URBAN TREE
SELECTION GUIDE
A Designer’s List of Appropriate Trees for the
Urban Mid-Atlantic
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Urban Tree Selection Guide
© 2015
Lead Authors
Project Team
(members listed here)
Reviewers
About the Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Growing Conditions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Physical Characteristics
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Organization Experts
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
(reviewers listed here)
Large Trees
Special Thanks
Medium Trees
Douglas Tallamy, Ph.D. - University of Delaware, Professor & Department Chair of
the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology
Denny Townsend, Ph.D. - USDA Agricultural Research Service (retired), Plant
Geneticist
Small Trees
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Suitable Landscape Locations
Habitat Indicators
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
References + Index
2URBAN TREE SELECTION GUIDE
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
1
About This Guide
This Urban Tree Selection Guide provides key information for selecting
trees suitable for landscapes in the urban Mid-Atlantic. This region includes
Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the parts of New Jersey,
New York and North Carolina that drain into related waterways of the central
region.
In this guide, trees are first grouped by size at maturity (Large, Medium
and Small) and then alphabetically by scientific name. Each row provides
information about the tree, including its growing conditions, physical
characteristics, habitat indicators and recommended landscape locations.
The guide also notes if the tree is native or evergreen. According to the
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources
Conservation Service, only plants found in the United States before
European settlement are considered to be native. Trees are considered
evergreen if they keep their needles or leaves for more than one growing
season.
Zone 5a
5b
7a
Zone 5b
New York City
Ouercus robur
Columnar
`Fastigiata'
Cylindrical, English
verticalOak
axis
greatly COLUMNAR
exceeding horizontal
Suggested for narrow sites.
Shade produced can be
limited due to lack of wide crown.
Top 3 for the DC Region
Ouercus robur `Fastigiata' English Oak
Juniperus virginiana Eastern Redcedar
X Cupressocyparis leylandii Leyland Cypress
7b
Trenton
Zone 6a
Harrisburg
Philadelphia
Zone 6b
Pittsburgh
6b
Dover
Baltimore
Washington, DC
Round Oak
Rounded circular form,
vertical and horizontal
ROUND
axis about
XXequal
Top 3 for the DC Region
XX
Ohio
7a
7b
5a
6b
5b
Richmond
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
Growing Conditions
Hardiness Zones. The USDA’s Hardiness Zone Map divides the U.S. into 11
zones based on average minimal winter temperature. A plant’s Hardiness
Zone refers to a plant’s ability to thrive in the corresponding map location.
Heat Zones. The American Horticultural Society defines 12 regions in the
continental U.S. by the average number of “heat days” (temperatures over
86°F) each zone will experience per year.
The Mid-Atlantic region includes areas in Heat Zones 4, 5, 6 and 7. Zone 4, the Northernmost
areas of the region, experiences 14-30 days over 86°F. The Southernmost areas of the region
(Zone 7) experience 60-90 days over 86°F.
Platanus occidentalis
Oval
Sycamore
Elliptic to
egg-shaped,
broadest at base, vertical
OVAL
axis exceeding
Preferred for street horizontal
tree.
minimal pruning.
by 2 Requires
to 1 ratio
Produces generous shade.
Top 3 for the DC Region
Liriodendron tulipifera Tulip Poplar (mature)
Franxinus pennsylvanica Green Ash (mature)
Crataegus phaenopyrum Washington Hawthorn
Ulmus Americana
Vase
American
Elm
Elliptic
to egg-shaped,
broadest at
crown apex,
VASE
Preferred
for street
tree.
vertical
axis
exceeding
Requires minimal pruning.
horizontal
by 2 shade.
to 1 ratio
Produces generous
Top 2 for the DC Region
Ulmus Americana American Elm
Zelkova serrata Japanese Zelkova
Soil Conditions. A tree’s preferred soil moisture level, drainage and pH level.
Hackberry, Celtis occidentalis
The Hackberry is a rapidly growing tree native to North America. It can be found throughout the upper
half of the Eastern United States, the Great Plains and Southern Canada. The Hackberry’s bark is
smooth during youth. As it matures, the bark develops wart-like marks which later turn into rough, corky,
irregular ridges. The female tree produces an abundance of drupes, or berry-like fruits. These fruits
ripen to deep purple and attract a variety of wildlife.
The Hackberry can endure tough urban conditions, withstand heavy winds and adapt to various soil
types. It makes a good street tree and can be used in bioretention or park landscapes.
Light Conditions. The amount of sun and/or shade required for a tree to
grow and thrive (Full Sun: direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day during
the growing season, Partial Shade: approximately 3-6 hours of direct
sunlight, Shade: less than 3 hours of sunlight).
Drought Tolerant. Trees that can generally survive several weeks between
deep waterings (after a three-year establishment period).
Tilia cordata
Pyramidal
Littleleaf Linden
Approaching
triangular in
outline, broadest
at base
PYRAMIDAL
Generally requires pruning
on lower branches.
Top 3 for the DC Region
Tilia cordata Littleleaf Linden
Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglasfir
Taxodium distichum Baldcypress
Air Pollution Tolerant. Trees generally not harmed by airborne pollutants.
