Small to medium deciduous street trees (patio or small spaces; some under utility lines):

Botanical Name Common Name	Native	Mature Height/Spread	Light Requirements	Comments
Acer buergerianum Trident Maple	N	25-35’/20-30’	Sun	Good urban street tree, tolerant of drought, air pollution, and soil compaction; attractive foliage, form, fall color, and exfoliating bark
Acer campestre Hedge maple	N	25-35’/30-35’	Sun/light shade	Extremely adaptable; tolerates drought and soil compaction, air pollution and severe pruning; small lawn specimen or residential street tree
Acer ginnala Amur Maple	N	15-20’/15-20	Sun/part-shade	Adaptable to a wide range of soils, easy to transplant, tends toward multi-stem; not recommended for street tree; good in planters
Acer leucoderme Chalkbark maple	Y	25-30’/20-30’	Sun, light shade	Adaptable; tolerates dry conditions; commercial availability may be problem; great whitish bark
Amelanchier arborea Serviceberry, Sarvis	Y	15-25’/10-15’	Sun/part-shade	Blooms in early spring before dogwoods with white flowers; good under power lines, can be multi-trunked; use with care in urban sites, not drought or urban tolerant
Carpinus caroliniana American Hornbeam, musclewood	Y	20-30’/20-30’	Sun/shade	Good street tree for residential sites; great for naturalizing along woodland edges, in buffer areas or along streams; not drought or compaction tolerant
Cercis canadensis Eastern Redbud	Y	20-30’/25-35’	Sun/part-shade	Beautiful pink/magenta/white flowers in spring; best for use in woodland/naturalized settings, use in buffer areas as understory or street tree under power lines
Cotinus obovatus American Smoketree	Y	20-30’/20-30’	Sun	Good small tree for street and urban plantings, tolerates dry soil conditions, magnificent fall foliage ranges from yellow/orange to red/reddish purple, attractive bark in winter
Chionanthus virginicus White Fringetree	Y	15-20’/12-15’	Sun/part-shade	Beautiful white fragrant flowers in spring, dark blue fruit in fall; great understory tree in woodland or buffer areas, or under power lines; moderate drought tolerance
Chionanthus retusus Chinese fringetree	N	15-25’/15-25’	Sun/light shade	Excellent floral display and great fruit, only on females; heat tolerant and adaptable
Cornus alternifolia Pagoda Dogwood	Y	15-25’/10-20’	Sun/part-shade	Fibrous spreading roots, best for naturalizing in woodland or buffer areas; spreading habit with horizontal branches creates a layered look
Cornus florida Flowering Dogwood	Y	20-30’/20-30’	Sun/part-shade	Good for naturalizing; needs good air circulation, not pollution or drought tolerant; not recommended for street tree planting
Cornus kousa Kousa Dogwood	N	20-30’/20-30’	Sun/part-shade	Creamy white flowers more prolific in sun, exfoliating bark, more disease resistant than Cornus florida,; moderately drought tolerant; best in open areas to allow for broad spread
Crataegus crusgalli var. inermis Thornless cockspur hawthorn	Y	20-30’/20-35’	Sun	Adaptable, prefers well-drained soil; moderately urban tolerant; use only thornless variety for street trees; great for screens and hedges
Crataegus phaenopyrum Washington Hawthorn	Y	25-30’/20-25’	Sun	Creamy white flowers in May; attractive in winter with persistent red fruit, good street tree; susceptible to rusts; don’t plant adjacent to junipers or quince
Crataegus viridis ‘Winter King’ Winter green green hawthorn	Y	20-35’/20-35’	Sun	Vase-shaped, rounded habit; persistent, large red fruits, very nice
Hamamelis virginiana Witchhazel	Y	20-30’/20-25’	Sun/shade	Great for naturalizing in woodland or buffer areas; prefers moist, well-drained soils
Koelreuteria paniculata Goldenrain Tree	N	30-40’/30-40’	Sun	Withstands drought, heat, wind and pollution; good urban street tree, though maybe weak wooded; great yellow flowers in late spring; reseeds easily; ungainly in youth
Malus Flowering Crabapple	N	Varies based on cultivar	Sun	Beautiful spring flowering tree, many colors; disease resistant varieties include: ‘Adams’, ‘Adirondack’, ‘Harvest Gold’, ‘Prairifire’, ‘Professor Sprenger’, and Sugar Tyme^Ô
Lagerstroemia indica Crape myrtle	N	Varies based on cultivar	Sun	Adaptable species; prefers hot conditions; many cultivars suited to various sites
Ostrya virginiana American Hophornbeam	Y	25-40’/20-40’	Sun/part-shade	Useful naturalizing or as a street tree; prefers moist, well-drained soil; slow to establish
Parrotia persica Persian Parrotia	N	20-40’/15-30’	Sun/light shade	Excellent small tree with exfoliating bark and crimson flowers in early spring; tolerant of drought, heat, wind and cold; use as street tree, under power lines or as an accent plant
Pistacia chinensis Chinese pistache	N	30-35’/25-35’	Sun	Tolerates a wide range of sites and soil conditions; tough urban tree, very drought resistant; prune to get uniform crown; use a street tree, open areas and so forth
Prunus sargentii Sargent Cherry	N	20-30’/20-30’	Sun	Pink flowers in April/May, rich brown bark and great fall color, good street tree under power lines; ‘Columnaris’ is 20-35’/10-15’ upright form
Prunus serrulata ‘Kwanzan’ Flowering cherry	N	30-40’/30-40’	Sun	Prefers moist, well-drained soils; not particularly urabn or drought tolerant; great street for wide lawns
Viburnum prunifolium Blackhaw Viburnum	Y	15-20’/8-12’	Sun/shade	Adaptable to many soil types; drought tolerant; white flowers in May, good fall color; ok street tree may tend to sucker, also use in massing or naturalizing

Large deciduous street or open space trees:

Botanical Name Common Name	Native	Mature Height/Spread	Light Requirements	Comments
Acer x freemanii Autumn Blaze^Ò Autumn Blaze Freeman maple	Y (CN)	40-50’/20-40’	Sun/light shade	Excellent red fall color; adaptable to urban sites;
Acer rubrum Red Maple	Y	40-60’/varies	Sun/shade	Fall leaf color varies, ‘October Glory’ and ‘Red Sunset’ cultivars provide good orange/red fall color; not drought or soil compaction tolerant
Aesculus flava Yellow Buckeye	Y	60-75’/30-50’	Sun	Spectacular native trouble free tree; great pumpkin fall color; use in large areas, not as street tree; prefers moist, well-drained soil
Betula nigra River Birch	Y	40-70’/40-60’	Sun/part-shade	Good for areas that flood periodically; heat, but not drought tolerant; best in large areas and limited use as a street tree
Carpinus betulus European Hornbeam	N	40-60’/30-50’	Sun/part-shade	Can prune as a hedge or screen; use in grouping around buildings or in planter boxes; not drought tolerant; ‘Fastigiata’ good columnar form
Celtis occidentalis Common Hackberry	Y	40-60’/40-60’	Sun	Nice native tree, withstands adverse city conditions, yellow green fall foliage, fall fruit is a favorite for birds
Cercidiphyllum japonicum Katsuratree	N	40-60’/40-60’	Sun	Elegant tree, good street tree with sufficient space and moisture; best in large spaces; requires supplemental watering during drought
Cladrastis kentukea American Yellowwood	Y	30-50’/40-55’	Sun	Spectacular cascading white flowers in spring; use as specimen or in groupings; may develop weak crotches and readily splits; great for smaller properties
Fagus grandifolia American Beech	Y	50-70’/40-60’	Sun/shade	Beautiful native tree for large areas and natural settings; will not tolerate heavy pruning, wet soil or heavily compacted sites
Fraxinus americana White Ash	Y	50-80’/50-70’	Sun	Shade or street tree with good fall color ranging from reddish purple to yellow; tolerant of wide variety of conditions; susceptible to emerald ash borer
Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green Ash	Y	50-60’/varies	Sun	Withstands city conditions; good street tree and for large areas; beautiful yellow fall color, some cultivars with purple fall color; susceptible to emerald ash borer
Ginkgo biloba Ginkgo, Maidenhair	N	50-80’/varies	Sun	Ancient tree with unique fan-shaped leaf, beautiful shade tree; use male trees only as female fruit produces offensive odor; good urban tree; slow grower
Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis Thornless Honeylocust	Y	30-70’/30-70’	Sun	Very adaptable; good salt and urban tolerance; does not perform well I heat and high humidity of south; select fruitless varieties for landscape use
Gymnocladus dioicus Kentucky coffeetree	Y	60-75’/40-50’	Sun	Adaptable to wide range of soils, drought tolerant; “ugly duckling” in youth, but becoming picturesque; good for open areas and large tree lawns; females produce large fruits, that may be considered messy by some
Larix kaempferi Japanese Larch	N	70-90’/25-40’	Sun	Deciduous conifer with elegant spring growth; prefers moist, well-drained soils, not drought tolerant; best ornamental larch for large areas; cultivars available
Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum	Y	60-75’/40-50’	Sun/part-shade	Excellent fall color, good for planting in moist areas along streams; fruit may be a nuisance; use for streets and large areas, avoid polluted or confined sites
Liriodendron tulipifera Tulip Poplar, Yellow Poplar	Y	70-90’/35-50’	Sun	Large, stately tree; susceptible to drought but otherwise adaptable; beautiful yellow fall color, good for street trees and open areas
Magnolia acuminata Cucumbertree magnolia	Y	50-80’/50-80’	Sun/part-shade	May be hard to transplant; good for large open areas; not drought or pollution tolerant; prefers moist, well-drained, loamy soils
Metasequoia glyptostroboides Dawn Redwood	N	70-100’/25-30’	Sun	Deciduous conifer; distinctive pyramidal habit; easy to transplant; use for screening, streets, also excellent for groves along lakes and streams
Nyssa sylvatica Black Tupelo	Y	30-50’/20-30’	Sun/part-shade	Difficult to transplant; bright red, early fall color; street tree in residential areas or shade tree in large open areas; prefers moist soil, protect from winds

