List of Sustainable Trees and Shrubs

Abelia x grandiflora Zone 6-9	Glossy Abelia 3-6' x equal spread
Bronze-red to bronze-purple leaves persist into late fall/early winter. Flowers are white with a pink blush and bloom from May to frost. Sepals are pink to purple and are quite showy late in the season. Quite hardy and easy to grow. Prefers acid, well-drained, moist soil. Full sun/part shade. Prune dead wood.

Abies cephalonica Zone 5-6	Greek Fir 50-75' x 20-30'
Very heat tolerant. Susceptible to spruce mites.

Abies cilicica Zone 5-6	Cilician Fir 60-70' x 20-30'
Tolerates heavy clay soils, cold temperatures. Tolerant of high pH soil. Can be invasive.

Abies concolor Zone 4-7	White Fir 30-50' x 15-30'
Prefers moist, well-drained, sandy-gravelly loams and full sun. Tolerates heat, drought, cold, intolerant of wet soils. Blue-gray needle color, gray to purple upright cones. Native to Western US. Alternative species for Picea pungens f. glauca (Blue Spruce) which is vulnerable to Cooley spruce gall adelgid.

Abies homolepis Zone 4-6	Nikko Fir 30-50' x 20-30'
Prefers moist, well-drained soil, pH adaptable, little maintenance required.

Abies koreana Zone 5-6	Korean Fir 15-30'
Violet-purple, 2-3" long cones are striking. More heat tolerant than most firs. Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Sun/part shade.

Abies procera Zone 5-6	Noble Fir 50-100' x 20-30'
Prefers moist, deep, cool soil. Not tolerant of high pH or wind. Sun/part shade. ‘Glauca’ has extremely glaucous foliage. Becomes a large tree. Susceptible to spruce mites. Native to Western US.

Abies veitchii Zone 3-6	Veitch Fir 30-60' x 25-35'
Prefers moist, deep, cool soil. Not tolerant of high pH but tolerates semi-urban conditions. Sun/part shade. Susceptible to spruce mites.

Acanthopanax sieboldianus

(see Eleutherococcus sieboldianus)

Acer buergerianum Zone 5-8	Trident Maple 20-25' x equal spread
Prefers well-drained, acid soil; good drought resistance, full sun. Grows well under utility lines. Attractive bark on mature specimens.

Acer campestre Zone 5-8	Hedge Maple 25-35' x equal spread
Adaptable species, prefers average garden soils but tolerates dry conditions and compaction, acid-alkaline, sunlight shade, withstands shearing. Grows well under utility lines.

Acer ginnala Zone 3-8	Amur Maple 15-18' x equal spread
Popular small tree. Very cold hardy, shade and high pH tolerant. May be grown in containers.

Acer griseum Zone 5-7	Paperbark Maple 20-30' x 1/2 to equal spread
Full sun/partial shade, prefers moist well-drained soils. Relatively maintenance free. Outstanding cinnamon-colored exfoliating bark and red-scarlet fall foliage offer year round interest in the landscape. Slow growing specimen tree.

Acer palmatum Acer japonicum Zone 5-8	Japanese Maple Fullmoon Maple 15-25' x variable
Moist, well-drained soils high in organic matter, full sun to dappled shade. Dissectum types scorch in full sun if drought stressed. Protect from wind and late frosts. Sited properly, this is an excellent low maintenance plant. Red leaf forms seem to be somewhat more hardy and stress tolerant than green leaf forms.

Acer pennsylvanicum Zone 3-7	Striped Maple 15-20' x equal spread
Large shrub or short tree. Prefers semi-shaded woods with well-drained, cool, moist, slightly acid soil. Good native for naturalizing. Green and white striped bark with vibrant yellow fall foliage.

Acer rubrum Zone 3-9	Swamp/Red Maple 40-60' x equal spread
Tolerates most soils but prefers moist, acid conditions. Excellent for wet conditions. In full sun it will develop clear red fall foliage. Many excellent cultivars available, e.g., ‘October Glory’, ‘Red Sunset’ and Freeman hybrids.

Acer tataricum Zone 3-7	Tatarian Maple 20' x equal spread
Adaptable to a wide range of conditions, drought tolerant once established, sun/light shade. Many attributes similar to A. ginnala.

Acer triflorum Zone 5-7	Three-flower Maple 20-30' x equal spread
Moist, acid soils, full sun/partial shade. A good small tree with exfoliating bark, the trifoliate leaves develop a warm yellow to red color in the fall. Good for many different landscape uses.

Acer truncatum Zone 4-8	Purpleblow Maple 20-25' x less spread
Small, rounded, relatively hardy tree. Potentially drought and urban tolerant. Young purple leaves change to green, yellow-orange-red fall color.

Aesculus parviflora Zone 4-8	Bottlebrush Buckeye 8-12' x 8-15'
Prefers moist, well-drained soils with high organic matter, drought intolerant, pH adaptable, prefers acid, sun/shade. Large white flowers in June-July. Overall growth habit is clumping as it suckers readily from the base. Good yellow fall color. Native.

Aesculus pavia Zone 5-8	Red Buckeye 10-20' x equal spread
Prefers moist, well-drained soils, full sun/light shade, red flowers in 4-8" panicles in mid spring. Variability in flower color in the species, ‘Atrosanguinea’ has consistent deep red flowers. Native.

Alnus incana
Alnus rugosa
Zone 3-6

White Alder
Speckled Alder
40-60' x 20-40'

Prefers moist to wet soils, full sun/light shade, pH tolerant, does well on infertile sites as it fixes nitrogen. Several cultivars of A. incana available, including ‘Aurea’ with yellow leaves and ‘Laciniata’, a bright green cut-leaf form. Especially useful for wet or naturalized areas although may be somewhat invasive in the northeast. A. rugosa is a native shrub that reaches 15-20' and is useful for wetland plantings.

Amelanchier arborea Amelanchier canadensis Amelanchier laevis Zone 4-9	Serviceberry 15-25' x variable spread
Prefers moist, acid soils, good for wet and/or naturalized areas; not particularly stress tolerant. Sun/shade. Newer cultivars are reported to be less subject to pest and disease pressure. Generally multi-stemmed with white flowers in early spring followed by purple-black berries in summer. Good fall foliage. Native.

Amorpha fruticosa Amorpha canescens Zone 4-9	Indigobush Amorpha Leadplant Amorpha 6-20' x 5-15' spread
Deciduous shrub with leggy growth habit. Transplants easily. Does well in poor, sandy, dry soils. pH adaptable. Full sun. Possibly salt tolerant. Cut back in late winter. Spreads easily. Purple-blue flowers. A. canescens smaller, hardier but treated as a herbaceous perennial.

Andromeda polifolia Zone 2-6	Bog Rosemary 1-2' x 2-3'
Slow growing, evergreen shrub. Foliage leathery dark green and flowers white tinged pink, 1/4" long and urn shaped. Prefers peaty or sandy, moist, cool soil. Full sun/light shade. Good for naturalizing. Native.

Aralia spinosa Zone 4-9	Hercules-Club 10-20'
Tolerant of adverse soil conditions, full sun/light shade, pH tolerant. Spiny stems and pinnately compound leaves that reach 64" in length. Careful siting required as it suckers from roots. Native to Pennsylvania and south.

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Zone 2-5	Bearberry 6-12" x 2-4'
Does best in poor, dry, sandy soils, difficult to transplant, full sun, acidic conditions. Salt tolerant. Does well in containers. Native.

Aristolochia macrophylla (formerly A. durior) Zone 4-8	Dutchman's Pipe 20-30'
Vigorous climbing vine with large leaves and unusual yellow-green and purple flowers. Full sun to partial shade. Requires moist soils. Native to Southeast.

Aronia arbutifolia Aronia melanocarpa Zone 4-9	Red Chokeberry Black Chokeberry 6-10' x 3-5', suckering
Adaptable; tolerates wet or dry soils. Best fruit production in full sun. Good for massing or naturalizing. White flower clusters in spring, red berries persisting into winter. A. melanocarpa is a smaller shrub with black fruit. Both native.

