Tree of the month
July 2012
Sarah’s Favorite crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ' ‘Sarah’s Favorite’)
This tree is long-blooming (into late December in Savannah) that grows 20 to 30 ft. tall and 12 to 15 ft. wide. ‘Sarah’s Favorite’ produces snow-white flowers in summer and early Fall, stunning yellow, orange and red fall color, and attractive cinnamon brown-colored bark year-round. This upright cultivar is resistant to aphids and powdery mildew.
Photo Credit: Bill Haws, Forestry Administrator for the City of Savannah Park & Tree Dept., Savannah, GA.
June 2012
Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum)
About the tree/photo: This beautiful native tree provides several seasons of interest with spring flowers, great fall color and a growth habit with “character.” Common in deciduous forests of the Upstate. Grows 30 to 50 feet.
Photo Credit: Paul Thompson, June, Mecklenburg Co., NC
May 2012
Kay Parris southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora, 'Kay Parris').
This tree is an upright, columnar southern magnolia that bears six-inch wide fragrant flowers and grows up to 25-30 ft. tall and 10 to 12 ft. wide after 15 years. Introduced by Kevin Parris in 1993, it is believed to be the result of a cross between M.g. 'Little Gem' and 'M. g. 'Bracken's Brown Beauty'.
About the photographer: Kevin Parris, Horticulture Instructor/ Arboretum Director, Spartanburg Community College, Spartanburg S.C. 29305
April 2012
Coralbark Maple (Acer palmatum Sango Kaku)
About the tree: Coralbark maple has brilliantly colored bark which intensifies in the winter and contrasts nicely with the new growth in the spring. Provide afternoon shade. Matures to 20 to 25 feet.
Photo was taken: April, Mecklenburg Co., NC by Paul Thompson, York County Extension Agent - Horticulture, Clemson Extension
March 2012
Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)
Photo was taken: Wilmington, NC
About the tree/photo: Red Buckeye is a native spring flowering tree common in the Midlands and coastal areas of the state. It is an understory tree of deciduous forests. Grows to 15 to 20 feet high in filtered shade. Two related species, the yellow and painted buckeye are more common in the Piedmont.
February 2012
Corneliancherry Dogwood (Cornus mas)
About the tree/photo: A dogwood from the Orient, the small tree matures to 15 to 20 feet high and wide. Yellow flowers in February followed by edible red fruits in the late summer. Interesting exfoliating bark for winter interest.
Photo was taken: February, Mecklenburg Co., NC by Paul Thompson
January 2012
Desire Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica 'Desire')
About the tree/photo: Japanese camellias have rightfully earned the nickname of "winter rose" for their bloom season which extends from late fall to early spring. Desire will grow 10 to 15 ft. high and 6 to 10 ft. wide. B. Polomski, SC Botanical Garden, Clemson, SC.
Learn more: Camellia HGIC 1062
December 2011
A. Carolina Sapphire Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica var. glabra "Carolina Sapphire")
About the tree/photo: "Carolina Sapphire" is a Clemson University introduction that's endowed with steely blue foliage. Native to the southwestern U.S., this strong-rooted, fast-growing tree will reach a mature height of 25 to 30 ft. and a width of 15 to 20 ft.
B. Golden Pyramid Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica var. glabra Golden Pyramid)
About the tree/photo: "Golden Pyramid" acts like a beacon in the landscape with golden yellow scalelike leaves and a narrow, pyramidal form (20 ft. high and 6 to 8 ft. wide). It's well suited for hot and dry full sun locations.
Learn more: Living Christmas Trees HGIC 1751
November 2011
Pecan (Carya illinoinenis): Easley, SC
A longlived tree that needs plenty of growing room above- and below-ground to accommodate a height that can exceed 70 feet.
- Pecan Planting & Fertilization
- Pecan Diseases
- Fertilize Pecan Trees to Encourage Nut Production!
- Reasons for Poor-Quality Pecans
October 2011
The Clemson Centennial Bur Oak, a campus landmark and favorite meeting place, has been selected by Trees SC as the South Carolina Heritage Tree of 2009.