Large deciduous street or open space trees (continued):

Botanical Name Common Name	Native	Mature Height/Spread	Light Requirements	Comments
Platanus x acerifolia London Planetree	N	70-100’/65-80’	Sun/light-shade	Withstands severe city conditions; good for use as street tree; easily transplanted; susceptible to cankerstain; often overplanted
Platanus occidentalis American Sycamore	Y	75-100’/75-100’	Sun/part-shade	Use for naturalized settings along streams; very large tree, needs lots of space; good downtown street tree; susceptible to anthracnose
Prunus subhirtella Higan Cherry	N	20-40’/15-20’	Sun	Long lived; cold, heat and stress tolerant; ‘Pendula’ is a weeping variety
Prunus x yedoensis Yoshino Cherry	N	20-30’/20-30’	Sun	Soft pinkish white flowers in early spring make spectacular display; fast growing; fairly adaptable, but like other cherries, not necessarily drought tolerant
Quercus acutissima Sawtooth oak	N	40-60’/40-60’	Sun	Prefers well-drained soil; transplants readily and grows quickly; highly adaptable, does well in heat of south; great for street tree or large park tree
Quercus alba White Oak	Y	50-80’/50-80’	Sun/part-shade	Majestic large shade tree; slow growing but long lived; difficult to transplant; sensitive to root disturbance when grading and soil compaction
Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak	Y	50-60’/50-60’	Sun	Good for planting in low lying areas; easier to transplant than white oak; requires acid soil; tolerates wet sites and fairly urban tolerant
Quercus coccinea Scarlet Oak	Y	70-75’/40-50’	Sun	Long lasting bright red and scarlet leaves in fall; good for dry, sandy soils; good for street plantings and large areas
Quercus palustris Pin Oak	Y	60-70’/25-40’	Sun/part-shade	One of the easiest oaks to grow and transplant; good for street plantings if lower limbs are removed; prefers moist, well-drained acidic soil
Quercus phellos Willow Oak	Y	40-60’/30-40’	Sun	Extremely tolerant of heat and stress; excellent street tree; easily transplanted; requires maintenance to keep crown open and fee of dead limbs; great urban tree
Quercus rubra Red Oak	Y	60-75’/60-75’	Sun/part-shade	Excellent shade tree and effective as a street tree; easy to transplant; rapid grower; prefers moist, sandy-loam, acidic soils
Sophora japonica Japanese Pagoda Tree	N	50-70’/50-70’	Sun	Good tree for city conditions; creamy flower panicles in summer, very showy but can be messy; very pollution tolerant
Taxodium distichum Baldcypress	Y	50-70’/20-30’	Sun	Deciduous conifer with tall airy, columnar habit; can withstand swampy conditions, but tolerant of upland drier sites; good street tree with ample root area
Tilia americana Basswood, American Linden	Y	60-80’/20-40’	Sun	Fragrant yellow flowers in June; good for naturalizing or as street tree; slow grower
Tilia cordata Littleleaf Linden	N	60-70’/30-45’	Sun	This is one of the best city street or parking lot trees, yellowish fragrant flowers appear in June
Tilia tomentosa Silver Linden	N	50-70’/25-45’	Sun	Tolerant of heat and drought, good street tree for residential areas, yellowish white fragrant flowers, in summer but later than other lindens
Ulmus americana American Elm	Y	50-80’/30-50’	Sun/part-shade	Tough and durable, good for streets and parking lots, new varieties resistant to Dutch elm disease include ‘Valley Forge’, ‘Princeton’ and ‘New Harmony’
Ulmus parvifolia Lacebark elm	N	40-50’/40-50’	Sun/part shade	Good for difficult urban sites; makes best growth in moist, well-drained, fertile soils; great as a street tree or fro open areas
Zelkova serrata Japanese Zelkova	N	50-80’/50-80’	Sun/part-shade	Good shade tree for streets and parking lots, heat and drought tolerant, exfoliating bark

Evergreens for open spaces, specimens or massing:

Botanical Name Common Name	Native	Mature Height	Mature Spread	Light Requirements	Comments
Abies concolor White Fir	Y	30-50’	15-20’	Sun	Withstands heat, drought and cold; well adapted for general landscape use
Cedrus atlantica Atlas Cedar	N	40-60’	30-40’	Sun	Magnificent evergreen, frosty blue needles; drought tolerant, use as specimen tree
Cedrus deodara Deodar Cedar	N	40-70’	30-50’	Sun	Fluffy dense habit, silvery foliage; adaptable to dry conditions; fast grower; use in large areas as a specimen
Cedrus libani Cedar of Lebanon	N	40-60’	40-60’	Sun	Stately tree with thick massive trunk, dark green foliage; use as a specimen in large areas
Chamaecyparis pisifera Falsecypress	N	10-40’	10-20’	Sun	Species is large tree but most cultivars are smaller; use as accent or specimen plant, can also use as screen
Cryptomeria japonica Japanese Cryptomeria	N	50-60’	20-30’	Sun/part-shade	Graceful and stately, useful alternative to leyland cypress for hedges and screening; protect from harsh winds
Cupressus arizonica Arizona cypress	Y	40-50’	25-30’	Sun	Prefers hot, dry conditions with well-drained soil; great specimen, screen or windbreak plant; intense blue foliage, so don’t use too many together
Ilex opaca American Holly	Y	40-50’	20-40’	Sun/part-shade	Slow growing, plant male and female for berries, protect from winter sun and desiccating winds
Ilex x ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ Nellie Stevens Holly	N	15-25’	10-15’	Sun/part-shade	Excellent as specimen, for borders and foundation plantings, fast grower, good screen background, vigorous and drought resistant, self pollinating, red berries
Ilex x attenuata ‘Fosteri’ Foster Holly	N	20-30’	5-10’	Sun/part-shade	Excellent as specimen or hedge, especially in narrow spaces, tolerates city conditions, red berries in fall and winter, good in containers, self pollinating
Magnolia grandiflora Southern magnolia	Y	60-80’	30-50’	Sun/part-shade	Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates wet soils; protect from wind; surface roots very competitive to other plants; use in open areas, as screen or in mass
Osmanthus americanus Devilwood	Y	15-20’	10-15’	Sun/part-shade	Glossy green foliage, low maintenance shrub for urban areas, useful as hedge or screen, dark purple fruit in fall, fragrant spring flowers
Picea abies Norway Spruce	N	40-60’	25-30’	Sun/part-shade	Rapid growth when young; prefers moist, sandy, well-drained soils; plant in light shade in south; use for screening or park areas
Picea orientalis Oriental Spruce	N	50-60’	10-15’	Sun/part-shade	Dense compact narrow habit; tolerant of infertile soils, protect from winds; makes a great specimen conifer; slow grower
Picea pungens Colorado Blue Spruce	N	30-60’	10-20’	Sun	Best as specimen; cultivars can have intense blue foliage, tolerant of dry conditions
Pinus bungeana Lacebark Pine	N	30-50’	20-35’	Sun	Rich green foliage, exfoliating bark; slow grower; often multi-stemmed; plant in open area with moist, well-drained soil; easily transplanted
Pinus densiflora Japanese Red Pine	N	40-60’	40-60’	Sun	Picturesque interesting form, use as specimen; decorative orange exfoliating bark; prefers well-drained, moist soil
Pinus flexilis Limber pine	Y	30-50’	15-35’	Sun/part-shade	Prefers moist, well-drained soils; very adaptable to a variety of sites; use as specimen, hedges or in mass
Pinus strobus White Pine	Y	50-80’	20-40’	Sun	Good temporary screen when young; prefers moist, well-drained soils; tolerates dry or wet soil and high humidity; not pollution, salt or wind tolerant
Taxus baccata English Yew	N	30-60’	15-25’	Sun/shade	Cultivated in England for centuries, with many cultivars available smaller than species, adapts well to varied conditions, easily pruned
Pinus taeda Loblolly pine	Y	40-60’	40-60’	Sun	Does well in moist, even wet soils; adaptable to a variety of sites; good as specimen in large area or as screen
Tsuga canadensis Canadian Hemlock	Y	40-70’	25-35’	Sun/shade	Protect from desiccating winds, not very tolerant of urban conditions, best used for screening and buffers
Tsuga caroliniana Carolina Hemlock	Y	45-60’	20-25’	Sun/shade	More tolerant of urban conditions than Tsuga canadensis, not tolerant of drought, protect from winds

