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Great Plant Picks

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.

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.

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.

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.

Corylus colurna
Turkish Hazel Tree

Corylus colurna (Turkish Hazel Tree)

Uncommon in American gardens, this medium to large tree ought to be used more for its pest-free character, corky bark, and symmetrical cone-shaped outline. Stays remarkably green through the toughest drought. Often used as rootstock for C. avellana 'Contorta' because it has less potential to produce suckers below the graft union as compared to C. avellana.

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.

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.

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 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.

Stewartia pseudocamellia
Japanese Stewartia

Stewartia pseudocamellia (Japanese Stewartia)

Among the most desirable of all deciduous landscape trees. Camellia-like flowers in early summer. Striking bark patches that resemble pieces of a puzzle. Diminutive mature size, ideal as a small specimen tree. Red, yellow, and orange autumn leaf colors. This taxon is the ideal landscape tree - the complete package. Our strain is originally from the vicinity of Nikko Park in Japan, and has survived the extremely harsh winter lows of the UP in Quinnisec, Michigan. We're talking 35 below zero! Check out their amazing root systems, pot up or plant them out, and make some money.

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.

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.

Sciadopitys verticillata
Japanese Umbrella Pine

Sciadopitys verticillata (Japanese Umbrella Pine)

Soft needles, pleasing form, and kind of pre-historic in its overall appearance, Umbrella Pine is somewhat slow-growing, but always in demand from those suppliers who invest in liners annually and hold them for 4-5 years. Best if not crowded or planted in a wet spot, or simply "let go". This is an expensive plant to buy but a profitable one to sell if you're patient and want to offer something other than red maples, crabapples and honeylocust.

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.

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.

Corylopsis pauciflora
Buttercup Winterhazel

Corylopsis pauciflora (Buttercup Winterhazel)

Of refined, delicate appearance year-long, this woodland shrub from Japan makes a great substitute for witchhazel in smaller gardens. It slowly mounds up, becoming more broad than tall, and is easily maintained. Primrose yellow flowers cover the branches in early spring. Prefers moist, partially shaded borders and open woods, but tolerates a sunny spot fine: it just grows more slowly in full sun.

Magnolia macrophylla
Bigleaf Magnolia

Magnolia macrophylla (Bigleaf Magnolia)

Bigleaf Magnolia appears tropical, but is surprisingly hardy. A medium to large native tree with huge leaves, impressive white flowers and decorative fruits.

Iris tenax
Oregon Iris

Iris tenax (Oregon Iris)

The leaves are tough, dark, grass-like, and nearly evergreen on this showy iris. It blooms in a spectacular color range from almost white to purple and all hues of blue in between. It is clump forming, blooming April-May, it is only 14 in. tall. This is an excellent, easy, very drought tolerant garden plant that is used far too infrequently. Nectar species for Dusky Wing and, occasionally, Fenders Blue Butterfly.

Camassia quamash
Camas Flower

Camassia quamash (Camas Flower)

With intensely blue, starry flowers in dense spikes in a carefree package the camas is a useful addition to gardens. It will gently reseed itself given light shade to full sun and some spring moisture. Dormancy starts in June so it is a great candidate for mixing with other perennials. 18 in. tall. Occasional nectar species for Fenders Blue Butterfly.

Chionanthus virginicus
White Fringetree

Chionanthus virginicus (White Fringetree)

Shiny dark green leaves and abundant, white, pleasantly fragrant flowers showcase this classy American native. Much hardier than C. retusus, it performs best in full sun and is remarkably versatile - from moist lowlands to dry hillsides. Among the finest of ALL landscape plants, not just natives.

Stewartia monadelpha
Tall Stewartia

Stewartia monadelpha (Tall Stewartia)

A crowning jewel for the connoisseur's garden. Tall Stewartia differs from the larger, more commonly encountered species Stewartia pseudocamellia with its smooth, reddish brown bark and smaller leaves, Flowers are more abundant and smaller. Charming muted maroon fall color, even in the South. This tree is perfectly planted in afternoon-shaded loose, organic soil or near a woods edge. Alongside an old rotted tree stump is perfect. It will NOT tolerate wet or compacted soil in the immediate vicinity of home or street construction. Yet, with thoughtful planting care and judicious watering practice, few small trees are as tastefully gracious in their full-season garden appeal.

