Tree Types
Albizia julibrissin
Ligustrum vulgare
Spirea vanhouttei
Elaeagnus angustifolia
Prunus spinosa
Tamarix tetranda
Gleditsia triacanthos
Rosa canina
Ulmus pumila
Hedera helix
Rosa laxa
Viburnum opulus
Hibiscus syriacus
Rosa multiflora
Viburnum lantana
Ligustrum ovalifolium
Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Nyirségi’
Detailed Descriptions
Albizia julibrissin, commonly known as the Mimosa tree or Persian silk tree, is a graceful ornamental tree prized for its fern-like foliage and fluffy pink pom-pom flowers. Native to Asia, it thrives in warm climates and well-drained soil. Its delicate appearance belies its resilience, making it a favorite in gardens and landscapes worldwide.
Height 8 – 15 m
Crown vase-like, umbel, half-open crown, capricious growing
Leaf twice pinnate, dark green, circa 40 cm, feathered leaf
Flowers light pink, clustered in dense heads, July/August
Fruits pods up to 15 cm long, flat with light brown seeds
Spines/thorns None
Toxicity usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type tolerates drought
Shape clearstem tree, multi-stem treem
Origin China to Iran
Elaeagnus angustifolia
Elaeagnus angustifolia, also known as the Russian olive or oleaster, is a hardy deciduous shrub or small tree with silvery-green leaves and small, fragrant yellow flowers. Native to Eurasia, it thrives in various soil types and is drought-tolerant. The fruit produced is edible, with a tangy flavor, and the plant is valued for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, making it useful for erosion control and as a windbreak in landscapes.
Height: 15-30 feet tall.
Crown: Open, irregular crown.
Leaf: Deciduous, silvery-gray, lance-shaped leaves.
Flowers: Fragrant, small, silvery-white flowers in spring.
Fruits: Small, silver-scaled, olive-like drupes.
Spines/Thorns: Often has thorns on branches.
Toxicity: Generally non-toxic.
Soil Type: Tolerant of various soil types, including poor soils.
Shape: Irregular, spreading.
Origin: Eurasia.
Gleditsia triacanthos
Gleditsia triacanthos, commonly known as the honey locust, is a deciduous tree native to North America. It features delicate, fern-like foliage and distinctive long pods. Honey locusts are adaptable to various soil types and are often planted as ornamentals or shade trees. They are prized for their tolerance to urban conditions and their ability to attract wildlife. However, some cultivars have thorns, so careful selection is necessary for landscaping purposes.
Height: 30-70 feet tall.
Crown: Broad, spreading crown.
Leaf: Compound leaves with small leaflets.
Flowers: Inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers.
Fruits: Long, twisted pods.
Spines/Thorns: Large, branched thorns.
Toxicity: Pods and seeds may be toxic if ingested.
Soil Type: Tolerant of various soil types.
Shape: Oval to rounded.
Origin: Native to North America.
Hedera helix
Hedera helix, commonly known as English ivy, is a versatile evergreen vine native to Europe and Western Asia. It features glossy, dark green leaves that can vary in shape and size, depending on the variety. English ivy is prized for its ability to climb and cover walls, fences, and arbors, adding a lush, green backdrop to gardens. It is also commonly used as ground cover in shaded areas. While it can be invasive in some regions, it is valued for its resilience and low maintenance requirements in many landscapes.
Height: Climbing vine, can reach up to 50 feet.
Crown: N/A (typically climbs structures or trees).
Leaf: Evergreen, lobed leaves.
Flowers: Small, greenish-yellow flowers in umbels.
Fruits: Black berries.
Spines/Thorns: Typically lacks spines or thorns.
Toxicity: Toxic if ingested.
Soil Type: Prefers moist, well-draining soil.
Shape: Vining habit.
Origin: Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa.