Azalea

(see Rhododendron)

Baccharis halimifolia Zone 5-9	Groundsel-bush 5-12' x equal spread
Unusual, native, semi-evergreen shrub. Does well in poor soil. Salt tolerant. Good filler plant for areas with poor soil.

Berberis x chenaultii Zone 5-8	Chenault Barberry 3-4' x slightly larger spread
Low growing, dense, evergreen shrub. Dark green leaves turn rich bronze-red in fall. Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acid soil. Sun to part shade.

Berberis julianae Zone 6-8	Wintergreen Barberry 6-8' x 8-10'
Tolerant of most soil conditions except wet. Full sun/light shade. Attractive yellow flowers and dark green spiny evergreen leaves. May show winter damage in exposed, windy locations; considered the hardiest of the evergreen barberries. Best left unpruned; makes an effective thorny hedge.

Berberis x mentorensis Zone 5-8	Mentor Barberry 5' x 5-7'
Culture similar to B. julianae; stiff, upright growth habit, dark green leathery foliage, semi-evergreen. Best left unpruned. Excellent hedge or barrier shrub.

Berberis verruculosa Zone 6-8	Warty Barberry 3-6' x equal spread
Forms a dense evergreen shrub. Leaves dark green above, whitish underneath turning purple in winter. Good compact growth, useful as hedging material, may show winter damage in exposed, windy locations. Flowers are golden yellow, fruit black.

Betula alleghaniensis Betula lenta Zone 3-7	Yellow Birch Sweet Birch 60-75' and 40-55' x 35-45'
Prefers rich, moist, slightly acid, well-drained soils. Resistant to bronze birch borer. Golden yellow fall color. Native.

Betula nigra Zone 4-9	River Birch 40-70' x 40-60'
Less susceptible to leaf miner than Paper birch, resistant to bronze birch borer which kills Paper birch in Southern RI; prefers moist well-drained soils but tolerates dry conditions once established. The Heritage birch, ‘Cully’, is a superior cultivar with exfoliating bark that is a lighter salmon color than the species. It is a rapid grower once established in the landscape. Native.

Buxus microphylla Buxus sempervirens Zone 5-6 to 8	Boxwood Varies with cultivar.
Buxus species prefer loamy, well-drained soils. Root systems are near surface and should not be disturbed. Full sun to partial shade.

Callicarpa dichotoma Zone 5-8	Purple Beautyberry 3-4' x 6'
Moist, well-drained soils, full sun for best fruiting; should be pruned hard in late winter for best fruiting effects. Produces abundant purple berries on arching branches in the fall.

Calycanthus floridus Zone 5-9	Carolina Allspice 6-9' x 6-12'
Adaptable to many soils, pH adaptable, sun/shade. Produces fragrant maroon flowers in late spring. If possible, check fragrance of blooming plants before buying.

Campsis radicans Zone 4-9	Trumpet Vine, Trumpet Creeper Climbing 30-40' high by aerial rootlets
Vigorous, deciduous, clinging vine. Grows very fast and needs frequent pruning. Adaptable and salt tolerant. Rich orange and scarlet, trumpet shaped flowers in mid-summer. Native.

Caragana arborescens Zone 2-7	Siberian Peashrub 15-20' x 12-18'
Very easy to grow. Tolerates cold, salt, poor soil, drought, alkalinity, wind. Good for hedge, screen or windbreak. Bright yellow flowers in mid-May.

Carpinus betulus Zone 4-7	European Hornbeam 40-60' x 30-40'
Tolerates wide range of soil conditions, prefers moist, well-drained soils but moderately drought tolerant once established, full sun/light shade, tolerates shearing. A good landscape tree with smooth gray bark, is often used as hedging or screen.

Carpinus caroliniana Zone 4-9	American Hornbeam 20-30' x equal spread
Moist, acid soils, tolerates drier sites, partial-deep shade. Smooth gray, beech-like bark, useful as an under-story tree.

Ceanothus americanus Ceanothus ovatus Zone 4-8	New Jersey Tea Inland Ceanothus 3-4' x 3-5'
Low, dense shrub with dark green leaves and white flowers in July. Full sun to shade. Tolerates dry soil. C. ovatus is denser than C. americanus, and has fruit turning bright red in summer. Native.

Cedrus atlantica Cedrus libani Zone 6-9	Atlas Cedar Cedar of Lebanon 40-60' x 30-40'
Large evergreen trees with spreading branches. Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates acid and alkaline soils and, once established, heat and drought. Sun/part shade. Needs shelter from wind. C. libani is hardy to zone 5.

Cephalotaxus harringtonia Zone 5-9	Japanese Plum Yew 5-30' x upright/spreading
Evergreen. Moist, well-drained soil, tolerates drought once established. Shade tolerant. Deer resistant substitute for yew, juniper and holly.

Cercidiphyllum japonicum Zone 4-8	Katsuratree 40-60' x 20-30'
Moist, well-drained soil preferred, may need supplemental water during establishment. Tends to develop multi-stemmed character if not trained to a single trunk. Attractive, heart-shaped leaves emerge red, turn blue-green and change to a beautiful golden to apricot fall color.

Cercis canadensis Zone 4-9	Eastern Redbud 20-30' x 25-35'
Very handsome small tree blooming purple along branches and trunk. Heart shaped leaves turn yellow in fall. Alternative to Cornus florida.

Chaenomeles japonica Zone 5-8	Japanese Flowering Quince 3' x wide spreading
Flowers orange-red or scarlet on year-old wood. Densely branched. Fruit is greenish yellow and fragrant. Most attractive in flower.

Chamaecyparis nootkatensis Zone 4-7	Alaska-cedar 30-45' x narrow
Moist, well-drained soil, humid atmosphere, sun. ‘Pendula’ is a graceful weeping form with dark green foliage.

Chamaecyparis obtusa Zone 5-8	Hinoki Falsecypress Variable
Moist, well-drained soil, full sun, some protection from wind. Several attractive cultivars available.

Chamaecyparis pisifera Zone 4-8	Sawara Falsecypress Variable
Moist, well-drained, acid soils, full sun, tolerates wind. One of the toughest evergreens for seaside and street side locations. Diverse cultivars available.

Chamaecyparis thyoides Zone 3-8	Atlantic Whitecedar 40-50' x 10-20'
Moist soils, full sun; found in wet and boggy areas as a native plant.

Chamaedaphne calyculata Zone 3-6	Leatherleaf 2-5'
Native evergreen shrub with sparse, open habit, blueberry-like flowers. Good for naturalizing in semi-shaded, boggy, wet areas.

Chionanthus retusus Zone 5-8	Chinese Fringetree 15-25' x equal spread
Moist, well-drained soil, full sun/part shade, tolerates air pollution. Tree form with gray-brown bark, white feathery flowers in June.

Chionanthus virginicus Zone 4-9	White Fringetree 12' x 20'
Very adaptable to soil types, prefers moist, well-drained, full sun. Grows very wide, careful siting is important. Fragrant creamy-white flowers in June followed by blue-black fruit in September; dioecious. Fruit attractive to birds.

Cladrastis kentukea (lutea) Zone 4-8	American Yellowwood 30-50' x 40'
Well-drained soils, alkaline conditions, tolerates acidic soils, full sun. Sensitive to drought-heat and compacted soils. Do not prune in spring.

Clematis species Zone 4-8	Clematis 5-6' to 18' on appropriate structure.
Fast growing vines, excellent for trellises, fences, rock walls, etc. Prefers some shade and higher pH soils.

Clethra alnifolia Zone 4-9	Sweet Pepperbush 4-8' x 4-6'
Prefers moist, acidic soil supplemented with organic matter, light shade/sun, salt tolerant. Fragrant flowers in late summer; pink flowered and dwarf cultivars are also available. Blooms best in full sun. Native.

