fifty trees for Alabama

ANR-1288

fifty trees for Alabama

AUTHORS David West
County Extension Coordinator and Adjunct Assistant Professor
School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Auburn University

Ken Tilt
Extension Specialist and Professor
Horticulture Auburn University

Special thanks to Bernice Fischman for editing and Stan Roark and Geni Payne for data collection.

This project was funded in part by a grant from Urban and Community Forestry.
For more information, call your county Extension office. Look in your telephone directory under your countys name to find the number. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, and other related acts, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) offers educational programs, materials, and equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability. 500, New April 2006, ANR-1288

2006 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. All rights reserved.

www.aces.edu

Fifty Trees for Alabama

Trees in the urban landscape are very special to the people of Alabama. They provide aesthetics, energy conservation, runoff control, increased economic value to our homes and businesses, temperature moderation, playgrounds and memories for kids, wildlife habitats, and protection from winds. Which trees are good selections for Alabamas cities, parks, and home landscapes? You will never get total agreement on the top fifty trees for Alabama, but we tried. Stan Roark, who is a Regional Extension Agent for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, did a survey when he was a graduate student in the Horticulture Department at Auburn University. He attempted to put a value rating on trees used in Alabama so when accidental damage was done to a tree, it would be possible to determine its value in the landscape by using a formula developed by the International Arboriculture Society. He surveyed Master Gardeners, faculty and green industry professionals to provide a ranking of trees used in Alabama landscapes. We used this information and our own experiences to develop ANR-1288, Fifty Trees for Alabama. Whatever your needs, you will find many choices in this booklet. Our fifty trees are presented by their botanical names. These are the official names recognized around the world. We have provided two tables of contents one with botanical names listed alphabetically and one with alphabetized common names. Photographs show identification features for each tree. Typically, each entry shows the outline of the whole tree, a close-up of the leaves, and a picture of the fruit or bark. On the opposite page are short facts to help you determine if the tree fits your needs in the landscape. Some trees are better adapted to a particular region of the state; if this is the case, that information is provided under the heading Area of the State. We have also included at the end of the book a list of Alabama Championship Trees. Information on other trees and shrubs in Alabama is available on our Web site: http://www.ag.auburn.edu/landscape. Plant, share, and enjoy trees in Alabama! David West and Ken Tilt

Information at a Glance
name American Holly American Hornbeam Amur Maple Bald Cypress Black Tupelo Carolina Silverbell Chestnut Oak Chinese Dogwood Chinese Elm Chinese Fringetree Chinese Pistache Chinkapin Oak Crape Myrtle Dawn Redwood Eastern Hophornbeam Eastern Redbud Florida Anise Florida Maple Flowering Dogwood Foster Holly Ginkgo Goldenraintree Japanese Cryptomeria Japanese Maple Japanese Zelkova
size flowers fall color bark fruit evergreen

M M M L L M L S L S M L M L M M S M S M L M L S M

NS NS S NS NS S NS S NS S NS NS S NS NS S S NS S NS NS S NS NS NS

NS S S S S S NS S NS NS S NS S S NS NS NS S S NS S S NS S S

S S NS S NS NS NS S S NS S NS S S NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS S S

S NS S NS S NS NS S NS S NS NS NS NS S NS NS S S S NS NS NS S NS

Y N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N Y N N Y N N Y N N

KEY:
For SIZE: S=small M=medium L=large For FLOWERS, FALL COLOR, BARK, and FRUIT: S=ornamentally significant NS= not ornamentally significant

Information at a Glance
name Lilac Chastetree Live Oak Longleaf Pine Lusterleaf Holly Nuttall Oak Ogeechee Tupelo Overcup Oak Pin Oak Red Maple River Birch Sawtooth Oak Scarlet Oak Shumard Oak Sourwood Southern Bayberry Southern Magnolia Southern Red Oak Swamp White Oak Sweetbay White Fringetree White Oak Willow Oak Yaupon Yellow Poplar Yellowwood
size flowers fall color bark fruit evergreen

S L L S L M L L L L L L L M S L L L L S L L S L M

S NS NS NS NS NS NS NS S NS NS NS NS S NS S NS NS S S NS NS NS S S KEY:

NS NS NS NS NS S NS NS S NS NS S S S NS NS S NS NS S S NS NS S S

NS NS NS S NS NS NS NS NS S NS NS NS NS S NS NS NS S NS NS NS S NS NS

NS NS NS S NS S NS NS S NS NS NS NS NS S S NS NS S NS NS NS S NS NS

N Y Y Y N N N N N N N N N N Y Y N N Y N N N Y N N

For SIZE: S=small M=medium L=large For FLOWERS, FALL COLOR, BARK, and FRUIT: S=ornamentally significant NS= not ornamentally significant For EVERGREEN: Y= yes or N= no