Deciduous shrubs for massing, shrub borders or foundation plantings:

Botanical Name Common Name	Native	Mature Height	Mature Spread	Light Requirements	Comments
Aesculus parviflora Bottlebrush buckeye	Y	8-12’	8-15’	Sun/part-shade	Suckering shrub, great for naturalizing or massing; prefers moist, well-drained soils, but highly adaptable; proliferates in shady spots
Aronia spp. Chokeberry	Y	6-10’	3-5’	Sun/part-shade	A. arbutifolia, red chokeberry and A. melanocarpa, black chokecherry offer great white flowers in spring and great fruit in fall; adaptable, even wet areas; use in massing
Berberis thunbergii Japanese Barberry	N	2-4’	2-3’	Sun	Great for hedges and barriers, withstands dry conditions, yellow flowers and red berries, many cultivars available
Berberis x mentorensis Mentor Barberry	N	5-7’	5-7’	Sun/part-shade	Excellent hedge or barrier due to thorny stems, yellow flowers in spring, but usually does not produce fruit
Buddleia davidii Butterfly-bush	N	6-10’	5-10’	Sun	Beautiful summer flowering shrub in a variety of colors; tolerates heat and drought, once established; attracts butterflies and bees; new cultivars of compact habit available
Callicarpa americana American Beautyberry	Y	4-6’	4-6’	Sun/part-shade	Good background plant for perennials or for naturalizing; striking in groups under trees, showy purple fruit, developing best in full sun; prefers moist soil
Callicarpa dichotoma Purple Beautyberry	N	3-4’	4-5’	Sun	Graceful and refined; prolific fruiter in late September, purple and white forms available; best used in mass
Calycanthus floridus Carolina Allspice, Sweetshrub	Y	6-10’	6-10’	Shade/sun	Dark red fragrant flowers in spring; nice for naturalizing or as a specimen; prefers moist, well-drained soil; white and yellow flowering forms available
Caryopteris x clandonensis Blue-Mist Shrub	N	2-3’	2-3’	Sun	Perennial shrub that should be cut back to ground each year; soft blue flowers in late summer
Cephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush	Y	3-6’ (15’)	5-10’	Sun/light shade	Requires moist conditions; great for naturalizing; unique flower and fruit
Chimonanthus praecox Wintersweet	N	10-15’	10-12’	Sun/part-shade	Fragrant, yellow flowers in winter; lustrous green foliage; use in shrub border or as specimen
Clethra alnifolia Summersweet Clethra	Y	5-8’	5-6’	Sun/shade	Fragrant white or pinkish flower in summer; very adaptable, excellent in wet sites; good for naturalizing; numerous cultivars of various mature sizes
Cotinus coggygria Smokebush	N	10-15’	10-15’	Sun	Showy in late spring when smoke like panicles are at peak; purple leaved cultivars available; use in border or groupings; Verticillium wilt may be a problem; adaptable
Cytisus scoparius Scotch broom	N	5-6’	5-10’	Sun/part-shade	Wide array of colors, good for massing and bank stabilization; adaptable, performing well on dry, poor soils
Deutzia gracilis Slender Deutzia	N	2-4’	3-4’	Sun	Low, graceful shrub with pure white flowers in May; use in borders and for mass plantings; highly adaptable; renewal pruning keep plant tidy
Euonymus alatus Burning Bush	N	10-15’	10-15’	Sun/part-shade	Useful in many situations for parking lot screening, foundations, and buffers; beautiful scarlet fall foliage, dwarf varieties available; overused and may be invasive
Euonymus americanus Strawberry Bush	N	7-8’	6-7’	Shade	Interesting dark red fruit in fall; useful for massing and naturalizing
Forsythia x intermedia Forsythia	N	8-10’	7-10’	Sun	Spectacular yellow flowers are harbinger of spring; very hardy and adaptable; useful in buffers and parking lots
Fothergilla gardenii Dwarf Fothergilla	Y	2-3’	2-3’	Sun/part-shade	Fragrant white, bottlebrush like flowers appear in mid spring; beautiful fluorescent yellow, orange and red fall foliage; prefers moist, well-drained soils with low pH
Fothergilla major Large Fothergilla	Y	6-10’	6-10’	Sun/part-shade	White fragrant flowers in spring, fluorescent yellow-orange foliage in fall; use for buffers, foundation plantings and in mass; prefers well-drained, moist soil with low pH
Hydrangea arborescens Smooth Hydrangea	Y	3-5’	3-5’	Sun/part-shade	Mounded habit; creamy white flowers in early summer; yellow foliage in fall; used in mixed shrub border; not particularly drought tolerant, shade best in south
Hydrangea macrophylla Bigleaf Hydrangea	N	3-6’	4-6’	Sun/part-shade	Plant in mass, shrub borders or as accent; shade best in south, not drought tolerant, tolerates salt spray; cultivars offer color options and variations in flower form
Hydrangea paniculata Panicle Hydrangea	N	10-20’	6-10’	Sun/part-shade	Showy white flowers in summer; tolerant of dry city conditions; can be pruned to form a small tree; most adaptable and urban tolerant hydrangea; not drought tolerant, though
Hydrangea quercifolia Oakleaf Hydrangea	Y	4-6’	4-6’	Sun/part-shade	Magnificent white flowers in June; exfoliating bark; use along shrub border or in mass; coarse texture so may need to use as background plant; not drought tolerant
Ilex decidua Possumhaw holly	Y	7-15’	7-12’	Sun/part-shade	Adaptable; fruits orange to scarlet; need both males and females for fruit set; Ilex opaca serves as pollinator
Ilex verticillata Winterberry Holly	Y	6-12’	6-10’	Sun/part-shade	A deciduous holly with bright red fruit that persists throughout the winter, male and female required for fruit set

Deciduous shrubs for massing, shrub borders or foundation plantings (continued):

Botanical Name Common Name	Native	Mature Height	Mature Spread	Light Requirements	Comments
Jasminum nudiflorum Winter Jasmine	N	2-4’	3-5’	Sun/shade	Low spreading plant with yellow flower in late winter, good for covering banks
Kerria japonica Japanese Kerria	N	3-6’	4-6’	Sun/part-shade	Yellow flowers may fade in full sun; tough plant; good in parking areas and shady buffers
Lindera benzoin Spicebush	Y	6-12’	6-12’	Sun/part-shade	Multi-stemmed shrub, greenish yellow flowers in early spring, yellow fall foliage with bright red fruit on female plants in September and October, great for naturalizing
Lagerstroemia indica Crape Myrtle	N	15-25’	5-15’	Sun	Tree like shrub, recommend ‘Natchez’ for our area, may be used as street tree under power lines, exfoliating bark
Physocarpus opulifolius Ninebark	Y	5-10’	6-10’	Sun/part-shade	Tolerates wide variety of soils and sites; somewhat drought tolerant, many cultivars with great selection of foliage color
Rhododendron periclymenoides Pinxterbloom Azalea	Y	4-6’	4-6’	Part-shade	Fragrant deciduous azalea, with white, pink or violet bloom in May, use for naturalizing in buffer areas
Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-low’ Gro-low fragrant sumac	Y	2-3’	6-8’	Sun/part-shade	Adaptable but prefers moist, well-drained site; does well on banks, cuts and poor soils; good for bank covers, low hedges and massing
Rhus typhina Staghorn sumac	Y	15-25’	15-30’	Sun	Prefers well-drained soils; tolerates dry, rocky, low fertility soil; tolerates city conditions; suckers profusely
Rhus copallina Flameleaf sumac	Y	20-30’	20-30’	Sun/part-shade	Great for dry, rocky areas, naturalizing; requires well-drained soils; needs space; excellent scarlet fall color
Salix purpurea Purpleosier Willow	N	8-10’	8-10’	Sun	Good choice for stream banks and moist areas; must occasionally be pruned back to the ground; wet soils
Spiraea x bumalda Bumald Spirea	N	3-4’	5-6’	Sun	‘Goldflame’ & ‘Anthony Waterer’ are popular cultivars; pink flowers, bronze red fall color; well-drained soils
Spiraea prunifolia Bridalwreath Spirea	N	4-9’	6-8’	Sun/shade	Graceful habit with white flowers in spring before the leaves appear; best for informal planting, combines well with roses and perennials
Spiraea thunbergii Thunberg Spirea	N	3-5’	3-5’	Sun	White flowers in early spring before leaves appear; wispy affect of foliage best when planted in mass
Spiraea x vanhouttei Vanhoutte Spirea	N	6-10’	10-12’	Sun/shade	Fountain like growth habit with white flowers in May after the leaves appear; useful as specimen or massed in buffer areas
Viburnum dentatum Arrowwood Viburnum	Y	6-8’	6-15’	Sun/part-shade	Very durable shrub, great for screening parking lots; white flowers in late spring, bluish black fruits in fall are a favorite for birds; adpatable
Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum Doublefile Viburnum	N	8-10’	9-12’	Sun/part-shade	Graceful shrub with horizontal branching, white flowers in spring; not drought tolerant; use as understory shrub or specimen
Viburnum x burkwoodii Burkwood Viburnum	N	8-10’	6-8’	Sun/part-shade	Fragrant spring flowering shrub, red fruit in fall turns to black; use for naturalizing and shrub borders