Clethra barbinervis Zone 5-7	Japanese Clethra 10-20' x 8-10'
Prefers a soil supplemented with organic matter, considered drought and heat intolerant, full sun/part shade. Attractive, exfoliating bark, fragrant, white flowers in drooping panicles in late summer, maroon fall color.

Comptonia peregrina Zone 2-6	Sweetfern 2-4' x 4-8'
Well adapted to poor, dry infertile soils, full sun/light shade. Difficult to transplant, best when container grown. Good for naturalizing or on embankments.

Cornus alternifolia Zone 3-7	Pagoda Dogwood 15-25' x equal spread
Low branched tree or large shrub with horizontal tiered branching. Plant in part shade although can tolerate sun. Needs moist, cool, acidic soil. Yellowish-white fragrant flowers in May to early June. Great for naturalizing.

Cornus kousa
Zone 5-8

Kousa Dogwood
20-30' x equal spread

Performs well in moist, acidic soils, does well in sandy soils supplied with organic matter, prefers sun. More drought tolerant and cold hardy than flowering dogwood, resistant to dogwood anthracnose. Blooms after the foliage has emerged in early June, creamy white bracts persist for several weeks; large red gumball fruit effective in the fall. Exfoliating bark on mature specimens. Seeds readily. Cornus x ‘Stellar’ series or Hybrid Dogwoods are interspecific hybrids developed at Rutgers University and appear to be resistant to dogwood borer and dogwood anthracnose. Bloom times between C. florida and C. kousa. Of the six cultivars, one is pink and the rest are creamy white. Fruitless.

Cornus mas Cornus officinalis Zone 4-7	Corneliancherry Dogwood Japanese Cornel 20-25' x 15-20'
Large multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with exfoliating bark. Yellow flowers in March. Red fruit. C. officinalis similar with showy exfoliating bark.

Cornus racemosa Zone 4-8	Gray Dogwood 10-15' x equal spread
Adaptable to wet or dry soils, full sun to deep shade. Spreads by root suckers; adequate space needed. Best for naturalized areas. Most drought tolerant of the native shrub dogwoods.

Corylopsis glabrescens Corylopsis spicata Zone 5-8	Fragrant Winterhazel Spike Winterhazel 8-15' x similar spread
Dense shrub with fragrant, pale yellow flowers in April before leaves develop. Very nice plant for early spring color and fragrance. C. spicata is smaller but also beautiful in flower.

Corylus americana Corylus avellana Corylus cornuta Zone 4-8	American Filbert European Filbert Beaked Filbert 4-30" x similar spread
Multi-stemmed shrub is pH adaptable. Grow in full sun to light shade. Good for naturalizing. C. avellana can be a small tree but usually forms a thicket. Cultivar ‘Contorta’ most commonly grown, grafted plants tend to sucker. Obtain plants raised from cuttings. C. cornuta has interesting beaked fruits.

Corylus colurna Zone 4-7	Turkish Filbert 40-50' x 12-15'
Adaptable to adverse conditions, adaptable to pH, very drought tolerant once established. Broadly pyramidal in habit, useful as a street tree.

Cotinus coggygria
Cotinus obovatus
Zone 4-8

Common Smoketree
American Smoketree
10-15' x10-15'

Prefers well-drained soil but will tolerate a wide range of conditions, sun/light shade. Small five-petaled flowers are surrounded by 6-8" pinkish hairs which impart a “smokey” appearance from late June-August. Several forms are available with differing foliage colors. C. obovatus adaptable to a wide range of soils, tolerates drought and alkaline soils. Best growth in full sun. Somewhat longer than C. coggygria, outstanding fall foliage.

Cotoneaster adpressus Zone 5-7	Creeping Cotoneaster 1-1.5' x 4-6'
Moist, well-drained soils, full sun, drought tolerant once established, pH tolerant and adaptable to seaside conditions. Compact ground cover with glossy green leaves, white blossoms in May, red fruits effective in fall and winter. Subject to mites under hot dry conditions.

Cotoneaster divaricatus Zone 4-7	Spreading Cotoneaster 5-6' x equal spread
Culture similar to C. adpressus; multi-stemmed shrub with arching branches, dark green foliage with yellow to red fall color; white flowers in May with red fruit effective in the fall and winter. Less subject to pests than others in this genus.

Cotoneaster salicifolius Zone 6-8	Willowleaf Cotoneaster 10-15' x 10'
Culture similar to C. adpressus; large evergreen shrub with arching branches, dark green foliage turns purple in winter; bright red fruit persist through winter. Usually available as low growing cultivars such as ‘Emerald Carpet’, ‘Repens’ and ‘Scarlet Leader’.

Cratageus viridis Zone 4-7	‘Winter King’ Green Hawthorn 20-25' x equal spread
Tolerates poor soil conditions and windy sites. Less susceptible to pests than other hawthorns. Attractive bark and showy red fruit are good winter characteristics.

Cryptomeria japonica Zone 5-8	Japanese Cedar 5' x 20'
Graceful evergreen. Prefers sun/light shade. Easy to grow in rich, acid, moist soil. Foliage turns bronze in winter. Cultivars retaining green winter color are preferred.

Daphne cneorum
Zone 4-7
Daphne x burkwoodii
Zone 4-7
Daphne caucasica
Zone 5-7

Rose Daphne
6-12" x 2' spread
Burkwood Daphne
3-4' x equal spread
Caucasian Daphne
4-5' x equal spread

A low, trailing evergreen shrub forms loose masses and groundcover. Slow growing in well-drained, moist, neutral pH soil. Prefers light-medium shade. Difficult to transplant. D. cneorum’s bright rosy-pink, fragrant flowers open in April or May and again in late summer. D. x burkwoodii is a cross between D. cneorum and D. caucasica. Flowers are fragrant and white with a pink tinge. D. caucasica is deciduous and produces very fragrant, long-season white flowers and black or red fruit.

Davidia involucrata Zone 6 to 8	Dove-tree 20-40' x variable
Handsome specimen tree. Slow growing and late to flower. Striking large, creamy white bracts look like handkerchiefs fluttering in the breeze. Attractive orange-brown exfoliating bark. Prefers moist, well-drained soils.

Deutzia x lemoinei Zone 4-8	Lemoine Deutzia 5-7' x similar spread
Dense shrub with pure white flowers in late May and good yellow fall color. One of the hardiest deutzias.

Deutzia gracilis Zone 4-8	Slender Deutzia 2-4' x 3-4'
Tolerates most soil conditions. Prefers well-drained soil, full sun/light shade. White flowers in late May; ‘Nikko’ is a compact cultivar useful as a groundcover.

Deutzia scabra Zone 5-7	Fuzzy Deutzia 6-10' x 4-8'
Average garden soil, full sun, pH tolerant. White flowers in late May. Several good cultivars available.

Diervilla sessilifolia Zone 4-8	Southern Bush Honeysuckle 3-5' x 3-5'
Very adaptable to soil conditions, drought and wind tolerant once established, full sun/light shade. Spreads by underground stems, will form a large mass and therefore useful as a ground cover in rough areas. Attractive yellow flowers in midsummer.

Dirca palustris Zone 4-9	Leatherwood 3-6' x similar spread
Dense shrub thrives in moist to wet shade areas. Pale yellow flowers in March or April. Native.

Disanthus cercidifolius Zone 5-7	Redbud Hazel 6-10' x similar spread
Magnificent, but rare, shrub with small heart shaped leaves turning a rich red purple in fall. Purple flowers in October.

Eleutherococcus sieboldianus Zone 4-8	Fiveleaf Aralia 8-10' x 8-10'
Easily transplanted, withstands adverse conditions, tolerates dry soils, clay-sand-acid soils and urban conditions. Sun/shade. Suckers readily; may be maintenance problem if not sited correctly and allowed ample room, thorny.

Enkianthus campanulatus Zone 4-7	Redvein Enkianthus 12-15' x 6-8'
Requires moist, acid soil supplemented with organic matter, culture similar to rhododendron, sun/light shade. Bright green, whorled and bell-shaped creamy, red veined, lobed flowers in late May-early June. Bright orange-scarlet fall foliage.