Table of Contents/Scientific
Acer barbatum....................................................................... 1 Acer ginnala .......................................................................... 2 Acer palmatum...................................................................... 3 Acer rubrum.......................................................................... 4 Betula nigra ........................................................................... 5 Carpinus caroliniana ............................................................ 6 Cercis canadensis .................................................................. 7 Chionanthus retusus............................................................. 8 Chionanthus virginicus ........................................................ 9 Cladrastis kentukea.............................................................10 Cornus florida .....................................................................11 Cornus kousa.......................................................................12 Cryptomeria japonica .........................................................13 Ginkgo biloba ......................................................................14 Halesia tetraptera ................................................................15 Ilex latifolia..........................................................................16 Ilex opaca.............................................................................17 Ilex vomitoria ......................................................................18 Ilex x attenuata Fosteri .....................................................19 Illicium floridanum.............................................................20 Koelreuteria paniculata ......................................................21 Lagerstroemia indica ..........................................................22 Liriodendron tulipifera.......................................................23 Magnolia grandiflora..........................................................24 Magnolia virginiana ...........................................................25 Metasequoia glyptostroboides............................................26 Myrica cerifera....................................................................27 Nyssa ogeche .......................................................................28 Nyssa sylvatica.....................................................................29 Ostrya virginiana ................................................................30 Oxydendrum arboreum .....................................................31 Pinus palustris .....................................................................32 Pistacia chinensis.................................................................33 Quercus acutissima.............................................................34 Quercus alba........................................................................35 Quercus bicolor...................................................................36 Quercus coccinea................................................................37 Quercus falcata ...................................................................38 Quercus lyrata.....................................................................39 Quercus muhlenbergii........................................................40 Quercus nuttallii .................................................................41 Quercus palustris ................................................................42 Quercus phellos...................................................................43 Quercus prinus....................................................................44 Quercus shumardii .............................................................45 Quercus virginiana .............................................................46 Taxodium distichum...........................................................47 Ulmus parvifolia..................................................................48 Vitex agnus-castus ..............................................................49 Zelkova serrata....................................................................50

Table of Contents/Common
American Holly ...................................................................17 American Hornbeam (Ironwood)........................................6 Amur Maple...........................................................................2 Bald Cypress ........................................................................47 Black Tupelo (Black Gum) .................................................29 Carolina Silverbell...............................................................15 Chestnut Oak.......................................................................44 Chinese Dogwood ...............................................................12 Chinese Elm .........................................................................48 Chinese Fringetree ................................................................8 Chinese Pistache..................................................................33 Chinkapin Oak ....................................................................40 Crape Myrtle........................................................................22 Dawn Redwood ...................................................................26 Eastern Hophornbeam ........................................................30 Eastern Redbud......................................................................7 Florida Anise ........................................................................20 Florida Maple.........................................................................1 Flowering Dogwood............................................................11 Foster Holly ..........................................................................19 Ginkgo..................................................................................14 Goldenraintree ....................................................................21 Japanese Cryptomeria.........................................................13 Japanese Maple......................................................................3 Japanese Zelkova.................................................................50 Lilac Chastetree ...................................................................49 Live Oak ...............................................................................46 Longleaf Pine .......................................................................32 Lusterleaf Holly ...................................................................16 Nuttall Oak ..........................................................................41 Ogeechee Tupelo.................................................................28 Overcup Oak .......................................................................39 Pin Oak.................................................................................42 Red Maple ..............................................................................4 River Birch .............................................................................5 Sawtooth Oak ......................................................................34 Scarlet Oak...........................................................................37 Shumard Oak.......................................................................45 Sourwood .............................................................................31 Southern Bayberry (Waxmyrtle) .......................................27 Southern Magnolia .............................................................24 Southern Red Oak ...............................................................38 Swamp White Oak ..............................................................36 Sweetbay ..............................................................................25 White Fringetree (Grancy Graybeard)................................9 White Oak............................................................................35 Willow Oak..........................................................................43 Yaupon .................................................................................18 Yellow Poplar (Tulip Poplar)..............................................23 Yellowwood .........................................................................10

Acer barbatum

Florida Maple
Scientific Name: Acer barbatum Common Name: Florida Maple Mature Height: 30 to 60 feet Mature Width: 25 to 40 feet; spreading, rounded crown Seed/Fruit: Samara Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Opposite; fall color varies by seedling; pubescent underneath and sometimes on petiole Bark, twigs/trunk: Smooth on young trees; rough and furrowed with age; gray Area of State: Statewide Comments: Moist soils but well drained. Replacement species for Sugar Maple in Alabama; broad headed. Mean growth per year: 0.7 inch caliper and 2 inch height (as observed in the Shade Tree Research Project at the Auburn University Piedmont Substation at Camp Hill, Alabama).

Acer ginnala

Amur Maple
Scientific Name: Acer ginnala Common Name: Amur Maple Mature Height: 20 to 30 feet Mature Width: 15 feet; round, dense crown Seed/Fruit: Samara Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Opposite; long middle lobe; inconsistent; yellow to red fall color Bark, twigs/trunk: Gray to gray/brown

Area of State: Statewide (better in the north) Comments: Well-drained soil; nice small, multistemmed tree; perhaps lends itself to landscape or park situations due to multistem habit.

Acer palmatum

Japanese Maple
Scientific Name: Acer palmatum Common Name: Japanese Maple Mature Height: 5 to 25 feet Mature Width: 10 to 25 feet; dense, domed crown Seed/Fruit: Samara; sometimes ornamentally significant depending on cultivar Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Opposite; 5 to 7 lobes Bark, twigs/trunk: Typically gray, but can vary to green, coral or pine bark texture depending upon cultivar selection Area of State: Statewide

Comments: Needs well-drained, fertile soil, light and rich in humus; prefers sun but tolerates some shade; some selections exhibit leaf scorch when planted in full sun; at least 600 cultivars of this tree species.

