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USDA Zone 8

Diospyros virginiana
American Persimmon

Diospyros virginiana (American Persimmon)

Native widely distributed in the East. Heat tolerant, tough and having more ornamental character to recommend it than is widely acknowledged. The astringent fruits are most attractive, accented on top with large, persistent calyces. Fruit can be abundant, but isn't usually messy because it persists late into winter, providing a tasty treat for wildlife after the first hard frosts. The deeply furrowed, blocky bark on mature trees is especially handsome when accented by winter snow. Its unobtrusive size and ease of care make this a tree that deserves more attention by designers and landscape firms, and our propagation numbers reflect big recent up-tick in demand.

Acer circinatum
Vine Maple

Acer circinatum (Vine Maple)

A Pacific Northwest native, Vine Maple heralds the arrival of autumn as its colors light up the forest. Best grown in clump form, it lends a pleasing accent to larger trees in a border planting and requires almost no care.

Quercus Heritage� Q. robur x Q. macrocarpa 'Clemons'
Heritage� Hybrid Oak

Quercus Heritage� Q. robur x Q. macrocarpa 'Clemons' (Heritage� Hybrid Oak)

Mildew resistant, shiny green leaves above, silver beneath. A recent introduction of exceptional hybrid vigor - great nursery plant. Dense, uniform pyramidal crown. This is a Q. robur x macrocarpa hybrid.

Acer griseum
Paperbark Maple

Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple)

Among the rich variety of cultivated maples, this one is highly esteemed for its peeling tissue-thin coppery bark. Leaves turn scarlet and orange in fall. Easily grown on to larger size despite its propagation difficulty, and VERY tough and adaptable in the landscape.

Quercus Regal Prince� Q. robur var. fastigiata x Q. bicolor 'Long'
Regal Prince� Hybrid Oak

Quercus Regal Prince� Q. robur var. fastigiata x Q. bicolor 'Long' (Regal Prince� Hybrid Oak)

Handsome, glossy deep green foliage and a bold, upright, oval silhouette. Leaf undersides are white with dense, downy hairs, helping keep the leaf dry - a significant factor in its resistance to mildew, to which Columnar English oak is so susceptible. Q. robur var. fastigiata x Q. bicolor.

Acer palmatum var. atropurpureum
Red Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum var. atropurpureum (Red Japanese Maple)

One-year plants are perfect for re-potting to grow on for a season; transplants are best for prompt resale. For best branching, lightly pinch the stem tips when they're in tender new growth. An inexpensive alternative to grafted varieties, they are often sold in the GC in a #1 or #2 pot.

Acer palmatum
Green Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum (Green Japanese Maple)

With its delicate foliage, small crown, and naturally artistic form, it creates an Asian effect in any garden. Fall colors are inspiring in their brilliance. With their refined character, unlike grafted varieties, healthy specimen trees of seedlings seem to always be in short supply. Our pot-grown seedlings have been kept totally protected from frost to ensure that your rootstocks are free of Pseudomonas (black stem) blight.

Acer pseudoplatanus
Sycamore Maple

Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore Maple)

Vigorous and easy to grow in the nursery, this gives the plant an aggressive tendency, especially in rocky, dry conditions where other trees fail. Accordingly, these are offered strictly for rootstock use. This maple has the remarkable trait of a �universal donor� as a rootstock for many but not all species. We've successfully grafted everything from Acer pentaphyllum to Acer griseum onto it with no sign of long term incompatibility.

Aesculus hippocastanum
Horsechestnut

Aesculus hippocastanum (Horsechestnut)

Dominating mature size limits this tree to large open areas. Often used as a rootstock for Aesculus x carnea hybrids, which are smaller and more disease resistant.

Carpinus betulus
European Hornbeam

Carpinus betulus (European Hornbeam)

Most often used as a rootstock for popular cultivars. Seedlings can be effectively used to create a hedge or screen and are favored in Europe for this purpose. Hardy to -38�F in Ohio during the extreme winter of '93-'94.

Cercidiphyllum japonicum
Katsuratree

Cercidiphyllum japonicum (Katsuratree)

This hardy, medium-sized tree is truly distinctive. Heart-shaped leaves attract interest, changing from translucent bronze in spring, to summer green, to yellow and apricot-orange in autumn. Multi-trunked specimen trees with shaggy bark have eye-catching appeal. Throughout the seasons, it is among the most appealing of any hardy landscape tree. Dr. Mike Dirr names it his personal favorite. These liners are exceptional, with a strong central leader.