Eucommia ulmoides Zone 4-7	Hardy Rubber Tree 40-60' x equal spread
Excellent shade tree. Drought tolerant, full sun, pH adaptable.

Evodia daniellii

(see Tetradium daniellii)

Exochorda racemosa Zone 4-8	Common Pearlbush 10-15' x equal spread
Prefers well-drained, acid soils, full sun/light shade, drought and heat tolerant once established. Flower buds arranged like pearls along the stem, opening into five-petaled, white flowers in April.

Fagus grandifolia
Fagus sylvatica
Zone 4-7

American Beech
European Beech
50-60' x 50-100'

European beech is more tolerant of various soil conditions than American beech which likes acidic, organic soils. Both prefer full sun. Shallow rooted, big for the average residential landscape but excellent for parks, golf courses, other open spaces; needs room to develop into a mature specimen. Many fine cultivars of European beech available in green and purple leaf forms, weeping, cutleaf, etc.

Forsythia x intermedia Forsythia suspensa Zone 6-8	Border Forsythia Weeping Forsythia 8-10' x 10-12'
Forsythia species valuable for early spring flowers. pH adaptable and tolerant of urban environments. Plant in full sun for best flowering. Particularly nice in mass plantings or with other spring flowering shrubs or bulbs. Flower buds killed in cold winters.

Fothergilla gardenii Fothergilla major Zone 4-8	Dwarf Fothergilla Large Fothergilla 2-3' (6-10') x equal spread
Fragrant white bottle-brush flowers in April and May before the leaves develop. Leaves dark blue-green turning florescent yellow, orange and red in the fall. Prefers acid, moist, organic soil in full sun to partial shade. F. major not particularly drought tolerant.

Franklinia alatamaha Zone 5-8	Franklin Tree 10-20' x 6-15'
Large, fragrant, white flowers in mid-September. Prefers acid, rich organic, moist, well-drained soils in sun/light shade. Good drainage is crucial for tree to thrive. Leaves orange-mahogany red in fall.

Fraxinus pennsylvanica Zone 3-9	Green Ash 50-60' x 25-30'
Tolerates variable soils, salt, high pH, wind. Very adaptable. Yellow fall color. ‘Marshall’s Seedless’ a preferred male cultivar.

Ginkgo biloba Zone 4-8	Ginkgo Maidenhair Tree 50-80' x 30-40'
Adaptable to variable soil conditions and high pH. Tolerates air pollution, salt, and heat. Male cultivars preferred as decomposing fruit on female trees in the fall are malodorous. Attractive leaves turn clear yellow in fall.

Gymnocladus dioicus Zone 3-8	Kentucky Coffeetree 60-75' x 40-50'
Adaptable to various soil conditions but prefers deep, rich loam, full sun, tolerates drought, high pH and urban conditions; a large tree for park-like surroundings. Slow to establish.

Halesia diptera Halesia monticola Halesia tetraptera(formerly H. carolina) Zone 4-8	Two-winged Silverbell Mountain Silverbell Carolina Silverbell 30-40' x 20-35'
Moist, acid soils, sun/light shade. White, bell-shaped flowers in early spring before foliage emerges. H. tetraptera native. H. diptera is multi-stemmed, rounded tree with pretty, white, bell-shaped flowers. H. monticola much larger (60-80') with larger size fruit and flowers than H. tetraptera but otherwise similar.

Hammamelis x intermedia
Hammamelis mollis
Hammamelis vernalis
Hammamelis virginiana
Zone 5-8

Witchhazel
Chinese Witchhazel
Vernal Witchhazel
Common Witchhazel
15-20'

Witchhazels are deciduous understory plants blooming in fall (H. virginiana) or late winter. Prefer moist, acidic soils high in organic matter, sun or part shade. Flower colors range from yellow to red. H. x intermedia represents a group of hybrids between H. japonica x H. mollis. Upright spreading plants bloom from late January into mid-March. ‘Arnold Promise’, ‘Jelena’ and ‘Pallida’ are noteworthy cultivars. H. mollis has yellow, fragrant flowers in February to March. Most fragrant of the Hammamelis species, H. vernalis has excellent golden yellow fall color. pH adaptable. H. virginiana is a native shrub and generally prefers moist, acid soils high in organic matter, sun/part shade. Tolerant of urban conditions.

Heptacodium miconioides Zone 5-8	Seven-Son Flower 10-20' x 10-15'
Prefers moist soils but is adaptable. Full sun to part shade. Creamy white fragrant flowers from September to October. Very popular with bees. After flowering, the calyces turn red and are very striking.

Hovenia dulcis Zone 5-7	Japanese Raisintree 30' x 20'
Adaptable to various soil conditions. Prefers good drainage and full sun. Fragrant white flowers in summer.

Hydrangea anomala Zone 4-7	Climbing Hydrangea subspecies petiolaris Climbing 60-80'
Lovely clinging vine with white flowers in late June to early July. Full sun or shade and moist soils. Excellent for massive effect on brick or stone walls. Slow to establish but then vigorous.

Hydrangea arborescens Zone 4-9	Smooth Hydrangea 3-5' x greater spread
Adaptable, prefers well-drained, moist soil, partial shade. Will tolerate full sun if ample moisture is available. ‘Annabelle’ is an improved selection.

Hydrangea macrophylla Zone 6-9	Bigleaf Hydrangea 3-6' x equal spread
Prefers a moist soil supplemented with organic matter, tolerates coastal conditions, sun/light shade. Pink and blue cultivars available.

Hydrangea paniculata Zone 3-8	Panicle Hydrangea 10-20' x equal spread
Prefers loamy soil but is adaptable, sun/part shade, urban tolerant. ‘Grandiflora’ (PeeGee Hydrangea) and ‘Tardiva’ are improved selections. Extremely long flowering period as the dry flowers persist well into the fall. Potentially invasive.

Hydrangea quercifolia Zone 5-9	Oak-leaved Hydrangea 4-6' x equal or wider spread
Moist, fertile, well-drained soils, sun/part shade, prefers cool, moist root environment. ‘Snow Queen’ is an improved selection. Excellent fall color.

Hypericum species Zone 4-8	St. Johnswort 1-4' x equal spread
Dense shrubs often treated as a perennial. Adaptable to dry, high pH soils. Beautiful yellow summer flowers. Hypericum ‘Hidcote’ and H. kalmianum are notable varieties.

Ilex crenata Zone 5-7	Japanese Holly Varies with cultivar
Small-leaved evergreen shrub prefers moist, well-drained soil, full sun/part shade, adaptable.

Ilex glabra Zone 5-9	Inkberry Holly 6-8' x 8-10'
Small-leaved deciduous shrub prefers moist to wet soils, shade tolerant. 'Compacta’ is a better-shaped plant than the species. Native.

Ilex x meserveae hybrids Zone 5-8	Blue Holly Variable spread
Evergreen shrub prefers moist, well-drained soil supplemented with organic matter, acid conditions, sun/part shade. Dark blue-green leaves, bright red berries. Well adapted to New England. Many cultivars favored by deer.

Ilex pedunculosa Zone 5-8	Longstalk Holly 15-25' x 15'
Prefers moist, acid soil, sun/part shade. Leaves resemble Mountain Laurel, bright red berries on long stalks.

Ilex serrata
Ilex verticillata
Zone 3-9

Finetooth Holly
Winterberry
6-10' x equal spread

Deciduous shrubs. Prefer moist, acid soils supplemented with organic matter, does well under wet conditions, also in lighter soils but is considered drought intolerant, sun/light shade. Plants are dioecious, both sexes required for pollination and berry production. Many cultivars available; fruit colors up after the first frost and is often retained through the winter. Tolerates heavy pruning; fruits on new wood. The hybrid ‘Sparkleberry’, a National Arboretum introduction, is noted for its persistent berries.

