Deciduous Trees
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Columnar Norway Maple
Acer platanoides 'Columnare' 25' Tall 10' Wide Columnar Norway Maple is an upright narrow selection of the species that offers a very unique look for such a Northern climate like Edmonton. It is still a borderline hardy tree for our climate, but like this photo shows it can be grown here in Edmonton. This picture was taken in North Edmonton in the neighbourhood of Bergman. It offers large lush green leaves throughout the Summer and in the Fall it turns a golden colour. It can sometimes be hard to find but if you are looking at trying something different this is a fun option to try. ZONE 4 |
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Prairie Splendor Maple
Acer platanoides 30' tall 20' Wide Prairie Splendor Maple is a broad, oval shaped tree that has bright maroon foliage throughout the growing season. It was originally found in a mature neighbourhood in Lethbridge, Alberta and selected due to it's superior hardiness. Just like a lot of the Maples that can be grown in Alberta they are susceptible to a little bit of die back on the branch tips, but it is quite the stunning tree once established. This picture was taken in the neighbourhood of Goldbar in Edmonton. ZONE 4 |
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Silver Cloud Silver Maple
Acer saccharinum 'Silver Cloud' 30' tall 20' Wide The hardiest selection of silver maples for the prairies. It is a graceful large tree with silver-green foliage. A very fast growing and impressive shade tree with silverish bark. The leaves turn gold in the fall. ZONE 3 |
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Tatarian Maple, Hot Wings & Rugged Charm
Acer tatarica 'GarAnn' & 'Rugged Charm' 18' tall 12' wide This is the hardiest species of all the maples. The Tatarian Maples have brilliant red samaras appearing mid-summer. The fall foliage can range from yellow, to orange and red depending on site conditions and the cultivar chosen. It is a small to medium sized tree that is very hardy for the prairies. A good choice for smaller yards. ZONE 3 |
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Horse Chestnut
Aesculus hippocastanum 35' Tall 20' Wide The Horse Chestnut is one of those truly rare trees in Edmonton but can be found if you are looking for it. Most of the original trees were grown from seeds brought home from European immigrants who took seeds back from their home countries at one time. Nurseries are trying to grow more of these trees in recent years but it is a long process from seed and hardy genetics are a key component for survival in our climate. It is a massive shade tree when it reaches it's full potential but it takes a long time with our shorter growing seasons. This picture was taken from a beautiful specimen in the neighbourhood of Rundle Heights in Edmonton. ZONE 3/4 |
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Ohio Buckeye
Aesculus glabra 20' tall 12' wide This is one of the most exotic looking trees that can be reliably grown in Edmonton. It has beautiful creamy yellow flowers in spring followed by prickly nut-like fruit which form during the summer. It has stunning orange fall colour that make it really stand out. The palmate leaves make it a choice like no other for our climate. The corky bark that forms as it ages make it a true four season tree that can be enjoyed year round.If you want the look of the Horse Chestnut but want something more reliable or smaller this is a good choice. ZONE 3 |
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Paper Birch
Betula papyrifera species (including Chickadee) 30' tall 12' wide This is an extremely hardy birch with attractive peeling white bark adding interest even in the winter. Chickadee is a more upright selection grown here at Sunstar Nurseries that was originally found in Northern Alberta. It prefers moist, but well drained soil. The golden fall colour is really beautiful for two to three weeks each year. ZONE 2 |
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Cutleaf Weeping Birch
Betula pendula laciniata 40' tall 20' Wide A large birch with graceful weeping branches. The small cutleaf leaves give this tree an elegant look. It is fast growing and hardy and does require more water than the average tree once it is mature. It is one of the few weeping trees that can be grown in Edmonton. ZONE 2 |
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Young's Weeping Birch
10' tall 8' wide Betula pendula 'Youngii' A smaller birch with weeping branches and a sprawling habit. Height depends on how high it is staked and pruned. It can be used as a unique specimen tree for a small yard. The leaves hang on through the winter giving it appeal throughout the cold months here in Edmonton. ZONE 3 |
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Dakota Pinnacle Birch
