Ornamental

Trees 8-14-09

Laguna Hills Nursery

(949) 830-5653

www.lagunahillsnursery.com

The theme of the garden is usually determined by the choice of tree. They have many uses and come in many sizes and thus we have many favorites. Please note that trees never stop growing and ultimate size depends upon several factors, many of which are not under your control. The sun exposure, microclimate, irrigation, soil type, genetics of the tree (if grown from seed), fertilizer, and the grower’s container medium all contribute to growth rate and ultimate size.

There are several ways trees are sold. Each has advantages and disadvantages.

Container plant The advantage is that these can be sold and planted any time of the year. The artificial container soil and circling roots can cause trouble. The main reason you won’t find many of our favorite trees in other garden centers is because they can’t be grown in compost-based soils.
Ball & Burlapped The original method of selling trees. These are grown on farms in the ground. When needed the trees are dug out and the soil and roots are wrapped in burlap. These specimens are very heavy, but usually give excellent results.
Bare Root These trees are grown on farms in the ground. When dormant they are dug out and shipped without soil. The advantage is their light weight (ease of handling and planting). Bare root trees are only available during the dormant season, thus evergreen trees cannot be purchased this way. Even some winter-dormant trees don’t perform well when the soil is removed.
Seed When successful this tree will have the best root system possible and growth will exhibit juvenile vigor. Seedlings are quite delicate for the first year and the genetics are unknown.

A few trees are conspicuously absent from this list because of disease problems. Liquidamber styraciflua SWEETGUM, Nerium oleander OLEANDER, Olea europaea OLIVE, and Prunus cerifera PURPLE LEAF PLUM are all currently dying from fatal diseases known collectively as Bacterial Scorch. These diseases are being spread by an introduced insect, the Glassywinged Sharpshooter. More trees and other plants may soon join this list.

*PLEASE NOTE THAT THE HEIGHTS LISTED ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES ARE WHAT CAN BE EXPECTED FROM EACH TREE WITHIN 20 YEARS OF INSTALLATION. MOST TREES CONTINUE TO GROW THROUGHOUT THEIR LIVES. HEIGHT IS ALSO HIGHLY DEPENDENT UPON SOIL, EXPOSURE, IRRIGATION AND AVAILABLE NUTRIENTS.

Small Trees (about 25’ or less)

Acer buergerianum TRIDENT MAPLE Excellent patio tree with low spreading crown of small, green three-lobed leaves than turn red in fall. Much less likely to suffer from leaf-tip burning than Acer palmatum. Moderate growth to 20’H X 20’W.

Acer palmatum JAPANESE MAPLE Beautiful, finely cut foliage. Some varieties have red leaves. Long dormant period. Slow to moderate growth. Average to ample water. Varieties range from 3’H to over 20’H.

Agonis After Dark PEPPERMINT TREE The small, willow-like leaves are black-burgunday. This is an evergreen tree that can weep to the ground. Small white flowers. Needs training when young. Established trees need little water. Slow to moderate growth to 18’H X 12’W.

Bauhinia blakeana HONG KONG ORCHID TREE This tree can be difficult to establish but produces large flowers resembling rosy-purple orchids for over half the year. Young trees need support for their vine-like branches. Orchid trees need excellent drainage. Acquiring a good specimen is critical. Orchid trees often become dormant in spring and get new foliage in early summer. Hope for 15’H X 15’W. This tree is sterile, other Orchid trees produce seed pods.

Cassia fistula GOLDEN SHOWER TREE Spectacular spring show of long clusters of brilliant deep yellow flowers. The green leaves are divided into 4-8 pairs of leaflets. Dormant from January-April. Young trees are very frost sensitive. Interestingly this tropical tree needs little water. May grow large in several generations.

Cassia javanica PINK & WHITE SHOWER TREE Spectacular long warm weather show of blush-pink flowers. Green leaves are divided into 5-15 pairs of leaflets. Dormant from January-April. Young trees are very frost sensitive. Average water. May grow large in several generations.