Itea virginica Zone 5-9	Virginia Sweetspire 3-5' x 6'
Moist, fertile soils, tolerates wet or dry conditions, pH adaptable, full sun/part shade. Cultivar ‘Henry’s Garnet’ sports white flowers in upright spikes in June-July; foliage reddish-purple color in fall.

Juniperus chinensis
Zone 3-9

Chinese Juniper
Varies with cultivar

Moist, well-drained soils, pH adaptable, sun. Salt, drought and wind tolerant. Useful as a groundcover, shrub, screen, etc., depending on the cultivar. Some cultivars susceptible to blights, which can cause serious dieback. The following cultivars are reported to be resistant to one or two of the blights: ‘Foemina’ (P), ‘Iowa’ (P), ‘Keteleeri’ (P), ‘Pfitzeriana-aurea’ (P+K), ‘Robusta Green’ (P), var. sargentii (P+K), ‘Gold Coast’ (K).

Juniperus conferta Zone 6-9	Shore Juniper 1.5' x spreading
Adaptable to poor, dry soils, full sun, salt tolerant, good for coastal locations. Low-growing groundcover, intolerant of wet soils.

Juniperus virginiana Zone 3-9	Eastern Red Cedar 15-30' x 8-10'
Adaptable to poor, droughty soils, pH adaptable, full sun, salt tolerant. Alternate host for cedar-apple rust. Tough native plant for screening, naturalizing, coastal planting.

Kalmia latifolia Zone 4-9	Mountain-Laurel 7-15' x similar spread
Requires acid, moist soil supplemented with organic matter, good drainage, full sun to shade. A good native plant if sited correctly. Many new cultivars available; red and pink flowered forms need full sun to develop good flower color.

Kalopanax septemlobus Zone 4-7	Castor-aralia 40-60' x equal spread
Moist soils, full sun. Tolerant of alkaline soil and long lived. Coarse textured plant provides tropical effect in the landscape.

Kerria japonica Zone 4b-9	Japanese Kerria 3-6' x 6-9'
Hearty, free-flowing shrub. Plant in full sun/part shade. ‘Pleniflora’ has double, golden yellow flowers and grows in an upright, lanky form. Best grown unpruned except thinning.

Koelreuteria paniculata Zone 5-9	Goldenraintree 30-40' x equal spread
Adaptable to a wide range of soils, tolerates drought, heat, wind, pH and air pollution. Yellow blossoms in mid-summer followed by lantern-like seed capsules in fall.

Kolkwitzia amabilis Zone 4-8	Beautybush 6-10' x 8'
Adaptable to a variety of soil conditions; prefers moist, well-drained soils and full sun. Usually requires annual pruning of older canes to retain form and prevent legginess, or cut back to ground.

Larix kaempferi Larix laricina Zone 4-7	Japanese Larch Eastern Larch 70-90' x 25-40'
Prefers moist, well-drained, acid soils. Will not tolerate heat, shade or pollution. L. laricina only grows to 40-80', less heat tolerant.

Ledum groenlandicum Zone 2-5	Labrador Tea 2-4' x equal spread
Dwarf evergreen shrub forms a rounded mass. Prefers moist, sandy, peaty soils in sun to part shade. Transplants easily. Pure white flowers in May-June.

Leucothoe species Zone 5-8	Leucothoe 2-6' x equal spread depending on species
Broadleaf, evergreen shrub that is good for naturalizing. Prefers moist, acid soil, partial to full shade.

Lindera benzoin Zone 4-9	Spicebush 6-12' x equal spread
Prefers acid, moist soils in full sun/partial shade. Small greenish-yellow flowers appear in early spring. Bright green leaves turn bright yellow in fall. Fruit bright red in late September to October.

Liquidambar styraciflua Zone 6-9	American Sweetgum 60-75' x 2-3 spread
Difficult to transplant and needs large area for root development. Beautiful, glossy green leaves with rich yellow-purple fall color. Messy fruit.

Liriodendron tulipifera Zone 4-9	Tuliptree 70-90' x 35-50'
Large tree. Full sun, pH adaptable. Prefers moist soils. Golden yellow fall color. Beautiful green-orange flowers do not appear until tree matures.

Lonicera sempervirens Zone 4-9	Trumpet Honeysuckle Climbing 10-20'
Fast growing, twining vine. Orange-red to red to yellow flowers in early spring. Great for hummingbirds.

Maackia amurensis Zone 4-7	Amur Maackia 20-30' x equal spread
Very adaptable, full sun, pH and drought tolerant.

Magnolia acuminata Zone 3-8	Cucumbertree Magnolia 50-80' x equal spread
Prefers moist, well-drained acid soils, but performs well in calcareous soils also. Not tolerant of extreme drought or wetness, or air pollution. Native.

Magnolia species Zone 5-8	Magnolia 15-40' x equal spread
Many species and cultivars available. Most prefer moist, well drained soil but can be tolerant of high pH. Sun/part shade. M. x loebneri particularly urban tolerant.

Magnolia ashei Magnolia denudata (formerly M. heptapeta) Magnolia kobus Magnolia kobus stellata Magnolia x loebneri Magnolia x soulangiana Magnolia sieboldii Magnolia virginiana Zone 5-9	Ashe Magnolia Yulan Magnolia Kobus Magnolia Star Magnolia Loebner Magnolia Saucer Magnolia Oyama Magnolia Sweetbay Magnolia 10-20' x equal spread
Does well in wet soils, considered drought intolerant, prefers acid soil, tolerates light shade. Semi-evergreen in protected areas. Native.

Mahonia aquifolium Zone 5-7	Oregon Grapeholly 3-6' x 3-5'
Does well in moist, acid soil. Prefers shade and protection from wind. Bright yellow flowers in April, attractive blue fruit in autumn.

Malus species Zone 4-7	Crabapple Varies with cultivar
Quite adaptable to many soil types but prefers well-drained, acid conditions, full sun, salt tolerant. The best crabapples flower annually and are disease resistant. See Appendix 1 for a listing. Crabapples are particularly attractive to Japanese beetle adults, and may need protection when beetle populations are high.

Metasequoia glyptostroboides Zone 5-8	Dawn Redwood 70-100' x 25'
Deciduous conifer suitable for large areas. Attractive orange-brown fall color. Prefers deep, well-drained, slightly acid soils. Full sun.

Microbiota decussata Zone 3-7	Russian Arborvitae 12" x 10-12'
Low growing evergreen shrub, bright green summer foliage turning purple-brown in winter. Graceful branchlets arranged in flat sprays. Prefers moist soils, tolerant of shade, very cold hardy.

Myrica pensylvanica Zone 3-6	Northern Bayberry 5-12' x equal spread
Does extremely well in poor sandy soils, may adapt to heavy soils, full sun/light shade. Salt tolerant. Myrica gale, or Sweetgale, is a low growing (2-4') deciduous shrub native to Rhode Island.

Nemopanthus mucronatus Zone 4-6	Mountain Holly 6-10' x equal spread
Deciduous, native shrub. Good for naturalizing in cold climates. Tolerates moist soils. Bright red fruit in late summer.

Nyssa sylvatica Zone 4-9	Black Tupelo, Sour Gum 30-50' x 20-30'
Prefers moist, well-drained soils but tolerates wet soils, will also grow on upland areas. Full sun/light shade. Difficult to transplant. Excellent orange-scarlet fall foliage.

Ostrya virginiana Zone 4-9	American Hop Hornbeam, Ironwood 25-40' x 15-30'
Prefers moist, well-drained soils, slightly acid. Tolerates dry conditions once established, full sun/part shade. One of the most drought tolerant and salt resistant small trees. Difficult to transplant.

Oxydendrum arboreum Zone 5-9	Sourwood 25-30' x 20'
Prefers moist, well-drained soils, slightly acid, tolerates dry conditions, full sun/part shade. Drooping flower clusters in mid-summer; excellent burgundy fall foliage.