Salt Tolerant. Trees generally not harmed by road and sidewalk deicers.
Nyssa sylvatica
Spreading
Black
Gum with
Mature tree
crown
a branch
spread width of
ROUND - SPREADING
Produces ample shade.
35’ or Generally
greater
requires pruning
Zone 8a
USDA Hardiness Zones of the Mid-Atlantic Region
This region includes Zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b and 8a. The coldest area
in the region, Zone 5a, has average annual extreme minimum temperatures
from -20°F to -15°F. The warmest area, Zone 8a, has an average minimum
temperature range of 10°F to 15°F.
Physical Characteristics
Height. The approximate mature tree height from
the ground to the top of the crown under normal
landscape situations (Large: 50 feet and greater,
Medium: 35 to 50 feet, Small: 35 feet and under).
Spread. A tree’s crown diameter. In plan view, it is
the horizontal distance from one edge of the crown
(dripline) to the other.
Crown Form. The shape of a tree at maturity based on
the outline of the crown as perceived in silhouette.
Six basic crown forms plus an irregular form are
used in this document with two additional qualifiers:
variable and multi-stemmed.
on lower branches.
2Urban Tree selection Guide
2
Top 3 for the DC Region
Nyssa sylvatica Black Gum
Acer rubrum Red Maple
Quercus phellos Willow Oak
2
LARGE TREES (50’ AND OVER)
Catalpa speciosa
Northern Catalpa
40 - 60’
20 - 40’
4 to 8
8 to 1
Deep, moist, welldrained
Fagus grandifolia
American Beech
50 - 70’
50 - 70’
4 to 9
9 to 1
Well-drained, acidic
Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo
50 - 80’
30 - 40’
4 to 8
9 to 3
Adaptable
5
Gleditsia triacanthos
Honey Locust
30 - 70’
30 - 70’
4 to 9
9 to 1
Adaptable
46
Bioretention
Adaptable
Buffers /
Screening
8 to 1
Parks / Lawns
4 to 8
Parking
Islands
35 - 50’
Paved Plazas
60 - 80’
Suitable Landscape Locations
Streets
Number of
Caterpillar
Species
Salt Tolerant
Air Pollution
Tolerant
Shagbark Hickory
Drought
Tolerant
Heat
Zones
Soil
Conditions
Hardiness
Zones
Light
Conditions
Spread
Carya ovata
Evergreen
Common Name
Native
Scientific Name
Height
Fruit / Nut
Producing
Habitat
Indicators
Growing Conditions
Crown Form
Physical Characteristics
Legend
APPLICABLE
235
8
127
N/A INFORMATION
NOT AVAILABLE
Light Conditions
FULL SUN
PART SHADE
SHADE
Gymnocladus dioicus ‘Stately Manor’
Fruitless Kentucky Coffee Tree
50 - 70’
30 - 50’
3b to 8
9 to 2
Liquidambar styraciflua
American Sweetgum
60 - 75’
60 - 75’
5 to 9
10 to 1
Deep, moist, slightly
acidic
N/A
35
35
OVAL
21
VASE
Adaptable
5
Mature Crown Form
N/A
35
COLUMNAR
Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Cherokee’
Cherokee Sweetgum
40 - 50’
25 - 30’
5 to 9
N/A
Deep, moist, slightly
acidic
Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Rotundiloba’
Low Fruiting Sweetgum
60 - 75’
40 - 50’
6 to 9
N/A
Deep, moist, slightly
acidic
N/A
Liriodendron tulipifera
Tuliptree, Tulip Poplar
60 - 90’
35 - 50’
4 to 9
9 to 2
Deep, moist, welldrained
N/A
Magnolia grandiflora
Southern Magnolia
60 - 80’
30 - 50’
7 to 9
11 to 1
Well-drained, rich,
porous, acidic
N/A
21
Metasequoia glyptostroboides
Dawn Redwood
70 - 100’
15 - 25’
5 to 8
10 to 5
Moist, well-drained,
slightly acidic
N/A
0
Pinus strobus
Eastern White Pine
50 - 80’
Platanus occidentalis
Sycamore
75 - 100’
75 - 100’
4 to 9
5 to 9
Platanus x acerifolia
London Planetree
70 - 100’
65 - 80’
5 to 8
N/A
Quercus alba
White Oak
50 - 80’
50 - 80’
3b to 9
8 to 1
Moist, well-drained,
acidic
Quercus bicolor
Swamp White Oak
50 - 60’
50 - 60’
4 to 8
8 to 1
Acidic
Quercus coccinea
Scarlet Oak
60 - 80’
40 - 50’
5 to 8
9 to 4
Adaptable
20 - 40’
3 to 7
7 to 1
N/A
URBAN TREE SELECTION GUIDE
PYRAMIDAL
SPREADING
IRREGULAR
Moist, well-drained
201
Deep, moist, welldrained soils
45
Adaptable
0
Swamp White Oak, Quercus bicolor
The Swamp White Oak grows naturally in swamps, lowland forests and along streams. It has a shallow root
system that does well in both moist and compacted soils. Planting this tree along rivers can help stabilize
soils and establish wildlife habitats. The Swamp White Oak is well-suited for bioretention, is a beautiful
specimen tree for parks and lawns, and it can also be used as a large street tree.