Acer rubrum

Red Maple
Scientific Name: Acer rubrum Common Name: Red Maple Mature Height: 60 to 90 feet Mature Width: 25 to 45 feet; dense, oval shaped crown Seed/Fruit: Samara Flowers: Can be ornamentally significant; often the first sign of spring Leaves: Yellow to red depending upon seedling variation; cultivars have predictable fall color Bark, twigs/trunk: Light gray to dark gray to furrowed Area of State: Statewide Comments: Likes cool, wet, or moist soils; select cultivars for south Alabama. Mean growth per year: 0.6inch caliper and 1.9 inch height (as observed in the Shade Tree Research Project at the Auburn University Piedmont Substation at Camp Hill, Alabama).

Betula nigra

River Birch
Scientific Name: Betula nigra Common Name: River Birch Mature Height: 40 to 90 feet Mature Width: 25 to 35 feet; irregular, spreading crown Seed/Fruit: Small, conelike nutlet Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Christmas tree shaped; glossy; alternate Bark, twigs/trunk: White to tan exfoliating with age Area of State: Statewide Comments: Tolerates wet soils but adaptable; often multistemmed; drops numerous small twigs, exfoliating bark is major feature. Mean growth per year: 0.9inch caliper and 2.8 inch height (as observed in the Shade Tree Research Project at the Auburn University Piedmont Substation at Camp Hill, Alabama).

Carpinus caroliniana

American Hornbeam
Scientific Name: Carpinus

caroliniana
Common Name: American Hornbeam, Ironwood Mature Height: 30 to 50 feet Mature Width: 30 to 40 feet; broad, rounded crown Seed/Fruit: Nutlet Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Alternate; dark green and lustrous; variable yellow to red in fall Bark, twigs/trunk: Muscular looking trunk; gray, smooth to thin Area of State: Statewide Comments: Moist, rich soils; under utilized; shade tolerant; can serve as a hedge.

Cercis canadensis

Eastern Redbud
Scientific Name: Cercis canadensis Common Name: Eastern Redbud Mature Height: 20 to 40 feet Mature Width: 15 to 25 feet; rounded crown Seed/Fruit: Legume, pod Flowers: Pink/purple in early spring Leaves: Generally green, but cultivars available Bark, twigs/trunk: Brownish gray to black; twig zigzag Area of State: Statewide Comments: Moist soils but adaptable; frequently short lived, but often sprouts again.

Chionanthus retusus

Chinese Fringetree
Scientific Name: Chionanthus retusus Common Name: Chinese Fringetree Mature Height: 15 to 30 feet Mature Width: 15 to 30 feet Seed/Fruit: Blue, fleshy, egg shaped Flowers: White in May and June Leaves: Leathery, opposite Bark, twigs/trunk: Gray brown Area of State: Statewide Comments: Many soil types; adaptable; underutilized; spreading, multistemmed habit.

Chionanthus virginicus

White Fringetree
Scientific Name: Chionanthus

virginicus
Common Name: White Fringetree, Grancy Graybeard Mature Height: 30 feet Mature Width: 12 to 20 feet; narrow, oblong crown Seed/fruit: Dark blue; egg shaped Flowers: White in May and June; male trees more effective than female Leaves: Lustrous green; yellow in fall Bark, twigs/trunk: Gray; ridge and furrow to corky Area of State: Statewide Comments: Showy masses of fragrant white flowers; moist soils; native; underutilized.

Cladrastis kentukea

Yellowwood
Scientific Name: Cladrastis kentukea Common Name: Yellowwood Mature Height: 30 to 50 feet Mature Width: 40 feet Seed/Fruit: Brown pod fruit Flowers: White, fragrant panicles in May and June; better in alternate years Leaves: Alternate; pinnate; green in summer; yellow in fall Bark, twigs/trunk: Gray to smooth, similar to beech and holly Area of State: Northern half of the state Comments: Native; adaptable; needs training for central leader.

10

Cornus florida

Flowering Dogwood
Scientific Name: Cornus florida Common Name: Flowering Dogwood Mature Height: 20 to 30 feet Mature Width: 15 to 20 feet; spreading crown Seed/Fruit: Glossy red drupe; can be ornamentally effective Flowers: Flowers greenish yellow, surrounded by four white, showy bracts before leaves emerge Leaves: Opposite; yellow to red fall color Bark, twigs/trunk: Light gray to blackish platelets Area of State: Statewide (select cultivars for north and south) Comments: Moist, well-drained soils; more than 100 cultivars mainly selected for bracts; select for powdery mildew resistance; best adapted to landscape and park settings; bracts vary in color and size depending upon cultivar or seedling variation.

11

Cornus kousa

Chinese Dogwood
Scientific Name: Cornus kousa Common Name: Chinese Dogwood Mature Height: 20 feet Mature Width: 15 to 20 feet; spreading crown Seed/Fruit: Red/pinkish drupe; larger than Cornus florida; very ornamental Flowers: Yellow green surrounded by large white pointed bracts after leaves have emerged Leaves: Opposite; red, purple, or scarlet fall color Bark, twigs/trunk: Grayish tan to brown; mottled Area of State: Statewide; better in the north Comments: Moist and dry soils; not as many cultivars as C. florida; suited to landscape and park settings; bract color varies by cultivar.

12

Cryptomeria japonica

Japanese Cryptomeria
Scientific Name: Cryptomeria

13

japonica
Common Name: Japanese Cryptomeria Mature Height: 50 to 60 feet; up to 165 feet Mature Width: 25 to 30 feet; pyramidal crown Seed/Fruit: Small cone Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Needlelike conifer Bark, twigs/trunk: Reddish brown, fibrous Area of State: Statewide Comments: Light, deep, and fertile soil; selected varieties maintain green color through winter; underutilized; good screen; useful as specimen.

Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo
Scientific Name: Ginkgo biloba Common Name: Ginkgo Mature Height: 50 to 70 feet

14

Mature Width: 20 to 40 feet; pyramid shaped crown Seed/Fruit: Fleshy, smelly drupe. Use male selections to avoid fruit Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Fan-shaped green in summer, vivid yellow in fall Bark, twigs/trunk: Light gray with ridges; spongy in appearance Area of State: Statewide Comments: Most soils; a fossil tree; very adaptable; awkward when young but grand at maturity; cultivars available and desirable.

Halesia tetraptera

Carolina Silverbell
Scientific Name: Halesia tetraptera Common Name: Carolina Silverbell Mature Height: 30 to 80 feet Mature Width: 15 to 30 feet; irregular, open crown Seed/Fruit: Brown winged drupe Flowers: White, bell shaped, prolific, pendulous in April and May Leaves: Green with yellow fall color Bark, twigs/trunk: Gray brown to black ridge to furrow Area of State: Statewide (doing well in Brewton trial) Comments: Moist soil; native; underutilized; numerous falling flowers can cover the ground underneath mature trees.

15

Ilex latifolia

Lusterleaf Holly
Scientific Name: Ilex latifolia Common Name: Lusterleaf Holly Mature Height: 20 to 25 feet Mature Width: Pyramidal crown Seed/Fruit: Red berries on female trees Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Lustrous green year round, broad leaves Bark, twigs/trunk: Light gray with small splotches Area of State: Statewide (better in the south) Comments: Well-drained soils; large clusters of berries; very coarse texture; leathery, lustrous leaves; good screen or specimen.

16

Ilex opaca

American Holly
Scientific Name: Ilex opaca Common Name: American Holly Mature Height: 40 to 70 feet

17

Mature Width: 18 to 35 feet; narrow, rounded, dense crown Seed/Fruit: Red on female trees Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Dull green to glossy green to spiny Bark, twigs/trunk: Light gray, splotchy Area of State: Statewide Comments: Moist or well-drained soil; many cultivars; sometimes cross bred with other species for faster growing, less spiny selections.

Ilex vomitoria

Yaupon
Scientific Name: Ilex vomitoria Common Name: Yaupon Mature Height: 12 to 40 feet depending upon cultivar

18

Mature Width: 10 to 20 feet; rounded open crown Seed/Fruit: Scarlet berry on female trees Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Small, evergreen leaves, undulating margins Bark, twigs/trunk: Trunk is bright gray and twigs are purplish Area of State: Statewide Comments: Shrub to small tree; native; many cultivars; male and female available to offer dwarf, weeping, and upright selections.

Ilex x attenuata Fosteri

Foster Holly
Scientific Name: Ilex x attenuata Fosteri Common Name: Foster Holly Mature Height: 20 to 30 feet Mature Width: 7 to 10 feet, pyramidal Seed/Fruit: Red berries on females Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Rich, lustrous green year round Bark, twigs/trunk: Darker gray than many other hollies Area of State: Statewide Comments: A cross between native Dahoon and American hollies; many cultivars available. Fosteri and Savannah most common.

19

Illicium floridanum

Florida Anise

20

Scientific Name: Illlicium floridanum Common Name: Florida Anise

Mature Height: 8 to 15 feet Mature Width: 6 to 10 feet; small, open crown Seed/Fruit: Follicles Flowers: Maroon to purple in April and May Leaves: Alternate; reddish purple petiole; fragrant when crushed; light green Bark, twigs/trunk: Gray brown with lenticels Area of State: Statewide Comments: Tolerates wet soils; shade tolerant; native; might work well in road drainage areas.

Koelreuteria paniculata

Goldenraintree
Scientific Name: Koelreuteria

21

paniculata
Common Name: Goldenraintree Mature Height: 30 to 50 feet Mature Width: 15 to 35 feet; rounded crown Seed/Fruit: Brown capsules containing black seeds Flowers: 12- to 16-inch yellow panicles in June Leaves: Alternate, pinnate, or bipinnately compound; green; yellow to orange in fall Bark, twigs/trunk: Gray brown with ridge to furrow Area of State: Statewide (better in the north) Comments: Most soils; awkward when
young; pruning needed for good structure. Mean growth per year: 0.7inch caliper and 1.5 inch height (as observed in the Shade Tree Research Project at the Auburn University Piedmont Substation at Camp Hill, Alabama).

Lagerstroemia indica

Crape Myrtle
Scientific Name: Lagerstroemia indica Common Name: Crape Myrtle mature height: 15 to 35 feet Mature Width: 6 to 15 feet; dense, upright crown Seed/Fruit: Capsules of small seeds Flowers: White, red, pink, purple depending on cultivar; mid summer to fall Leaves: Opposite; green in summer; yellow to red in fall Bark, twigs/trunk: Smooth, gray with cinnamon to green highlights; muscular Area of State: Statewide Comments: Full sun, average soil; many cultivars available to select from for form, size, flower color, and disease resistance. Fauriei (hybrids) crosses make up most of the selections. Some cultivars can grow to medium-sized trees more than 25 feet tall.

