This is a call to action for all of us to embrace diversity in our gardens and landscapes. Let’s break down the variety of benefits that come with it. First, let’s talk about the ecological benefits.
The American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is a native species of North America, known for its unique fruit and its ability to thrive in a variety of environments. The American Persimmon is a deciduous tree, meaning it loses its leaves in the fall. It can grow to be quite large, reaching heights of 40 to 60 feet.
03 of 10 American Hop-hornbeam Denny Schrock American hop-hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) “is a very adaptable North American native that makes an attractive medium-size shade tree,” Buley says. Resistant to pests and tolerant of drought and alkaline soils, it is a solid workhorse for tough conditions. Hop-hornbeam features an upright, oval habit and dark green leaves that turn yellow in fall. But it’s the hop-like fruits that catch the eye and give the tree its common name. “The ‘hops’ are very handsome and ornamental,” Buley says, “and good conversation starters for those who enjoy hoppy beer!” Height: 40 feet Width: 25 feet Hardiness: Zones 3-9
This means they can reach impressive heights in a relatively short time. Imagine a young black cherry tree, just a few years old, reaching a height of 15 feet! That’s a significant growth spurt, especially when compared to other fruit trees. 2. Black cherry trees are also known for their beautiful, dark red fruit. These fruits are not only delicious but also highly nutritious.
05 of 10 Chinkapin Oak Dean Schoeppner Chinkapin oak (Quercus muhlenbergii) is relatively fast growing for an oak—up to 2 feet per year—and offers chestnut-like leaves that are glossy yellow green on top but lighter colored below, giving them added contrast and appeal when the wind blows. In fall, those leaves turn a mix of yellow, bronze, and brown. The tree also tolerates alkaline soils, so it won’t turn a sickly lime green like pin oak tends to do in those conditions. This oak produces acorns, but they’re not a housekeeping issue because squirrels and other wildlife love them. Chinkapin oak isn’t as common in garden centers as pin, red, and swamp white oaks, but is definitely worth considering. Height: 50-80 feet Width: 50-70 feet Hardiness: Zones 3-9
The flowering crabapple, a member of the Rosaceae family, is a deciduous tree known for its beautiful, showy flowers. These flowers, which bloom in spring, are a key feature of the tree’s appeal. The flowering crabapple’s flowers are a delight to behold, with their delicate petals and vibrant colors.
07 of 10 ‘Frontier’ Elm emer1940 / Getty Images Before Dutch Elm Disease (DED) took off in the mid-20th century, elms were the tree of choice for city planners and homeowners alike. They’re experiencing a bit of a comeback with a number of disease-resistant selections like ‘Frontier’ (Ulmus minor x Ulmus parvifolia), a hybrid elm introduced by the U.S. National Arboretum. “It is a relatively small elm with small leaves, bright red fall color, and it’s very adaptable across the country,” says Buley. Along with being DED-resistant, ‘Frontier’ is also highly tolerant of elm yellows disease, another nemesis of elm trees. It rarely flowers so it is virtually seedless. Height: 25 feet Width: 15 feet Hardiness: Zones 4-10
They also have a similar growth habit, with a columnar shape and a dense crown. This makes them a good choice for urban environments. The Kentucky coffee tree is a deciduous tree that loses its leaves in the fall. It is native to the eastern United States, specifically the Appalachian Mountains.
The Osage orange tree is a deciduous tree, meaning it loses its leaves in the fall. It is native to the southeastern United States, specifically the Ozark Mountains and the Mississippi River Valley. It is a member of the mulberry family, which is known for its edible fruits.