Betula platyphylla 25' tall 12' wide A newer columnar form of Asian birch with glossy green leaves. It is very hardy and fast growing. This tree offers a dense screen that can be used as a privacy barrier. This is another tree that tends to have its leaves frozen on through the winter giving it both winter interest and privacy for a longer period of time throughout the year. ZONE 3 |
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Parkland Pillar Birch
Betula platyphylla 'Jef Park' 25' tall 7' wide A more narrow selection of Asian Birch than Dakota Pinnacle that has a similar form to Swedish Columnar Aspen tree with dense dark green foliage that turns golden brown in autumn. This is another great choice for small yards that can be used as a specimen or in row planting. Like other birches it has beautiful white bark all year long. ZONE 3 |
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Sutherland Caragana
Caragana arborescens 'Sutherland' 16'tall 7' wide This a unique, upright columnar tree that is very drought tolerant. It has orange brown bark, with two tone green leaves. It is great for tall hedges or a specimen tree for smaller yards. ZONE 3 |
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Weeping Caragana- Top Graft
Caragana arborescens pendula T.G 5' tall 5-8' wide Another drought tolerant caragana that is essentially a shrub grafted onto a tree. Because of this, it does not get taller than the height it is grafted at. It has a weeping habit and as it ages it becomes living art with it's gnarled branches. This tree will not tolerate being wet. ZONE 3 Walker's Weeping Caragana- Top Graft Caragana arborescens 'Walker' T.G This has all the same characteristics of the regular top graft weeping caragana but with fern like leaves. ZONE 3 |
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Snowbird Hawthorn
Crataegus x mordenensis 'Snowbird' 20' tall 12' wide This is an older selection of Hawthorn with good cold hardiness for the prairies. It has beautiful buttercup shaped white flowers in late Spring. It is extremely drought tolerant and offers a unique dark green leaf that resembles an Oak tree leaf. It has golden fall colour and interesting bark as it ages. ZONE 3 |
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Toba Hawthorn
Crataegus mordensis 'Toba' 15' tall 10' wide This is another variety of Hawthorn with a more orange looking bark than Snowbird. It is also slightly smaller than Snowbird and it differs in flower colour as it starts out with a white blossom and fades to pink. The tree canopy gives a vase like appearance and the trunk gives a twisting appearance as it ages. ZONE 3 |
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Russian Olive
Eleagnus angustifolia 35' tall 20' wide This is a very unique tree, that offers great contrast with its long, narrow silver leaves. A dark gray bark provides winter interest and the leaves hang on well into November. It is very drought tolerant and hardy. One of the few trees in Edmonton that offer a true silver leaf. It does have 3 inch spikes throughout the tree so buyer beware. ZONE 3 |
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White Ash
Fraxinus americana ('Nobility', 'Tuxedo', 'Calypso') 30' Tall 15' Wide White Ash has typically been a Zone 4 tree but there has been some recent success in cold hardy breeding within this species. There are three cultivars that look very promising for our Zone 3 climate which are listed above. We happen to think 'Nobility' is the best one available to date. They offer an exotic looking compound leaf while providing tremendous fall colour. It can be used as a street tree or a specimen in your yard. The leaves are green throughout the growing season followed by two weeks of spectacular colour which can be seen in the picture to the left. Prefers slightly moist conditions. ZONE 3 |
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Green Ash
Fraxinus pennsylvanica ('Prairie Spire', 'Patmore', 'Foothills', 'Trojan') 35' Tall 18' Wide Green Ash has been one of the most commonly planted trees on the prairies for decades. It offers a large shade tree that is resistant to urban pollution and is cold hardy. There are many cultivars that have been introduced over the years. The four listed above are what Sunstar Nurseries currently grows and what we feel do the best in the Edmonton area. They all differ a little in shape and size but they are all male selections which means no messy seed. This is one of Edmonton's most commonly planted street trees along with American Elm. ZONE 3 |
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Butternut
Juglans cinerea 30' tall 20' wide A shade tree of medium to large height. It tends to have a wide spread on it, but offers an exotic leaf that is second to none. This is a collectors tree in the Edmonton area, in that it is not very common to find. It has large sticky nuts which drop in the fall that can create some work for fall cleanup. ZONE 3 |
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Weeping Larch