Pachysandra procumbens Pachysandra terminalis Zone 4-8	Allegheny Pachysandra Japanese Pachysandra 6-12" high
One of the best evergreen ground covers for deep shade. Spreads by rhizomes to form a dense mat. White flowers in March to early April. ‘Green Sheen’ is a particularly nice pest free cultivar of P. terminalis.

Parrotia persica Zone 5-8	Persian Parrotia 20-40' x 15-30'
Excellent pest-free specimen tree with attractive exfoliating bark and fall color. Tolerant of varying conditions once established, sun/part shade.

Parthenocissus quinquefolia Parthenocissus tricuspidata Zone 4-9	Virginia Creeper, Japanese Creeper, Boston Ivy Climbing 30-50'
Deciduous vine will crawl on ground, up trees or other structures. Tolerates virtually any condition. Low maintenance cover for walls. Foliage of P. quinquefolia is more lustrous and leaf is 3-lobed.

Paxistima canbyi Zone 3-7	Canby Paxistima 1' x 3-5'
Low growing, evergreen shrub with dark green leaves. Full sun/part shade. Tolerates high pH.

Phellodendron amurense Zone 4-7	Amur Corktree 30-45' x equal or greater spread
Adaptable to a wide range of soils, tolerates pH, drought, air pollution and full sun. Grows quite large so siting is important; fruit can be messy.

Philadelphus species Zone 4-8	Sweet Mockorange 10-12' x 10-12'
Sweetly scented white flowers. Full sun/light shade. Transplants readily. Fast growing.

Physocarpus opulifolius Zone 2-7	Common Ninebark 5-10' x 6-10'
Native shrub easily transplanted and adaptable. Full sun/part shade. Tolerates all soil conditions and drought. Good for naturalizing.

Picea glauca Zone 2-6	White Spruce 40-60' x 10-20'
Broad conical tree. Prefers full sun to some shade. Light green needles form dense shape. ‘Conica’, the Alberta Spruce, is widely sold and used in the landscape. Susceptible to spider mites, particularly when grown against buildings.

Picea omorika Picea orientalis Zone 4-7	Serbian Spruce Oriental Spruce 50-60' x 20-30'
Graceful evergreen trees tolerate drought, high pH and urban conditions. Protect from winter winds.

Pieris floribunda Zone 4-8	Mountain Pieris, Fetter Bush 2-6' x equal spread
Evergreen shrub prefers moist, well-drained soil, tolerant of high pH and resistant to lacebug. Susceptible to Phytophthora root rot if not sited in a well-drained location. An interspecific hybrid, ‘Brouwer’s Beauty’, has flower clusters that are horizontal and arching.

Pieris japonica Zone 5-7	Japanese Pieris 9-12' x 6-8'
Upright, broadleaf evergreen shrub with bronze new growth which changes to dark green at maturity. White, slightly fragrant urn-shaped flowers appear in March to April. Plant in partial shade to minimize lacebug problems.

Pinus banksiana Zone 2-7	Jack Pine 35-50' x irregular spreading
Very hardy for colder climates. Will survive in almost pure sand, and dry, acid soils. Initially pyramid shaped but becomes more open and flat-topped at maturity.

Pinus bungeana Zone 5-7	Lacebark Pine 30-50' x 20-35'
Nice specimen tree with interesting, exfoliating bark. Prefers well-drained soil and sun. Tolerant of high pH.

Pinus cembra Pinus koraiensis Zone 4-7	Swiss Stone Pine Korean Pine 30-40' x 15-20'
Prefers well-drained, acidic soil, good air circulation, full sun. Slow growing, hardy, and salt tolerant. P. cembra possible substitute for Japanese and Austrian Black pines.

Pinus parviflora Zone 4-7	Japanese White Pine 25-50' x similar or greater spread
Requires good drainage but tolerates most soil conditions including soil compaction. Salt tolerant. Drought tolerant once established.

Pinus strobus Zone 3-7	Eastern White Pine 50-80' x 20-40'
Prefers moist, well-drained soils but tolerates dry conditions, full sun/light shade, rapid growing when young. Subject to white pine weevil damage to terminal, intolerant of salt. An excellent native evergreen.

Potentilla fruticosa Zone 2-6	Bush Cinquefoil 1-4' x 2-4'
Moist, well-drained soils but is very adaptable, will do well under dry conditions, full sun/light shade, likes neutral to alkaline conditions. Extremely cold hardy. Long bloom period. Many improved cultivars available.

Prunus maackii Zone 3-6	Amur Chokecherry 35'-45' x 20-35'
Small dense tree with cinnamon-brown exfoliating bark. Prefers well-drained soil, pH tolerant, sun/shade. White flowers in May.

Prunus maritima Zone 3-6	Beach Plum 6' x equal spread
Adaptable to most soil conditions except wet, drought tolerant once established, full sun, salt tolerant. White flowers in May followed by purple fruit in late summer. Good for naturalizing in coastal plantings.

Prunus sargentii Zone 4-7	Sargent Cherry 20-30' x similar spread
Moist, well-drained soils, full sun/light shade. Single pink flowers in spring before the foliage, fall colors of yellow to red. Considered short-lived though relatively free of problems in a trouble-prone genus.

Prunus subhirtella Zone 5-8	Higan Cherry 20-40' x wider spread
Culture similar to the above; semi-double pink flowers in spring, occasionally re-blooming in fall. Considered short-lived though relatively pest free. ‘Autumnalis’ is a recommended variety.

Pseudolarix amabilis Zone 5-7	Golden-larch 30-50' x 20-40'
Slow-growing specimen tree, deciduous, golden yellow fall color. Prefers well-drained soil in full sun, tolerates air pollution.

Ptelea trifoliata Zone 3-9	Hoptree 15-20' x equal spread
Prefers moist, well-drained soils but very adaptable, sun/heavy shade. An interesting native tree with trifoliate leaves and fragrant flowers in June.

Pterostyrax hispida Zone 4-8	Fragrant Epaulettetree 20-30' x equal spread
Attractive small tree with white fragrant flowers in June. Prefers moist, acid, well-drained soils, sun/light shade.

Pyracantha coccinea Zone 6-9	Scarlet Firethorn 6-18' x equal spread
Berry-like, orange-red fruit ripens in September and persists into winter. Plant in full sun for best fruit but can tolerate part-shade. Use as an informal hedge. Great for trellising and espaliers on walls. Difficult to transplant.

Pyrus calleryana Zone 5-8	Callery Pear 30-50' x 20-35'
Adaptable to varying soils, air pollution, etc. ‘Bradford’ has narrow branch crotches that are prone to breaking. ‘Aristocrat’ has more horizontal branching and is less prone to breakage than ‘Bradford’; ‘Chanticleer’ is more narrowly upright and shows better fire blight resistance. White flowers in clusters in spring, good scarlet purple fall foliage.

Quercus acutissima Zone 6-9	Sawtooth Oak 40-60' x equal spread
Prefers acid, well-drained soils but adaptable to varying conditions, may develop chlorosis on high pH soils, full sun. Simple foliage with serrated edges, attractive yellow fall color.

Quercus alba Zone 4-9	White Oak 50-80' x equal spread
Adaptable to various soil types; prefers moist, acid conditions, full sun. Dark green lobed leaves, fall color red to brown. Scaly white bark attractive year round. Native.

Quercus bicolor Zone 4-8	Swamp White Oak 50-60' x equal spread
Moist, acid soils but very drought tolerant once established, broadly lobed, leathery leaf, good dark green color, yellow fall foliage. Drought tolerant. Native.

Quercus imbricaria Zone 4-8	Shingle Oak 50-60' x equal spread
Simple leaved oak. Easy to transplant, tolerant of dry soils and urban conditions; full sun. Native.

Quercus macrocarpa Zone 3-8	Bur Oak 70-80' x equal spread
Large tree with large lobed leaves, white undersides. Tolerates dry sites and urban conditions. Difficult to transplant. Native.

Quercus palustris Zone 4-8	Pin Oak 60-70" x 25-40'
Prefers moist, acid soils, intolerant of high pH, full sun, tolerates wet soils and urban conditions. Deeply lobed leaves with pyramidal growth habit; lower branches droop.