The Swamp White Oak has a round crown and interesting bark: when young, its bark is flaky and peels back
to reveal orange colors of the inner bark. The tree has dark green leaves that are silvery white on the bottom.
ROUND
N/A
N/A
M
multi-stemmed
*
variable
Fruit / Nut Producing
532
FRUIT
532
BERRY
532
NUT
3
LARGE TREES (50’ AND OVER)
Quercus imbricaria
Shingle Oak
50 - 60’
50 - 60’
4 to 8
8 to 4
Adaptable
N/A
532
Quercus lyrata
Overcup Oak
45 - 50’
40 - 50’
5 to 9
8 to 4
Moist to wet loams
N/A
532
Quercus macrocarpa
Bur Oak
70 - 80’
70 - 80’
3 to 8
9 to 1
Adaptable
N/A
532
Quercus palustris
Pin Oak
65 - 70’
25 - 40’
4 to 8
7 to 3
Moist, rich, well
drained, acidic
532
Quercus phellos
Willow Oak
40 - 60’
30 - 40’
5 to 9
9 to 3
Adaptable
532
Quercus rubra
Northern Red Oak
60 - 75’
60 -75’
3b to 7
9 to 5
Well-drained, sandy
loam, slightly acidic
532
Bioretention
Adaptable
Buffers /
Screening
9 to 5
Parks / Lawns
7 to 9
Parking
Islands
70 - 100’
Paved Plazas
70 - 80’
Suitable Landscape Locations
Streets
Number of
Caterpillar
Species
Salt Tolerant
Air Pollution
Tolerant
Southern Red Oak
Drought
Tolerant
Heat
Zones
Soil
Conditions
Hardiness
Zones
Light
Conditions
Spread
Quercus falcata
Evergreen
Common Name
Native
Scientific Name
Height
Fruit / Nut
Producing
Habitat
Indicators
Growing Conditions
Crown Form
Physical Characteristics
Legend
APPLICABLE
532
N/A INFORMATION
NOT AVAILABLE
Light Conditions
FULL SUN
PART SHADE
SHADE
Mature Crown Form
COLUMNAR
Robinia pseudoacacia
Black Locust
30 - 50’
10 -15’
4 to 8
9 to 3
Adaptable
Sophora japonica
Japanese Pagoda Tree
50 - 75’
50 - 75’
4 to 7
9 to 5
Loamy, well-drained
0
OVAL
Taxodium distichum
Common Bald Cypress
50 - 70’
20 - 30’
4 to 11
12 to 5
Moist, well-drained
acidic
16
VASE
Tilia americana
American Linden, Basswood
60 - 80’
30 - 55’
3b to 8
8 to 1
Moist, well drained
149
Tilia cordata
Littleleaf Linden
60 - 80’
30 - 50’
3b to 8
8 to 1
Deep, moist, fertile
149
72
ROUND
PYRAMIDAL
SPREADING
IRREGULAR
Tilia tomentosa
Silver Linden
50 - 70’
Ulmus americana ‘Jefferson’
Jefferson American Elm
60 - 80’
30 - 50’
4 to 7
8 to 2
Rich, moist preferred
but adaptable
215
Ulmus americana ‘New Harmony’
New Harmony American Elm
60 - 70’
60 - 70’
5 to10
8 to 2
Rich, moist preferred
but adaptable
215
Ulmus americana ‘Valley Forge’
Valley Forge American Elm
60 - 70’
60 - 70’
4 to 9
8 to 2
Rich, moist preferred
but adaptable
215
FRUIT
Zelkova serrata
Japanese Zelkova
50 - 80’
50 - 80’
5 to 8
9 to 5
Moist, deep, pH
adaptable
0
BERRY
Zelkova serrata ‘Green Vase’
Green Vase Zelkova
60 - 70’
40 - 50’
5 to 8
9 to 5
Moist, deep, pH
adaptable
35 - 45’
4 to 7
9 to 1
Ginkgo, Ginkgo biloba
This attractive tree has a pyramidal shape when young that spreads as it matures. Because of its form and
tolerance to road salt, vehicular exhaust, nutrient-deficient soils and urban pollution, it performs well as a
street tree. It is also good for urban parks and bioretention areas. The unique dichotomous fan-shaped
leaves have extraordinary yellow color in the fall.
Some people prefer the male Ginkgo tree because the female bears a malodorous fruit. However, the female
tree’s fruit yields a nut meat that is edible and often used in herbal remedies.
URBAN TREE SELECTION GUIDE
Deep, moist, fertile
149
N/A
0
M
multi-stemmed
*
variable
Fruit / Nut Producing
NUT
4
MEDIUM TREES (35’-50’)
The Yellowwood is native to the United States from the Carolinas to Oklahoma. The tree is adapted to
air pollution and other urban conditions, making it a desirable, multi-functional tree that thrives in many
landscapes.
This tree has a broad rounded crown with spectacular cascading flowers. Its smooth gray bark and yellow
autumn leaves also provide visual interest.
