There are many choices in the trees that can be selected for our homes. The selection process deserves some research, which unfortunately is often neglected. Of course, the ultimate size in both height and width is important, as well as the growing environment.

Do we want a tree with showy flowers? Need they be in the spring, or is summer or fall an acceptable blooming period? What about leaf texture and color? Is fall color a desirable characteristic?

These are just some questions that should be considered when planting a tree. One should think of planting a tree as a lifelong investment because in most cases the tree will be a permanent addition to the garden. It will probably be around much longer than the gardener who planted it.

The following trees are a diverse group that should be better known. There is not one tree that will fulfill every individual wish, so a selection of the attributes of each, should be considered.

Discovered in China

To select a tree with an interesting history is a bonus and Davidia involucrata is a good example. In the late 1800s, Père Armand David, a French missionary, botanist and zoologist, became the first westerner to see this tree in Sichuan Province in China. He sent specimens and seeds to the Jardin des Plantes in Paris.

Since this tree was unknown to Western science, a new genus was created and named in honor of Père David. It was introduced into the United States in the early 1900s. It is commonly called the dove tree, or handkerchief tree, and when it is in bloom it is obvious how it got these names.

The flowers are small, red-anthered clusters that are located between two large white bracts that can give the appearance of fluttering doves or handkerchiefs blowing in the wind. Viewing this tree in bloom is quite spectacular. Unfortunately, these trees were not readily available for home gardeners, nor was there a large demand because the trees did not typically come into bloom until they were 20-plus years old.

Sonoma Horticultural Nursery in California discovered a plant with larger bracts that also bloomed at the young age of 1–2 years. Suddenly there was a market created for this new variety called ‘Sonoma’ (D. involucrata ‘Sonoma’). It is a reliable spring bloomer and will probably become more popular as more gardeners see the white wings fluttering in the spring.

Underused wonders

There are many trees that are underused, primarily because they are not well known. I am often surprised when I see certain trees that seem to thrive with minimum care and provide spring or fall color and sometimes both, but are rarely planted.

ne such tree is the Stewartia gemmata. Not only does this deciduous tree have showy white flowers in the spring, but in the fall the red orange leaf color is outstanding. I have had one in my garden for almost 20 years, and it never fails to put on a show in spring and fall.

Sometimes plants, like people, have their name changed. Today, with DNA and genetic advancements, it is sometimes discovered that a group of plants is in the wrong family or genus.

Michelia maudiae is a good example. When I first learned of this plant, that was its given botanical name. With further studies, it was discovered that it is part of the Magnolia family, so the new name is Magnolia maudiae.

Regardless of the name, this evergreen tree is a worthy plant that deserves to be better known. The white flowers appear in early spring and look as they are in a straight row on the branches. The flowers themselves are very worthy of a spring flowering tree, but they have another outstanding attribute, and that is their fragrance. It is a sweet fragrance the permeates the air around it.

Trees in unfamiliar places

One of the perks of going on a garden tour is the likelihood of seeing a new plant or perhaps a familiar plant that is used in a different way.

I was familiar with tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), but had never seen it in flower until two years ago on a garden tour. This is a fast-growing large tree that is definitely not for a small garden.

Upon first seeing the flower on this day in mid-June, I did not know what it was, nor did most of the other people in the tour group. The flower was tulip shaped, hence the common name “tulip tree,” and the color was a greenish yellow with orange at the base. Such an unusual and striking bloom.

On the same tour as mentioned above, was an Abies koreana ‘Frosty’. This conifer has striking blue cones and signaled that there may be many other conifers in this garden. The garden owners were conifer collectors, and there were many new plants to be seen. This particular Abies was showing off its abundant cones that were held upright and provided a nice contrast against the matte green foliage which had a light silvery color on the underside of the needles.

Another tree that always draws attention from visitors but rarely is seen is Quercus alnifolia. The underneath side of the leaves of this oak tree has a fuzzy golden texture, almost like indumentum on a rhododendron. I cannot say much about this as a mature tree because it is only about 4 feet in height, but it has survived several winters with no protection and looks good throughout the year.

Scratching the surface of tree diversity

There are so many trees to choose from and most of us are probably at a beginner’s level of the diversity that is available. If your city has a botanic garden or arboretum, that would be a good place to discover what will grow in your region and what the trees actually look like when growing out in the open.

Remember that selection is important, because a tree is a very long-term investment. Garden centers are a great place to get your questions answered regarding the perfect tree for your yard. The knowledgeable staff will ask the correct questions to assist you in obtaining just the right tree for your yard. You can be certain that you will get the best selection to thrive in your yard for you to enjoy for years to come.

From the April 2025 issue of Digger magazine | Download PDF of article