5/16/2020 Plant Briefs
UC Marin Master Gardeners 1682 Novato Blvd Suite 150B Novato, CA 94947 415-473-4204 ucmmg@plants.org UC Marin Master Gardeners - Small trees for backyards and patios
Botanical Name: Acer circinatum Plant Height: 25-40' Common Name: Vine Maple Flower Color: Green, Red Plant Type: Tree, Shrub Attracts Wildlife: Birds, Wildlife Sun: Half, Shade Leaf Color: Light Green Water: Low, Medium Flower Season: Spring This plant is either a shrub or small tree that reaches 35' in height . It has light green leaves which turn orange-scarlet in the fall. It also has new spring foliage with a reddish hue. A. circinatum can be used as an espalier against a wall. To accent Vine Maple e ectively, plant it with the Douglas Fir, Western Sword Fern, as well as the Oregon-Grape. It has a color that is especially striking during the fall season.
Botanical Name: Acer circinatum 'Paci c Fire' Plant Height: 12-25' Common Name: Paci c Fire Vine Maple Flower Color: n/a Plant Type: Tree, Shrub Attracts Wildlife: Birds, Wildlife Sun: Half, Shade Leaf Color: Light Green, Red Water: Low, Medium Flower Season: n/a Paci c Fire is my favorite cultivar of Acer circinatum. Paci c Fire has aming red bark in the winter that dazzles in the landscape with color. The orange - red bark has a waxy sheen to it that really makes the bark shine. Nice bronzing of the leaves when placed in full sun. A multibranching shrub/tree like the species but slower growing. Fall color is bright yellows with some orange which really make a show against the rery bark! 10 feet in 8 years. . Holds up well in the sun and heat... tends to become even more beautiful in the full sun. Will burn in extreme heat (> 90°) Hardy to ...
Botanical Name: Acer palmatum Plant Height: 12-25' Common Name: Japanese Maple Flower Color: n/a Plant Type: Tree, Shrub Attracts Wildlife: Birds, Wildlife Sun: Full, Half, Shade Leaf Color: Bronze, Green, Dark Green, Water: Medium, Extra in Summer Light Green, Yellow Green, Orange, Red, Yellow, Variegated This magni cient plant can used as a small tree or shrub. It is deciduous with graceful leaves which Flower Season: n/a have a scarlet color in spring as it leafs out. Leaves later turn orange or yellow in fall. It is slow growing to 20', and requires shelter from the hot sun. The leaves of this tree are small, light green in color, and deeply lobed. It should also be noted that this tree remains spectacular throughout all seasons.
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Botanical Name: Aesculus californica Plant Height: 12-25' Common Name: California Buckeye Flower Color: Pink, White Plant Type: Tree, Shrub Attracts Wildlife: Sun: Full, Half Leaf Color: Water: Very Low, Low Flower Season: Spring, Summer The Aesculus californica is a tree that is interesting year-round. Creamy pink or white fragrant owers bloom in the spring. When late summer arrives, these leaves drop to unveil pear-shaped fruits. It should be noted that these owers are poisonous. Buckeye has a decorative bark and branch structure. It slowly grows to 15' tall. It needs regular water for a few years and then will become drought tolerant.
Botanical Name: Agonis exuosa Plant Height: 12-25', 25-40' Common Name: Peppermint Tree Flower Color: White Plant Type: Tree Attracts Wildlife: n/a Sun: Full Leaf Color: Green Water: Low Flower Season: Spring This tree is known as the peppermint tree because of the scent of the leaves when they are crushed. It is an evergreen tree or large shrub. It has abundant, small white owers in spring. It is a medium to fast grower to 25' or 35'. Also known as Willow Myrtle.
Botanical Name: Arbutus 'Marina' Plant Height: 12-25', 25-40' Common Name: Strawberry Madrone Flower Color: Pink Plant Type: Tree Attracts Wildlife: Sun: Full Leaf Color: Water: Low Flower Season: Summer, Fall The 'Marina' has gorgeous bark, with leaves that are smaller and not as glossy as Paci c Madrone. Its owers are pink, borne in pendant clusters in the summer. The fruit is large, red and quite ornamental. The plant should be grown in sun to part shade, with little or no summer watering when established. The 'Marina' prefers good drainage.