Hibiscus syriacus
Hibiscus syriacus, commonly known as Rose of Sharon, is a deciduous flowering shrub native to eastern Asia. It is prized for its showy, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in late summer to early autumn, in shades of pink, purple, blue, or white. The plant has green, lobed leaves and can grow to be a large shrub or small tree. Rose of Sharon is popular in landscapes and gardens due to its long blooming period, drought tolerance, and ability to thrive in a variety of soil types and climates. It attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding to its appeal in the garden.
Height: 8-12 feet tall.
Crown: Rounded, dense crown.
Leaf: Deciduous, serrated leaves.
Flowers: Showy, hibiscus-like flowers in various colors.
Fruits: Capsule-like seed pods.
Spines/Thorns: Typically lacks spines or thorns.
Toxicity: Generally non-toxic.
Soil Type: Well-drained soil.
Shape: Upright, vase-shaped.
Origin: Asia.
Ligustrum ovalifolium
Ligustrum ovalifolium, commonly known as the California privet, is a fast-growing evergreen shrub native to Japan. It is prized for its dense, glossy foliage and small, white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer, followed by black berries. California privet is often used as a hedge or screening plant due to its ability to form a thick, dense barrier. It tolerates pruning well and can be shaped into various forms. This shrub is adaptable to different soil types and is relatively low-maintenance, making it a popular choice for landscaping.
Height: 6-12 feet tall.
Crown: Dense, rounded crown.
Leaf: Evergreen or semi-evergreen, oval-shaped leaves.
Flowers: Small, white, fragrant flowers in clusters.
Fruits: Small, black berries.
Spines/Thorns: Typically lacks spines or thorns.
Toxicity: Berries may be toxic if ingested.
Soil Type: Tolerant of various soil types.
Shape: Dense, bushy.
Origin: Japan, Korea, and China.
Ligustrum vulgare
Ligustrum vulgare, commonly known as wild privet or European privet, is a deciduous shrub native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. It features dense clusters of small, white, fragrant flowers in late spring to early summer, followed by black berries. Wild privet is valued for its ability to form thick hedges and screens, providing privacy and shelter for wildlife. It has glossy, dark green leaves that turn yellow-green in autumn. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types and conditions.
Height: 10-15 feet tall.
Crown: Dense, oval-shaped crown.
Leaf: Evergreen or semi-evergreen, small, glossy leaves.
Flowers: Small, white, fragrant flowers in clusters.
Fruits: Small, black berries.
Spines/Thorns: Typically lacks spines or thorns.
Toxicity: Berries may be toxic if ingested.
Soil Type: Tolerant of various soil types.
Shape: Dense, bushy.
Origin: Europe, North Africa, and Asia.
Prunus spinosa
Prunus spinosa, commonly known as blackthorn or sloe, is a deciduous shrub native to Europe, western Asia, and parts of Africa. It is known for its dense, thorny branches and small, white flowers that bloom in early spring, before the leaves emerge. The plant produces small, blue-black fruits called sloes, which are tart and commonly used to make jams, jellies, and alcoholic beverages. It thrives in a variety of soil types and is tolerant of drought and cold temperatures.
Height: 10-15 feet tall.
Crown: Dense, thorny branches.
Leaf: Deciduous, oval-shaped leaves with serrated margins.
Flowers: White, five-petaled flowers in early spring.
Fruits: Small, blue-black sloes.
Spines/Thorns: Sharp thorns.
Toxicity: Berries may be toxic if ingested.
Soil Type: Tolerant of various soil types.
Shape: Irregular, bushy.
Origin: Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa.
Rosa canina
Rosa canina, commonly known as the dog rose, is a deciduous shrub native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. It is renowned for its delicate pink or white flowers that bloom in spring and are followed by small, red rose hips in autumn. Dog rose is valued in gardens for its ornamental beauty and in natural landscapes for its ability to form thickets, providing habitat and food for wildlife. It is adaptable to various soil types and can tolerate a range of conditions, making it a popular choice for hedgerows and erosion control.
Height: 6-10 feet tall.
Crown: Spreading, arching branches.
Leaf: Deciduous, pinnate leaves with serrated leaflets.