URBAN TREE SELECTION GUIDE
3b to 9
9 to 1
Moist, well-drained,
acidic
Deodar Cedar
40 - 70’
150’
7 to 8
9 to 7
Well-drained to dry
Celtis occidentalis
Hackberry
40 - 60’
40 - 60’
3 to 9
9 to 1
Rich, moist, withstands
alkaline conditions
Cercidiphyllum japonicum
Katsura
40 - 60’
20 - 30’
4 to 8
8 to 1
Rich, moist, welldrained
N/A
N/A
APPLICABLE
N/A INFORMATION
NOT AVAILABLE
N/A
Light Conditions
0
FULL SUN
43
PART SHADE
0
SHADE
Cladrastis kentukea
American Yellowwood
30 - 50’
40 - 55’
4 to 8
9 to 1
Adaptable, welldrained
Cryptomeria japonica
Japanese Cedar
40 - 60’
30 - 40’
5 to 8
9 to 4
Moist, rich, welldrained
N/A
N/A
0
Mature Crown Form
N/A
0
COLUMNAR
Diospyros virginiana
Common Persimmon
35 - 60’
25 - 35’
7 to 10
9 to 1
Adaptable, welldrained
Ilex opaca
American Holly
40 - 50’
20 - 40’
5 to 9
9 to 1
Average, medium,
well-drained
Juniperus virginiana
Eastern Red Cedar
40 - 50’
10 - 20’
3b to 9
9 to 1
Adaptable
Maclura pomifera ‘White Shield’
White Shield Osage Orange
20 - 40’
20 - 40’
4 to 9
10 to 1
Adaptable
Nyssa sylvatica
Black Gum, Black Tupelo
30 - 50’
20 - 30’
4 to 9
9 to 7
Moist, well-drained,
acidic
26
9 to 6
Moist, well-drained,
drought resistant
0
N/A
46
N/A
39
OVAL
42
VASE
N/A
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
ROUND
PYRAMIDAL
8
SPREADING
IRREGULAR
Pistacia chinensis
Chinese Pistache
30 - 35’
Prunus x yeodensis
Yoshino Cherry
35 - 45’
30 - 40’
5b to 8a
8 to 3
Well-drained, acidic
Quercus muehlenbergii
Chinkapin Oak
40 - 50’
50 - 60’
5 to 7
8 to 2
Well-drained upland,
weakly acidic to
alkaline
N/A
Quercus nuttalli
Nuttall Oak
40 - 60’
40 - 50’
6b to 8b
N/A
Well-drained, acidic,
extended flooding
N/A
6 to 9
Legend
297
12
Cedrus deodara
25 - 35’
Bioretention
40 - 60’
Buffers /
Screening
40 - 70’
Parks / Lawns
River Birch
Parking
Islands
Betula nigra
N/A
Paved Plazas
Moist, well-drained
Suitable Landscape Locations
Streets
9 to 1
Number of
Caterpillar
Species
3b to 9
Fruit / Nut
Producing
40 - 60’
Salt Tolerant
40 - 60’
Air Pollution
Tolerant
Heat
Zones
Red Maple
Drought
Tolerant
Hardiness
Zones
Soil
Conditions
Spread
Light
Conditions
Height
Acer rubrum
Evergreen
Common Name
Native
Scientific Name
M
American Yellowwood, Cladrastis lutea/kentukea
Habitat
Indicators
Growing Conditions
Crown Form
Physical Characteristics
N/A
0
532
N/A
532
M
multi-stemmed
*
variable
Fruit / Nut Producing
FRUIT
BERRY
NUT
5
SMALL TREES (35’ AND UNDER)
Shadblow Serviceberry
5 - 20’
15 - 20’
4 to 9
7 to 1
Moist, well-drained,
acidic
124
4 to 9
9 to 1
Moist, well-drained,
acidic
124
5 to 8
8 to 6
Moist, well-drained,
acidic
Bioretention
124
Buffers /
Screening
Bogs, swamps
Parks / Lawns
7 to 1
Parking
Islands
3 to 7
N/A
Paved Plazas
Moist, well-drained,
acidic
Drought
Tolerant
9 to1
Suitable Landscape Locations
Streets
Number of
Caterpillar
Species
Fruit / Nut
Producing
Salt Tolerant
Air Pollution
Tolerant
Soil
Conditions
4 to 9
M
Amelanchier canadensis
Light
Conditions
Heat
Zones
15 - 25’
Hardiness
Zones
15 - 25’
Habitat
Indicators
Growing Conditions
Crown Form
Downy Serviceberry
Spread
Amelanchier arborea
Height
Common Name
Evergreen
Scientific Name
Native
Physical Characteristics
Legend
APPLICABLE
124
N/A INFORMATION
NOT AVAILABLE
M
Amelanchier x grandiflora
Apple Serviceberry
15 - 25’
15 - 20’
M
Amelanchier laevis
Allegheny Serviceberry
15 - 25’
15 - 25’
M
Asimina triloba
Pawpaw
15 - 20’
30 - 40’
M
Carpinus caroliniana
American Hornbeam
20 - 30’
20 - 30’
3b to 9
9 to 1
Moist, well-drained,
acidic
Cercis canadensis
Eastern Redbud
25 - 30’
25 - 35’
4 to 9
9 to 6
Moist, well-drained
6 to 8
9 to 3
Adaptable, good
drainage
4 to 9
9 to 1
Deep, moist, acidic
Light Conditions
FULL SUN
PART SHADE
SHADE
N/A
N/A
68
Mature Crown Form
19
COLUMNAR
Chionanthus retusus
Chinese Fringetree
15 - 25’
20 - 25’
Chionanthus virginicus
White Fringetree
25 - 30’
25 - 30’
Cornus florida
Flowering Dogwood
20 - 30’
20 - 30’
5 to 9
9 to 3
Wet, acidic, welldrained
Cornus kousa
Kousa Dogwood
20 - 30’
20 - 30’
5 to 8
8 to 5
Well-drained, acidic
Crataegus phaenopyrum
Washington Hawthorn
25 - 30’
20 - 25’
4 to 8
10 to 1
N/A
N/A
0
ROUND
8
OVAL
118
VASE
M
N/A
0
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
168
No
No
Yes
No
No
PYRAMIDAL
SPREADING
Moist, fertile
IRREGULAR
Crataegus spp.
