THREE DECORATIVE / FRUIT SEEDLING CHOICES
Decorative or ornamental trees are grown for their stunning beauty. They may have outstanding flowers, fragrance, an unusual color or shape. Fruit trees usually provide shade and a bounty of delicious fruit.
REDBUD
GROWTH
Redbuds reach 15 - 30 feet in height and 6 - 10 inches in diameter with a crown of 20 - 35 feet. They grow 12 - 18 inches per year. They are renowned for their beautiful colorful pink/purple blooms. Young leaves are maroon, turning dark green before turning yellow in fall.
Zones 4 - 9
CARE
Redbuds like full or partial sun. Grows in most soil types but best in moist, well-drained soil and woodlands.
INTERESTING FACT
Redbuds are in the same legume family as peas. The flowers are fragrant and edible. Redbud trees can produce flowers directly from the tree trunk.
REDBUD
BLACK CHERRY
GROWTH
A Black Cherry tree can reach 60 - 80 feet in height, and 2 - 3 feet in diameter. They also develop crowns that are 30 - 60 feet wide. During the first ten years of the black cherry's life, its bark is thin, and nearly smooth.
Zones 3 – 9
CARE
Black Cherry trees grow well in full sun and tolerate light shade. They prefer soils that drain well and are loose, ranging from clay to sandy loam, acidic to alkaline. It has drought tolerance but prefers wetter environments.
INTERESTING FACT
This widespread species is the largest and most important native cherry. The valuable wood is used particularly for furniture, paneling, professional and scientific instruments, handles and toys. Wild cherry syrup is a cough medicine obtained from the bark. Jelly and wine are prepared from the fruit.
BLACK CHERRY
PERSIMMON
GROWTH
Persimmon trees reach 20 - 60+ feet in height and 1 - 2 feet in diameter with a canopy of 20 - 35 feet. Dark green leaves turn a spectacular red or orange in fall. Scrumptious fruit produced in years 6 or greater.
Zones 4 - 9
CARE
Persimmon trees like full or partial sun. Grows in variable conditions: moist, rich soil, sandy woods to rocky slopes. Tolerates occasional drought.
INTERESTING FACT
Deliciously sweet fruit was prized by indigenous people. Very hard wood was used to make golf club heads and other items needing shock-resistance.
PERSIMMON
