Street Trees Part 9 – Cornus-Dogwood, Viburnum, Syringa-Lilac, Cercis-Redbud

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This week we look at some flowering trees, some which are adaptable to urban conditions. Not every tree is good for every site but incorporating some will increase diversity and provide options.

 

Cornus kousa chinensis, Chinese Dogwood has been successfully used in the landscape. Cornus var. kousa chinensis ‘Milky Way’™, Milky Way Dogwood

 

 

Kousa dogwood1

 

makes a nice small specimen tree if planted in a moist, well-drained site.

 

kousa dormant

 

In a drought setting, the tips of the leaves can desiccate.

 

 

Syringa, Lilac can make a good street tree. Syringa reticulata ‘Ivory Silk’, Ivory Silk Tree Lilac has been used for a number of years with good success.

 

ivory silk 1

 

It has been a very durable street tree used in Northeast Ohio.

 

ivory silk 2

 

Syringa reticulata, Japanese Tree Lilac can reach a height of 25 feet.

 

syringa dormant

 

Syringa pekinensis ‘WFH2’™, Great Wall Tree Lilac is a good choice for its pest and disease resistance. Syringa pekinensis ‘Beijing Gold’™, Beijing Gold Peking Lilac makes an ideal small street tree.

 

Viburnum prunifolium, Blackhaw viburnum flowers in the spring and fruits in the fall. Viburnum prunifolium ‘Dark Tower’™, Dark Tower Blackhaw viburnum makes a nice small street tree under wires.

 

dark tower

 

Cercis canadensis, Canadian Redbud can be used in sites that are moist, well drained and makes an outstanding tree with a great flower show in the spring.

 

 

cercis flower

 

Many varieties are available in different color flowers and foliage.

 

cercis3

 

This tree can survive in an urban setting if bed space or tree lawn space is available.

 

cercis 2

 

Specific cultivars have been developed and lend themselves to use as flowering trees in the urban landscape.

 

Consider adding a few to your design or landscape.