Cassia leptophylla GOLD MEDALLION TREE Spectacular show of deep yellow flowers in large clusters during summer. Fast growing, open headed tree with divided green leaves gets thin in winter. Expect 20’H X 25’W. Established trees require little water.

Cercis REDBUD All varieties have a good early spring show of flowers and nice heart-shaped leaves. Most create a dense shady canopy of foliage. Their dormant period varies from brief to average. Most prefer moderate water, but show few effects of brief periods of drought.

Chinese Smallest at 15’H X 10’W with the largest flowers in mauve-pink

Eastern The native species of Eastern North America can reach 25’H X 30’W. Flowers are pink.

Flame The unique double pink flowers resemble tiny roses. More upright form to 25’H X 15’W

Forest Pansy This variety has striking, deep maroon-purple foliage that fades to bronze with extreme heat. Flowers are pink. Eventually reaches 20’H X 20’W.

Mexican This has very airy foliage of small, wavy-edged, glossy pewter-green leaves. Flowers are pink. Upright habit to 20’H X 10’W.

Oklahoma This has the darkest color of deep magenta pink flowers. The glossy foliage emerges bronze and matures to deep green. Expect 18’H X 20’W. Briefly dormant from mid-December to mid-February.

Texas White The flowers are a striking brilliant white. The glossy foliage is a beautiful apple green. Expect 18’H X 20’W.

Western The flowers are deep pink followed by reddish seed pods. Leaves are a blue-green color. More tolerant of drought than the others. Expect 18’H X 18’W.

Chilopsis DESERT WILLOW This relative of Jacaranda produces beautiful rosy-purple trumpet flowers in small clusters, lightly to moderately from spring to fall. The willow-like green leaves are 2-5” long. Can be grown as a large bush or small tree with shaggy bark. Long dormant period. Native from California to Texas into Mexico. Water needs are low to moderate. The cultivar Bubba has exceptional flowers and dense foliage.

Chionanthus FRINGE TREE Spectacular show of small, white flowers with narrow petals in mid-spring. Both the Chinese and American species grow about 20’H X 20’W. Both trim easily into handsome small-scale trees with rough bark. The medium size green leaves turn yellow in fall. Average water.

Delonix regia ROYAL POINCIANA One of the most incredible sights is this tree in bloom in spring. The large, velvety green leaves are finely divided like a fern and provide a filtered shade. The flowers are a glowing deep orange in large clusters. This tree is highly frost sensitive and usually is leafless from January to April. Few trees survive to bloom, however we know of at least 4 trees in Southern California that bloom well. It can be done. An old tree in Placentia is 20H X 30’W. This tree is quite drought tolerant when established.

Erythrina Bidwillii CORAL TREE This dwarf hybrid blooms from spring to winter with 2-3’ long clusters of pure red flowers. The younger branches have thorns, older trunks are smooth. Grows 10-15’H X 15-20’W. This tropical tree with medium size green leaves gets thin in winter. Established trees are drought resistant.

Eucalyptus macrocarpa This plant is used as a garden sculpture with its angular branching and large, powder blue/gray leaves that appear to be skewered by the stems. Mature plants produce a few large, flat rose colored flowers constantly all year. Established plants need little water and may grow 10’H X 20’W.

Euphorbia cotinifolia CARIBBEAN COPPER PLANT Striking accent with rounded wine red leaves that glow all year. Moderate growth to 10’H X 8’W. Flowers are insignificant and sap can be toxic. Leaves drop during cool winters. Moderate water but established plants can tolerate short periods of drought.

Lagerstroemia CRAPE MYRTLE This small tree is quite popular for its summer show of flowers, fall foliage color, and beautiful bark. Average water. Trees are dormant for 3-5 months. Many of the varieties we do not offer are badly affected by Powdery Mildew disease. The varieties listed show good resistance.

Catawba Deep purple flowers. Grows 10’H X 10’W. Can get some mildew.

Dynamite Good cherry red flowers open white on cloudy days. Grows 20’H X 20’W. Leaves emerge red, mature green and turn red in fall.