22

Liriodendron tulipifera

Yellow Poplar (Tuliptree)

Scientific Name: Liriondendron

23

tulipifera
Common Name: Tulip Poplar; Yellow Poplar Mature Height: 80 to 120 feet Mature Width: 20 to 40 feet; narrow rounded crown Seed/Fruit: Winged, in conelike structure; cone frequently hangs on through winter Flowers: Yellow/orange/green; held upright; often difficult to see on these tall, straight trees Leaves: Tulip shaped; green in summer; yellow in fall Bark, twigs/trunk: Trunk is light gray; twigs are reddish; bud and leaf scars prominent Area of State: Statewide Comments: Moist soil; plan plenty of space for this large growing tree; aphid infestations and related honeydew can be a problem for pedestrians, cars, and surrounding plants. Flower is very attractive but not obvious. Mean growth per year: 1 inch caliper and 3 inch height (as observed in the Shade Tree Research Project at the Auburn University Piedmont Substation at Camp Hill, Alabama).

Magnolia grandiflora

Southern Magnolia
Scientific Name: Magnolia

24

grandiflora
Common Name: Southern Magnolia Mature Height: 60 to 80 feet Mature Width: 20 to 40 feet; conical crown Seed/Fruit: Red seed in prominent conelike structure Flowers: Large, white, fragrant from May to June, occasionally throughout the summer depending upon cultivar selected Leaves: Large glossy, evergreen leaves, sometimes with brown pubescence Bark, twigs/trunk: Gray to brown with prominent bud scars and leaf scars Area of State: Statewide Comments: Likes moist, neutral, or acid
soils; uniquely Southern tree; highly adaptable; many cultivars available to select from for size of tree, leaf, and flower characteristics. Mean growth per year: 0.6 inch caliper and 2 inch height (as observed in the Shade Tree Research Project at the Auburn University Piedmont Substation at Camp Hill, Alabama).

Magnolia virginiana

Sweetbay
Scientific Name: Magnolia virginiana Common Name: Sweetbay Mature Height: 20 to 60 feet Mature Width: 10 to 20 feet; narrow, rounded crown Seed/Fruit: Red seeds in conelike structure Flowers: Yellowish white and fragrant Leaves: Light green, alternate: silvery back; fragrant when crushed Bark, twigs/trunk: Gray with bud scars Area of State: Statewide Comments: Aromatic foliage; wet soils; uniquely Southern; silvery leaves can give the illusion of distance; shade tolerant; adaptable but needs acidic soil situations. Underutilized; can be a good container tree.

25

Metasequoia glyptostroboides

Dawn Redwood
Scientific Name: Metasequoia

26

glyptostroboides
Common Name: Dawn Redwood Mature Height: 100 feet Mature Width: 15 to 25 feet; pyramidal and regular Seed/Fruit: Small cones; solitary on females Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Opposite; bright green in summer; brown to orange in the fall Bark, twigs/trunk: Reddish brown, fibrous Area of State: Statewide Comments: Most soils; hardy, another fossil tree; excellent specimen; good conversation tree; a redwood for the eastern United States. Give this tree plenty of room to grow.

Myrica cerifera

Southern Bayberry
Scientific Name: Myrica cerifera Common Name: Southern Bayberry, Waxmyrtle Mature Height: 10 to 25 feet Mature Width: 20 to 25 feet; narrow, rounded crown Seed/Fruit: Dark gray/blue berries in clusters Flowers: White in spring; not ornamentally significant Leaves: Alternate; lustrous green with scattered light yellowish dots; fragrant when crushed Bark, twigs/trunk: Light gray Area of State: Statewide (better in the south) Comments: Moist, sandy soils; often used as a shrub or hedge; adapts well as a small, broad headed, multistemmed tree; native.

27

Nyssa ogeche

Ogeechee Tupelo
Scientific Name: Nyssa ogeche Common Name: Ogeechee Tupelo Mature Height: 30 to 40 feet

28

Mature Width: 20 to 30 feet; narrow, rounded crown Seed/Fruit: Red or reddish drupe Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Alternate; glossy green; reddish fall color sometimes effective Bark, twigs/trunk: Gray to brown fissured Area of State: Statewide Comments: Wet soil; underutilized native; performed well in Auburn University tests but difficult to find. Mean growth per year: 0.9 inch caliper and 1.6 inch height (as observed in the Shade Tree Research Project at the Auburn University Piedmont Substation at Camp Hill, Alabama).

Nyssa sylvatica

Black Tupelo (Black Gum) 29

Scientific Name: Nyssa sylvatica Common Name: Black Tupelo (Black Gum) Mature Height: 50 to 100 feet Mature Width: 20 to 30 feet; dense, conical crown Seed/Fruit: Blue to black drupe Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Alternate, glossy dark green; red, orange, and yellow in fall generally Bark, twigs/trunk: Gray to dark gray to reddish; ridge and furrow Area of State: Statewide Comments: Moist soil; adaptable; native; excellent fall color with shades of red, orange, and yellow; underutilized; undulating branches.

Ostrya virginiana

Eastern Hophornbeam
Scientific Name: Ostrya virginiana Common Name: Eastern Hophornbeam Mature Height: 20 to 50 feet Mature Width: 10 to 20 feet; rounded crown Seed/Fruit: A hoplike sack often mistaken for a flower Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Alternate green with pubescence; yellow in fall, usually not very effective Bark, twigs/trunk: Gray to brown, scaly Area of State: Statewide Comments: Underutilized; fruits are unique; native; not for areas with standing water where Hornbeam (Carpinus) should be used.

30

Oxydendrum arboreum

Sourwood
Scientific Name: Oxydendrum

31

arboreum
Common Name: Sourwood Mature Height: 20 to 50 feet Mature Width: 10 to 15 feet; rounded crown Seed/Fruit: Capsule Flowers: White panicles in midsummer that sometimes persist to late summer Leaves: Alternate, lustrous green with some red highlights; yellow to red and purple in fall Bark, twigs/trunk: Grayish brown to very dark; platelets at maturity Area of State: Statewide Comments: Well-drained soils; flowers when few other species are on display (Sourwood Honey); underutilized native; great fall color; used in mine reclamation areas; may be used in containers.