Larix decidua pendula Larch are a unique species in that they are deciduous conifers. This means that they have soft needles but unlike most evergreens they turn gold in the fall and drop their needles each year. This is a particularly interesting cultivar in that it is grafted at a determined height and then proceeds to weep from that point on. Do not plant this in a wet area or you will be sorry. An excellent accent plant for any landscape. ZONE 3 |
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Native Larch (Tamarack)
Larix laricina 40' tall 20' wide This Larch is native to Alberta and unlike most Larch it prefers moist soil to grow in. It has lateral branching and forms a pyramidal shape as it grows. It offers a spectacular gold fall colour every year. This is not as ornamental as it's cousin the Siberian Larch however. It is used more so in Native reclaimation sites. ZONE 2 |
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Siberian Larch
Larix sibirica 40' tall 20' wide The Siberian Larch is more drought tolerant than our Native Larch (Tamarack). This species is great for shelter belts or as an individual specimen. It is very fast growing and is considered low maintenance. The brilliant gold fall colour makes this tree end the growing season with a bang. Larch have a unique spot in nature as they are the only deciduous conifer. This means they are the only tree with needles, that shed in the fall and re-grow in the Spring. ZONE 2 |
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Courageous Flowering Crab
Malus x Courageous 20' High 10' Wide Courageous Flowering Crab is one of the newer flowering crabs on the landscaping scene. It offers an upright oval shape which is similar to Spring Snow flowering crab but with a very light Pink blossom in the Spring for 2-3 weeks. It has Green leaves throughout the Spring and Summer months. It has small fruit but it is fairly sparse so it is not too bad as far as any mess goes. ZONE 2 |
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Rosthern Flowering Crab
Malus x Rosthern 20' Tall 7' Wide Rosthern Flowering Crab is a White flowering crab which has an upright, columnar growth habit with green leaves. It is a perfect tree for spaces that are restricted by width. It is a beautiful tree that is extremely hardy. It is a selection of Siberian flowering crab which means it offers tiny orange/red berry like fruit that hangs on through the Winter months and look spectacular against the snow. Despite bearing fruit it is not considered a terribly messy tree because it is small fruit and the birds eat much of it off in the Winter months. A nice hardy tree for the prairies. ZONE 2 |
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Royal Beauty Weeping Flowering Crab
Malus x Royal Beauty 6' Tall 6' Wide This is one of only a couple Weeping forms of Flowering Crabs that are hardy for our climate. It has nice dark pink blossoms in the Spring for 2-3 weeks followed by dark Purple leaves until Fall. This is a nice specimen tree for small areas, or for overhanging walls and other features. Place it in the foreground of your landscape so that it is not overpowered by larger, more aggressive plants. It is fairly slow growing but like many Flowering crabs they are long lived. Have some patience with this tree and you will be rewarded over time. ZONE 2 |
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Spring Snow Flowering Crab
Malus x Spring Snow 20' Tall 10' Wide Spring Snow flowering crab is a truly spectacular tree. It has all the features that the modern home owner is after. This tree offers a spectacular white blossoms in the Spring for 2-3 weeks, a near perfect shape with very little pruning, and best of all no messy fruit to clean up. That's right, this is the first sterile flowering crab so there it will never produce any fruit. Throughout the Summer months it is a nice rounded shape with lush green foliage that offers some shade while not over taking your yard. This is one of the best selling trees of the last 10 years for a reason. ZONE 2 |
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Thunderchild Flowering Crab
Malus x Thunderchild 18' tall 12' wide Thunderchild Flowering crab is a true classic in the ornamental tree industry. It has stood the test of time with it's breathtaking pink blossoms every Spring. This cultivar offers more of an umbrella shape with it's arching branches. Once the beautiful Pink blossoms fade, reddish-purple leaves will emerge and grace the tree's branches until Fall at which time they will turn more of a bronze-red colour. Like most Flowering crabs, there is dime size fruit that forms but the little bit of fruit that will drop is worth all the other features this tree has to offer. It is considered a fairly small tree so it will work in a lot of spaces. ZONE 2 |
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Purple Spire Flowering Crab
Malus x Purple Spires 15' tall 4' wide A very narrow flowering crab with purple leaves, and pink flowers followed by small fruit. This extremely narrow variety is great for a small yard or in mass plantings. It is generally grown with it's branches coming from the very base of the tree. Purple Spires is the new and improved version of Dreamweaver and will slowly replace it over time in the industry. This is a great new tree that is sure to be a main stay on the prairies. ZONE 3 |