Hawthorn
20 - 30’
Ficus carica
Fig
10 - 15’
10 - 20’
7b to 11
N/A
Well-drained, light to
medium soils
Halesia monticola
Mountain Silverbell
20 - 40’
15 - 35’
5 to 8
8 to 4
Medium moist, welldrained, acidic
Hamamelis virginiana
Common Witch Hazel
20 - 30’
20 - 25’
3b to 8
8 to 1
Most, well-drained
6 to 9
9 to 4
Medium moist, welldrained, slightly acidic
20 - 35’
3 to 8
10 to 1
Green Vase Zelkova, Zelkova serrata ‘Green Vase’
This winner of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Styer Award, the Green Vase Zelkova is a fast
growing cultivar of the Japanese Zelkova. Resistant to Dutch Elm Disease, it has been promoted as a
substitute for the American Elm. It is also resistant to drought and harsh winters.
The Green Vase Zelkova has a unique grayish white to grayish brown bark. The tree’s young bark is smooth
with lenticels. As the tree matures, its bark exfoliates to reveal an orange-brown inner bark. The ascending
branch structure makes it an excellent street tree and a nice addition to parks and lawns.
URBAN TREE SELECTION GUIDE
Adaptable
M
Ilex x attenuata ‘Fosteri #2’
Fosters Holly
20 - 30’
10 - 20’
168
N/A
N/A
8
7
N/A
63
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
M
multi-stemmed
*
variable
Fruit / Nut Producing
FRUIT
BERRY
NUT
6
SMALL TREES (35’ AND UNDER)
20 - 30’
Magnolia virginiana
Sweetbay Magnolia
10 - 20’
10 - 20’
*
Well-drained
3
6 to 9
11 to 6
Well-drained
3
4 to 9
9 to 5
Well-drained, rich,
porous, acidic
5 to 9
9 to 6
Wet, swampy acidic
4 to 8
9 to 1
Well-drained,
adaptable
4a to 8a
N/A
Moist, well-drained,
acidic
308
3b to 9
9 to 5
Moist, well-drained,
acidic
94
N/A
Bioretention
20 - 30’
11 to 6
Buffers /
Screening
Saucer Magnolia
6 to 9
Parks / Lawns
Magnolia soulangiana
*
3
Parking
Islands
15’
Well-drained
Paved Plazas
15’
11 to 7
Suitable Landscape Locations
Streets
Tuscarora Crapemyrtle
Number of
Caterpillar
Species
Lagerstroemia indica ‘Tuscarora’
*
Fruit / Nut
Producing
20’
Salt Tolerant
20’
Air Pollution
Tolerant
Natchez Crapemyrtle
6 to 9
Drought
Tolerant
Lagerstroemia indica ‘Natchez’
Soil
Conditions
15’
Light
Conditions
20’
Heat
Zones
Muskogee Crapemyrtle
Hardiness
Zones
Spread
Lagerstroemia indica ‘Muskogee’
Habitat
Indicators
Growing Conditions
Crown Form
Common Name
Native
Scientific Name
Height
Evergreen
Physical Characteristics
Legend
APPLICABLE
N/A INFORMATION
NOT AVAILABLE
Light Conditions
FULL SUN
21
PART SHADE
N/A
21
M
Malus domestica
Apple - edible
10 - 35’
Variable
Malus spp.
Flowering Crabapple
15 - 25’
10 - 20’
Many
different
*
SHADE
N/A
308
Mature Crown Form
COLUMNAR
Ostrya virginiana
American Hophornbeam
25 - 40’
15 - 25’
Prunus x ‘Okame’
Okame Cherry
15 - 25’
20’
6b to 9b
9 to 5
Adaptable
N/A
0
OVAL
Prunus avium
Sweet Cherry
15 - 30’
15 - 30’
3 to 8
8 to 1
Moist well-drained,
moderately acidic pH
N/A
456
VASE
Prunus cerasus
Sour Cherry
10 - 30’
10 - 20’
4 to 8
8 to 1
Moist well-drained,
moderately acidic pH
N/A
456
Prunus domestica
Plum
15 - 25’
15 - 25’
5 to 8
8 to 3
Moist, well-drained
N/A
0
0
0
ROUND
PYRAMIDAL
SPREADING
IRREGULAR
Flowering Dogwood, Cornus florida
The Flowering Dogwood is native to the mid-Atlantic region but can be found from Southern Maine to
Northern Florida and from Eastern Kansas and Eastern Texas.