Pinus palustris

Longleaf Pine
Scientific Name: Pinus palustris Common Name: Longleaf Pine Mature Height: 80 to 100 feet Mature Width: 30 to 40 feet; open, irregular crown Seed/Fruit: Cones 8 to 10 inches Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Evergreen needles 8 to 14 inches long in bundles of three Bark, twigs/trunk: Brown to reddish brown furrowed Area of State: Statewide Comments: Well-drained soils; native; upright; long-lived pine; uniquely southern, and once a dominant species; Alabama State Tree. A longleaf pine preserve is located at the Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge near Anniston, Alabama.

32

Pistacia chinensis

Chinese Pistache
Scientific Name: Pistacia chinensis Common Name: Chinese Pistache Mature Height: 25 to 40 feet Mature Width: 25 to 35 feet Seed/Fruit: Robins egg blue or red drupes in clusters Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Alternate pinnately compound; glossy green in summer; yellow, red to orange in fall

33

Bark, twigs/trunk: Orange lenticels on twigs; gray to dark gray with flaking scales exposing orangelike inner bark Area of State: Statewide Comments: Adaptable; awkward in youth; excellent fall color rivaling Sugar Maple in some instances; most consistent fall color in Auburn University trials; durable tree tolerates difficult situations when established. Mean growth per year: 0.9 inches caliper and 2.9 inches height (as observed in the Shade Tree Research Project at the Auburn University Piedmont Substation at Camp Hill, Alabama).

Quercus acutissima

Sawtooth Oak
Scientific Name: Quercus acutissima Common Name: Sawtooth Oak Mature Height: 30 to 60 feet Mature Width: 30 to 40 feet Seed/Fruit: Prolific acorns medium sized; frilly nut cap makes acorn look large Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Alternate lustrous green with many bristle tips; brown in fall Bark, twigs/trunk: Gray brown to black ridge and furrows Area of State: Statewide Comments: Most soils; often planted as wildlife species due to heavy acorn production; fast grower; produced 6-foot tall trees from seeds in one growing season when tree shelters were used in an experiment in Mobile; brown leaves hang on through winter especially on younger trees. Mean growth per year: 1.3 inch caliper and 3.7 inch height (as observed in the Shade Tree Research Project at the Auburn University Piedmont Substation at Camp Hill, Alabama).

34

Quercus alba

White Oak
Scientific Name: Quercus alba Common Name: White Oak Mature Height: 80 to 100 feet

35

Mature Width: 50 to 90 feet; rounded crown Seed/Fruit: Medium-sized acorn Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Green to dark green with white underside; fall variable from brown to red Bark, twigs/trunk: Gray to black ridge and furrow and scaly Area of State: Statewide Comments: Possibly the longest lived large tree in eastern United States; attractive in all seasons. Mean growth per year: 0.7 inch caliper and 1.9 inch height (as observed in the Shade Tree Research Project at the Auburn University Piedmont Substation at Camp Hill, Alabama).

Quercus bicolor

Swamp White Oak

Scientific Name: Quercus bicolor Common Name: Swamp White Oak Mature Height: 60 to 70 feet Mature Width: 50 to 60 feet; narrow, rounded, open crown Seed/Fruit: Medium-sized acorn Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Alternate, white pubescence underneath makes leaves feel soft; green in summer; yellowish fall color Bark, twigs/trunk: Gray and scaly to ridge and furrow Area of State: Statewide Comments: Tolerates wet soils; needs acidic soil; use the number of teeth or undulations on leaves to determine between Chestnut Oaks. This species has 12 to 20 teeth, but the velvety feel of the underside of leaves is a great way to distinguish this tree from Chestnut to Chinkapin oaks.

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Quercus coccinea

Scarlet Oak
Scientific Name: Quercus coccinea Common Name: Scarlet Oak Mature Height: 60 to 80 feet Mature Width: 40 to 50 feet; rounded, open crown Seed/Fruit: Medium-sized acorn Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Alternate; green in summer; scarlet in fall Bark, twigs/trunk: Dark and finely grooved Area of State: Statewide Comments: Grows well on poor and sandy soils; often has excellent fall color; native. Mean growth per year: 0.6 inch caliper and 1.7 inch height (as observed in the Shade Tree Research Project at the Auburn University Piedmont Substation at Camp Hill, Alabama).

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Quercus falcata

Southern Red Oak

Scientific Name: Quercus falcata Common Name: Southern Red Oak Mature Height: 50 to 80 feet Mature Width: 60 to 70 feet; rounded, open crown Seed/Fruit: Small acorn Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Glossy green with brown pubescence underneath; long central lobe; generally brown fall color Bark, twigs/trunk: Gray brown to dark brown ridge and furrow Area of State: Statewide Comments: Dry, sandy loam and clay loam soils; native; difficult to find in trade; take preservation actions during development.

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Quercus lyrata

Overcup Oak
Scientific Name: Quercus lyrata Common Name: Overcup Oak Mature Height: 60 to 80 feet Mature Width: 35 to 40 feet; rounded crown Seed/Fruit: Medium acorn almost completely covered by nut cap Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Dark green and thick; yellow to brown in fall Bark, twigs/trunk: Scaly gray Area of State: Statewide Comments: Native; adaptable; a special oak often overlooked and underutilized. Mean growth per year: 1.2 inch caliper and 2.2 inch height (as observed in the Shade Tree Research Project at the Auburn University Piedmont Substation at Camp Hill, Alabama).