Fothergilla x intermedia 'Mt. Airy'
Mt. Airy Dwarf Fothergilla

Fothergilla x intermedia 'Mt. Airy' (Mt. Airy Dwarf Fothergilla)

A select American native, 'Mt. Airy' merits wider use as compared to its close relatives, the witchhazels, which are much larger in mature stature. Exhibits excellent hardiness, attractive summer foliage and spectacular autumn color. The white bottlebrush flowers are borne in showy abundance during April/May.

Carpinus caroliniana
American Hornbeam, Musclewood

Carpinus caroliniana (American Hornbeam, Musclewood)

Pest-free and widely adapted to conditions from the stream-side to the neighborhood mall. It's surprising the trade has not more widely embraced this American native. Fall color is an appealing mix of soft red, yellow and orange. Squirrels risk falling from the slenderest of branches to eat every possible fat, fertile seed in October.

Acer buergerianum
Trident Maple

Acer buergerianum (Trident Maple)

Small shade tree with flaky, orange-gray bark. Colorful autumn leaves. Excellent patio specimen or bonsai subject. It is especially well adapted in the South, growing well even in full sun. A University of Georgia and Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Gold Medal Winner.

Cornus kousa 'Milky Way'
Milky Way Dogwood

Cornus kousa 'Milky Way' (Milky Way Dogwood)

Among the most prolific of all white-blooming kousas. These are vegetatively propagated from our original budwood accession - the original 'Milky Way' dogwoods at Wayside Gardens. After 50 years, the name is widely recognized and an easy sell to your clients, but pay no premium for Milky Way seedlings.

Cornus alternifolia
Pagoda Dogwood

Cornus alternifolia (Pagoda Dogwood)

Shrubby tree with a prominently horizontal, tiered branch pattern, suggesting its common name. Flat clusters of fragrant May flowers add to its layered ornamental appearance. Blue-black fruits ripen in late summer, followed by bronze autumn foliage.

Magnolia 'Galaxy'
Galaxy Magnolia

Magnolia 'Galaxy' (Galaxy Magnolia)

Magnolia liliiflora 'Nigra' and Magnolia sprengeri 'Diva' were crossed to make this handsome early hybrid. Very dark purple buds open to medium purple 8 in. flowers on this hardy upright tree. Consistently praised by our clients as a dependable money-maker for its precocious blooming habit, ease of care, and fast growth in the nursery.

Davidia involucrata
Dove Tree, Handkerchief Tree

Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree, Handkerchief Tree)

The intriguing flowers of this Chinese native tree invite closer inspection. Similar to Flowering Dogwood and Chinese Dogwood, the "petals" are actually large white bracts that overshadow the inconspicuous actual flowers. Difficult to propagate and locate in the wholesale trade, Dove Tree is widely adapted and fast-growing to 40 ft. tall. Once established, it makes an strong specimen tree, seldom damaged by ice storms.

Magnolia sieboldii
Oyama Magnolia

Magnolia sieboldii (Oyama Magnolia)

This species is prized for its small stature and remarkably beautiful flowers. The fragrant, nodding white blooms are accented by red stamens. Since this is a small tree, close inspection of the flowers is easy - a true delight! Although most references list it as zones 6-8, it has proved hardy at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, growing successfully in a windy Zone 4.

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Arnold's Promise'
Arnold's Promise Witchhazel

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Arnold's Promise' (Arnold's Promise Witchhazel)

Arnold's Promise has quite fragrant yellow flowers opening after other varieties. Fall color is a mix of yellow, orange, and red.

Quercus garryana
Oregon White Oak

Quercus garryana (Oregon White Oak)

Named to honor Nicholas Garry of the Hudson Bay Company, this is the climax species of the pre-1850s Willamette Valley oak savannah. We see occasional see remnants of these original trees, some of which measure more than 5 ft. through and exceed 300 yrs. old. These are truly heritage trees, having sheltered and fed the Calapooya Indians, who gathered acorns by the ton and processed them to make thick soup and flatbread.

Mahonia x media 'Winter Sun'
Winter Sun Mahonia

Mahonia x media 'Winter Sun' (Winter Sun Mahonia)

Evergreen shrub with rich forest-green foliage to accent its bright yellow early winter flowers. Upright growth and drought/shade tolerance make this a great focal plant when winter's arrival means fewer possibilities to brighten the garden. Offers bloom succession after 'Charity'.

Cornus kousa 'Satomi'
Satomi Dogwood

Cornus kousa 'Satomi' (Satomi Dogwood)

Best known of the pink C. kousa selections. Flowers are a rich variety of muted pinks. Leaves also tinted with a bit of maroon, adding summer-long interest. Income potential matches its ornamental promise, as its growth is upright and strong. It is not patented, and almost never develops the disease problems associated with C. florida.