The tree is well-loved for its beautiful white, pink or red bracts, which are smaller specialized leaves that are
arranged in groups of four around the tree’s true flowers. The bracts are often mistaken for flowers, but the
tree’s flowers are small and greenish yellow. In the spring, the flowers and bracts open before the leaves,
creating a stunning show. The Flowering Dogwood thrives on a site with some afternoon shade, and it does
not do well in extreme heat.
URBAN TREE SELECTION GUIDE
Prunus persica
Peach
10 - 25’
10 - 25’
4 to 9
9 to 5
Moist, well-drained,
sandy, neutral pH
Prunus serrulata ‘Kanzan’
Kwanzan Cherry
15 - 25’
20 - 25’
5 to 8
9 to 4
Damp, well-drained
fertile
Pyrus pyrifolia
Asian Pear
30’
20’
4 to 9
9 to 1
Moist, well-drained,
slightly acidic
Syringa reticulata
Japanese Tree Lilac
20 - 30’
15 - 25’
3 to 7
8 to 3
Loose, well-drained,
slightly acidic
Viburnum prunifolium
Blackhaw Viburnum
10 - 15’
10 - 15’
3 to 9
N/A
M
Adaptable
N/A
N/A
N/A
138
0
104
M
multi-stemmed
*
variable
Fruit / Nut Producing
FRUIT
BERRY
NUT
7
Suitable Landscape Locations
Habitat Indicators
Streets. The planting space between the street and the sidewalk. Trees with
columnar, oval or vase-shaped crowns that are resistant to compacted
soils, road deicers and the heat reflected off dark roadways make good
street trees.
Fruit or Nut Producing. Trees that produce fruits or nuts.
Berries (which are a type of fruit) and nuts provide a
food source for songbirds and other animals. In this
guide, the term “fruit” refers to trees that produce fruits
that are edible for humans.
The Bald Cypress grows naturally from Southern Maryland to Florida, to Eastern Texas and up the
Mississippi River Valley. While the tree is at home in swamps, it also does well on dry sites, streets and in
bioretention. The Bald Cypress is a deciduous conifer and loses its leaves in the fall.
The mature Bald Cypress has a wide trunk flare, which helps to stabilize it in waterlogged or flooded soils.
The bark is gray brown to reddish brown with a stringy vertical texture. The Bald Cypress is known for
its woody protrusions, or “knees,” that grow up from its roots. In wet sites, the knees are believed to help
oxygenate the trees roots.
Urban Tree selection Guide
Bioretention. Depressions or shallow basins in the landscape that slow and
treat stormwater runoff onsite. Trees that perform best in bioretention
require little maintenance, are salt and drought tolerant and can survive up
to three days of standing water.
Suggested Trees for
Biodiversity (Genus)
- Quercus; Oak
- Prunus; Cherry, Plum, Peach
- Salix; Willow
- Betula; Birch
- Populus; Poplar
557
455
411
400
358
100
0
300
Tot
200
Populus; Poplar
Common Bald Cypress, Taxodium distichum
Buffers / Screening. A landscaping strategy that often uses evergreen trees
to naturally reduce noise or visual pollution and create privacy between
dwellings or differing land uses. Evergreen trees used as buffers should
be pruned according to spacing and desired level of privacy. This guide
recommends both evergreen and deciduous trees for this category.
200
Parks / Lawns. Parks (land for public use and recreation) and lawns (private
property) are open spaces that provide ample and healthy rooting space
for trees. Due to their generally non-compacted, nutrient and moisture
rich soil, they are prime locations for larger canopy trees and trees with
shallow root systems.
300
Betula; Birch
- Quercus nuttalli,
Nuttall Oak medium
400
- Betula nigra,
River Birch medium
500
Salix; Willow
- Quercus bicolor,
Swamp White Oak large
500
456
- Taxodium distichum,
Common Baldcypress large
Trees serve as habitats and food
sources for beneficial animals and
insects. In an ongoing study, Dr.
Doug Tallamy, entomologist at the
University of Delaware, examined
plant genera and the moth and
butterfly caterpillar species they
attracted. Through this study, native
trees have been found to host a
more diverse range of caterpillar
species.
Due to these initial findings,
Tallamy’s research can be used
as an indicator of a tree’s ability to
support biodiversity.
Prunus; Cherry, Plum, Peach Trees help to mitigate stormwater runoff,
absorb pollutants, prevent erosion and
improve infiltration.
By directing stormwater runoff into infiltration
planters that feature trees, designers can
create spaces where trees can thrive and help
keep streams and rivers cleaner.