Muskogee Lilac pink flowers and superb scarlet fall foliage color. Grows 20’H X 15’ W. Most mildew resistant variety.

Natchez White flowers and deep burgundy fall foliage color. Grows 20’H X 15’W.

Red Rocket Good cherry red flowers open white on cloudy days. Fast growth to 20’H X 20’W.

Rhapsody In Pink Soft pink stands out against deep burgundy foliage. Grows 15’H.

Sarah’s Favorite Excellent show of white flowers over an extra long bloom period. Grows 20’H.

Sioux Rich pink flowers and good fall foliage color. The best true pink. Grows 15’H.

Siren Oxblood red flowers with slow growth to 12’H. This is the deepest red.

Twilight Deep purple flowers. Grows 15’H X 10’W.

Zuni Purple flowers. Grows 10’H X 8’W.

Leptospermum Dark Shadows TEA TREE The dark bronze evergreen foliage is a good contrast to the small white flowers. Fast spreading growth to 18’H X 18’W. Average to low water.

Leptospermum laevigatum AUSTRALIAN TEA TREE The small, rounded gray leaves on weeping branch tips, combined with sinewy bark, create a picturesque specimen. This evergreen tree has small white flowers. It requires excellent drainage and becomes drought tolerant with age. Common size is 15’H X 15’W but can get much larger.

Magnolia grandiflora Little Gem SOUTHERN MAGNOLIA Large, glossy deep green leaves and large, fragrant white flowers provide a formal appearance. This evergreen tree blooms most of the year. Slow growing but will get large in several generations.

Maytenus boaria MAYTEN TREE The small evergreen leaves and long hanging branches create a beautiful weeping silhouette. Moderate water. Mayten tree requires excellent drainage. Expect 25’H X 15’W, much larger in several generations.

Melaleuca armillaris DROOPING MELALEUCA The light green needle-like evergreen leaves cover arching, hanging branches. Grows 20’H X 20’W. Blooms small, fluffy white flowers during warm weather. Established plants need little water.

Melaleuca nesophila PINK MELALEUCA A picturesque combination of gnarled branches covered with creamy, spongy bark, rounded gray-green leaves and rounded puffs of bubblegum-colored flowers most of the year. Typically grows 18’H X 18’W. Established plants need little water.

Parkinsonia aculeata PALO VERDE This tree creates a soft, airy canopy under which grass can still grow. It is known for its yellow-green trunk. The spiny branches are covered in long, stringy leaves that briefly have tiny rounded leaflets (shed when soil is dry). Expect 20’H X 20’W. Bright yellow flowers appear anytime the weather is warm and the soil is moist. Needs little water to survive, ample water to grow and bloom. Some genetic strains of this tree are prone to mildew near the coast.

Pittosporum phillyraeoides WILLOW PITTOSPORUM This narrow upright trees has evergreen, willow-like leaves on long trailing branches. Small, fragrant yellow flowers bloom in early spring. The seeds are enclosed in small orange pods. Makes little litter. Requires good drainage. Needs little water once established. Loves heat.

Pittosporum undulatum VICTORIAN BOX Creates a dense, formal tree with deep green, evergreen leaves and creamy white, fragrant flowers in spring. Expect 15’H X 10’W, but will reach large size in several generations.

Podocarpus latifolius YELLOWWOOD Makes a columnar specimen 15’H X 3’W, but with time can grow to great size. This slow growing evergreen tree has beautiful steel-blue-green leaves that are somewhat broader than other Podocarpus species.

Prunus ilicifolia lyonii CATALINA CHERRY This evergreen plant is either used as a screen or as a generic tree to 15’H X 15’W with shiny green leaves and a lush appearance. What is unusual is that this tree is native to our Channel Islands and is quite drought resistant when established. It does prefer good drainage. It also makes edible, but often bland, cherries.

Radermachera sinica CHINA DOLL TREE This is a fast growing relative of Jacaranda with darker green foliage that reaches 20’ quickly then slows greatly. The dark green foliage is finely divided to resemble fern leaves. This upright tree grows 25’H X 15’W. As this tree grows it sheds all foliage below 7-8’. Clusters of fragrant white trumpet flowers bloom sporadically during warm weather. This evergreen tree was originally introduced as a houseplant.