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Botanical Name: Arbutus unedo 'El n King' Plant Height: 3-6' Common Name: El n King Strawberry Tree Flower Color: White Plant Type: Shrub Attracts Wildlife: Birds, Wildlife Sun: Full, Half Leaf Color: Green, Dark Green Water: Low Flower Season: Winter, Fall El n King is a a dwarf evergreen tree with ornamental reddish bark that becomes furrowed and gray over time. It has oblong, dark green, leathery foliage. White bell-shaped owers are followed by bright orange-red fruit with a strawberry-like texture. It is either blooming or fruiting almost all year long.
Botanical Name: Arctostaphylos den. 'Austin Plant Height: 6-12' Gri ths' Flower Color: White Common Name: Austin Gri ths Manzanita Attracts Wildlife: Birds, Hummingbirds, Plant Type: Shrub Wildlife Sun: Full, Half Leaf Color: Grey Green Water: Low Flower Season: Winter, Fall Glossy green leaves and dark maroon-brown bark form an attractive backdrop for large clusters of soft pink owers. The blooms appear in early winter, providing a valuable nectar source for hummingbirds and bees. Over time, this upright manzanita can reach a height of up to 10 feet and a width of 6 ft. More garden tolerant than 'Dr. Hurd', 'Austin Gri ths' accepts occasional irrigation but can be drought tolerant once established.
Botanical Name: Arctostaphylos spp. Plant Height: Under 1', 1-3', 3-6', 6-12', 12- Common Name: Manzanita 25' Plant Type: Shrub Flower Color: Pink Sun: Full, Half Attracts Wildlife: Hummingbirds, Butter ies Water: Low Leaf Color: Green There are about 60 species of Arctostaphylos, ranging from ground-hugging arctic, coastal, and Flower Season: Winter, Spring mountain species to small trees up to 6 m tall. Most are evergreen (one species deciduous), with small oval leaves 1–7 cm long, arranged spirally on the stems. The owers are bell-shaped, white or pale pink, and borne in small clusters of 2–20 together; owering is in the spring. The fruit are small berries, ripening in the summer or autumn. The berries of some species are edible.
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Botanical Name: Ceanothus 'Ray Hartman' Plant Height: 12-25' Common Name: Ray Hartman California Lilac Flower Color: Blue Plant Type: Tree, Shrub Attracts Wildlife: Sun: Full, Half Leaf Color: Water: Low, Extra in Summer Flower Season: Winter, Spring Growing vigorously as either a large shrub or small tree, the Ray Hartman has big, round, dark green leaves and medium blue, delicate owers in 3"-5" clusters that bloom in winter and spring. It grows to 12' high and 8'-10' wide. This cultivar has good tolerance for heat; it needs occasional deep watering with good drainage. It does well in coastal as well as inland valley gardens. Deer love new foliage. Plant in full to part sun; it is not fussy about soil, growing in clay as well as sandy soil.
Botanical Name: Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy' Plant Height: 6-12', 12-25' Common Name: Forest Pansy Redbud Flower Color: Pink, Purple Plant Type: Tree Attracts Wildlife: Butter ies Sun: Full, Half Leaf Color: Dark Green, Purple Water: Medium, Extra in Summer Flower Season: Spring This small tree may reach 25' tall and it has dark green/purple leaves that are purple in the fall. Amazing pink owers bloom in the spring and ll the tree.
Botanical Name: Cercis occidentalis Plant Height: 12-25' Common Name: Western Redbud Flower Color: Pink Plant Type: Tree, Shrub Attracts Wildlife: Sun: Full, Half Leaf Color: Water: Very Low Flower Season: Spring This deciduous shrub or small tree reaches 15' tall and 10' wide. Beautiful magenta owers appear in spring, before the leaves appear. Foliage is apple green, turning yellow to red in the fall. Seed pods dangle on this tree in winter. Western Redbud prefers full sun but will appreciate afternoon shade in desert areas. It needs well draining soil. It is drought tolerant once it's established. It attracts hummingbirds and butter ies. A tree of varying interest all year round!