- Liquidambar styraciflua,
American Sweetgum large
Trees and Biodiversity
Trees and Bioretention
Suggested Trees for
Bioretention (Species)
600
Quercus; Oak
Parking Islands. Parking lot tree spaces. Trees with an upright form that are
heat, salt and drought tolerant are recommended. Trees that can litter
the parking lot with fruit, branches or large leaves are avoided. Small
or medium trees are best, unless the parking lot is designed to provide
substantial soil volume for larger trees.
Number of Caterpillar Species. The number of butterfly,
skipper and moth caterpillar species that a tree
supports, which can be an indicator of a tree’s ability to
support biodiversity.
Number of caterpillar species
Paved Plazas. Spaces near or adjacent to office and retail buildings that
are surrounded by paving. Trees that are low-maintenance and salt and
pollutant tolerant perform best in these areas.
100
0
Tree Genus
8
REFERENCES + INDEX
The trees featured in this guide were drawn from more than 200 tree species
planted or recommended by D.C.’s Urban Forestry Administration; Arlington
County, Virginia; Prince George’s County, Maryland and Casey Trees. Information
about each tree is drawn primarily from the Manual of Woody Landscape Plants
Fifth Edition and Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines for Urban and Rural America.
Other sources were consulted to provide additional information. Web sources
were accessed between January and November 2014.
Works Cited
Appleton, Bonnie, et al. “Screening.” Virginia Cooperative Extension . Publication 430-025. 2009. Web. 2 Oct. 2014. <http://
pubs.ext.vt.edu/430/430-025/430-025.html>
Beckerman, Janna and Rosie Lerner. “Salt Damage in Landscape Plants.” Purdue Extension. ID-412-W. West Lafayette: Purdue
University Cooperative Extension, 2009. Web. 2 October 2014. <https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ID/ID412-W.pdf>
Images
cover Erin. Ginkgo Trees & Rowhouses. 2013. Flickr. Web 2 Oct. 2014. <https://www.flickr.com/photos/
ekelly80/10769096175/in/set-72157639333515454>
pg 2 Singleton, Marcela. Hackberry at Mc Donagh 15 School. n.d. Dirt Garden. Web. 2 Oct. 2014. <http://dirtgarden.wordpress.
com/2011/10/03/trees-of-the-french-quarter/>
pg 3 Haegele, Liz. Quercus bicolor. n.d. The Scott Arboretum’s Garden Seeds. Web. 2 Oct. 2014. <http://blogs.scottarboretum.
org/gardenseeds/2008/06/quercus-bicolor/>
pg 5 Spruce, Jon. Yellowwood. 2012. Philly Trees. Web. 2 Oct. 2014. <http://phillytrees.blogspot.com/2012/06/quick-picksthree-trees.html>
pg 6 Viljoen, Marie. Fall in Brooklyn. N.d. 66 Square Feet (Plus). Web. 2 Oct. 2014. <http://66squarefeet.blogspot.
com/2010/10/fall-in-brooklyn.html>
pg 7 P Walk. St. Dogwood. 2014. Washington DC Trees. Web. 2 Oct. 2014. < http://www.washingtondctrees.com/>
pg 8 Marritz, Leda. Ginkgo. 2011. Deep Root. Web. 2 Oct. 2014. <http://www.deeproot.com/blog/blog-entries/the-best-streettrees-reader-edition-results>
City of Berkeley. Rain Garden. n.d. City of Berkley, CA. Web. 2 Oct. 2014. <http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/Public_Works/
Sewers_-_Storm/Watershed_Resources.aspx>
Brand, Mark. “Plant Database.” UCONN Plant Database. University of Connecticut. 2014. Web. 2 May 2014. <http://www.hort.
uconn.edu/Plants/>.
Garden Ally. Downtown-Views. 2011. The Garden Alley. Web. 2 Oct. 2014. <http://gardenally.blogspot.com/2011/11/
downtown-views.html>
Dirr, Michael. A Manual of Woody Landscape Plants. 5th ed. Champagne: Stipes Publishing, LLC. 1998. Print.
Green Works. Rockwood Water Reservoir: n.d. Greenworks. Web. 2 Oct. 2014. <http://greenworkspc.com/works/
waterwastewater/rockwood-water-resevoir/>
District of Columbia. Green Infrastructure Standards. Washington: District of Columbia Department of Transportation, 2014. Web.
2 October 2014. <http://ddot.dc.gov/GreenInfrastructure>.
Hightshoe, Gary. Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines for Urban and Rural America. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1988. Print.
Kress, Stephen. The Audubon Society Guide to Attracting Birds: Creating Natural Habitats for Properties Large and Small. 2nd ed.
Ithaca or London: Cornell University Press, 2006. Print.
