Trees off the Beaten Path

The ornamental flowering cherries and pears, leyland cypress, redbuds, red maples and native flowering dogwoods can finally take a break after you hear about these well-deserving, underused trees. 
The cornelian cherry dogwood (Cornus mas) is a small, flowering tree or large, multi-stemmed shrub boasting its display of numerous small, yellow flowers in March/April. Unlike the native flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) flowers with four white bracts that make up a large portion of the flower, the cornelian cherry dogwood has a small yellow umbel like a miniaturized flower of yarrow or Queen Anne’s lace that hugs along the stem. This small tree matures 20-25 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide, bearing cherry red fruit, visually similar to grape tomatoes, in fall that are often harvested for syrups and preserves.
The next tree is related to heather, blueberries and rhododendron, and likes similar acidic environments. Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) is a native tree ranging from parts of New Jersey to the coastal regions of Mississippi and North Carolina. It tolerates some dry soil, but not consistent drought. This large standing tree matures 20-25 feet tall and 20 feet wide. It boasts a beautiful, red fall color and a midsummer bloom of white racemes where it get its other common name, Lily of the Valley. If you’re familiar with Andromeda or Pieris, it’s nearly a tree version that blooms in summer. Native bees particularly love this tree for the nectar and pollen they turn into coveted honey.
Although I have mentioned this tree before, it still remains an adaptable and beautiful tree. Chinese or Lacebark elm (Ulmus parvifolia) has one of the most interesting exfoliating barks, even better than some crape myrtles. It remains mottled with undertones anywhere from green, gold and gray. This tree is not susceptible to disease such as Dutch Elm disease or the elm leaf beetle. Culturally, the tree is very resilient to drought and various types of soils including sandy loam, clay, wet and dry. Lacebark elm has a naturally rounding habit that matures to 40 feet tall and 30 feet wide with pendulous branches as it ages.
Another tree to keep in mind is the small flowering white fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) that is packed full of splendor in April and May. It matures to 20 feet tall as either a shrub or tree as a white fluff in the landscape, especially against dark backdrops. Dark glossy leaves change for a gold fall color. It is adaptable to many soils, but prefers moist, well-drained soils. White fringetrees will do best in an area that receives some shade from the afternoon sun, and are great for a small yard or near a patio.
It’s never too early to shop for plants; I do it all winter even though it’s too cold to plant. I’m always re-designing my garden and moving plants around in my head, especially as new inventory starts coming to the nursery! Now is the best time to contact a landscape company like Cape Shore Gardens about these trees that we will be receiving soon. This is the busiest time of year for tree nurseries all over the country – trees will be ordered, dug, then shipped. Don’t wait too long! Visit Cape Shore Gardens at 1028 Rt. 9 S., Cape May Court House, or call (609) 465-5161 with any questions. We hope to see you soon!
Written by Lauren Popper, horticulturist at Cape Shore Gardens and graduate of Temple University’s School of Environmental Design.