Cercis canadensis
Eastern Redbud

Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud)

Widely adapted and often associated with Cornus florida in its native range. Bright pink flowers appear in the first warm days of spring; a delight after a long winter.

Cladrastis kentukea
American Yellowwood

Cladrastis kentukea (American Yellowwood)

Still uncommon in cultivation, this is an exceptional ornamental tree. Like Wisteria, it is most noted for its drooping clusters of fragrant white flowers, touched with yellow in the center. Introduced into cultivation by Andr� Michaux in 1796, its roots were chipped and boiled to yield a yellow dye for homespun fabrics before synthetic dyes became available. Adapted across a wide range of soil pH, it prefers a reasonably moist, yet well-drained soil with full sun and space to grow.

Cornus controversa
Giant Dogwood

Cornus controversa (Giant Dogwood)

This handsome, wide-spreading Chinese tree reaches 30-45 ft. in height. It has a layered, horizontal branch habit, and showy 5-7 in. clusters of small white flowers that precede purple-black fruits in the fall. Taller and more tree-like than its American cousin, Cornus alternifolia.

Cornus florida
Flowering Dogwood

Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood)

Beautiful small American native with tiered branching. Wonderful floral display of white flowers and great fall color. Despite the enormous number of named selections out there, when one sees seedling specimens in the East in cemeteries or parks, there are always plenty of these that elicit, "Someone ought to name that one."

Cornus kousa var. chinensis
Chinese Dogwood

Cornus kousa var. chinensis (Chinese Dogwood)

Mostly free of anthracnose leaf disease, and always popular in the nursery trade because seedlings are so inexpensive and easy to grow in a pot. Spectacular when laden with masses of large-bracted flowers. Vase-shaped at maturity, it differs significantly from C. florida by blooming a full month later and has more attractive, strawberry-like fruits. Autumn color is a showy burgundy, and fruits ripen at different stages in colors of green, yellow, orange, and red. Differs from C. kousa, Japanese Dogwood, in its more upright growth, longer internodes, and larger leaves and flowers. These characteristics make it profitable as an ornamental GC promo item, and as a dependable rootstock.

Cotinus coggygria var. purpurea
Purple Smoketree

Cotinus coggygria var. purpurea (Purple Smoketree)

Deep purple leaves which hold color throughout the summer. Economical alternative to more expensive cultivars, these can be potted up for a popular, easy to grow promo item in the GC. The few greenish plants which emerge in our seedling benches are pulled out early, so you're assured of receiving plants with uniform, dark purple leaves.

Cotinus obovatus
American Smoketree

Cotinus obovatus (American Smoketree)

Stunning autumn color. Its flaming fall foliage rivals that of Sugar Maple. Thrives in rocky, dry areas where other trees languish. Larger leaves than C. coggygria and much taller in stature at maturity.

Fagus sylvatica
European Beech

Fagus sylvatica (European Beech)

The grand patriarch of specimen trees. Generations of horticulturists have selected a rich assortment of beautiful cultivars that are grafted onto rootstocks such as these.

Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo

Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo)

Witness to the birth and extinction of countless species over a period of 150 million years, Ginkgo survives to charm us with its unique fan-shaped leaves and butter-yellow fall color. Consider that even after Hiroshima was devastated by nuclear blast, fire and radiation in 1945, at ground zero it was the lone re-generating tree the following spring. Merits wider use: many new grafted male cultivars are becoming very popular. These are un-sexed seedlings, used almost exclusively for grafting.

Liriodendron tulipifera
Tuliptree

Liriodendron tulipifera (Tuliptree)

Among the tallest of our native American hardwoods, it shares much in common with Magnolia acuminata. Intriguing cup-shaped flowers of orange, yellow, and green in early summer. Grows fast if planted in deep, moist soil, but it will languish if planted in a dry or compacted area.

Mahonia aquifolium
Oregon Grape

Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon Grape)

Upright evergreen shrub with spiny leaves. Native in the Northwest, it benefits from occasional pruning to keep foliage clean and diminish its tendency to become overgrown. Native Americans used the stems and roots to make a yellow dye.

Nyssa sylvatica
Blackgum, Black Tupelo

Nyssa sylvatica (Blackgum, Black Tupelo)

With its brightly colored, shiny autumn leaves and wide range of adaptivity, especially well suited to wet sites. This is a great landscape tree. Unlike widely-planted Sweetgum, even seedlings of Blackgum are dependable for fall color. Needs pruning when young. These pot-propagated plants ensure transplant success.