Quercus phellos Zone 5-9	Willow Oak 40-60' x equal spread
Adaptable to many soil conditions, full sun, fibrous root system allows for ease of transplanting; narrow, simple leaves.

Quercus rubra Zone 4-8	Northern Red Oak 60-75' x equal spread
Moist, acid soils, full sun. Intolerant of high pH, tolerates urban conditions. Easily transplanted.

Quercus shumardii Zone 5-9	Shumard Oak 40-60' x equal spread
Leaves may turn red in fall. Easy to transplant. Tolerant of drought or wet conditions.

Quercus velutina Zone 3-9	Black Oak 50-60' x variable spread
Does well in moist, acid soils. Very difficult to transplant because of extensive tap root. Bark is nearly black with deep, vertical furrows.

Rhododendron species and cultivars
Zone 2-9

Ground cover to small tree

Over 900 species and thousands of hybrids exist, most are low maintenance plants when grown in the appropriate site. They generally prefer moist well-drained acid soils high in organic matter and perform best in partial shade. In full sun winter injury and blossom fading is more pronounced as are problems with lace bugs. In southern New England ‘Dora Amateis’ and R. maximum are particularly susceptible to lacebug when grown in full sun; and to our south, lacebug problems are much more widespread. With the exception of some of the heavily indumented rhododendrons (R. yakushimanum, R. smirnovii and hybrids), all are susceptible to the black vine weevil which can kill small plants. (See discussion under Taxus.) Among the large leaved rhododendrons, R. fortunei and its hybrids (‘Scintillation’) are very attractive to deer. Small leaved rhododendrons, including ‘PJM’, ‘Silvery Pink’, ‘Anglo’, etc., are particularly cold tolerant as are deciduous azaleas (R. schlippenbachii, R. calendulaceum, R. viscosum, etc.). The deciduous Exbury hybrids, however, have too many insect and disease problems to be included on this list. There are thousands of good hardy, hybrid, evergreen azaleas including ‘Hino crimson’, ‘Delaware Valley White’, R. yedoense var. poukhenensis, etc. However, Belgian or florist azaleas are often mistakenly sold as hardy. As a rule of thumb, if the flower looks too good to be true, it is probably not hardy. Several species are native to southern New England, including R. maximum, R. viscosum, R. prinophyllum, R. canadense and R. periclymenoides.

Rhus aromatica Zone 3-9	Fragrant Sumac 2'-6' x 6-10'
Adaptable to various soil conditions, full sun. Attractive glossy leaves in threes, yellow flowers and spiky male catkins. Native. Spreading habit of cultivar ‘Gro-Low’ makes a good choice for embankments or a ground cover.

Rhus copallina Zone 4-9	Shining Sumac 5-15' x similar spread
Good for wet or dry, rocky areas or embankments. Careful siting is important as it can form large colonies. Good for naturalizing, excellent fall color.

Sarcococca hookeriana Zone 6-8	Sweetbox 4-6' x equal spread
Prefers acid, well-drained soils in partial shade to shade. Will tolerate drought and polluted air quality. White, fragrant flowers appear in March-April. S. hookeriana var. humilis grows smaller, has black fruits, and is very cold hardy.

Sassafras albidum Zone 4-9	Common Sassafras 30-60' x 25-40'
Full sun/light shade. Prefers moist, acid, loamy, well-drained soil. Prune in winter. Excellent for naturalized plantings. Outstanding fall color. Native.

Schizophragma hydrangeoides Zone 5-7	Japanese Hydrangea-vine Climbing 20-30'
This clinging vine is similar to but not as vigorous or as large as Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris. Inflorescenses are flat-topped and 8-10" across and droop slightly. Flowers in late June or early July.

Sciadopitys verticillata Zone 5-7	Japanese Umbrella Pine 20-30' x 15-20'
Prefers moist, well-drained soil, full sun, some protection from wind. Drought tolerant once established. Slow growing.

Sophora japonica Zone 4-7	Japanese Pagoda Tree 50-75' x wide spreading
Well-drained soil supplemented with organic matter, drought and urban tolerant. White, fragrant flowers in mid summer. ‘Regent’ is reputed to flower earlier than the species.

Spiraea x bumalda Zone 3-8	Bumald Spirea 2-3' x 4-5'
A tough plant in the landscape, annual pruning required for best effect. White flowers in June-August.

Spiraea x vanhouttei Zone 3-8	Vanhoutte Spirea 6-8' x 10-12'
Adaptable to various soil types, full sun. White flowers on arching stems in May. Requires pruning of dead wood in spring.

Stephanandra incisa Zone 4-7	Cutleaf Stephanandra 2-3' x spreading
Graceful shrub prefers well-drained soils supplemented with organic matter, drought intolerant, full sun/part shade. ‘Crispa’ makes an excellent ground cover.

Stewartia koreana Stewartia pseudocamellia Zone 6-9	Korean Stewartia Japanese Stewartia 20-30' x 10-15'
Prefers moist, acid soil supplemented with organic matter. Camellia-like blossoms flower in summer. Sun/shade. Extraordinary exfoliating bark. Leaves have orange-red-bronze fall color.

Styrax japonica Zone 5-8	Japanese Snowbell 20-30' x equal spread
Prefers moist, well-drained, acid soil supplemented with organic matter, full sun/part shade. May be subject to winter damage in cold sites. Exquisitely fragrant, white, bell-shaped, pendulous flowers in June.

Symphoricarpos x chenaultii Zone 4-7	Chenault Coralberry 2' x 12'
A cross between S. microphyllus and S. orbiculatus. Pink flowers in June and white fruit in fall. Tolerant of various soil types and high pH. ‘Hancock’ is a beautiful low-growing cultivar.

Syringa meyeri Zone 3-7	Meyer Lilac 4-8' x 6-12'
Small, dense, mounded shrub. Flower buds emerge early, may be damaged by early frost. Violet-purple flowers cover entire plant for 10-14 days in May. Easy to grow and resistant to mildew. ‘Palibin’ is common compact form.

Syringa microphylla Zone 4-7	Littleleaf Lilac 6-9' x 12'
Rosy lilac, fragrant, flowers in May to early June. Adaptable, heat tolerant, mildew resistant.

Syringa patula Zone 4-7	Manchurian Lilac 4-8' x equal spread
Adaptable to various soil conditions, full sun, resistant to powdery mildew. ‘Miss Kim’ is a noteworthy cultivar.

Syringa reticulata Zone 3-7	Japanese Tree Lilac 20-30' x 15-25'
Good small urban tree prefers well-drained, moist soil, pH tolerant, full sun. Salt and wind tolerant. Resistant to lilac borer and powdery mildew. Early summer flowering. ‘Ivory Silk’ and ‘Summer Snow’ are excellent cultivars.

Taxodium ascendens Taxodium distichum Zone 4-9	Pond Baldcypress Common Baldcypress 50-70' x 20-30'
Prefers moist acid soils, very adaptable to wet or dry soils, full sun. A large tree for parks, estates or wet areas. Good wind tolerant urban tree.

Taxus species and cultivars
Zone 4-7

Yews
Variable spread

High quality, versatile evergreens, slow growing, easily grown and pruned, resistant to many pests. Have been overused, and now black vine weevil is a very serious pest of young plants, particularly in the nursery. Larger plants sited in the landscape are reasonably tolerant of this pest; but because yews can harbor large populations of weevils, landscapers should exercise care in planting small susceptible plants (rhododendron, euonymus, etc.) near infested yews. The foliage and fruit of yew are toxic to children if ingested, yet the foliage qualifies as a deer candy.

Taxus baccata ‘Repandens’ Zone 5-7	Spreading English Yew 2-4' x 12-15'
Hardy dwarf, spreading form has pendulous branch tips and dark green needles. Tolerant of high pH but requires good drainage. ‘Adpressa’ is another good, low, shade-loving cultivar.