Evergreen shrubs for massing, shrub borders or foundation plantings:

Botanical Name Common Name	Native	Mature Height	Mature Spread	Light Requirements	Comments
Abelia grandiflora Glossy Abelia	N	4-6’	3-5’	Sun/part-shade	Good for use in masses and hedges; pinkish-white flowers in late spring through frost; adaptable to many sites and heavy pruning
Chamaecyparis obutsa Hinoki falsecypress	N	varies	varies	Sun/light shade	Prefers moist, well-drained soil; protect from winter winds; specimen, rock gardens and massing; many cultivars available varying in size and color
Elaeagnus pungens Thorny elaeagnus	N	10-15’	10-15’	Sun/partial shade	Adapts to varied soils; drought, salt spray and pollution tolerant; requires consistent pruning; good for bank stabilization, hedges or screens; variegated forms available
Euonymus fortunei Wintercreeper	N	1-4’	3-4’	Sun/shade	Many cultivars available; good for ground cover or low hedge, best used in mass or groups; some cultivars have shown invasive tendencies; prone to scale and crown gall
Euonymus japonicus Japanese euonymus	N	varies	varies	Sun/shade	Tolerant of many soil types and salt spray; withstands heavy pruning; prone to numerous insects such as scale
Euonymus kiautschovicus Spreading euonymus	N	8-10’	8-10’	Sun/shade	Good for hedges and screens; not as susceptible to scale as other species; avoid over-pruning
Gardenia jasminoides Cape jasmine	N	4-6’	4-6’	Sun/partial shade	Requires moist, well-drained soil; protect from winds and cold; excellent fragrance, but dead flowers detract from plant; susceptible to white flies, powdery mildew, etc.
Hypericum patulum St. John’s Wort	N	3-4’	3-4’	Sun	Evergreen in warmer areas, golden yellow flower in summer, good for foundation plantings or low hedges
Ilex cornuta Burfurd holly	N	varies	varies	Sun/part-shade	Extremely drought and heat tolerant; tolerant of heavy pruning; can prune to tree form; use various cultivars to match height and width requirements for site
Ilex crenata Japanese Holly	N	varies	varies	sun	Functional shrub for massing, screens, etc.; easy to grow; many cultivars available to fit specific needs
Ilex glabra Inkberry Holly	Y	6-8’	8-10’	Sun/part-shade	Tolerates wet soils; rounded habit; very trouble free and useful for naturalizing, massing and along parking lots
Ilex latifolia Lusterleaf holly	N	20-25’	10-20’	Sun/light shade	Pyramidal habit with really lustrous leaves; great for massing, screens, hedges or accent; Prefers well-drained soil; moderately drought tolerant
Ilex x meserveae Blue Holly	N	4-15’	5-8’	Sun	Hybrid group of hollies with dark leathery blue-green foliage; spectacular red fruit with male plants for good fruit set; easily pruned
Ilex vomitoria Yaupon holly	Y	varies	varies	Sun/part-shade	Adaptable to a wide range of sites from very wet to very dry; salt spray tolerant; urban tolerant; many forms for many uses
Illicium parviflorum Small anise-tree	Y	8-10’ (20’)	8-10’	Shade	Prefers moist soils high in organic matter; strong anise odor of foliage; use for naturalizing or in massing or as an accent plant
Kalmia latifolia Mountain Laurel	N	6-8’	4-8’	Sun/shade	Beautiful native shrub for foundation plantings and naturalizing in shady areas; spring flowers range in color from white to deep rose
Lavandula angustifolia English lavender	N	1-2’	2-4’	Sun	Blue-gray foliage; prefers well-drained soil, good for droughty sites; great as border plant in herb or perennial gardens or to soften evergreen plantings;
Leucothoe fontanesiana Drooping Leucothoe, Doghobble	Y	3-4’	3-5’	Shade	Great for naturalizing in shady locations; not drought or wind tolerant; needs moist soil with high organic matter; leaf spot is a serious disease concern
Loropetalum chinese Chinese fringe-flower	N	Varies	Varies	Sun/part-shade	Prefers moist, well-drained soils with low pH and high organic matter; tough plant, but does not prefer dry soils; many cultivars from shrub to tree forms available
Magnolia stellata Star Magnolia	N	15-20’	10-15’	Sun	Tree-like shrub with fragrant white flowers in early spring, avoid planting in a southern exposure, best used as a specimen
Magnolia virginiana Sweetbay Magnolia	Y	15-20’	10-20’	Sun/part-shade	Tolerates wet, swampy conditions, handsome foliage with sweetly fragrant white flowers in spring and red fruit in fall
Myrica cerifera Wax myrtle	Y	10-15’	10-15’	Sun/part-shade	Tolerates poor soil and salt spray; responds well to water and fertilizer; great in open areas, screen, barrier or in mass
Nandina domestica Nandina	N	4-5’	2-3’	Sun/shade	Bright red berry in fall, bronze foliage, many smaller compact cultivars also available; evergreen
Osmanthus x fortunei Fortune’s osmanthus	N	15-20’	15-20’	Sun/medium shade	Prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soils; withstands heavy pruning; fairly urban tolerant; good for hedges, screens, in mass and as a specimen
Pieris floribunda Mountain Pieris	Y	2-6’	4-8’	Part-shade/shade	Fragrant white flowers, resistant to lacebug, underutilized native species, useful for foundation plantings

Evergreen shrubs for massing, shrub borders or foundation plantings (continued):

Botanical Name Common Name	Native	Mature Height	Mature Spread	Light Requirements	Comments
Pieris japonica Japanese Andromeda	N	9-12’	6-8’	Part-shade/shade	Graceful early blooming shrub with fragrant, white flowers; prefers moist, well-drained soils high in organic matter; lacebug a big problem; site in shade in south
Pinus mugo ‘Compacta’ Mugo Pine	N	3-4’	2-4	sun	Good as specimen or container plant; prefers a deep, moist soil; tolerates high pH soil and heavy pruning; sawflies can be a big problem
Pittosporum tobira Japanese pittosporum	N	10-12’	10-20’	Sun/full shade	Tolerates wide variety of soils, must be well-drained; tolerates heavy pruning and salt spray; thrives in sandy soils, hot and dry sites
Prunus laurocerasus, ‘Otto Luyken’ Otto Luyken English Laurel	N	3-4’	5-7’	Part-sun/shade	Popular plant for parking lots in the south; prefers moist, well-drained soil with high organic matter; tolerates salt spray; tolerates pruning
Prunus laurocerasus ‘ Schipkaensis’ Schipka Laurel	N	4-5’	5-8’	Sun/shade	Adapts well to city conditions; prefers moist, well-drained soil with high organic matter; tolerates salt spray; tolerates pruning
Pyracantha spp. Firethorn	N	varies	varies	Sun	Difficult to transplant; adaptable to most any site; shows some drought tolerance; great for espalier and heavy pruning; susceptible to fireblight and apple scab
Rhapiolepis umbellata Indian hawthorn	N	4-6’	4-6’	Sun	Prefers moist, well-drained soils, tolerates drought; salt tolerant and handles confined spaces; leaf spot problem in moist areas
Rhododendron carolinianum Carolina Rhododendron	Y	4-6’	4-6’	Sun/shade	Good for naturalizing in buffer areas or as foundation plant; requires good drainage; light pink to white flowers in late April; shade in south a must
Rhododendron catawbiense Catawba Rhododendron	Y	6-10’	6-10’	Sun/shade	Lilac purple flowers late spring to early summer; use for foundation plantings or massing in buffers; requires good drainage
Rhododendron obtusum Kurume Azalea	N	2-4’	2-4’	Part-shade	Hybrid group of evergreen azaleas; all colors available; good for foundation plantings and small scale settings; requires good drainage and shade in south
Viburnum awabuki Awabuki viburnum	N	15-20’	15-20’	Sun/part-shade	Protect from wind and cold; adaptable to many sites; use as hedge, screen or accent plant

Plants for small hedges (less 6’):