Oxydendrum arboreum
Sourwood

Oxydendrum arboreum (Sourwood)

Exceptional ornamental with handsome glossy summer foliage. A medium tree that grows to 45 ft., it prefers full sun and an acidic, well-drained soil. Honeybees relish the nectar of the delicate, heather-like blooms, borne on the branch ends like white bouquets in mid-summer. Sourwood honey is a particular delight, so special that it's sold only regionally in the Southeast, and fetches a premium at roadside stands. Oxydendrum in the autumn is a sight for tired eyes, as the foliage shows off rich blends of orange, red and yellow.

Quercus bicolor (Missouri source)
Swamp White Oak (Missouri source)

Quercus bicolor (Missouri source) (Swamp White Oak (Missouri source))

Flaking bark texture, even on young trees. Although its common name indicates that it prefers moist areas, it is drought tolerant. The silver undersides of the leaves lend contrast to the upper leaf surface, prompting the species name "bicolor". Among the easiest of the oaks to transplant, it is also hardy and has few insect or disease problems.

Quercus palustris
Pin Oak

Quercus palustris (Pin Oak)

Widely planted throughout the eastern US because it tolerates wet sites and disturbed, compacted soils. Pin Oak is sometimes seen with chlorotic foliage caused by iron deficiency in high pH soils. In such areas, Quercus ellipsoidalis is a superior landscape choice, better adapted to limestone soils.

Quercus phellos
Willow Oak

Quercus phellos (Willow Oak)

A fine -textured tree with high branches, it makes a great specimen for a lawn or along a roadside. Fall color ranges from brown to yellow to russet red. Rapid growing, this is among the best of the eastern US oaks. Its narrow leaves are easily cleaned up from the lawn. The small acorns, like those of the pin oak, are relished by wildlife.

Quercus rubra
Northern Red Oak

Quercus rubra (Northern Red Oak)

Among the largest of the North American oaks, it grows fast and is easy to transplant.

Styrax japonicus
Japanese Snowbell

Styrax japonicus (Japanese Snowbell)

Small leaves and profuse white, bell-shaped June flowers. Best planted where the masses of pendant blossoms may be seen from below, such as along a rock wall or embankment. Pest-free, hardy, and rapid-growing. Occasional pruning when it is young encourages an open branch habit so that its flowers are more easily seen.

Styrax obassia
Fragrant Snowbell

Styrax obassia (Fragrant Snowbell)

Leaves with fuzzy underside, much larger than those of the far more common S. japonicus. Superb, fragrant flowers dangle in long showy clusters. Open branch habit; ultimately twice as tall as S. japonicus. Requires full sun and well-drained soil.

Carex deweyana
Dewey's Sedge

Carex deweyana (Dewey's Sedge)

Slender, clump forming sedge 12-16 ' tall, light green leaves and nodding inflorescence.

Zelkova serrata
Japanese Zelkova

Zelkova serrata (Japanese Zelkova)

Member of the Elm family but resistant to DED. Older trees exhibit an especially attractive bark. Vigorous in the nursery, these seedlings have been lightly pruned to encourage straight stems.

Taxodium distichum
Baldcypress

Taxodium distichum (Baldcypress)

Durable deciduous conifer adapted to colder climates and drier soils than those in its native Southeast. Best planted where it can develop unhindered, as it is naturally a large tree. Amazingly, it thrives from upstate New York to the High Plains of Texas and south to Florida. Lumber is highly prized for its decay resistance. Despite its large stature, its landscape appeal is evident in its lacy foliage texture, which becomes a handsome, distinctive blend of green, yellow and brown in autumn. The shaggy bark and bold architecture of its branches lend striking winter interest. Trouble-free, easy to grow and transplant if root-pruned or containerized.

Fagus sylvatica f. purpurea
Copper Beech, Purple Beech

Fagus sylvatica f. purpurea (Copper Beech, Purple Beech)

A relatively inexpensive alternative to more expensive grafted varieties, these beauties offer dark purple leaves in the spring draw customer attention in the garden center. Utilize them as specimens or to make a distinctive hedge. Seed is difficult to procure annually so our supply is hard to predict. So get these when you can, a few years' supply at a time.

Franklinia alatamaha
Franklin Tree

Franklinia alatamaha (Franklin Tree)

Always sought after, this uncommon tree is celebrated because of its legendary origin in horticulture as well as its role as an extraordinary landscape plant. Camellia-like flowers are borne from early autumn until frost. Brilliant, shiny autumn foliage-a plant for your connoisseur clients.