Rhus lancea AFRICAN SUMAC A very Mediterranean-looking specimen with slender, dark evergreen leaves and rough brown bark. Grows quickly to 25’H X 25’W. Needs little water. A survivor.

Sophora secundiflora TEXAS MESCAL BEAN This is a small, clean evegreen tree that blooms several times per year with purple flowers in Wisteria-like clusters that smell like grape Cool Aid. Very slow growth to 15’H X 10’W. Loves heat and low to moderate water.

Spathodea campanulata AFRICAN TULIP TREE This is a tropical-looking tree with spectacular deep orange flowers in foot-wide clusters from June-January. Leaves may drop in late winter for several months. Fast growth when young. Expect 20’H X 20’W.

Stenocarpus sinuatus FIREWHEEL TREE Clean, evergreen tree with large, glossy green leaves. Very slow growth to 20’H X 10’W. Mature plants bloom unique spoke-like scarlet flowers. Moderate water.

Tabebuia chrysotricha GOLDEN TRUMPET TREE Incredible show of deep yellow trumpet flowers in early spring on a bare tree. The fuzzy olive green leaves are somewhat sparse allowing the trees structure to show. Moderate growth to 25’H X 25’W. Moderate water.

Tabebuia impetiginosa dwarf DWARF PINK TRUMPET TREE Outstanding show of pink trumpet flowers for two months in spring. The green leaves drop just before blooming, new leaves emerge as the bloom fades. Moderate growth to 18’H X 20’W. There are larger growing strains (or species) of this tree. Moderate water.

Tristania (Tristaniopsis) laurina WATER GUM Formal looking upright tree to 20’H X 8’W with dark green, evergreen leaves, black stems and nearly white bark. Blooms small creamy yellow flowers in early summer. Moderate water.

Vitex agnus-castus CHASTE TREE Fast growing small tree with highly aromatic leaves divided fanwise in to 5-7 narrow gray-green leaflets. Blooms summer-fall with spikes of small fragrant flowers. Commonly lavender, other flower colors include pink, white, blue and purple. Can reach 20’H X 20’W, but will still bloom if cut nearly to ground in winter. Long dormant period. Moderate water.

Medium Trees (25’-35’)

Agonis flexuosa PEPPERMINT TREE Fast growing, evergreen willow-like tree to 30’H X 25’W. Long narrow leaves smell like peppermint when crushed. Branches arch out and can hang to ground. Easy to grow, however needs ample water until established, little water after. (see also the dwarf variety Agonis After Dark)

Arbutus Marina STRAWBERRY TREE This evergreen tree resembles the native Manzanita (Arctostaphylos). It develops a trunk with striking smooth reddish bark with pink stems, deep green leaves, rose-blushed urn-shaped flowers in clusters and berries that resemble strawberries that change color from green to yellow to orange then red. The berries are sweet, but mealy. Flowers and berries occur all year. Slow to moderate growth to 25’H X 20’W. Established trees need little water.

Betula pendula EUROPEAN WHITE BIRCH This upright deciduous tree creates a tower of arching, weeping branches covered lightly with fluttering small, triangular green leaves. Mature branches become white with the trunk base eventually turning charcoal. Ample water is essential for health. Expect 30’H X 20’W. Relatively short-lived to about 25 years. Severely pruned trees die young.

Brachychiton populneus BOTTLE TREE Valued for having lush evergreen foliage on a tree that requires little water. Mature trees have a heavy bottle-like trunk. Small flowers precede the unusual boat-shaped brown seedpods. Moderate growth to 30’H X 20’W. Needs good drainage.

Calocedrus decurrens INCENSE CEDAR This may be the only beautiful conifer native to our mountains that also seems to be at home at sea level. The rich green foliage grows in flat sprays and gives of a characteristic fragrance in warm weather. The trunks develops a reddish brown bark. Established plants grow in a narrow cone about 2 feet per year. Needs little water.