Botanical Name Common Name	Native	Mature Height	Mature Spread	Light Requirements	Comments
Abelia grandiflora Glossy Abelia	N	4-6’	3-5’	Sun/part-shade	Good for use in masses and hedges; pinkish-white flowers in late spring through frost; adaptable to many sites and heavy pruning; evergreen to semi-evergreen
Buxus microphylla Littleleaf boxwood	N	3-4’	3-4’	Sun/part-shade	Requires well-drained soil; responds well to pruning; protect from drying winter winds and sever low temperatures; evergreen
Buxus microphylla var. koreana x B. sempervirens Boxwood	N	2-5’	3-6’	Sun/part-shade	Requires well-drained soil; responds well to pruning; protect from drying winter winds and sever low temperatures; evergreen
Ilex vomitoria Yaupon holly	Y	varies	varies	Sun/part-shade	Adaptable to a wide range of sites from very wet to very dry; salt spray tolerant; urban tolerant; many forms for many uses; evergreen
Jasminum nudiflorum Winter Jasmine	N	2-4’	3-5’	Sun/shade	Low spreading plant with yellow flower in late winter; good for covering banks; evergreen
Mahonia aquifolium Oregon Grapeholly	N	4-6’	4-6’	Shade	Golden yellow flowers and blue fruit; makes a good foundation or specimen plant; prefers moist, well-drained soil; avoid dry, hot windy sites as foliage will brown
Nandina domestica Nandina	N	4-5’	2-3’	Sun/shade	Bright red berry in fall, bronze foliage, many smaller compact cultivars also available; evergreen
Prunus laurocerasus, ‘Otto Luyken’ Otto Luyken Laurel	N	3-4’	5-7’	Sun/ shade	Popular plant for parking lots in the south, large lustrous dark green foliage; evergreen
Rhapiolepis umbellata Indian hawthorn	N	4-6’	4-6’	Sun	Prefers moist, well-drained soils, tolerates drought; salt tolerant and handles confined spaces; leaf spot problem in moist areas
Rhododendron obtusum Kurume Azalea	N	2-4’	2-4’	Part-shade	Hybrid group of evergreen azaleas, all colors available, good for foundation plantings and small scale settings; evergreen
Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-low’ Gro-low fragrant sumac	Y	2-3’	6-8’	Sun/part-shade	Adaptable but prefers moist, well-drained site; does well on banks, cuts and poor soils; good for bank covers, low hedges and massing
Taxus x media English-Japanese Yew	N	varies	varies	Sun/shade	Size depends on cultivar, excellent shrub for hedges, screens or foundation plantings, tolerant of city conditions; evergreen

Plants for tall hedges (over 6’) or screens:

Botanical Name Common Name	Native	Mature Height	Mature Spread	Light Requirements	Comments
Acer campestre Hedge maple	N	25-35’	30-35’	Sun/light shade	Extremely adaptable; tolerates drought and soil compaction, air pollution and severe pruning; small lawn specimen or residential street tree; deciduous
Aucuba japonica Japanese aucuba	N	6-10’	4-8’	Shade	Moist, well-drained soil with high organic matter; pollution tolerant variegated and straight green forms available; evergreen
Berberis julianae Wintergreen Barberry	N	6-8’	6-8’	Sun/part-shade	Makes a great barrier hedge, but avoid pruning; golden yellow flowers in April followed by bluish black fruits; thorny, evergreen
Buxus sempervirens Common boxwood	N	15-20’	15-20’	Sun/shade	Very functional plant, adapts well to pruning; often gets psyllid, not a threat, rather an aesthetic problem; evergreen
Camellia japonica Japanese camellia	N	10-15’ (20’)	6-10’	Partial shade	Prefers well-drained soil; high organic matter; properly site in zone 7 to protect against winter injury; evergreen
Camellia sasanqua Sasanqua camellia	N	6-10’ (15’)	6-10’	Partial shade	Prefers well-drained soil; high organic matter; properly site in zone 7 to protect against winter injury; more refined than C. japonica; evergreen
Chaenomeles speciosa Common floweringquince	N	6-10’	6-10’	Sun to partial shade	Great flower color selections; highly adaptable to wide range of sites; leaf spot may be a problem; fruit used for preserves and jelly; deciduous
Crataegus crusgalli var. inermis Thornless cockspur hawthorn	Y	20-30’	20-35’	Sun	Adaptable, prefers well-drained soil; moderately urban tolerant; use only thornless variety for street trees; great for screens and hedges; deciduous
X Cupressocyparis leylandii Leyland Cypress	N	60-70’	10-15’	Sun	Forms excellent upright hedge or windscreen, fast growing, best if left unpruned and used in a mixed border; evergreen
Cupressus arizonica Arizona cypress	Y	40-50’	25-30’	Sun	Prefers hot, dry conditions with well-drained soil; great specimen, screen or windbreak plant; intense blue foliage, so don’t use too many together; evergreen
Hibiscus syriacus Shrub althea or Rose-of-Sharon	N	8-12’	6-10’	Sun/part-shade	Highly adaptable; flowers can be messy; great for shrub border, in mass or as hedge or screen; use single stem cultivars only as specimens; deciduous
Ilex x attenuata ‘Fosteri’ Foster Holly	N	20-30’	5-10’	Sun/part-shade	Excellent as specimen or hedge, especially in narrow spaces, tolerates city conditions, red berries in fall and winter, good in containers, self pollinating; evergreen
Ilex cornuta ‘Burfordii’ Burfurd holly	N	8-10’ (25’)	10-15’	Sun/part-shade	Extremely drought and heat tolerant; tolerant of heavy pruning; can prune to tree form; evergreen
Ilex glabra Inkberry Holly	Y	6-8’	8-10’	Sun/part-shade	Tolerates wet soils; rounded habit; very trouble free and useful for naturalizing in buffers and in parking lots; evergreen
Ilex latifolia Lusterleaf holly	N	20-25’	10-20’	Sun/light shade	Pyramidal habit with really lustrous leaves; great for massing, screens, hedges or accent; Prefers well-drained soil; moderately drought tolerant; evergreen
Ilex x meserveae Blue Holly	N	4-15’	5-8’	Sun	Hybrid group of hollies with dark leathery blue-green foliage; spectacular red fruit with male plants for good fruit set; easily pruned; evergreen
Ilex opaca American Holly	Y	40-50’	20-40’	Sun/part-shade	Slow growing, plant male and female for berries, protect from winter sun and desiccating winds; evergreen
Ilex x ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ Nellie Stevens Holly	N	15-25’	10-15’	Sun/part-shade	Excellent as specimen, for borders and foundation plantings, fast grower, good screen background, vigorous and drought resistant, self pollinating, red berries; evergreen
Ilex vomitoria Yaupon holly	Y	varies	varies	Sun/part-shade	Adaptable to a wide range of sites from very wet to very dry; salt spray tolerant; urban tolerant; many forms for many uses; evergreen

Plants for tall hedges (over 6’) or screens (continued):

Botanical Name Common Name	Native	Mature Height	Mature Spread	Light Requirements	Comments
Juniperus chinensis Chinese Juniper	N	varies	varies	Sun	Species varies from ground cover to large tree; check size of cultivar before planting; requires well-drained soil; once established tolerates dry soils; evergreen
Juniperus scopulorum Rocky Mountain Juniper	N	30-40’	3-15’	Sun	Valued for screens and hedges; blue cast to the foliage; very drought tolerant, may not perform well in high heat and humidity of south; evergreen
Juniperus virginiana Eastern Redcedar	Y	40-50’	10-20’	Sun	Useful for windbreaks and shelter belts; sage green foliage becomes bronze in winter; great for naturalizing for open areas; evergreen
Ligustrum japonicum Japanese privet	N	6-12’	6-10’	Sun/shade	Adaptable; tolerates salt and heavy pruning; soil must be well-drained; numerous cultivars available; evergreen
Lonicera fragrantissima Winter honeysuckle	N	6-10’ (15’)	6-10’ (15’)	Sun/part-shade	Prefers well-drained soils; adaptable to a variety of sites; great, lemony fragrance of early flowers; use as hedge, screen or in shrub border; not invasive as other Lonicera
Mahonia bealei Leatherleaf mahonia	N	6-10’	3-6’	Shade/part sun	Prefers well-drained, moist soils; avoid windy, hot sites ad leaves will brown; good for informal hedge or in mass
Myrica cerifera Wax myrtle	Y	10-15’	10-15’	Sun/part-shade	Tolerates poor soil and salt spray; responds well to water and fertilizer; great in open areas, screen, barrier or in mass
Nerium oleander Oleander	N	6-12’	6-12’	Sun/part-shade	Well-adapted for coastal areas; highly tolerant of windy sites, pollution, salt, heat and drought; responds to f
Osmanthus x fortunei Fortune’s osmanthus	N	15-20’	15-20’	Sun/medium shade	Prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soils; withstands heavy pruning; fairly urban tolerant; good for hedges, screens, in mass and as a specimen
Physocarpus opulifolius Ninebark	Y	5-10’	6-10’	Sun/part-shade	Tolerates wide variety of soils and sites; somewhat drought tolerant, many cultivars with great selection of foliage color
Pittosporum tobira Japanese pittosporum	N	10-12’	10-20’	Sun/full shade	Tolerates wide variety of soils, must be well-drained; tolerates heavy pruning and salt spray; thrives in sandy soils, hot and dry sites
Poncirus trifoliata Hardy-orange	N	8-20’	3-12’	Sun	Tolerates wide range of soils and sites; extremely thorny! Use as hedge or barrier
Prunus caroliniana Cherrylaurel	Y	20-30’	15-25’	Sun/part-shade	Prefers moist, well-drained soils; withstands heavy pruning; great for screens, hedges; vigorous growers
Pyracantha spp. Firethorn	N	varies	varies	Sun	Difficult to transplant; adaptable to most any site; shows some drought tolerance; great for espalier and heavy pruning; susceptible to fireblight and apple scab
Viburnum awabuki Awabuki viburnum	N	15-20’	15-20’	Sun/part-shade	Protect from wind and cold; adaptable to many sites; use as hedge, screen or accent plant
Taxus x media English-Japanese Yew	N	varies	varies	Sun/shade	Size depends on cultivar; excellent shrub for hedges, screens or foundation plantings; tolerant of city conditions; must be well-drained soil; evergreen
Thuja occidentalis American Arborvitae	Y	15-25’	10-15’	Sun	Attractive as background plant; many cultivars available that are smaller and more compact; evergreen
Thuja orientalis Oriental Arborvitae	N	15-25’	10-15’	sun	Good for a wide range of landscape needs, very tolerant of heat, cold and poor soils; evergreen
Tsuga canadensis Canadian Hemlock	Y	40-70’	25-35’	sun or shade	Protect from desiccating winds, not very tolerant of urban conditions, best used for screening and buffers; evergreen
Tsuga caroliniana Carolina Hemlock	Y	45-60’	20-25’	sun or shade	More tolerant of urban conditions than Tsuga canadensis, not tolerant of drought, protect from winds; evergreen
Viburnum rhytidophyllum Leatherleaf Viburnum	N	10-15’	10-15’	Shade	Yellowish white flowers in mid spring; shelter from winter wind and sun; use for screening or as a background shrub; evergreen to semi-evergreen