Taxus cuspidata Zone 4-7	Japanese Yew 10-40' x equal spread
Prefers a moist, sandy loam, does not tolerate wet soils for any length of time. Extremely cold hardy.

Taxus x media cultivars Zone 4-7	Yews Variable
Hybrids of T. baccatta and T. cuspidata resemble T. cuspidata in many respects. Common cultivars include: ‘Brownii’, ‘Densiformis’, ‘Hatfieldii’, ‘Hicksii’, ‘Nigra’ and ‘Tauntonii’. Prefer moist, sandy loams, not tolerant of wet soil.

Tetradium danielli Zone 5-8	Korean Evodia 25-30' x equal spread
Prefers moist, well-drained soil. pH adaptable and drought tolerant once established; full sun. Small white flowers in flat-topped clusters in mid summer; attractive to bees.

Thuja occidentalis Zone 3-7	American Arborvitae 40'-60' x 10'-15'
Very durable. Can be grown in most conditions and soils. Good plant for screens or hedges. Rich green in summer. Plant cultivars that stay green through winter.

Thuja plicata Zone 5-7	Western Arborvitae 50-70' x 15-25'
Moist, fertile soils but tolerant of drier soils; sun/shade; pH adaptable. A fast growing pyramidal tree with bright evergreen leaves and reddish-brown fibrous bark. Large for many landscapes but possible substitute for Eastern Hemlock.

Thujopsis dolobrata Zone 5-7	Hiba Arborvitae 30-50' x 10-20'
Dense, pyramidal, evergreen with shiny flattened leaves. Prefers moist, acid soil and some shade. Protect from drying winds.

Tilia species T. americana T. cordata T. tomentosa Zone 4-7	Linden American Linden Littleleaf Linden Silver Linden 60-80' x 2-3 spread
Easily transplanted. Prefer moist, acid, organic soil. Full sun/part shade; pH adaptable. T. americana is particularly suited for naturalizing. T. cordata will tolerate pollution but is more susceptible to aphids. T. tomentosa is shorter, more sustainable and will tolerate heat and drought. T. tomentosa is recommended for urban and residential plantings.

Tsuga species
Zone variable

Hemlocks
Variable spread

Hemlock wooly adelgid is now a serious pest of both Tsuga canadensis and T. caroliniana throughout southern New England. Hence, we urge caution in the use of these important landscape species. Left untreated, this pest will rapidly kill susceptible hemlocks, but yearly applications of insecticides provide effective control in the landscape. Species resistant to the adelgid include T. diversifolia, T. heterophylla, T. chinensis, T. mertensia and T. sieboldii. While all of these species are being evaluated for regional adaptability, only T. diversifolia and T. heterophylla can be recommended with reasonable confidence at this time.

Tsuga diversifolia Zone 5-7	Northern Japanese Hemlock 35-60' x 20-30'
Slow growing, multi-stemmed tree with dense, dark green foliage. Prefers moist sites in full sun, easily transplanted. At least one R.I. nursery has been growing this plant for years, and it appears to be well suited to our climate.

Tsuga heterophylla Zone 6-8	Western Hemlock 60-80' x 30'
Looks very much like Canadian Hemlock. Prefers a humid climate and moist soil. Cold hardiness is marginal in New England; plants from northern Idaho show very slight winter damage, coastal material is probably not hardy here. Plant hardy stock.

Ulmus parvifolia Zone 5-9	Lacebark Elm 40-50' x equal spread
Adaptable to various soil and pH conditions, good for urban areas, resistant to Dutch elm disease, elm leaf beetle and Japanese beetle. Several new cultivars recently introduced; excellent bark and foliage.

Vaccinium angustifolium Zone 2-5	Lowbush Blueberry 0.5'-2' x 2' or greater spread
Does very well in dry, acid, poor soils. Lowbush blueberry is a managed wild crop in Maine.

Vaccinium corymbosum Zone 3-7	Highbush Blueberry 6-12' x 8-12'
Native to swamps but does well in dry, acid, poor and sandy soils in full sun or partial shade. Mulch.

Vaccinium macrocarpon Zone 2-6	American Cranberry 2-6" x spreading
Evergreen groundcover prefers full sun, acid conditions and moist, cool roots. Pinkish flowers in spring and red, cranberry-like fruit in fall.

Vaccinium vitis-idaea Zone 2-5	Cowberry 10"x spreading
Evergreen, dark green foliage turns mahogany in winter. Flowers are white or pinkish borne in May-June. Prefers full sun, moist, peaty soil. Fruit is dark red.

Viburnum acerifolium Zone 4-8	Mapleleaf Viburnum 4-6' x 4'
Deciduous, native shrub. Very shade tolerant and excellent for naturalizing. Suckering shrubs can form extensive thickets. Flowers are yellowish-white and fall foliage ranges from pink to rose to red to grape.

Viburnum x burkwoodii Zone 5-8	Burkwood Viburnum 8-10' x 5-7'
Semi-evergreen shrub tolerates heat, cold, and air pollution. Pink buds and white flowers. Very fragrant. Requires slightly moist, well-drained soil, pH adaptable.

Viburnum carlesii Viburnum x carlecephalum Vibernum x juddii Zone 5-7	Koreanspice Viburnum Fragrant Viburnum Judd Viburnum 4-5' x 4-8'
Rounded, dense shrub with pink to reddish buds open white in April-May. Fragrance is outstanding. Prefers well-drained, slightly acid soil and full sun/partial shade. ‘Compactum’ is one of the best dwarf clones with very dark green leaves and resistance to leaf spot. V. x carlecephalum blooms in early May, size 10' x 10'. V. x juddii hardy to Zone 4, also to 10'.

Viburnum cassinoides Zone 3-8	Witherod Viburnum 5-6' x equal spread
Native, dense, rounded shrub. Bronze foliage changes to orange-red or purple in fall. Creamy white flowers. Fruit changes from green to pink, then red to blue, then black in September. Use in borders or for naturalizing.

Viburnum dentatum Zone 3-8	Northern Arrowwood 6-8' x 6-15'
Native, salt tolerant shrub. Adaptable to various soil conditions, sun/shade. Forms large clumps.

Viburnum dilatatum Viburnum wrightii Zone 5-7	Linden Viburnum Wright Viburnum 8-10' x equal spread
Similar to other viburnums in site preference. White flat-topped flower clusters in May, showy red fruit in fall. pH tolerant.

Viburnum farreri Zone 5-8	Fragrant Viburnum 8-12' x similar spread
Early to flower, flower buds may be damaged by late frost. White, fragrant blooms in mid-April.

Viburnum lentago Zone 3-7	Nannyberry Viburnum 15-18' (possibly to 30') x variable spread
Suckers easily to form thicket. Adaptable to a range of conditions. Tolerates sun to shade. Very durable. A good native shrub or small tree for naturalizing.

Viburnum plicatum Zone 5-7	Doublefile Viburnum var. tomentosum 8-10' x 9-12'
Prefers moist, well-drained soils and shade, not particularly drought tolerant. Lovely bloom along branches in May. Preferred cultivars include ‘Mariesii’ and ‘Shasta’.

Viburnum prunifolium Zone 3-9	Blackhaw Viburnum 12-15' x 8-12'
Adaptable to various soil conditions, drought tolerant once established, sun/part shade. A good native shrub or small tree for naturalizing.

Viburnum x rhytidophylloides Viburnum rhytidophyllum Zone 4-8	Lantanaphyllum Viburnum Leatherleaf Viburnum 8-10' x equal spread
Evergreen shrubs adaptable to soil conditions, full sun/light shade, needs protection from winter wind. White flat-topped flower clusters in April followed by black fruit effective in the fall. Dark green leathery leaves persist in the fall. ‘Allegheny’ and ‘Willowwood’ are fine selections of V. x rhytidophylloides. V. rhytidophyllum shade tolerant and hardy to zone 5.

Viburnum sargentii
Zone 4-7

Sargent Viburnum
12-15' x equal spread