Ladybird Johnson Wildlife Center. University of Texas at Austin, 2014. Web. 2 Oct. 2014. <http://www.wildflower.org/>
Helms, Kanoa. Mineral Wells Picnic Area. 2009. Daily Venture. Web. 2 Oct. 2014. <http://www.dailyventure.com/travel/
Griffith-Park-the-Heart-of-Los-Angeles>
Swill. Untitled. 2010. Southwest…The Little Quadrant That Could. Web. 2 Oct. 2014. <http://www.swtlqtc.com/2010/05/
wells-to-hold-campaign-event-on-sunday.html>
Streets of Washington. Ginkgo trees on Cumberland Street, NW. 2011. Flickr. Web. 2 Oct. 2014. <https://www.flickr.com/
photos/streetsofdc/6338558934/in/photostream/>
Learn2 Grow. Preferred Commerce, 2006-2014. Web. 2 Oct. 2014. <http://www.learn2grow.com>
State of Maryland. Maryland Department of the Environment, Water Management Administration. Maryland Stormwater Design
Manual: Appendix A. Landscaping Guidance for Stormwater BMPs. – General Landscaping Guidance. Baltimore M.D.:
MDE, 2009. Web. 2 May 2014. <http://www.mde.state.md.us/programs/Water/StormwaterManagementProgram/
MarylandStormwaterDesignManual/Pages/Programs/WaterPrograms/SedimentandStormwater/stormwater_design/
index.aspx>
Missouri Botanical Garden. 2014. 2 Jun 2014. <www.mobot.org>
Natural Resources Conservation Service Connecticut. “Native, Invasive, and Other Plant-Related Definitions.” U.S. Department
of Agriculture. 2002. Web. 1 Nov 2014. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/ct/technical/ecoscience/
invasive/?cid=nrcs142p2_011124
Natural Resources Conservation Service Connecticut. “Plant Hardiness Zone Map – US Map 300 dpi (CMYK).” U.S. Department
of Agriculture. 2002. Web. 1 Nov 2014. <http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/ct/technical/ecoscience/
invasive/?cid=nrcs142p2_011124>
North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Gardening.ces.ncsu.edu. NC State University A&T State University. 2014. Web 2
Jun 2014. <http://extensiongardener.ces.ncsu.edu/spotlight/plant-database/>.
“Map Downloads.” Planthardiness.ars.usda.gov U.S. Department of Agriculture. n.d. Web. 2 May 2014. <http://planthardiness.ars.
usda.gov/PHZMWeb/Downloads.aspx>
Seiler, John and John Peterson. “Tree Identification Factsheets.” Forest Biology and Dendrology Education. VirginaTech
Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation. 2010. Web. 2 May 2014. <http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/>.
Slattery, Britt E., Kathryn Reshetiloff, and Susan M. Zwicker. Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping
Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Annapolis: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Chesapeake Bay Field Office. 2003. Print.
Tallamy, Douglas . Bringing Nature Home: How to Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens. Portland or London: Timber Press, 2007. Print.
Tallamy, Douglas. “Bringing Nature Home.” Plantnative.com. 2009. Web. 2 Oct. 2014. <plantnative.com>
URBAN TREE SELECTION GUIDE
Common Name Index
Apple: 7
Bald Cypress, Common: 4
Basswood (Linden, American): 4
Beech, American: 3
Birch, River: 5
Black Gum (Black Tupelo): 5
Catalpa, Northern: 3
Cedar, Deodar, Japanese: 5
Cherry, Kwanzan, Okame, Sour, Sweet: 7
Cherry, Yoshino: 5
Crabapple, spp.: 7
Crapemyrtle, Muskogee, Natchez,
Tuscarora: 7
Dogwood, Flowering, Kousa: 6
Elm, Jefferson American, New Harmony
American, Valley Forge American: 4
Fig: 6
Fringetree, Chinese, White: 6
Ginkgo: 3
Hackberry: 5
Hawthorn, spp., Washington: 6
Hickory, Shagbark: 3
Holly, American: 5
Holly, Fosters: 6
Hophornbeam, American: 7
Hornbeam, American: 6
Katsura: 5
Kentucky Coffee Tree, Fruitless: 3
Lilac, Japanese Tree: 7
Linden, American (Basswood), Littleleaf,
Silver: 4
Locust, Black: 4
Locust, Honey: 3
Magnolia, Saucer, Sweetbay: 7
Magnolia, Southern: 3
Maple, Red: 5
Oak, Chinkapin, Nuttall: 5
Oak, Bur, Northern Red, Overcup, Pin,
Shingle, Southern Red, Willow: 4
Oak, Scarlet, Swamp White, White: 3
Osage Orange, White Shield: 5
Pagoda Tree, Japanese: 4
Pawpaw: 6
Peach: 7
Pear, Asian: 7
Persimmon, Common: 5
Pine, Eastern White: 3
Pistache, Chinese: 5
Planetree, London: 3
Plum: 7
Redbud, Eastern: 6
Redcedar, Eastern: 5
Redwood, Dawn: 3
Serviceberry, Allegheny, Apple, Downy,
Shadblow: 6
Silverbell, Mountain: 6
Sweetgum, American, Cherokee, LowFruiting: 3
Sycamore: 3
Tulip Poplar (Tuliptree): 3
Viburnum, Blackhaw: 7
Witch Hazel, Common: 6
Yellowwood, American: 5
Zelkova, Green Vase, Japanese: 4
9
WHO WE ARE
As per award application guidelines,
all references to and about our
project team were removed from the
front and back cover of this guide.