Groundcovers:

Botanical Name Common Name	Native	Mature Height	Mature Spread	Light Requirements	Comments
Ajuga reptans Bugleflower	N	<1’	no limit	Part-shade	Excellent ground cover for moist locations; good for rock gardens, blue spiked flowers in mid-spring; drought tolerant
Aspidistra elatior Cast-iron plant	N	1-2’	2-3’	Shade/partial shade	Great for textural contrast in mass; drought tolerant
Cotoneaster dammeri Beautyberry cotoneaster	N	1-1½’	4-6’	Sun/part-shade	Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil; great for rock gardens or on rock walls
Cotoneaster salicifolius ‘Scarlet Leader’ Willowleaf Cotoneaster	N	2-3’	6-8’	Sun	Low growing cultivar with glossy green foliage and red berries; purplish-red winter leaf color; good for steep banks
Cytisus scoparius Scotch broom	N	5-6’	5-10’	Sun/part-shade	Wide array of colors, good for massing and bank stabilization; adaptable, performing well on dry, poor soils
Euonymus fortunei Wintercreeper	N	1-4’	3-4’	Sun/ shade	Many cultivars available; good for ground cover or low hedge, best used in mass or groups; some cultivars have shown invasive tendencies
Elaeagnus pungens Thorny elaeagnus	N	10-15’	10-15’	Sun/partial shade	Adapts to varied soils; drought, salt spray and pollution tolerant; requires consistent pruning; good for bank stabilization, hedges or screens; variegated forms available
Gardenia jasminoides’Radicans’ Dwarf Cape jasmine	N	2-3’	4-5’	Sun/partial shade	Requires moist, well-drained soil; protect from winds and cold; excellent flower fragrance; graceful, flowing habit
Hedera helix English Ivy	N	<1	varies	Shade	Adaptable groundcover can also be used as a vine to cover structures; has shown invasive tendencies
Hypericum patulum St. John’s Wort	N	3-4’	3-4’	Sun	Evergreen in warmer areas; golden yellow flower in summer; good for foundation plantings or low hedges
Jasminum nudiflorum Winter Jasmine	N	2-4’	3-5’	Sun/shade	Low spreading plant with yellow flower in late winter; good for covering banks
Juniperus chinensis Chinese Juniper	N	varies	varies	Sun	Species varies considerably from low growing ground cover to large tree; check size of cultivar before planting; requires well-drained soil; once established tolerates dry soils
Juniperus conferta Shore Juniper	N	1-2’	6-9’	Sun	Low groundcover with bluish green foliage; tolerant of poor, dry soils and drought; requires well-drained soils
Juniperus horizontalis Creeping Juniper	N	1-4’	varies	Sun	Lacy foliage; makes good groundcover for hot, dry sites; good for foundation plantings on slopes and in containers
Juniperus procumbens Japanese Garden Juniper	N	1-2’	10-12’	Sun	One of the best ground cover junipers for terraces and hillsides; requires well-drained soil; plant in open areas
Liriope muscari Lilyturf	N	1-2’	1-2’	Sun/shade	Effective in mass as ground cover under trees, lavender flowers in fall followed by black fruit
Liriope spicata Creeping lilyturf
Pachysandra procumbens Pachysandra	Y	1’	varies	Shade	Low growing native ground cover with mottled foliage, leaves larger than Pachysandra terminalis; deciduous
Pachysandra terminalis Pachysandra	N	1’	varies	Shade	Great low growing groundcover of uniform height for shady areas where grass does not grow
Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-low’ Gro-low fragrant sumac	Y	2-3’	6-8’	Sun/part-shade	Adaptable but prefers moist, well-drained site; does well on banks, cuts and poor soils; good for bank covers, low hedges and massing
Salix purpurea Purpleosier Willow	N	8-10’	8-10’	Sun		Good choice for stream banks and moist areas; must occasionally be pruned back to the ground; wet soils

Plants for planters (or small spaces):

Botanical Name Common Name	Native	Mature Height/Spread	Light Requirements	Comments
Acer ginnala Amur Maple	N	15-20’/15-20	Sun/part-shade	Adaptable to a wide range of soils, easy to transplant, tends toward multi-stem, not recommended for street tree, good for corners or blank walls of buildings
Amelanchier arborea Serviceberry, Sarvis	Y	15-25’/10-15’	Sun/part-shade	Blooms in early spring before dogwoods with pink/white flowers, recommended for planting under power lines, can be multi-trunked
Cercis canadensis Eastern Redbud	Y	20-30’/25-35’	Sun/part-shade	Beautiful magenta flowers in spring, best for use in woodland/naturalized settings, use in buffer areas as understory or street tree under power lines, difficult to transplant
Cotinus obovatus American Smoketree	Y	20-30’/20-30’	Sun	Good small tree for street and urban plantings, tolerates dry soil conditions, magnificent fall foliage ranges from yellow/orange, to red/reddish purple, attractive bark in winter
Chionanthus virginicus White Fringetree	Y	15-20’/12-15’	Sun/part-shade	Beautiful white fragrant flowers in spring, dark blue fruit in fall, makes a great understory tree in buffer areas, or street tree under power lines
Crataegus phaenopurum Washington Hawthorn	Y	25-30’/20-25’	Sun	Creamy white flowers in May, attractive in winter with persistent red fruit, good street tree
Crataegus viridis ‘Winter King’ Winter green green hawthorn	Y	20-35’/20-35’	Sun	Vase-shaped, rounded habit; persistent, large red fruits, very nice
Hamamelis x intermedia Hybrid witchhazel	N	Varies/varies	Sun/part-shade	Many unique cultivars with a variety of flower colors; prefers moist, well-drained soils with high organic matter
Hamamelis virginiana Witchhazel	Y	20-30’/20-25’	Sun/shade	Great for naturalizing, massing, as a specimen or under power lines
Heptacodium miconioides Seven-son flower	N	10-20’/7-10’	Sun/light-shade	Prefers moist soil high in organic matter; not overly drought tolerant; in south best in light shade; great in shrub borders or as accent
Ilex vomitoria ‘Pendula’ Weeping Yaupon holly	Y	20-25’/10-15’	Sun/part-shade	Adaptable to a variety of soils from dry to very wet; tolerates salt spray; great as accent plant
Juniperus chinensis Chinese Juniper	N	Varies/varies	Sun	Species varies considerably from low growing ground cover to large tree; check size of cultivar before planting; requires well-drained soil; once established tolerates dry soils
Juniperus conferta Shore Juniper	N	1-2’/6-9’	Sun	Low groundcover with bluish green foliage; tolerant of poor, dry soils and drought; requires well-drained soils
Juniperus horizontalis Creeping Juniper	N	1-4’/varies	Sun	Lacy foliage; makes good groundcover for hot, dry sites; good for foundation plantings on slopes and in containers
Juniperus procumbens Japanese Garden Juniper	N	1-2’/10-12’	Sun	One of the best ground cover junipers for terraces and hillsides; requires well-drained soil; plant in open areas
Koelreuteria paniculata Goldenrain Tree	N	30-40’/30-40’	Sun	Withstands drought, heat, wind and pollution, good urban street tree, yellow summer flowers, reseeds easily
Lagerstroemia indica Crape myrtle	N	Varies based on cultivar	Sun	Adaptable species; prefers hot conditions; many cultivars suited to various sites
Lindera benzoin Spicebush	Y	6-12’/6-12’	Sun/part-shade	Multi-stemmed shrub, greenish yellow flowers in early spring, yellow fall foliage with bright red fruit on female plants in September and October, great for naturalizing
Magnolia stellata Star Magnolia	N	15-20’/10-15’	Sun	Tree-like shrub with fragrant white flowers in early spring, avoid planting in a southern exposure, best used as a specimen
Magnolia virginiana Sweetbay Magnolia	Y	15-20’/10-20’	Sun/part-shade	Tolerates wet, swampy conditions, handsome foliage with sweetly fragrant white flowers in spring and red fruit in fall
Malus Flowering Crabapple	N	15-25’/15-25’	Sun	Beautiful spring flowering tree in many colors, new cultivars are more resistant to fire blight, recommended varieties include: ‘Adams’, ‘Centurion’, ‘Prairie Fire’, ‘Harvest Gold’, ‘Autumn Glory’, ‘Red Snow’, and ‘Sugar Tyme’

