Regional Picks: Plant This, Not That– Southern Plains

1. Overused:Smoke tree

Alternative:American smoke tree

Name:Cotinus coggygriaand cvs.

Name:Cotinus obovatus

American smoke tree

Zones:4 to 8

Size:30 feet magniloquent and 25 fundament wide

Conditions : Full Dominicus to light afternoon tint ; tolerates most soils , although it prefers a slightly acidic pH

American gage tree ’s overall growth habit , large leaf , and rich flushed fall colour make it worth look for out as an choice to the smaller ( 12 feet tall and 15 feet wide ) , more promptly useable , and considerably - known purple - toned smoke tree from Asia . American smoke tree , even during its first class , provide prompt gratification due to its gloaming color and “ smoky ” summer flowers . Over time , this autochthonous smoking tree will grow to give appreciable specter in the landscape .

2. Overused:Whitebud

Alternative:Pearlbush

Name:Cercis canadensisf.alba

Name:Exochorda serratifolia

Pearlbush

USDA Hardiness Zones:4 to 8

Size:8 understructure tall and 6 ft all-embracing

Conditions : Full sun to light shade ; tolerate most soils and pH levels not exceeding 7.8

Pearlbush ( really a small tree rather than a bush ) offers a display of whitened flowers exchangeable to the more traditional whitebud but , upon closer inspection , divulge delicate petals lay out in a spectacular pinwheel - same arrangement . Unlike a whitebud that can grow up to 25 foot tall , this tree stay small , making it a valuable “ utilitree ” that , even without pruning , will not produce into power line .

3. Overused: Fringe tree

Alternative: Chinese Fringe Tree

Name:Chionanthus virginicus

Name:Chionanthus retusus

Chinese Fringe Tree

Zones:5 to 9

Size:15 groundwork tall and encompassing

condition : Full sun ; allow most soils

Taiwanese outer boundary Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , rather than the distinctive fringe tree , often proceeds striking exfoliating bark even at a young old age , provide 12 months of ornamental interest from this single trait alone . Its attractive 3- to 4 - inch - long elliptical leaves are moody , shiny green , and almost leatherlike in appearance . Couple the blemish - free foliation with white spring flowers on a beautifully symmetric little tree and it quickly becomes evident that this Asian gem is not your ordinary neighborhood tree .

Mike Schnelleis an filename extension medical specialist at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater , Oklahoma .

Photos , except where noted : Country Farm and Garden , courtesy of Mike Schnelle , Missouri Botanical Garden PlantFinder , Bill Johnson , Stephanie Fagan

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

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Gardener ’s Log Book from NYBG

Ho - Mi Digger - Korean Triangle Blade

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Regional Picks: Plant This, Not That - Southern Plains

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