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Quercus muehlenbergii

Chinkapin Oak
Scientific Name: Quercus

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muehlenbergii
Common Name: Chinkapin Oak Mature Height: 50 to 80 feet Mature Width: 40 to 60 feet; narrow, rounded crown Seed/Fruit: Medium oval acorn Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: 16 to 26 teeth; dark green; yellow, orange, or brown in fall Bark, twigs/trunk: Gray and scaly Area of State: Statewide (better in the north) Comments: Grows on various soils; native; difficult to find in the trade; take preservation action during development.

Quercus nuttallii

Nuttall Oak
Scientific Name: Quercus nuttallii Common Name: Nuttall Oak Mature Height: 60 to 100 feet Mature Width: 35 to 50 feet; open crown Seed/Fruit: Medium-sized acorn Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Alternate, green in summer and yellowish in fall Bark, twigs/trunk: Smooth and gray Area of State: Statewide Comments: Wet, poorly drained, clay soils; adaptable; transplants well; good tree for Blackbelt soils.

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Quercus palustris

Pin Oak
Scientific Name: Quercus palustris Common Name: Pin Oak Mature Height: 50 to 90 feet

42

Mature Width: 40 to 50 feet; broadly conical crown Seed/Fruit: Small acorn Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Green with deep sinuses; variable fall color yellow to bronze Bark, twigs/trunk: Gray to brown and smooth Area of State: Statewide Comments: Poorly drained, wet sites; overutilized as parking lot tree; excellent tree for right conditions; lower branches oriented downward; not tolerant of high pH. Mean growth per year: 1.0 inch caliper and 2.4 inch height (as observed in the Shade Tree Research Project at the Auburn University Piedmont Substation at Camp Hill, Alabama).

Quercus phellos

Willow Oak
Scientific Name: Quercus phellos Common Name: Willow Oak Mature Height: 50 to 80 feet Mature Width: 30 to 40 feet; conical or rounded crown Seed/Fruit: Small acorn, striated Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Dark green in summer; yellow to brown in fall Bark, twigs/trunk: Gray brown to ridge and furrow Area of State: Statewide

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Comments: Moist soils; transplants well; somewhat adaptable; one of our most widely used street trees. Mean growth per year: 1.0 inch caliper and 2.7 inch height (as observed in the Shade Tree Research Project at the Auburn University Piedmont Substation at Camp Hill, Alabama).

Quercus prinus

Chestnut Oak
Scientific Name: Quercus prinus Common Name: Chestnut Oak Mature Height: 60 to 80 feet Mature Width: 40 to 60 feet; open, irregular crown Seed/Fruit: Medium acorn Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Alternate; green with 20 to 28 teeth; yellow in fall

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Bark, twigs/trunk: Brown to black with ridge to furrows Area of State: Statewide Comments: Sandy, gravelly, and rocky dry soils or well-drained soils; scarce in trade; preserve during development. Mean growth per year: 0.8 inch caliper and 2.7 inch height (as observed in the Shade Tree Research Project at the Auburn University Piedmont Substation at Camp Hill, Alabama).

Quercus shumardii

Shumard Oak

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Scientific Name: Quercus shumardii Common Name: Shumard Oak Mature Height: 60 to 90 feet Mature Width: 40 to 60 feet; broad, rounded, open crown Seed/Fruit: Medium, oval acorn Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Dark green; red in fall Bark, twigs/trunk: Dark ridge and furrow Area of State: Statewide Comments: Moist, well-drained soils; adaptable; transplants well; often has a characteristic leaf spot disease. Mean growth per year: 0.9 inch caliper and 2.9 inch height (as observed in the Shade Tree Research Project at the Auburn University Piedmont Substation at Camp Hill, Alabama).

Quercus virginiana

Live Oak

46

Scientific Name: Quercus virginiana Common Name: Live Oak Mature Height: 40 to 60 feet Mature Width: 50 to 80 feet; very broad, spreading, dense crown Seed/Fruit: Small acorn Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Thick evergreen leaves with cupped margins Bark, twigs/trunk: Grayish to black with blocky appearance Area of State: Southern two thirds Comments: Grows well in a wide variety of soils but likes sandy soils; uniquely Southern with its broad branching habit; frequently accompanied by Spanish moss; decay resistant; seems to grow more slowly in central than southern Alabama; fastigiate cultivars available for urban plantings. Mean growth per year: 0.8 inch caliper and 1.3 inch height (as observed in the Shade Tree Research Project at the Auburn University Piedmont Substation at Camp Hill, Alabama).

Taxodium distichum

Bald Cypress
Scientific Name: Taxodium distichum Common Name: Bald Cypress Mature Height: 60 to 120 feet Mature Width: 20 to 30 feet Seed/Fruit: Small cone Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Summer/fall: light green; yellowing to rusty bronze fall color Bark, twigs/trunk: Scaly gray to red Area of State: Statewide Comments: Many soils; native; another great Southern tree; adaptable; will form knees on wet site; also consider Pond Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum nutans). Mean growth per year: 0.8 inch caliper and 1.7 inch height (as observed in the Shade Tree Research Project at the Auburn University Piedmont Substation at Camp Hill, Alabama).