Calodendron capense CAPE CHESTNUT Spectacular June bloom with large spikes of spidery, rosy lilac flowers. Moderate growth to 30’H X 30’W with long oval green leaves. Cape Chestnut usually drops its foliage in winter. Average water with decent drainage.

Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca’ BLUE ATLAS CEDAR Unfortunately we won’t live long enough to see this silvery-blue conifer reach maturity. The growth is open and angular for the first few decades. Older trees are full with wide elegantly sweeping branches and get quite large. Mature trees are quite drought tolerant. Needs good drainage. Expect 25’H X 15’W.

Chorisia speciosa FLOSS SILK TREE This tree produces a spectacular fall bloom of large pink to purplish rose flowers. The flowers resemble Hibiscus with narrow petals. It is easily recognized by its thick green trunk studded with thick spines. The rich green leaves are palmately divided into leaflets and drop just before the bloom. New growth begins in spring. Needs perfect drainage. Established trees need infrequent watering as they develop huge, deep roots quickly. Expect 30’H X 20’W.

Cinnamomum camphora CAMPHOR TREE This evergreen tree fits nearly anyone vision of a tree. Small, fluttering glossy green leaves with an upright oval form. It is nearly perfect for 2 decades then grows too large with uplifting surface roots. Growth is slow to moderate. Needs decent drainage with average to low water. Spring leaf drop is fairly heavy. Expect 30’H X 20’W. It has smaller relatives, but they are very slow growing.

Ficus religiosa BOHDI TREE This tree has history. This tree is a clone (genetically identical) to the tree under which Gautama Buddha was enlightened 2537 years ago. It is the oldest cultivated plant in the World. Ficus religiosa has interesting, large Poplar-shaped leaves with long tails. It is in full leaf from May-January but may drop its leaves during cool winters. Expect 30’H X 20’W but may grow huge under ideal conditions. The roots may also cause trouble with pavement. Average water.

Geijera parviflora AUSTRALIAN WILLOW This evergreen tree is noted for its willow-like leaves, airy canopy, clean habit, low maintenance, and ease of growing. It will grow 30’H X 20’W eventually. Expect less than 2’ of growth per year. Little to moderate water.

Ginkgo biloba MAIDENHAIR TREE This tree hasn’t change much in 200 million years and the foliage does have a prehistoric beauty to it. This deciduous tree has green leaves that turn gold in the fall. It grows slowly, expect 30’H X 18’W. Young trees are conical and gawky, older trees are beautiful. In Asia the seeds are cherished as a food but the fruit smells repulsive so most people prefer the male cultivar Autumn Gold.

Jacaranda mimosifolia JACARANDA This tree is well know for its late spring show of purple (actually lavender blue) trumpet flowers. This tree grows tall quickly then fills out Expect 30’H X 20’W. The leaves are finely divided into tiny green leaflets like a fern. Jacaranda is reliably in foliage from July-December. During mild winters it is green in winter and drops leaves in mid-spring. During cold winters it can be naked until it blooms. This tree prefers moderate watering.

Magnolia grandiflora D D Blanchard SOUTHERN MAGNOLIA This is a striking form of Southern Magnolia with large evergreen leaves that are deep, glossy green above and orange/brown beneath. The huge, fragrant white flowers bloom during warm weather. Expect 25’H X 20’W in a few decades, 80’H in 3 generations. Average water.

Markhamia hildebrandtii This is a narrow upright tree with tropical foliage and large golden yellow trumpet flowers during warm weather. Expect 30’H X 15’W. Average water. Foliage may drop during cooler winters.

Melaleuca linarifolia FLAXLEAF PAPERBARK This tree combines perfect size with soft, needle-like foliage, masses of small white flowers looking like snow, and soft white, flaking, spongy bark. Expect 30’H X 20’W. These sturdy evergreen trees will accept soggy soil and need little water when established.

Melaleuca quinquenervia CAJEPUT TREE This tree is a rustic, Birch alternative. It is upright with weeping branches, has narrow evergreen leaves and a decent show of white flowers in summer and fall. The thick, spongy bark is nearly white and peels off in sheets. Expect 30’H X 20’W. Established trees need little water but will grow in wet conditions.