Plants for planters (or small spaces) (continued):

Botanical Name Common Name	Native	Mature Height/Spread	Light Requirements	Comments
Parrotia persica Persian Parrotia	N	20-40’/15-20’	Sun	Excellent small tree with exfoliating bark and crimson flowers in early spring, use as street tree under power lines or as an accent plant
Pinus densiflora Japanese Red Pine	N	40-60’/40-60’	Sun	Picturesque interesting form, use as specimen; decorative orange exfoliating bark; prefers well-drained, moist soil
Pyracantha spp. Firethorn	N	varies	Sun	Difficult to transplant; adaptable to most any site; shows some drought tolerance; great for espalier and heavy pruning; susceptible to fireblight and apple scab
Rhapiolepis umbellata Indian hawthorn	N	4-6’/4-6’	Sun	Prefers moist, well-drained soils, tolerates drought; salt tolerant and handles confined spaces; leaf spot problem in moist areas
Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-low’ Gro-low fragrant sumac	Y	2-3’/6-8’	Sun/part-shade	Adaptable but prefers moist, well-drained site; does well on banks, cuts and poor soils; good for bank covers, low hedges and massing
Viburnum prunifolium Blackhaw Viburnum	Y	15-20’/8-12’	Sun/shade	Adaptable to many soil types, does well in dry soils, white flowers in May, good fall color, fine specimen tree

Evergreens for Windbreaks

Botanical Name Common Name	Native	Mature Height	Mature Spread	Light Requirements	Comments
Cupressus arizonica Arizona cypress	Y	40-50’	25-30’	Sun	Prefers hot, dry conditions with well-drained soil; great specimen, screen or windbreak plant; intense blue foliage, so don’t use too many together
Juniperus chinensis Chinese Juniper	N	varies	varies	sun	Species varies considerably from low growing ground cover to large tree, check size of cultivar before planting, ‘Pfitzeriana’ and ‘Hetzii’ are common
Thuja occidentalis American Arborvitae	N	15-25’	10-15’	sun	Attractive as background plant, many cultivars available that are smaller and more compact

Plants for barriers:

Botanical Name Common Name	Native	Mature Height	Mature Spread	Light Requirements	Comments
Aralia spinosa Devils-walkingstick	Y	10-20’	10-20’	Sun/part-shade	Great for difficult sites; survives with neglect; thorns are seriously deadly; has tropical feel to it
Berberis julianae Wintergreen Barberry	N	6-8’	6-8’	Sun/part-shade	Makes a great barrier hedge, avoid pruning, golden yellow flowers in April followed by bluish black fruits
Berberis x mentorensis Mentor Barberry	N	5-7’	5-7’	Sun/part-shade	Thorny stems; nice yellow flowers in spring, but usually does not produce fruit; requires well-drained soils and drought tolerant
Berberis thunbergii Japanese Barberry	N	2-4’	2-3’	Sun	Requires well-drained soils and withstands dry conditions; yellow flowers and red berries can be attractive; many cultivars available
Chaenomeles speciosa Common floweringquince	N	6-10’	6-10’	Sun to partial shade	Great flower color selections; highly adaptable to wide range of sites; leaf spot may be a problem; fruit used for preserves and jelly
Cotoneaster salicifolius ‘Scarlet Leader’ Willowleaf Cotoneaster	N	2-3’	6-8’	Sun	Low growing cultivar with glossy green foliage and red berries, purplish-red winter leaf color, good for steep banks
Elaeagnus pungens Thorny elaeagnus	N	10-15’	10-15’	Sun/partial shade	Adapts to varied soils; drought, salt spray and pollution tolerant; requires consistent pruning; good for bank stabilization, hedges or screens; variegated forms available
Juniperus chinensis Chinese Juniper	N	varies	varies	Sun	Species varies considerably from low growing ground cover to large tree; check size of cultivar before planting; requires well-drained soil; once established tolerates dry soils
Poncirus trifoliata Hardy-orange	N	8-20’	3-12’	Sun	Tolerates wide range of soils and sites; extremely thorny! Use as hedge or barrier
Pyracantha spp. Firethorn	N	varies	varies	Sun	Difficult to transplant; adaptable to most any site; shows some drought tolerance; great for espalier and heavy pruning; susceptible to fireblight and apple scab

Plants for groupings or accents:

Botanical Name Common Name	Native	Evergreen (E) or deciduous (D) Semi-evergreen (SE)	Mature Height	Mature Spread	Light Requirements	Comments
Camellia japonica Japanese camellia	N	E	10-15’ (20’)	6-10’	Partial shade	Prefers well-drained soil; high organic matter; properly site in zone 7 to protect against winter injury
Camellia sasanqua Sasanqua camellia	N	E	6-10’ (15’)	6-10’	Partial shade	Prefers well-drained soil; high organic matter; properly site in zone 7 to protect against winter injury; more refined than C. japonica
Cephalotaxus harringtonia Japanese plum yew	N	E	varies	varies	Shade preferred, sun ok	Aristocratic evergreen for groupings, massing or accent plantings; prefers well-drained soils; tolerates drought once established; deer proof
Chamaecyparis obutsa Hinoki falsecypress	N	E	varies	varies	Sun/light shade
Chionanthus virginicus White Fringetree	Y	D	15-20’	10-15’	Sun/part-shade	Beautiful white fragrant flowers in spring, dark blue fruit in fall; great understory tree in woodland or buffer areas, or under power lines; moderate drought tolerance
Daphne x burkwoodii Burkwood daphne	N	SE	3-4’	3-4’	Sun/light sun	Requires well-drained soil; “Carol Mackie’ is nice variegated cultivar; flowers fragrant; somewhat aprticular
Daphne odora Fragrant or winter daphne	N	E	4-6’	4-6’	Shade/light sun	Many flower colors available through cultivars, fragrant; not as particular as other daphnes, but may be a bit temperamental
Hamamelis x intermedia Hybrid witchhazel	N	D	Varies	Varies	Sun/part-shade	Many unique cultivars with a variety of flower colors; prefers moist, well-drained soils with high organic matter
Hamamelis virginiana Witchhazel	Y	D	20-30’	20-25’	Sun/shade	Great for naturalizing, massing, as a specimen or under power lines
Ilex decidua Possumhaw holly	Y	D	7-15’	7-12’	Sun/part-shade	Adaptable; fruits orange to scarlet; need both males and females for fruit set; Ilex opaca serves as pollinator
Ilex latifolia Lusterleaf holly	N	E	20-25’	10-20’	Sun/light shade	Pyramidal habit with really lustrous leaves; great for massing, screens, hedges or accent; Prefers well-drained soil; moderately drought tolerant
Ilex verticillata Winterberry Holly	Y	D	6-12’	6-10’	Sun/part-shade	A deciduous holly with bright red fruit that persists throughout the winter, male and female required for fruit set
Lindera benzoin Spicebush	Y	D	6-12’	6-12’	Sun/part-shade	Multi-stemmed shrub; yellow fall foliage with bright red fruit on female plants in September and October; prefers well-drained, moist soils; difficult to transplant
Juniperus chinensis Chinese Juniper	N	E	varies	varies	Sun	Species varies considerably from low growing ground cover to large tree; check size of cultivar before planting; requires well-drained soil; once established tolerates dry soils
Kalmia latifolia Mountain Laurel	N	E	6-8’	4-8’	Sun/shade	Beautiful native shrub for foundation plantings and naturalizing in shady areas; spring flowers range in color from white to deep rose
Lagerstroemia indica Crape myrtle	N	D	Varies	Varies	Sun	Adaptable species; prefers hot conditions; many cultivars suited to various sites
Magnolia x soulangiana Saucer Magnolia	N	D	20-30’	20-30’	Sun	Pinkish purple flowers in early spring susceptible to spring frost; good pollution tolerance; prefers moist soil with high organic matter content; needs ample rooting space
Magnolia stellata Star Magnolia	N	D	15-20’	10-20’	Sun	Multi-stemmed, large shrub; fragrant white flowers in early spring, susceptible to spring frost; avoid planting in a southern exposure, best used as a specimen
Magnolia virginiana Sweetbay Magnolia	Y	D (SE)	15-20’(50’)	10-20’	Sun/part-shade	Tolerates wet, swampy conditions; handsome foliage and sweetly fragrant white flowers in spring; best used as specimen or small patio tree
Physocarpus opulifolius Ninebark	Y	D	5-10’	6-10’	Sun/part-shade	Tolerates wide variety of soils and sites; somewhat drought tolerant, many cultivars with great selection of foliage color
Rhapiolepis umbellata Indian hawthorn	N	E	4-6’	4-6’	Sun	Prefers moist, well-drained soils, tolerates drought; salt tolerant and handles confined spaces; leaf spot problem in moist areas
Pyracantha spp. Firethorn	N	E (SE)	varies	varies	Sun	Difficult to transplant; adaptable to most any site; shows some drought tolerance; great fro espalier and heavy pruning; susceptible to fireblight and apple scab
Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-low’ Gro-low fragrant sumac	Y	D	2-3’	6-8’	Sun/part-shade	Adaptable but prefers moist, well-drained site; does well on banks, cuts and poor soils; good for bank covers, low hedges and massing