Acer triflorum
Three-flower Maple

Acer triflorum (Three-flower Maple)

Bark peels in tight vertical curls. September brings a muted blend of yellow and claret-red foliage, capturing the essence of autumn. During winter, tufts of snow lodge on the peels of grey and honey-colored bark, lending contrast. Often listed as hardy to Zone 5, growers report it hardy to -40�F - a full zone rating hardier than Acer griseum.

Ginkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold'
Autumn Gold Ginkgo

Ginkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold' (Autumn Gold Ginkgo)

Among the most popular of the fruitless male selections. Not as strongly upright as the variety 'Fastigiata', Liners require staking early. With age it attains a handsome form and consistent brilliant gold color in autumn. This clone and 'Saratoga' come from the Saratoga Horticultural Foundation.

Amelanchier x grandiflora 'Autumn Brilliance'�
'Autumn Brilliance'� Serviceberry

Amelanchier x grandiflora 'Autumn Brilliance'� ('Autumn Brilliance'� Serviceberry)

Excellent trade name recognition because it is clearly a superior clone across a wide variety of Midwest and Eastern US climates. Grows to 20-25 ft. and develops reliable red-orange autumn color. The showy multi-colored fruits are relished by birds, and it never becomes obtrusive in the landscape.

Asimina triloba
Pawpaw

Asimina triloba (Pawpaw)

Widely adapted and tolerant of damp soils, our US native Pawpaw has been under-used as a landscape tree but is attracting substantial attention. This genus is the exclusive food plant for native Zebra Swallowtail butterfly larvae in the East. Nodding purple flowers are unlike those of any other American tree - curious with their three-lobes, pollinated by flies. The perishable fruits have a memorably delicious taste, are nutritious, and resemble the tropical mango. Bold leaves turn a pleasing yellow in autumn. Our seedlings are greenhouse-grown in root-pruning containers for excellent transplant success.

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snow Queen'
Snow Queen Oakleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snow Queen' (Snow Queen Oakleaf Hydrangea)

A prolific bloomer, its stout stems ensure that the flowers don't droop. Although the coarse leaves give it an almost tropical appearance, the autumn leaf colors are a rich mix of red, burnt orange, and green. When the notably persistent foliage drops, the tan/brown exfoliating bark is a pleasing unexpected bonus.

Enkianthus perulatus
White Enkianthus

Enkianthus perulatus (White Enkianthus)

A choice shrub, rare in the wholesale trade because it is so very compact, no more than 3 feet in twenty years, producing almost no cuttings. Large, snow-white flowers and deep green foliage which turns brilliant red in autumn.

Parrotia persica
Persian Ironwood/Parrotia

Parrotia persica (Persian Ironwood/Parrotia)

Essentially the tree form of witchhazel. It naturally becomes a low-branched tree, typically two-thirds as broad as it is tall. Bark exfoliates on older branches; leaves turn brilliant red, yellow and orange in autumn. With a bit of selective pruning when it's young, but minimal care thereafter, it becomes a medium-sized tree of appealing form. Maroon spring flowers are small, easily missed but attractive, rewarding the curious.

Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder'
Eddie's White Wonder Dogwood

Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder' (Eddie's White Wonder Dogwood)

Large flowers, exceptionally fast hybrid growth, and tree-like form make this cultivar an attractive, under-used plant for the Pacific Northwest.

Heptacodium miconioides
Seven-Son Flower

Heptacodium miconioides (Seven-Son Flower)

Due to its multi-season appeal, this multi-stemmed tree, introduced from China only in 1980, is finally starting to gain followers. Covered with large clusters of white flowers in mid summer, in late summer and fall it displays great masses of pink-red seeds. Finally, the winter season highlights its shaggy bark - the color of soft beach sand. It does require shaping to highlight its normally "stemmy" form - a central leader formed early helps to make it a highly marketable tree, but it cannot be reshaped if neglected when small.

Chionanthus retusus
Chinese Fringetree

Chionanthus retusus (Chinese Fringetree)

Like C. virginicus, Chinese Fringetree is an easily grown, small to medium tree. Flowers are borne at the ends of new shoots, weighing down the branches like wet snow. Few pests bother it. Always appealing across the seasons, the cinnamon-colored bark is most attractive in winter when contrasted against a snowy background.

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