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Ulmus parvifolia

Chinese Elm
Scientific Name: Ulmus parvifolia Common Name: Chinese Elm Mature Height: 40 to 50 feet Mature Width: 40 to 50 feet; broad, rounded crown Seed/Fruit: Samara Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Alternate; dark green; yellowish in the fall Bark, twigs/trunk: Mottled but attractive Area of State: Statewide Comments: Moist soils; rapid grower; splotchy, mottled exfoliating bark is attractive; consider some selective crown thinning when young as tree tends to get top heavy.

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Vitex agnus-castus

Lilac Chastetree
Scientific Name: Vitex agnus-castus Common Name: Lilac Chastetree Mature Height: 15 to 20 feet Mature Width: 10 to 15 feet Seed/Fruit: Small drupe Flowers: Lavender racemes in midsummer Leaves: Opposite, palmately compound; green in summer; yellowish in fall Bark, twigs/trunk: Smooth gray to blocky Area of State: Statewide Comments: Full sun, adaptable; a soft, lavender, pink, or white flower for the landscape; good alternative to crapemyrtle; good small tree for under utility lines; multistemmed.

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Zelkova serrata

Japanese Zelkova
Scientific Name: Zelkova serrata Common Name: Japanese Zelkova Mature Height: 50 to 80 feet Mature Width: 40 to 50 feet; broad, rounded crown Seed/Fruit: Small drupe Flowers: Not ornamentally significant Leaves: Alternate; green summer; yellow to red in fall Bark, twigs/trunk: Smooth cherrylike Area of State: Statewide Comments: Moist, well-drained soils; upright branching habit useful in downtown areas; promoted as replacement for American elm but has not measured up.

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Alabama Championship Trees

Common
American Holly American Hornbeam Bald Cypress Black Tupelo Carolina Silverbell Chestnut Oak Chinese Elm Chinese Fringetree Chinese Pistache Chinkapin Oak Crape Myrtle Dawn Redwood Eastern Redbud Eastern Hophornbeam Florida Anise Florida Maple Flowering Dogwood Foster Holly Ginkgo Goldenraintree Japanese Cryptomeria Japanese Maple Japanese Zelkova Lilac Chastetree Live Oak

Scientific
Ilex opaca Carpinus caroliniana Taxodium distichum Nyssa sylvatica Halesia carolina Quercus prinus Ulmus parvifolia Chionanthus retusus Pistacia chinensis Quercus muehlenbergii Lagerstroemia indica Metasequoia glyptostroboides Cercis canadensis Ostrya virginiana Illicium floridanum Acer barbatum Cornus florida Ilex x. attenuata Fosteri Ginkgo biloba Koelreuteria paniculata Cryptomeria japonica Acer palmatum Zelkova serrata Vitex agnus castus Quercus virginiana

C
125 49.8 324 128.5 54 156 139 2.5 133 168 55 110.8 92.4 39.5 15 106 96 59 133.8 58 62 60 129 26 384

H
76 86 131 112 56 118 96 40 54 74 48 70 30 50 29 110 41 39 80 31 72 24 48 17 64

S
48 42 47.8 47.25 42.1 81.5 84.3 30 71 98 28 42 36.75 38.5 20 60 46 24 78 99.4 29 29.9 30 19.5 112

County
Chambers Macon Baldwin Elmore Lauderdale Marshall Perry Mobile Tuscaloosa Madison Baldwin Lee Limestone Coosa Perry Sumter Tuscaloosa Mobile DeKalb Jackson Jackson Tuscaloosa Lee Baldwin Mobile

C=Circumference at 4 feet (inches) H=Height (feet) S=Spread (feet)

Alabama Championship Trees

Common
Longleaf Pine Nuttall Oak Overcup Oak Pin Oak Red Maple River Birch Sawtooth Oak Shumard Oak Sourwood Southern Magnolia Southern Red Oak Swamp White Oak Sweetbay Tulip Poplar White Oak Willow Oak Yaupon Yellowwood

Scientific
Pinus palustris Quercus nuttallii Quercus lyrata Quercus palustris Acer rubrum Betula nigra Quercus acutissima Quercus shumardii Oxydendrum arboreum Magnolia grandiflora Quercus falcata Quercus bicolor Magnolia virginiana Liriodendron tulipifera Quercus alba Quercus phellos Ilex vomitoria Cladrastis kentukea

C
122 147.6 205 109 137 158.4 87 215 70.5 198.8 287 178.8 134 248 177.6 265 29.8 46.8

H
113 90 126 91 80 111 66 76 73 90 107 96 84 151 99 102 30 58

S
55 44.25 88 64.9 79 95.7 64 84.52 40.7 80 133 73.5 59 73 113 114.5 52.5 23

County
Butler Madison Marengo Colbert Calhoun Lamar Barbour Bullock Coosa Calhoun Montgomery Madison Pickens Lawrence Montgomery Marshall Autauga Colbert

C=Circumference at 4 feet (inches) H=Height (feet) S=Spread (feet) From Champion Trees of Alabama, 2004. A Champion Tree is the largest of its particular species in Alabama determined by a formula established by the American Forestry Association.

Notes

Notes

David West
County Extension Coordinator and
Adjunct Assistant Professor School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Auburn University

Ken Tilt
Extension Specialist and Professor
Horticulture Auburn University

For more information, call your Extension office. Look in your telephone directory under your countys name to find the number or look online:

www.aces.edu
2006 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. All rights reserved.
Paid for in part by funds from the USDA Forest Service and Auburn University in partnership with the Alabama Forestry Commission, Auburn University School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences, and the Alabama Urban Forestry Association.