Metrosideros excelsa NEW ZEALAND CHRISTMAS TREE This a cleaner substitute for the diseased Olive trees. It looks like a combination of Olive and Oak, but produces large clusters of scarlet brush-like flowers in June (Christmas is early summer in New Zealand ). The medium size leaves are deep green above and gray beneath. These are held on weeping branchlets that densely clothe the upright branches. Expect 30’H X 20’W. Provide average to low water. Do not plant in frost prone canyons.

Peltophorum dubium & P. pterocarpum (ferrugineum) YELLOW POINCIANA These fast growing trees have beautiful, fern-like green foliage, and can bloom from June-October with large sprays of small, glowing yellow flowers. P. pterocarpum has larger leaves and coppery new growth for added appeal. Peltophormum will drop foliage during cool winters. Established trees will tolerant some drought.

Podocarpus gracilior (Afrocarpus elongates) FERN PINE This all-purpose tree is fairly clean, pest free and even good in containers. Young plant have 3” long, narrow green leaves. Mature trees have dense sprays of shorter, gray-green leaves. The speed of growth depends upon the soil, faster in sandy soils. Expect 30’H X 20’W.

Podocarpus henkelii LONG-LEAFED YELLOWWOOD This deep green tree has conspicuous long hanging leaves on horizontal branches growing in a symmetrical narrow cone. The leaves shorten as the tree matures. It is slow growing, but expect 25’H X 12’W. This evergreen tree prefers average water. Excellent for a tall screen.

Prosopsis chilensis CHILEAN MESQUITE This fast growing tree produces a spreading canopy of sturdy branches, lightly covered with finely divided leaves creating a light shade. Expect 30’H X 30’W. These trees may or may not have thorns. The foliage may drop completely during cooler winters. Flowers are cream puffs. Established trees need little water.

Quercus agrifolia COAST LIVE OAK Our native round-headed,dense Oak is slow-growing in Nature, moderate in gardens. The evergreen leaves are holly-like with toothed edges. Mature trees produce 1” long acorns in late fall. Expect 30’H X 25’W. Established plants tolerate drought.

Quercus ilex HOLLY OAK This dense, evergreen, round headed tree has variable leaves with either smooth or prickly leaves. This tree is smaller, cleaner and easier to maintain than Q. agrifolia. Expect 30’H X 20’W. Established plants tolerate drought.

Quercus shumardii SHUMARD RED OAK This is the southern species of the red Oaks native to the Eastern US. The green leaves are divided into pointed (not prickly) lobes and turn dark red in fall. Young trees are quite pyramidal slowly rounding with age. Expect 35’H X 20’W. Average water, but Oak trees are very tolerant of stress.

Tristania conferta (Lophostemon confertus) BRISBANE BOX This is a clean, fast growing, upright, evergreen tree that won’t get too big too soon. Expect 35’H X 20’W. The large, deep green leaves are more lush and wide than Eucalyptus (a relative). Tender to frost when young. Established trees need little water.

Large Trees (35’+)

Acer freemanii ‘Autumn Fantasy’ RED MAPLE This is one of a few true Maples that perform well locally and provide good fall color. Autumn Fantasy is a sterile hybrid (no pollen, no seeds) between Silver Maple and Red Maple. The characteristic Maple leaves are green above and silvery beneath, up to 6” wide and turn carmine red in fall before dropping. Fast growth to 40’H X 30’W. New spring growth emerges in April or May. This trees wants average water.

Cedrus deodara DEODAR CEDAR This is one of the fastest growing, best adapted conifer trees, for Orange County. The branches sweep outward and the weeping tips are covered densely with fine textured gray green needles. The branches grow in tiers creating a pyramidal form with a characteristic nodding tip. There are cultivars available with different foliage color and more compact habits, even groundcover varieties. Expect 40’H X 25’W. Mature trees are quite drought tolerant.