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Botanical Name: Chionanthus retusus Plant Height: 12-25' Common Name: Chinese Fringe Tree Flower Color: White Plant Type: Tree Attracts Wildlife: Birds, Wildlife Sun: Full, Half Leaf Color: Green Water: Medium, Extra in Summer Flower Season: Spring This small tree will slowly grow 15'-20' high and 20'-25' wide. It has deciduous, green, glossy leaves. During spring, clusters of fringe-like, white, fragrant owers cover the tree, making a spectacular sight with the green leaves behind the owers. After bloom period, olive-like fruit appear, maturing to blue/black in fall. Birds and critters love the fruit. Bark is gray/brown and exfoliates with age; it is attractive especially during winter. This tree tolerates full to part sun but will bloom more in full sun. It prefers well draining, moist, fertile, acidic soil. It is not a drought ...
Botanical Name: Citrus X 'Improved Meyer' Plant Height: 3-6' Common Name: Improved Meyer Lemon Flower Color: White Plant Type: Tree Attracts Wildlife: n/a Sun: Full Leaf Color: Green Water: Low, Medium, Extra in Summer Flower Season: Spring, Intermittent Improved Meyer Lemon is an evergreen tree that grows 3'-6' tall and 3'-6' wide; it has year-around leaves that are glossy green. This tree likes well drained, loam soil with full sun. Lemon trees do best with lots of mulch around it. Water with drip irrigation or moving a hose around the base. When it's established, water this way, 2 times a month. It has white owers and yellow edible fruit. Needs protection from the winter cold. Consider using as a potted tree which can brought inside in the winter. Pick up fruit on ground immediately to prevent fungus disease infecting fruit. Fertilize ...
Botanical Name: Cornus orida Plant Height: 12-25', 25-40' Common Name: Flowering Dogwood Flower Color: White Plant Type: Tree Attracts Wildlife: Birds Sun: Full, Half Leaf Color: Dark Green Water: Medium Flower Season: Spring Flowering Dogwood typically reaches 20'-30' tall and wide, found with low branches that stack up attractively in a horizontal pattern. Mature trees are usually wider than taller, with a rounded or at crown. This deciduous tree owers in spring. Flowers are surrounded by bracts that come in di erent colors depending on cultivar. Foliage is oval and dark green, turning red in fall. Red fruit appear on the tree in late summer and fall, attracting birds. Bark is gray and smooth when young, turning scaly when mature. This tree is susceptible to disease and insects. It does best in full to p ...
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Botanical Name: Cotinus X 'Grace' Plant Height: 6-12', 12-25' Common Name: Grace Smoke Bush Flower Color: Purple Plant Type: Tree, Shrub Attracts Wildlife: Birds, Wildlife Sun: Full, Half Leaf Color: Green, Purple Water: Low Flower Season: Summer An excellent large garden shrub valued for its brilliant orange and red fall foliage, large owers and pink in orescences which produce a fuzzy, smoky appearance throughout summer, hence the name; it is a very large shrub to 12-15 ft. Grace Smokebush features airy panicles of yellow owers with coral-pink stalks at the ends of the branches from early to late summer. It has bluish-green foliage which emerges brick red in spring. The round leaves turn an outstanding red in the fall. Grace Smokebush is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average t ...
Botanical Name: Cotinus coggygria 'Golden Spirit' Plant Height: 6-12', 12-25' Common Name: Golden Spirit Smoke Tree Flower Color: Purple Plant Type: Tree, Shrub Attracts Wildlife: n/a Sun: Full, Half Leaf Color: Gold, Light Green, Red Water: Medium, Extra in Summer Flower Season: Summer Golden Spirit Smoke Tree or 'Ancot' is a cultivar of the Cotinus clan with changing color foliage. This striking color, shockingly bright actually, makes it a natural focal point and specimen plant. It is a multi- stemmed shrub that can grow up to 8' tall and 6' wide in 10 years, thus resembling a small tree. Rounded leaves emerge in spring with lime green color, changing to gold in summer and then turning to coral or red in fall before dropping leaves. Pink ower plumes emerge during summer. This shrub does best in full or part sun with well draining, fertile soil. It needs regular wateri ...
Botanical Name: Eriobotrya de exa Plant Height: 12-25' Common Name: Bronze Loquat Flower Color: White Plant Type: Tree, Shrub Attracts Wildlife: n/a Sun: Full, Half Leaf Color: Bronze, Dark Green Water: Medium Flower Season: Spring A small, evergreen tree with large leaves that are reddish bronze and turn green as they mature, this loquat is highlighted by clusters of small, white, fragrant owers that are borne in the spring on branch tips.
