Shantung Maple
Acer truncatum
We were excited to see this tree promoted by the Re-Tree Nebraska program, but were dismayed when we realized how hard it was to find a commercial source last year. We have since found a source and have several sizes available. This durable tree has excellent fall color and its small stature lets it find a home in any landscape
Tecumseh Compact River Birch
Betula nigra ‘Studetec’
In the past, this tree was only available balled and burlapped in shrub form. We are excited now to offer it as a multi-stemmed tree in a #15 container! It has the same exfoliating bark and wet soil tolerance of its bigger counterpart, but only grows 15 feet high and wide.
Crimson Dawn Hornbeam
Carpinus fargesii ‘Crimson Dawn’
We have long promoted hornbeams as durable small trees for Nebraska. Crimson Dawn is similar to our native version, except the new growth is rusty burgundy color. The bark adds winter interest with its smooth, fluted appearance. Plant it in part shade and moist well-drained soil, and it will grow 25 feet high and wide.
Ace of Hearts Redbud
Cercis canadensis ‘Ace of Hearts’
This is an interesting form of redbud. It was selected for its compact growth habit. It only reaches 10 feet high and wide and the leaves are packed closely on the branch resembling shingles. Flowers are typical magenta of the species. Prefers part shade and well-drained soil.
Russian Hawthorn
Crataegus ambigua
Russian hawthorn deserves more attention for its beautiful, irregular branching habit. The early bloom, finely textured foliage, and bright red fruits are valuable assets. We have seen very little foliar disease on this hawthorn. Hardy and drought-tolerant, it grows to 15 feet high and 20 feet wide.
Wireless Zelkova
Zelkova serrata ‘Schmidtlow’
Selected for its low height and broad width, this zelkova is ideal for planting under utility lines. Its red-orange fall color is another distinguishing feature. Wireless zelkova will tolerate less than ideal growing conditions and grows 25 feet high and 35 feet wide providing lots of dense shade.
2 Responses
Hi Rich,
I was reading your tree descriptions and noticed Crataegus ambigua. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen this species in publication. I first became aware of it in the late 70′s when I lived in Blair. I was quite impresssed with it when I first saw it in the Blair city park. No rust or any other disease symptoms. Nice glossy, clean foliage. This was a fairly mature tree at the time and what impressed me the most was it was thornless. Is this guy a mutant or is that a trait of the species?
Gary
Posted on February 20th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
As far as I can tell, Russian Hawthorn is not considered thornless and the tree described in the City Park is an anomaly. I hope the specimen is still there; it might be worth propagating.
-Ryan Luckey, Finke Gardens Tree & Shrub Manager
Posted on February 25th, 2009 at 8:31 am
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