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Emerald Spire Flowering Crab
Malus x Emerald Spire 18' tall 4' wide This is another columnar flowering crab that has come out in the last few years. It is a close cousin of Purple Spires Crab but with green foliage instead. This is another great alternative for smaller yards and it offers a little more exotic look than most. Although this would have a slower growth rate than the ultra fast Swedish Columnar Aspen, it still grows at a good rate of 12-15" per year. It will also be longer lived than an Aspen. ZONE 3 |
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Tower Poplar
Populus canescens 'Tower' 45' tall 10' wide A fast growing and hardy, narrow tree that is used as a vertical accent or to provide shade or privacy in a row as a very tall screen. It is slightly wider than the Swedish Columnar Aspen. It is best used in a shelterbelt or wide open acreage setting as it tends to shoot up "suckers", otherwise known as underground roots that form new trees. If you are in a tighter situation it is recommended that you choose either Swedish Columnar Aspen or Prairie Skyrise Aspen. ZONE 3 |
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Swedish Aspen
Populus tremula 'Erecta' 40' tall 5' wide This is the most popular columnar tree of the last 20 years in Edmonton. It makes for a great privacy screen between neighbours or a vertical accent. This is one of the fastest growing and low maintenance trees available today. Perfect for people who don't like to be patient with their trees. ZONE 3 |
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Prairie Skyrise Aspen
Populus tremuloides 'Prairie Skyrise' 40' Tall 8' Wide This is a new selection of the common native tree, Trembling Aspen. It was selected for its narrow, dense and upright shape. It is thought that this tree could be a new and improved version of Swedish Columnar Aspen because it offers more disease resistance. Although it is still too early to tell it looks very promising. Another fantastic feature of this tree is the contrast of the shades of green that the new growth offers in comparison to the old growth. It is bright green on top of a darker shade of green and it's one more aspect that can be appreciated. This tree is best used as a specimen tree in a narrow setting in the modern front yard, or as a privacy screen to block neighbours or other unwanted views. ZONE 2 |
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Trembling/Quaking Aspen
Populus tremuloides 40' tall 15' wide In Alberta, this is one of the most common trees you will find when walking through any of our Native forests. It is one of the hardiest, most prolific trees you will find. It is known for it's beautiful white bark. It is not as white as the Paper Birch however, which is also a Native tree and the untrained eye can confuse them if you don't know what you are looking for. In the last ten years it is being used extensively in the urban forest, whereas in the past it was seldom planted outside of reclamation projects. It is a beautiful green throughout the season followed by a spectacular gold in the Fall. If you listen carefully on a breezy day you will hear the leaves fluttering beautifully due to the square petioles on the leaves which cause it to 'Quake' or 'Tremble'. ZONE 2 |
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Assiniboine, Northwest, Sundancer Poplar
Populus x Hybrid 50' tall 30' wide These are male hybrid Poplars which produce none of the Poplar fluff that female poplars would. They grow in a variety of soil conditions and dry/wet areas. Good for large yards or in acreages and will form a large shade tree in a shorter time period than any other species. This is common choice for a dependable shelterbelt or screen. Sundancer is a newer, more disease resistant cultivar with a more upright branching habit. ZONE 2 |
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Amur Cherry
Prunus maackii 30' tall 25' wide A beautiful tree with bright orange, exfoliating bark that has great winter interest. The white flowers in the spring and beautiful fall gold colour make this tree a true four season tree. It will not tolerate being over watered so make sure it is in a well drained location. The flowers are followed by small black berries which give birds some much needed food through the winter months. ZONE 3 |
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Goldspur Amur Cherry
Prunus maackii 'Jefspur' 20' tall 10' wide This a more compact selection of Amur Cherry selected out of Manitoba. This beautiful selection offers a more unique look while still maintaining the orange bark that the species is known for. Just like the species, it does not like wet site conditions. ZONE 3 |
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Princess Kay Plum