Koelreuteria bipinnata CHINESE FLAME TREE This well-behaved tree has large fern-like leaves, a show of yellow flowers in summer that are followed by clusters of salmon to coral pink paper lantern-like seed capsules in fall. Moderate to fast growth to 35’H X 20’W. Long dormant period and lack of surface roots allow other plants to grow underneath. Adapts to many soils and prefers moderate water.

Metasequoia glyptostroboides DAWN REDWOOD This Chinese native has beautiful foliage, more feathery than our Coastal Redwoods. Unfortunately the leaves turn reddish brown in mid-fall before dropping. Expect 40’H X 12’W. (50 year old specimens are about 100’ tall.) The bark has a lot of character. It prefers very moist soil.

Morus alba FRUITLESS WHITE MULBERRY This plant is sold for 2 reasons. It will create shade quickly under less than ideal conditions. Silkworms feed on the leaves. This makes it a necessity at elementary schools. Expect 40’H X 40’W. This tree can grow 15’ in one year. Although it prefers average water it will tolerate some drought. Its extensive roots will find water. There are fruiting varieties available with white, red, or black fruit. There are also dwarf, weeping cultivars.

Platanus racemosa CALIFORNIA SYCAMORE This native tree has large, maple-like leaves and is fast growing. Leaves emerge in early spring, mature to green and turn brown before shedding in winter. The seed balls are spiny. Old trees have attractive cream bark with gray and brown patches. Expect 40’H X 30’W. The cultivar Roberts is resistant to common pest problems.

Quercus suber CORK OAK This is the one of the fastest growing evergreen Oaks and its wonderful fissured bark is the source of commercial cork. The 3” toothed (but not spiny) leaves are deep green above and gray beneath. The acorns are 1” long. Tolerant of many soils and will accept average to low water. Expect 35’H X 25’W. Interestingly this is a good container plant.

Schinus molle CALIFORNIA PEPPER This fast growing tree develops a heavy gnarled rough trunk combined with airy divided leaves on slender hanging branchlets. This graceful tree is actually a native of Peru. It is best suited to green belts or areas away from pavement as it creates a lot of litter. Expect 35’H X 30’W. Needs well-drained soils. California Pepper can tolerate drought.

Tipuana tipu TIPU TREE This extremely fast growing tree is often mistaken for Cassia but is easier to grow and gets much larger. The long leaves have 11-21 paired green leaflets. There is a nice show of apricot to yellow flowers in early summer. Expect 40’H X 40’W. Tipu prefers average water. Trees are evergreen is some locations, winter dormant in canyons and low spots.

Other Plants Used as Trees

Brugmansia ANGEL’S TRUMPET These evergreen herbaceous shrubs can easily be shaped into small trees 8’-15’ tall and wide. Large leaves and hanging trumpet flowers create a tropical look. A powerful fragrance is apparent at dusk for several hours. Flower colors include white, yellow, gold, peach and pink.

Duranta repens SKYFLOWER This large evergreen to semievergreen shrub is easily shaped into a small tree. From late spring to late fall it produces arching clusters of tiny deep blue flowers often with a white picotee edge. Yellow berries follow the flowers. Although this plant can grow over 15’ tall, it looks best held at about 10’.

Plumeria rubra and P. obtusa FRANGIPANI A common site in tropical resorts, Plumerias create a beautiful small tree within a few decades if grown properly. Large waxy leaves and highly fragrant flowers that bloom for two seasons are quite delightful. A warm location with excellent drainage is essential.

Tecoma stans YELLOW BELLS This large, mostly evergreen shrub can reach 20’ in height. It can bloom all year with small clusters of brilliant yellow flowers. The bloom is more constant if the plant is deadheaded to prevent seed production.

Wisteria WISTERIA VINE Although breathtaking in bloom, Wisteria is a very fast growing vine that requires a lot of maintenance to keep it in check. Trained into standard form, it becomes a low maintenance self-pruning tree. All grafted varieties of Wisteria will produce an awesome show in April. Several cultivars of Chinese Wisteria will also bloom lightly all summer. With a single stake for support a Wisteria will grow about 8’ wide and a few feet taller than the top of the support.