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Botanical Name: Erythrina X bidwillii Plant Height: 6-12', 12-25' Common Name: Shrub Coral Tree Flower Color: Red Plant Type: Tree, Shrub Attracts Wildlife: Hummingbirds Sun: Full Leaf Color: Blue Green Water: Low, Extra in Summer Flower Season: Spring, Summer, Fall This deciduous tree can reach 18' tall and 15' wide but may be seen as an 8' tall shrub. Narrow red owers on 3' long spikes arch out from foliage from spring through fall. Hummingbirds love the owers. This is one of the smallest coral trees that can be used as a shrub. Foliage looks blue green and grouped in threes. Spines line the leaf midrib. After blooming, prune back to promote compactness. This tree/shrub does best in full sun with well draining soil. It tolerates drought and coastal conditions. It will appreciate more water during hot summer periods.
Botanical Name: Gleditsia triacanthos inermis Plant Height: 60-100' Common Name: Honey Locust Flower Color: n/a Plant Type: Tree Attracts Wildlife: Birds Sun: Full, Half Leaf Color: Light Green Water: Very Low, Low Flower Season: n/a Medium sized deciduous tree quickly growing to 75' tall and 50' wide. Leaves are pinnately compound and light green, turning gold during fall before dropping. Small size of leaves createslLight shade during summer months. Leaf drop causes no litter. Flowers are considered inconspicuous. During summer and fall, a few large brown pods appear. Bark is black or brown in color and very ssured. This tree does well in full and part sun. It appreciates loam or sandy soil. When established, it is drought tolerant. It does not tolerate ocean spray. Birds and bees love this tree. When properly care ...
Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia indica Plant Height: 6-12', 12-25' Common Name: Crape Myrtle Flower Color: Pink, Red Plant Type: Tree, Shrub Attracts Wildlife: n/a Sun: Full Leaf Color: Green Water: Low Flower Season: Summer The new leaves of this species are 2" long, bright green, and tinged with bronze. Some cultivars have spectacular fall color. When it has a bare outline, its rounded seed capsules add interest. Its delicate owers bloom in 6"-12" long clusters. The ower colors could be shades of red, rose, pink, purple, and white, blooming in summer. It thrives on heat, and new cultivars have been created that resist mildew. This tree prefers full sun and has low watering needs once it's established.
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Botanical Name: Luma apiculata Plant Height: 6-12' Common Name: Luma Flower Color: Pink, White Plant Type: Shrub Attracts Wildlife: n/a Sun: Full Leaf Color: Dark Green Water: Medium Flower Season: n/a Luma apiculata is an evergreen shrub or small tree. It grows fast to 6'-8' tall and equally wide. Old plants develop beautiful bark, the color of cinnamon. The foliage is dense, with closely set, dark green, oval to roundish, .5"-1" long leaves. Flowers are white to pinkish, a little more than .5" across, with four petals and a large brush of stamens in the center.
Botanical Name: Magnolia grandi ora 'Little Gem' Plant Height: 12-25' Common Name: Little Gem Dwarf Southern Flower Color: White Magnolia Attracts Wildlife: n/a Plant Type: Tree, Shrub Leaf Color: Bronze, Brown, Dark Green Sun: Full, Half Flower Season: Summer, Fall Water: Medium, Extra in Summer This slow-growing evergreen tree will grow 15-20' high x 8-10' wide and has an abundance of leathery, dark green leaves with fragrant, white owers that bloom during summer.
Botanical Name: Malus oribunda Plant Height: 6-12', 12-25' Common Name: Japanese Flowering Crabapple Flower Color: Pink, Multi-Colored Plant Type: Tree Attracts Wildlife: Sun: Full Leaf Color: Water: Medium, Extra in Summer Flower Season: Spring This deciduous tree with a moderate growth rate can reach a size of about 20' tall and 30' wide. During spring, red buds appear, changing to pink, fragrant owers which fade to white. After owering, small, yellow crabapples with a red blush appear in summer, attracting birds. Leaves are dark green, narrow and somewhat oval. This tree looks good in groves for quite a show but should not be planted near buildings as it needs room for its spread. Falling leaves, fruit and owers create litter.
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Botanical Name: Nyssa sylvatica Plant Height: 60-100' Common Name: Sour Gum Flower Color: n/a Plant Type: Tree Attracts Wildlife: Birds Sun: Full Leaf Color: Dark Green Water: Medium, High Flower Season: n/a This deciduous, fast-growing tree reaches 60'-80' tall. Glossy green foliage turns yellow orange or red in fall. Flowers are insigni cant. Bluish black fruit appear in fall, attracting birds. Bark is gray brown with many ridges. This tree prefers full sun, well draining, and moist soil. This tree is spectacular in the fall.
