Tree Carpinus betulus 'Frans Fontaine' [Columnar European Hornbeam] Carpinus betulus is relatively trouble-free and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and some shade. This plant is also very tolerant of heavy pruning, making it useful as a hedge. The cultivar 'Frans Fontaine' is a tight, narrow, columnar cultivar with densely set branches and leaves. Over time this cultivar retains its fastigiate form better than the similar cultivar 'Fastigiata'.
Shrub Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil' [Sky Pencil Holly] 'Sky Pencil' is a nice extremely narrow, upright, fastigiate broadleaf evergreen that holds its color through winter. This species, like other hollies, is dioecious and 'Sky Pencil' is a female cultivar that will only be able to produce fruit if there is a male pollinator planted nearby. Withstands severe pruning. Winter desiccation injury to leaves in exposed sites. Spider mites can be serious. Avoid high pH soils as chlorosis may occur.
Tree Malus prunifolia f. fastigiata [Columnar Plumleaf Flowering Crabapple] The Flowering Crabapple is a popular ornamental tree with an extremely showy flower display in the spring. This small tree has a fastigiate (columnar) form when young and produces fragrant, white flowers followed by red to yellow fruits. It is susceptible to scab and may be bothered by other common crabapple pests and diseases, such as fireblight, Japanese beetles, leaf spot, cedar-apple rust, and powdery mildew. Tends to flower and fruit in alternate years. Well-drained…
Tree Picea pungens f. glauca 'Fastigiata' [Columnar Colorado Blue Spruce] 'Fastigiata' is a striking conifer with its intense blue-colored foliage and columnar habit. Some drought tolerance. Blue spruce must be used with restraint because it does not combine well with other plantings in the landscape. Some susceptibility to Cooley Spruce Gall Adelgid (Adelges cooleyi).
Tree Pinus strobus 'Fastigiata' [Columnar Eastern White Pine] 'Fastigiata' is a strongly narrow, upright cultivar. Excellent neutral screening plant, it can be kept full by occasional pruning. Among best pines for resistance to moth borers. Transplants easily with a bit of shade tolerance. Somewhat less adapted to severe exposures and very dry soils than Pinus resinosa or Pinus nigra. Very sensitive to air pollution and road salt. Susceptible to White Pine Blister Rust. Decaying needles acidify soil beneath (to about pH 4.5), which…
Shrub/Tree Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata' [Irish Yew] Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata' is a columnar, female yew with very strongly, upright branches and lustrous, deep green foliage. Tolerant of shade and heavy pruning. Marginally hardy in USDA zone 5. Can be siginificantly damaged by deer.