The sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) is a graceful, southern evergreen to semi-evergreen tree. It will tend to be more evergreen the farther south it is planted. In nature, it is found most often in moist, acid soils near swamps or stream banks in the eastern United States. It is a small, typically multi-stemmed tree, columnar…
Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum), also called the sorrel tree, is a member of the heath family (Ericaceae), which includes azaleas and rhododendrons. Like the rest of this family, it grows best in moist, acidic, well-drained soils and can be found growing wild along gravelly stream banks of eastern North America. Jenkins has several sourwoods, with the…
The Carolina silverbell (Halesia carolina) is considered to be one of the best native trees for shady sites. It is a low-branching tree best used in shade or woodland gardens, where it can reach heights of 30-40 feet with a spread of 20-35 feet. The silverbell prefers moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. The Carolina silverbell is…
The American holly (Ilex opaca) is a native evergreen tree that can grow to 60 feet. It has plenty to offer throughout the year, but is most spectacular in winter when its dark green leaves and red, berry-like fruits provide wonderful color and contrast to an otherwise leafless landscape. These traits also make the American…
The pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is one of the more exotic looking trees native to this region. This understory tree was once common across our landscape but years of clearcutting have all but removed it from its natural setting. It is prized for a combination of traits that give it all-season interest. In May, it displays…