Botanical Name: Olea europaea 'Swan Hill' Plant Height: 12-25' Common Name: Swan Hill Fruitless Olive Flower Color: n/a Plant Type: Tree Attracts Wildlife: n/a Sun: Full Leaf Color: Grey Green, Silver Water: Very Low, Medium Flower Season: n/a Swan Hill Olive has attractive foliage and form is enhanced by its absence of fruit, and makes its use in entryways and other high foot-tra c areas a plus. It stand about 25'-30' high at maturity and about as wide.
Botanical Name: Pistacia chinensis Plant Height: 40-60' Common Name: Chinese Pistache Flower Color: n/a Plant Type: Tree Attracts Wildlife: Sun: Full Leaf Color: Water: Low Flower Season: n/a The Pistacia chinensis is a deciduous tree with broad, spreading growth to 50' in height. Its leaves have 10-16 lea ets, and the fall coloring arrives in beautiful shades of red, orange and yellow. Prune young trees to shape. This tree does not have edible nuts. Female trees have tiny red fruit, turning dark blue. It prefers full sun and deep, infrequent waterings. This is a great street or park tree.
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Botanical Name: Prunus cerasifera Plant Height: 12-25' Common Name: Cherry Plum, Myrobalan Plum Flower Color: Pink, White Plant Type: Tree Attracts Wildlife: Birds Sun: Full Leaf Color: Purple Water: Medium, Extra in Summer Flower Season: Spring 30-35 feet high, equal width. Pure white owers, tiny sweet but bland fruit. Often used a rootstock.
Botanical Name: Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea' Plant Height: 25-40' Common Name: Cherry Plum Flower Color: White Plant Type: Tree Attracts Wildlife: n/a Sun: Full, Half Leaf Color: Bronze, Purple, Red Water: Medium Flower Season: Spring 25-35 feet tall & wide. New growth coppery-red, becoming deep to dark purple, and then red in the winter. Very aesthetic plant. single white owers, abundant red fruit, 1-1.5 inches in size.
Botanical Name: Prunus ilicifolia ssp. lyonii Plant Height: 6-12', 12-25' Common Name: Catalina Cherry Flower Color: White Plant Type: Tree, Shrub Attracts Wildlife: Sun: Full, Half Leaf Color: Water: Very Low, Low, Medium Flower Season: Spring Native to California's Channel Islands, the Catalina cherry is an evergreen shrub or small tree that grows 15' to 30' tall and wide, usually smaller and upright. Makes a nice tall, dense screen or hedge. Easily pruned to shape or control size. Develops showy white ower spikes in spring that bees adore and dark red-purple fruit in fall that is cherished by birds. Catalina cherry is drought tolerant, resists oak root fungus, and attracts bene cial insects and butter ies.
www.plantmaster.com/gardens/projects/reportbriefs.php 10/11 5/16/2020 Plant Briefs
Botanical Name: Punica granatum Plant Height: 6-12', 12-25' Common Name: Pomegranate Flower Color: Orange Plant Type: Tree, Shrub Attracts Wildlife: n/a Sun: Full, Half Leaf Color: Dark Green Water: Low Flower Season: Summer This small tree or large shrub is very attractive (edible) and ornamental. It is naturally rounding; it can reach 15'-20' tall and wide. It is often pruned into a single trunk tree and kept as a shrub, being used as a hedge row. The baseball sized fruits are usually red. The nutritious edible aggregate-berries (arils) are variably sweet, succulent and tangy. 'Wonderful' is a common cultivar. 'Sweet' has yellow owers and 'White' has very light pink owers.
Botanical Name: Rhus lancea Plant Height: 12-25' Common Name: African Sumac Flower Color: n/a Plant Type: Tree Attracts Wildlife: n/a Sun: Full Leaf Color: Green Water: Low Flower Season: n/a This small, evergreen tree grows slowly to 25' and exhibits an open, spreading habit. Its leaves are dark green, glossy, and divided into 3 willow-like lea ets 4"-5" long. The bark has a dark red color. The tree has males and females. It often has a drooping habit and is prone to Texas Root Rot.
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