Prunus nigra 'Princess Kay' 16' tall 10' wide A compact, smaller accent tree with double white fragrant flowers in the spring. A silver bark adds interest in the winter. It also happens to have one of the most spectacular fall colour displays around with a red, orange and yellow explosion each September. On top of it all, it bears no fruit so it is not messy. ZONE 3 |
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May Day Tree
Prunus padus 30' tall 25' wide A tried and true variety that is the first to leaf out in the spring. Beautiful white flowers in May are extremely fragrant and cover the entire tree. It forms small purple fruit that attracts birds. This is a fast growing tree that is very hardy. It has yellow fall colour. This is an easy to grow shade tree. ZONE 3 |
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Midnight Schubert Chokecherry
Prunus virginiana 'Midnight Schubert' 20' tall 14' wide Midnight is a superior chokecherry selection when compared to Bailey's Select. It has a larger, more ornamental leaf and it suckers less. It is an accent tree with green leaves turning a dark purple in late Spring. Beautiful fragrant white flowers in the spring followed by small dark purple fruit in the summer. Fruit can be used for jams or jellies. This is a fast growing tree and one of the few trees that offer Red/Purple leaves during the summer. ZONE 3 |
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Bailey's Select Schubert Chokecherry
Prunus virginiana 20' tall 14' wide A medium sized accent tree with great purple fall colour that goes from green leaves to purple late Spring. Small black edible fruit comes mid summer. White blooms in the Spring are fragrant and showy. This a great tree to provide contrast and interest! ZONE 3 |
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Burr Oak
Quercus macrocarpa 40' tall 25' wide The hardiest of all the oaks, this tree is stunning! Beautiful dark glossy green oak leaves and corky bark make this the mother of all shade trees. This tree has a medium growth rate and can live for hundreds of years. The Fall colour is a brownish gold. ZONE 3 |
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Regal Prince Oak
Quercus 'Regal Prince' 25' tall 8' wide A tall hybrid oak that is narrow and columnar in growth habit. A good acccent tree for smaller yards. Beautiful dark green leaves with silver underneath, turn yellow in the fall. This tree becomes more oval as it matures. It leafs out in late Spring. ZONE 3/4 |
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Golden Willow
Salix alba vitellina 40' tall 30' wide A very hardy shade tree with bright golden branches and dark glossy leaves. Ideal for large yards and moist locations. It is great for shelterbelts, parks or large areas. It is very fast growing. The yellow stems provide nice winter interest and it is adaptable to a wide range of soils. It can be grown as a multi stem or single stem tree. ZONE 2 |
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Laurel Leaf Willow
Salix pentandra 40' tall 20' wide A very fast growing willow with very dark green glossy leaves. A more rounded willow tree that is known for its 'tough' foliage that stays on late into the season. It is easy to grow and adaptable to a wide range of soils. It can be used as a large single specimen shade tree or even as a multi-stem tree in a shelterbelt application. Like most willows it leafs out early and holds it's leaves very late in the year. It has a tendency to self prune smaller interior branches in wind storms. ZONE 2 |
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Red Cascade Mountain Ash
Sorbus aucuparia 'Red Cascade' 20' tall 12' wide Small white flowers followed by orange red ornamental berries. Berries hold on all winter providing some winter interest. It has orange and red fall colour. This is a pyramidal variety with dainty narrow green foliage. It prefers full sun and very good drainage. Good for small to medium yards. Never over water your Mountain Ash! ZONE 3 |
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Black Hawk Mountain Ash
Sorbus aucuparia 'Blackhawk' 25' tall 15' wide A medium sized accent tree for the landscape with the white flowers followed by orange-red clusters of berries that provide fall and winter interest. It prefers well drained soil and does not like to be in very wet locations. Nice oval shaped tree with striking red-orange fall colour. ZONE 3 |
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Russian Mountain Ash
Sorbus aucuparia 30' tall 12' wide A more upright branching habit variety of mountain ash ideal for medium sized yards or between houses, or to act as a privacy screen. This mountain ash boasts the same fluffy white flowers and red-orange berries as other varieties. A beautiful purple fall colour that is really quite stunning. It prefers well drained soil like all mountain ash. ZONE 3 |
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Showy Mountain Ash
Sorbus decora 15' tall 10' wide A hardy, slow growing ornamental tree. This variety has a nice uniform round shape. After the attractive white blossoms fade in the Spring the red-orange fruit forms and hangs on through the Fall and WInter for extra interest through those cold prairie winters. It is native to many parts of North America. The dark green leaves turn red and orange in the fall. It prefers very well drained soil. ZONE 3 |
