There is something almost theatrical about a Royal Raindrops crabapple tree in full bloom. The deep magenta-pink flowers, the cut-leaf purple foliage, the tiny persistent fruit that carry color well into winter — it is the kind of tree that makes neighbors stop and ask questions. Royal Raindrops (Malus ‘JFS-KW5’) is a patented ornamental crabapple…
The Prairie Fire crabapple (Malus ‘Prairifire’) is a cultivated variety of the ornamental crabapple, developed specifically for disease resistance and year-round visual appeal. It was introduced by Dr. Daniel Dayton at the University of Illinois in 1982 as part of a long-running breeding program aimed at reducing the disease problems that plagued older crabapple varieties….
The Rising Sun Redbud is a cultivar of the Eastern Redbud, which is native to eastern North America. It was specifically bred for its spectacular foliage — leaves that open in brilliant shades of orange and gold before transitioning to lime-green through summer. This tree performs best in USDA Zones 5 through 9 and thrives…
The Wilma Goldcrest is a cultivated variety (cultivar) of the Monterey Cypress, Cupressus macrocarpa, a species native to a small coastal strip of California near the Monterey Peninsula. The parent species is one of the most recognisable trees on the American West Coast. ‘Wilma Goldcrest’ is a selected cultivar bred specifically for its compact, columnar…
The American yellowwood, Cladrastis kentukea, is a medium-sized, deciduous tree belonging to the legume family (Fabaceae). Its common name comes from the striking yellow colour of its freshly cut heartwood — known for producing yellow dye. The genus name Cladrastis comes from the Greek words klados (branch) and thraustos (brittle), a reference to the tree’s…
The Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana) is one of the most popular Christmas trees in Europe, and increasingly so across the world. Its dense, glossy, dark-green needles and non-drop quality have made it a favourite for millions of households. But beyond the festive season, many gardeners and growers also plant it outdoors as a long-term ornamental…
Fir trees are among the most recognizable conifers in the world. Whether you have seen them towering over a mountain trail, standing as Christmas trees in a living room, or lining a city park, firs carry a certain quiet elegance that is hard to ignore. I have always found them fascinating — partly because they…
The Vanderwolf Pine is not just beautiful. It is tough, adaptable, and remarkably low-maintenance. For homeowners, landscapers, and gardeners looking for a statement tree that survives harsh conditions, this is one of the best choices available today. This guide covers everything you need to know — from the tree’s botanical identity and growth habits to…
Walk through a rich, moist eastern hardwood forest in late June or early July. Look up and you will find it: a massive, broad-crowned tree carrying thousands of small, cream-colored flowers, every one of them buzzing with bees. Undoubtedly that is a basswood tree (Tilia americana) The basswood tree is one of eastern North America’s…
If you have ever driven past a row of tall, silver-blue conifers standing like sentinels along a fence line, there is a good chance you were looking at Blue Ice Arizona Cypress. This tree has quietly become one of the most popular ornamental conifers in North American. I have seen many evergreen trees come and…