Plants for Naturalizing

Botanical Name Common Name	Native	Mature Height/Spread	Light Requirements	Comments
Amelanchier arborea Serviceberry, Sarvis	Y	15-25’/10-15’	Sun/part-shade	Blooms in early spring before dogwoods with pink/white flowers, recommended for planting under power lines, can be multi-trunked
Carpinus caroliniana American Hornbeam	Y	20-30’/20-30’	Sun/shade	Good street tree, great for naturalizing along woodland edges, in buffer areas or along streams
Cercis canadensis Eastern Redbud	Y	20-30’/25-35’	Sun/part-shade	Beautiful magenta flowers in spring, best for use in woodland/naturalized settings, use in buffer areas as understory or street tree under power lines, difficult to transplant
Chionanthus virginicus White Fringetree	Y	15-20’/12-15’	Sun/part-shade	Beautiful white fragrant flowers in spring, dark blue fruit in fall, makes a great understory tree in buffer areas, or street tree under power lines
Cornus alternifolia Pagoda Dogwood	Y	15-25’/10-20’	Sun/part-shade	Fibrous spreading roots, best for naturalizing in buffer areas, spreading habit with horizontal branches creates a layered look
Cornus florida Flowering Dogwood	Y	20-30’/20-30’	Sun/part-shade	Good for naturalizing on edge of buffer areas, needs good air circulation, not pollution tolerant, not recommended for street tree planting
Halesia tetraptera Carolina silverbell	Y	30-40’/20-35’	Sun/part-shade	Prefers well-drained soils, high in organic matter; container stock preferred; use as specimen, shrub border in massing
Hamamelis x intermedia Hybrid witchhazel	N	Varies/varies	Sun/part-shade	Many unique cultivars with a variety of flower colors; prefers moist, well-drained soils with high organic matter
Hamamelis virginiana Witchhazel	Y	20-30’/20-25’	Sun/shade	Great for naturalizing, massing, as a specimen or under power lines
Ilex verticillata Winterberry Holly	Y	6-12’/6-10’	Sun/part-shade	A deciduous holly with bright red fruit that persists throughout the winter, male and female required for fruit set
Lindera benzoin Spicebush	Y	6-12’/6-12’	Sun/part-shade	Multi-stemmed shrub; yellow fall foliage with bright red fruit on female plants in September and October; prefers well-drained, moist soils; difficult to transplant
Ostrya virginiana American Hophornbeam	Y	25-40’/20-40’	Sun/part-shade	Useful as an understory tree and also as a street tree in residential areas; prefers cool, moist, well-drained soils; slow to establish
Oxydendrum arboreum Sourwood	Y	25-30’/15-20’	Sun/part-shade	White flowers in summer, excellent fall color; hard to transplant; drought tolerant in good soils; not for polluted or urban areas
Physocarpus opulifolius Ninebark	Y	5-10’/6-10’	Sun/part-shade	Tolerates wide variety of soils and sites; somewhat drought tolerant, many cultivars with great selection of foliage color
Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-low’ Gro-low fragrant sumac	Y	2-3’/6-8’	Sun/part-shade	Adaptable but prefers moist, well-drained site; does well on banks, cuts and poor soils; good for bank covers, low hedges and massing
Rhus typhina Staghorn sumac	Y	15-25’/15-30’	Sun	Prefers well-drained soils; tolerates dry, rocky, low fertility soil; tolerates city conditions; suckers profusely
Rhus copallina Flameleaf sumac	Y	20-30’/20-30’	Sun/part-shade	Great for dry, rocky areas, naturalizing; requires well-drained soils; needs space; excellent scarlet fall color
Salix purpurea Purpleosier Willow	N	8-10’/8-10’	Sun	Good choice for stream banks and moist areas; must occasionally be pruned back to the ground; wet soils
Sambucus canadensis American elder	Y	5-12’/5-12’	Sun/part-shade	Prefers moist soil, but tolerates dry soil; thrives under alkaline or acidic soils; use for naturalizing; fruit edible for jellies, wine and so on
Viburnum prunifolium Blackhaw Viburnum	Y	15-20’/8-12’	Sun/shade	Adaptable to many soil types, does well in dry soils, white flowers in May, good fall color, fine specimen tree

Plants for specimens:

Botanical Name Common Name	Native	Mature Height/Spread	Light Requirements	Comments
Acer griseum Paperbark maple	N	20-30’/10-30’	Sun/light shade	Slow grower; needs supplemental water during drought; great multi-season appeal with fall color, exfoliating bark
Aesculus pavia Red buckeye	Y	10-20’/10-30’	Sun/part-shade	Great red flowers attract hummingbirds; rounded, clump-forming tree; prefers moist, well-drained soil
Cedrus atlantica Atlas Cedar	N	40-60’/30-40’	Sun	Magnificent evergreen, frosty blue needles; drought tolerant, use as specimen tree
Cedrus deodara Deodar Cedar	N	40-70’/30-50’	Sun	Fluffy dense habit, silvery foliage; adaptable to dry conditions, protect from winds; fast grower; use in large areas as a specimen
Cedrus libani Cedar of Lebanon	N	40-60’/40-60’	Sun	Stately tree with thick massive trunk, dark green foliage; use as a specimen in large areas; not pollution tolerant
Chamaecyparis pisifera ’Boulevard’ Boulevard false cypress	N	10-50’/8-10’	Sun	Silvery, blue-green foliage; fairly heat tolerant; may hold brown needles in interior
Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Filfera Aurea’ Goldend threadleaf false cypress	N	15-20’/10-15’	Sun	Adaptable to heat in zone 7b; protect from winds; us sparingly
Chionanthus virginicus White Fringetree	Y	15-20’/12-15’	Sun/part-shade	Beautiful white fragrant flowers in spring, dark blue fruit in fall; great understory tree in woodland or buffer areas, or under power lines; moderate drought tolerance
Cornus alternifolia Pagoda Dogwood	Y	15-25’/10-20’	Sun/part-shade	Fibrous spreading roots, best for naturalizing in buffer areas, spreading habit with horizontal branches creates a layered look
Cryptomeria japonica Japanese cryptomeria	N	50-60’/20-30’	Sun/light shade	Protect from high winds; prefers moist, rich, deep soil; leaf blight may be a problem
Daphne x burkwoodii Burkwood daphne	N	3-4’/3-4’	Sun/light sun	Requires well-drained soil; “Carol Mackie’ is nice variegated cultivar; flowers fragrant; somewhat particular
Daphne odora Fragrant or winter daphne	N	4-6’/4-6’	Shade/light sun	Many flower colors available through cultivars, fragrant; not as particular as other daphnes, but may be a bit temperamental
Halesia tetraptera Carolina silverbell	Y	30-40’/20-35’	Sun/part-shade	Prefers well-drained soils, high in organic matter; container stock preferred; use as specimen, shrub border in massing
Hamamelis x intermedia Hybrid witchhazel	N	Varies/varies	Sun/part-shade	Many unique cultivars with a variety of flower colors; prefers moist, well-drained soils with high organic matter
Hamamelis virginiana Witchhazel	Y	20-30’/20-25’	Sun/shade	Great for naturalizing, massing, as a specimen or under power lines
Juniperus chinensis Chinese Juniper	N	Varies/varies	Sun	Species varies considerably from low growing ground cover to large tree; check size of cultivar before planting; requires well-drained soil; once established tolerates dry soils
Lagerstroemia indica Crape myrtle	N	Varies based on cultivar	Sun	Adaptable species; prefers hot conditions; many cultivars suited to various sites
Oxydendrum arboreum Sourwood	Y	25-30’/15-20’	Sun/part-shade	White flowers in summer, excellent fall color, hard to transplant, drought tolerant
Parrotia persica Persian Parrotia	N	20-40’/15-30’	Sun/light shade	Excellent small tree with exfoliating bark and crimson flowers in early spring; tolerant of drought, heat, wind and cold; use as street tree, under power lines or as an accent plant