Aspen leaves
Populus tremuloides ‘Erecta’ – Columnar Swedish Aspen
30-40’h x 10-15’w
One of the narrowest of hardy trees, great for small spaces and as a screen or lining a drive. Its white bark is stunning and the leaves with scalloped edges turn shades of orange and yellow in autumn and tremble with the faintest breeze. An underused ‘architectural’ tree and striking exclamation point in the landscape. Supports butterflies and birds. Exceptionally cold-hardy to USDA Zone 2, 10,500’. Water deeply once a week (not lawn watering).
Heptacodium miconioides – Seven-Son Flower
10-15’h x 6-9’w
Stunning and choice, this upright multi-stemmed shrub or small tree blooms in late summer. Large seven-tiered panicles of creamy white fragrant flowers are transformed as the sepals expand and turn carmine pink for a spectacular show! The attractive cinnamon-brown bark exfoliates to a light under-bark. A unique specimen plant for a small garden. Adaptable to heavier soils, and cold-hardy to -20 F. A Plant Select winner.
Seven Son Flower Tree
Tilia americana – American Linden, Basswood
50-80’ high and wide
A large, deciduous, fragrant flowering tree that develops a rounded crown, native to central and eastern US. The Basswood can be found in dry upland areas as well as moist, lowland woods. The very fragrant flowers attract an abundance of bees who make honey from the nectar. This linden is NOT bothered by Japanese Beetles (yay!). Cold-hardy to -30F.
Quercus macrocarpa – Bur Oak
40-60’ high and wide
This massive, muscular native tree has rough bark, narrow, deeply-lobed, glossy leaves, and the largest acorns of our native oaks (the deep caps are heavily fringed and quite ornamental). The tree grows slowly, has very strong limbs that stand up to wind and snow loads, and can live for 400 years. Plant it as a heritage tree, with stout and often low-growing branches, perfect for hanging a swing for the great-grandchildren. Cold-hardy to USDA Zone 2. One of the few large oaks that tolerate our alkaline soils. Water-wise, but not totally xeric.
Northern Catalpa Flowers
Catalpa speciosa – Western Catalpa, Northern Catalpa
40-70’h x 20-50’w
A large shade tree with an irregular, open-rounded to narrow-oval crown and attractive branching structure. Blooms in early summer, with large clusters of fragrant white flowers against a background of big, tropical-looking heart-shaped leaves. Supports many pollinators – bees in the daytime, moths at night. A ‘smart’ tree, Catalpa foliage emerges late in spring and falls early in autumn, avoiding damaging cold snaps. Pendulous, woody ‘bean’ fruits decorate the tree through the winter. Cold-hardy to -30F, Water-wise, but not completely xeric. Tolerant of poor soil.