEW TO MARKET
1) Carpinus caroliniana "J.N. Upright" and "J.N. Globe" (Firespire Musclewood and Ball 'O Fire Musclewood)
15' h x 8'w and 15' h x 15'w
These carpinus have been bred for specific shape attributes- upright and columnar for "Firespire" and globe-form
for "Ball O' Fire". Both have spectacular fall color and are useful for screening and hedging. They are very cold
hardy and urban tolerant. They are both suitable for sun and shade locations.
2) Magnolia stellata "Centennial Blush" (Centennial Blush Magnolia)
12-15' h x 10'w
This prolific pink bloomer has flower buds at almost every node, giving a wonderful display covering the entire
plant. It tends to bloom a bit later, so is less susceptible to late freezes. The tree has medium green foliage,
interesting branch structure and bronze/yellow fall color. Can be grown as a large shrub or small tree.
3) Parrotia subaequalis (Chinese Parrotia)
25' h x 12-15' w
This tree has all the attributes of Parrotia persica, but it is much hardier.
4) Prunus sargentii "JFS-KW58" (Pink Flair Cherry)
25' h x 15' w
An improved later flowering cherry, with fragrant pink flowers, increased disease resistance, heat and drought
tolerance and superior hardiness. It is a narrow and upright form, making it well suited for smaller landscapes.
5) Syringa reticulata "Snowdance" (Snowdance Japanese Tree Lilac)
18' h x 15' w
Snowdance begins blooming at a younger age than other tree lilacs, with a reliable annual bloom that does not
produce seed heads. It has a shapely oval form and is multi-stememd. An excellent urban tolerant tree.