Tree Magnolia × loebneri 'Encore' [Encore Loebner Magnolia] Encore Loebner Magnolia has a more rounded, compact habit than the hybrid Magnolia x loebneri, reaching 10-12' in height. This cutlivar has anywhere from 18 to 25 tepals that are pink-tinged at the base. Plant in a protected location to prevent spring frosts from damaging the flowers.
Tree Magnolia × soulangeana [Saucer Magnolia] Many of the showiest magnolia cultivars belong to this species. One of the most common flowering trees in the Midwest, it is apparently well-adapted. Its very early spring flowers can be killed by late frost; they turn brown and limp. Can be troubled by magnolia scale, but this can be kept under control by timely spraying. Fleshy roots with few laterals. Does not transplant well so best to buy container grown plants.
Shrub/Tree Magnolia virginiana [Sweetbay Magnolia] Nice flower fragrance, but never overwhelming. Does well in wet soils, unlike other magnolias. Requires acid soil, some moisture, and tolerates some shade. Chlorosis can sometimes be a problem, especially prevalent on alkaline soils.
Tree Malus × 'Adirondack' [Adirondack Flowering Crabapple] The Flowering Crabapple is a popular small ornamental tree with an extremely showy flower display in the spring. This variant has a vase-shaped (somewhat columnar) habit, extremely upright branching, and high resistance to apple scab, fireblight, cedar-apple rust, and powdery mildew. Tends to flower and fruit in alternate years. Well-drained heavy loam soils and full sun promote best growth.
Tree Malus domestica 'Flower of Kent' [The Flower of Kent] Also known as Isaac Newton's Apple Tree, Flower of Kent is a descendent of the original apple tree that was said to inspire Sir Isaac Newton's theory of gravity.
Tree Malus × 'Indian Magic' [Indian Magic Flowering Crabapple] The Flowering Crabapple is a popular small ornamental tree with an extremely showy flower display in the spring. 'Indian Magic' is not as disease resistant as others, being moderately susceptible to scab. Tends to flower and fruit in alternate years. Well-drained heavy loam soils and full sun promote best growth. Can be susceptible to many pests and diseases, including apple scab, fireblight, Japanese beetles, leaf spot, cedar-apple rust, and powdery mildew. May look ragged at…
Tree Malus sargentii [Sargent Crabapple] The smallest of all Malus species, almost a shrub. Strongly horizontal branching. Tends to be apomictic (seeds develop without fertilization), so is usually very uniform from seed (i.e. clonal). Sometimes flowers and fruits in alternate years. Susceptible to apple scab disease. May require pruning of wayward and crossing branches to maintain a nice form.
Tree Malus × 'Snowdrift' [Snowdrift Flowering Crabapple] The Flowering Crabapple is a popular small ornamental tree with an extremely showy flower display in the spring. 'Snowdrift' is a vigorous selection that is covered with numerous white blossoms in the spring, which are then followed by attractive orange-red crabapple fruits. Susceptible to apple scab and fire blight. Well-drained heavy loam soils and full sun promote best growth. May look ragged by the end of the summer.
Tree Metasequoia glyptostroboides [Dawn Redwood] More tolerant of different sites than Taxodium distichum (Common Baldcypress). Prefers moist sites and can grow in water. Japanese beetles will feed on foliage. Does not like chalky soils with high pH.
Shrub/Tree Myrica pensylvanica [Northern Bayberry] Waxy gray berries were used by early settlers for making aromatic candles, and occasionally still are used for this purpose. Especially good plant for full sun and sandy soils, but grows well on many soils. Tolerates half shade. Relatively salt-tolerant. Forms colonies via suckers. Fixes nitrogen in the soil. Dioecious. Use female plants (when known) for fruiting, and occasional male for pollination. Difficult to transplant from field.
