Small native tree for dry corner

17 years ago

I'm looking to plant a small native tree or large shrub--around 12-15 feet max--in a corner of the yard that is pretty dry. The roots would be in shade (dry shade, the worst), but the treetop would get plenty of sun.

The oakleaf hydragea that is there now seemed to suffer in the summer, so I plan to move it. The huge old shrub rose on the other side of the fence, which I hardly ever watered, was spectacular all summer and had to be pruned several times.

I would love to have a smokebush, even if it isn't native, or a hammamelis virginiana. I also thought about putting in a productive tree. I did plant a (nonnative)crape myrtle a little further in, also a weeping crab and an amelanchier closer to the house.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Comments (5)

spanaval
17 years ago
Some sort of dogwood - Cornus drummondii, or Cornus racemosa, maybe. Cotinus obovatus is a native smoketree, but would get too big for your spot. Redbuds generally stay compact, and Cercis canadensis is definitely a local native. Bush honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera) is probably not big enough for what you have in mine. I am guessing that there has to be some sort of Holly or Viburnum that would do well in that type of situation as well.
johnfromperrycopa
17 years ago
What about going one step farther and try to find a "Covey" Weeping Redbud. They might be pricey!
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gardengranma
17 years ago
How about another craoe myrtle or a Japanese Maple? The second certainly not Native, but that would fit right in.
DWA in AZ Sunset zone 12
17 years ago
What about ninebark? It is supposed to be pretty tough, and there are gold, blackish-purple, copper cultivars. Lots of discussion in shrubs forum...
beth_b_kodiak
17 years ago
How about service berry, shadblow? It is lovely in the woods at this time of year. There are some varieties available in nurseries. A very graceful tree/shrub with white flowers and open enough that you can plant other things under it.