Flowers: Pink or white, five-petaled flowers.
Fruits: Red rose hips.
Spines/Thorns: Sharp thorns.
Toxicity: Generally non-toxic, but thorns can cause irritation.
Soil Type: Tolerant of various soil types.
Shape: Varies from bushy to climbing.
Origin: Europe, North Africa, and Asia.
Rosa laxa
Rosa laxa, also known as the mountain rose, is a species of wild rose native to regions of Europe and Asia. It is a deciduous shrub characterized by its elegant pink flowers, which bloom in clusters during the summer months. The mountain rose is highly adaptable, thriving in a variety of soil types and climates, including mountainous regions. It is often found in rocky slopes, woodland edges, and meadows. The plant’s flowers are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Height: 6-8 feet tall.
Crown: Arching, spreading branches.
Leaf: Deciduous, pinnate leaves with serrated leaflets.
Flowers: Pink or white, fragrant flowers.
Fruits: Red rose hips.
Spines/Thorns: Sharp thorns.
Toxicity: Generally non-toxic, but thorns can cause irritation.
Soil Type: Tolerant of various soil types.
Shape: Varies from bushy to climbing.
Origin: Europe and Western Asia.
Rosa multiflora
Rosa multiflora, commonly known as multiflora rose, is a deciduous shrub native to eastern Asia. It is characterized by its profusion of small white flowers that bloom in spring, followed by red rose hips in the fall. Multiflora rose was introduced to North America as a rootstock for ornamental roses and for erosion control, but it has since become invasive in many regions, forming dense thickets that crowd out native vegetation. However, its aggressive growth and thorny stems make it difficult to control once established.
Height: 7-10 feet tall.
Crown: Arching, sprawling branches.
Leaf: Deciduous, pinnate leaves with numerous leaflets.
Flowers: Small, white, fragrant flowers in clusters.
Fruits: Small, red rose hips.
Spines/Thorns: Abundant sharp thorns.
Toxicity: Generally non-toxic, but thorns can cause irritation.
Soil Type: Tolerant of various soil types.
Shape: Varies from bushy to climbing.
Origin: Asia.
Robinia pseudoacacia "Nyirségi"
Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Nyirségi’, commonly known as Nyirségi false acacia or Hungarian acacia, is a cultivar of the black locust tree native to Hungary. It is prized for its upright, columnar growth habit, making it suitable for narrow spaces or as an accent tree in landscapes. ‘Nyirségi’ features the typical pinnate leaves of the species, which turn yellow in autumn. In late spring to early summer, it produces fragrant clusters of white flowers, attracting pollinators. It is often used in urban and suburban settings for its ornamental value, tolerance to pollution, and low maintenance requirements.
Height: 30-50 feet tall.
Crown: Irregular, broad crown.
Leaf: Deciduous, pinnate leaves with small leaflets.
Flowers: Fragrant, white, pea-like flowers in spring.
Fruits: Insignificant brown pods.
Spines/Thorns: Long, sharp thorns on branches.
Toxicity: Bark, seeds, and leaves are toxic if ingested.
Soil Type: Tolerant of various soil types.
Shape: Irregular, spreading.
Origin: North America.
Spirea vanhouttei
Spiraea vanhouttei, commonly known as Vanhoutte spirea or bridal wreath, is a deciduous shrub prized for its cascading branches adorned with clusters of small white flowers. Native to China, this shrub blooms profusely in spring, creating a stunning display of delicate flowers that resemble bridal veils, hence its common name. Vanhoutte spirea is relatively low-maintenance, tolerating a wide range of soil conditions and pruning well to maintain its shape. It is popular in landscapes as a specimen plant, in borders, or as a hedge.
Height: 5-8 feet tall.
Crown: Dense, rounded crown with arching branches.
Leaf: Deciduous, small, green leaves.
Flowers: White, small, clustered flowers in spring.
Fruits: Insignificant small capsules.
Spines/Thorns: Typically lacks spines or thorns.