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Oak Leaf Mountain Ash
Sorbus hybrida 20' tall 15' wide This is an upright oval tree with ascending branches. This species has very nice Oak shaped leaves which make it very unique and unlike any of the other Mountain Ashes. The white clusters of flowers are followed by clusters of orange-red berries in the fall. This is a cross between European and Swedish Mountain Ash. Just like the other Mountain Ashes, it prefers full sun and well-drained soil. ZONE 3 |
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Dwarf Korean Lilac- Top Graft
Syringa meyeri T.G 4' tall 4' wide A top-grafted shrub which only gets as tall as the graft height, but the shrub portion will grow to 4' by 4'. A beautiful dense shrub with lots of fragrant purple lilac flowers in the spring and small dainty dark green leaves. It is easy to keep trimmed and maintained. The one thing to remember when pruning any Lilac is to prune immediately after they finish blooming. By doing this you will ensure enough time for the plant to set flower buds for the following season. This is a very good choice for small yards and is typically used as an individual specimen for contrast. It is cold hardy and easy to grow. ZONE 3 |
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Miss Kim Lilac- Top Graft
Syringa patula T.G 4' tall 4' wide This plant is similar to the top grafted Dwarf Korean lilac. A compact dwarf shrub with lavender flowers in the spring. The leaves are larger, with a crinkled appearance and turn a beautiful burgundy in the fall. This is a beautiful, small specimen tree ideal for small yards or mass plantings. ZONE 3 |
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Japanese Tree Lilac, Ivory Silk
Syringa reticulata 'Ivory Silk' 18' tall 10' wide The Ivory Silk Japanese tree lilac has become one of the most beloved trees in the Edmonton area. With it's tidy growth habit, beautiful late Spring blossoms, and the fact that it produces no fruit, it makes an attractive option for the modern home. It is considered a small to medium sized tree and is a relatively slow growing tree. There are no real major diseases or insects which attack it. It also has a nice purplish fall colour with hints of yellow in it. A must for any yard! ZONE 3 |
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American Lindens
Tilia americana 'Redmond', 'True North' & 'American Sentry' 35' tall 15' wide This large, stately trees give a European look to any yard. They have large, heart shaped leaves which are very attractive. There are fragrant, small yellow flowers which appear in late spring. American Lindens are great for shade in a large yard, or they can be used in parks and boulevards. They are long lived and give a nice option that is less common than some of the other large shade trees. ZONE 3 |
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Greenspire Littleleaf Linden
Tilia cordata 'Greenspire' 35' tall 15' wide The Greenspire Linden has really taken off in the last decade in Edmonton. It is a picture perfect tree which forms a fantastic pyramidal shape with little or no pruning. The small, fragrant flowers can be smelled from far away and give a nice accent to the deep green leaves in late Spring. This is a relatively fast growing tree once established in your yard. It can tolerate moist conditions to some degree where other trees cannot grow. A great choice that will make you the envy of your neighbours. ZONE 3 |
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Dropmore Linden
Tilia flavescens 35' tall 15' wide This is a true legend among prairie tree lovers. Originally selected by Frank Skinner over 80 years ago it is still the most commonly planted Linden today in Edmonton. It is a cross between Little leaf Linden and American Linden. It holds it's beautiful shape with almost no pruning. It is the hardiest of all the Lindens and has the fragrant flowers that Lindens are known for. A true noble tree that will live on for many years if planted in the correct spot. A true prairie success story. ZONE 3 |
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Brandon American Elm
Ulmus americana 'Brandon' 40' tall 25' wide A vase-shaped tree known for their popularity on Edmonton's boulevards. In fact, Edmonton boasts the largest healthy stand of American Elms in all of North America. Alberta is still Dutch Elm disease free after all these years. It is very fast growing with toothed foliage that is dark green, accented by bright green new growth. It is tolerant of almost any soil condition and urban situations. It is a spectacular large shade that will establish quicker than almost any other species. A perfect tree for a large yard, acreages, or boulevard planting. It is known to live hundreds of years, so consider planting for future generations to enjoy as well as yourself. ZONE 2 |