Carpinus betulus 'Columnaris Nana'
Dwarf Columnar European Hornbeam

Carpinus betulus 'Columnaris Nana' (Dwarf Columnar European Hornbeam)

Given no pruning, forms a dense, dwarf, upright tree . It is useful as a walkway or border focal point or as an edging feature. A diminutive hedge could be another landscape option, with the larger-than-usual buds adding to its winter interest. Rarely available in the trade still, but very easy to grow and zero maintenance required other than irrigation.

Aesculus pavia
Red Buckeye

Aesculus pavia (Red Buckeye)

To lump this distinguished small tree with more coarse horsechestnuts is inappropriate, as it has tremendous ornamental appeal. Shiny, scorch-free foliage and bright red spring flowers command attention. Tolerates heat well, stays small, and blooms freely even in shade. Among Aesculus this one is an aristocrat that merits far wider use in the trade. Truly a "Wow!" plant.

Acer rubrum
Red Maple

Acer rubrum (Red Maple)

Among the best known of eastern North American trees because it is well adapted. We offer these seedlings as an alternative to more expensive named selections.

Magnolia kobus
Kobus Magnolia

Magnolia kobus (Kobus Magnolia)

Very hardy - the rootstock of choice for a rich selection of new hybrids. These liners have an extensive root system - a bonus for field planting or potting up.

Metasequoia glyptostroboides
Dawn Redwood

Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood)

This ancient tree evokes a sentiment of awe when one realizes it has endured change and upheaval essentially in its present form for millions of years. Discovered as a "living fossil" in China in 1941, it prefers a moist, well-drained soil. Dawn Redwood is a fast-growing, pest-free and fine-textured conifer, hardy and adaptable.

Cercis canadensis var. texensis 'Oklahoma'
Oklahoma Redbud

Cercis canadensis var. texensis 'Oklahoma' (Oklahoma Redbud)

As the common name implies, it's better adapted to heat and drought, and is a little smaller in mature stature. Bright pink-red flowers. The leaves are rounded and attractively shiny.

Lindera benzoin
Spicebush

Lindera benzoin (Spicebush)

Its autumn color, early spring flowers, small habit, ease of care, and fragrant foliage make this shrub highly ornamental. It is well-adapted in wet areas, great for naturalizing, and rarely taller than head-high.

Carpinus caroliniana WI Source
Hardy American Hornbeam, Musclewood

Carpinus caroliniana WI Source (Hardy American Hornbeam, Musclewood)

A seedling strain selected over many years by Mike Yanny of Johnson's Nursery in Menominee Falls, WI. for improved orange-red autumn color. A small-scale (to 30 ft. x 30 ft.) tree with a dense canopy. Its leaf and bark characteristics resemble a small beech tree with fall color. Easy to transplant. Use as rootstock for Firespire� to assure grafted plants will survive in zones 3-4.

Koelreuteria paniculata
Goldenraintree

Koelreuteria paniculata (Goldenraintree)

Attractive as a landscape tree for its bright golden summer flowers that stand erect above the distinctive foliage. Flowers mature into clustered, papery "Chinese lantern" seed capsules that droop from the branches mid-summer through autumn. Goldenraintree seems to do best if it is somewhat neglected.

Hamamelis virginiana
Common Witchhazel

Hamamelis virginiana (Common Witchhazel)

Most often used as a rootstock for selected cultivars. This native American shrub can grow to 20 ft. with equal spread. Prefers moist soils, but full sun in the landscape encourages more compact growth. Trim branches just before the plant blooms to force indoor flowers.

Quercus coccinea
Scarlet Oak

Quercus coccinea (Scarlet Oak)

Large tree, more tolerant of high pH soils than Pin Oak. In the wild it grows in upland areas. Bright red fall color, persistent leaves, and a round outline at maturity.

Fagus grandifolia
American Beech

Fagus grandifolia (American Beech)

Heat tolerance helps this native tree outperform F. sylvatica in the Southeast, and yet it is also cold hardy. Best for large, open area where it is free to grow, reaching heights of 70-90 ft.

Cercis canadensis Lavender Twist� 'Covey'
Lavender Twist� Weeping Redbud

Cercis canadensis Lavender Twist� 'Covey' (Lavender Twist� Weeping Redbud)

Selected by Ohio tree connoisseur Tim Brotzman. Strongly weeping tree with masses of lavender-pink, pea-shaped flowers in late spring. Dark green, glossy summer foliage.

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USDA Zone 8