Toxicity: Generally non-toxic.
Soil Type: Well-drained soil.
Shape: Rounded, spreading.
Origin: Asia.
Tamarix Tetranda
Tamarix tetranda, also known as four-stamen tamarisk or saltcedar, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to regions of Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. It is characterized by its feathery foliage and clusters of small pink to purplish flowers that bloom in late spring to summer. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and can thrive in saline or alkaline soils, making it suitable for coastal regions or areas with poor soil conditions. However, it can be invasive in some habitats, particularly in arid and riparian ecosystems, where it displaces native vegetation. Proper management and control measures are necessary to prevent its spread in sensitive environments.
Height: 10-20 feet tall.
Crown: Open, feathery canopy.
Leaf: Scale-like, bluish-green leaves.
Flowers: Small, pink to white, feathery panicles.
Fruits: Small capsules.
Spines/Thorns: Typically lacks spines or thorns.
Toxicity: Generally non-toxic.
Soil Type: Tolerant of saline and alkaline soils.
Shape: Open, spreading.
Origin: Asia and Europe.
Ulmus pumila
Ulmus pumila, commonly known as the Siberian elm, is a deciduous tree native to eastern Asia, including China, Korea, and Siberia. It is known for its rapid growth, drought tolerance, and adaptability to various soil types and climates. The Siberian elm typically reaches heights of 40-60 feet (12-18 meters) and forms a broad, rounded crown. Its leaves are small, oval-shaped, and dark green, turning yellow in the fall. The tree produces inconspicuous flowers in spring, followed by small, winged seeds.
Height: 30-60 feet tall.
Crown: Rounded, spreading crown.
Leaf: Deciduous, small, elliptical leaves with serrated edges.
Flowers: Inconspicuous, small flowers in spring.
Fruits: Small, winged samaras.
Spines/Thorns: Typically lacks spines or thorns.
Toxicity: Generally non-toxic.
Soil Type: Tolerant of various soil types.
Shape: Rounded, spreading.
Origin: Asia.
Viburnum opulus
Viburnum opulus, commonly known as the European cranberry bush or guelder rose, is a deciduous shrub native to Europe, northern Africa, and northern Asia. It is prized for its attractive, three-lobed leaves that turn vibrant shades of red and purple in the fall. In spring, the shrub produces clusters of small, white flowers that give way to bright red berries in autumn. European cranberry bush is a versatile plant that thrives in various soil types and light conditions, making it popular in gardens and landscapes as a specimen plant, hedge, or border shrub.
Height: 8-12 feet tall.
Crown: Rounded, spreading.
Leaf: Deciduous, three-lobed, dark green leaves.
Flowers: White, flat-topped clusters of flowers in spring.
Fruits: Red berries.
Spines/Thorns: Typically lacks spines or thorns.
Toxicity: Berries may cause mild stomach upset if ingested.
Soil Type: Prefers moist, well-drained soil.
Shape: Rounded, spreading.
Origin: Europe, North Africa, and Asia.
Viburnum lantana
Viburnum lantana, commonly known as wayfaring tree or wayfaring bush, is a deciduous shrub native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It is appreciated for its dense, rounded habit and attractive foliage. The leaves are dark green and oval-shaped, turning various shades of red, purple, or yellow in autumn. In late spring to early summer, clusters of creamy white flowers appear, followed by red to black berries in autumn. Wayfaring tree is adaptable to a wide range of soil types and can tolerate various light conditions, making it suitable for gardens, hedgerows, and naturalized areas.
Height: 10-15 feet tall.
Crown: Rounded, spreading.
Leaf: Deciduous, oval to lance-shaped, dark green leaves.
Flowers: White clusters of flowers in spring.
Fruits: Red to black berries.
Spines/Thorns: Typically lacks spines or thorns.
Toxicity: Berries may cause mild stomach upset if ingested.
Soil Type: Tolerant of various soil types.
Shape: Rounded, spreading.
Origin: Europe, North Africa, and Asia.