Replacement Trees
Replacement trees will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last. If your preferred replacement tree is not available at the time of distribution, you will be provided with a healthy alternative. Specific tree species cannot be reserved ahead of the event.
This page is being updated and only partially reflects trees available for exchange at the 2022 events. The following trees are a complete list of species that have been offered at PREVIOUS exchange events and offer an idea of the scope of trees distributed to the public
- Alternate leaf/Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)
A small, multi-stemmed tree similar to Flowering Dogwood but slightly smaller in size with other subtle differences in physical characteristics. Alternate leaf Dogwood typically matures to a size of 15-25 feet and has characteristic tiered or layered horizontal branching. This tree tolerates both moist and dry soils as well as full sun to partial shade. Showy springtime blooms are small, fragrant, yellowish-white flowers. Bluish-black fruits ripen by fall. Although most Dogwoods have an opposite arrangement, this species has elliptic to oval-shaped leaves arranged alternately along branches, hence the name. Leaves transition to an attractive reddish-purple color with tinges of yellow or green in the fall.
- American basswood/American linden (Tilia americana)
A medium to large native tree with oval-rounded outline and grows to approximately 50-80 feet tall. This tree is quite versatile as it will grow in a variety of habitats and conditions, faring well on upland, dry areas as well as moist, bottomlands. It can be planted in full sun or part shade. Fragrant, pale-yellow flowers in late spring benefit bees as flower nectar is used in honey production. Small nutlet fruits follow flowering and ripen in late summer. Large leaves are dark green, ovate-shaped and have pointed tips and serrated margins. Fall color may be a faint yellow color.
- American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) - available spring 2022 at Sumter
A large, native shrub known for its striking, iridescent pink to purple fruit that clings to its long, arching, woody branches. American Beautyberry typically grows to a height and spread of 3-5 feet, though it can reach a maximum height of 9 feet. Tiny, whiteish-pink flowers form in dense clusters at leaf bases around stems. Smooth bark appears reddish brown on younger stems later fading to a light brown color. Elliptically shaped leaves, popularly browsed by white-tailed deer, fade to a light green to yellow fall color. Seeds and berry clusters are important foods for many species of birds, particularly the Northern Bobwhite.
- American beech (Fagus grandifolia)
American beech is a large canopy tree that grows to a height and spread of 50-80 feet and develops a dense, spreading, rounded to oval canopy with strong, central trunk. It grows naturally on rich, well-drained sites found in ravines, slopes and valleys. Bark is very thin, smooth and gray. Dark green leaves are coarsely-toothed and elliptical in shape and transform to a brilliant golden bronze color in the fall. Female trees produce Beechnuts, triangular-shaped, edible fruits that support an array of wildlife. American beech is disease-resistant, deer-resistant and makes a terrific selection as a large shade tree on an open, spacious lawn.
- American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) - available spring 2022 at Conway
An aesthetically pleasing, short, stubby, deciduous tree with multiple leaders and extremely dense wood. Commonly referred to as “Musclewood” or “Ironwood,” American hornbeam reaches an average height of 30 feet with crow spread of 20-25 feet. Dark green, elliptically shaped leaves are shiny and have a toothed margin. Small, ribbed nutlet fruits are produced each season. Bark has a distinct blueish-gray tone and smooth texture and pronounced indentations similar in appearance to human “muscles.” Fall color is a bright, uplifting, pleasant yellow color. This tree frequently grows in moist soils along river and streambanks but also fares well on upland, drier sites. Hornbeam thrives in full shade to partial shade (2-6 hours sunlight per day) and does best in loamy, sandy acidic soils. Tolerates some sun, periodic flooding and moderately resistant to deer. Avoid highly compacted sites and full sun.
- American snowbell (Styrax americanus) - available spring 2022 at Sumter
A large deciduous, slender-branched shrub or small tree with showy, white, bell-shaped flowers and a graceful, arching crown. Mature height ranges from 6-12 feet When in bloom, pendulous clusters of flowers abundantly cover the plant, exuding a sweetly fragrant aura. This native plant attracts many pollinators species of bees, butterflies, and moths. Plant in full sun to partial shade in acidic, well-drained or moist-wet soil.
- Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) - available spring 2022 at Sumter
A Southern native shrub that typically grows 6-8 feet in height and spread, though sometimes taller, with a rounded, spreading crown consisting of multiple, arching stems. Attractive, flat-topped clusters of flowers adorn this shrub each season, attractive butterflies, and other pollinators. The production of dark blue berries follows blooms. Coarsely toothed leaves are dark green and shiny before transitioning to a beautiful wine-red color in the fall. Plant in dry to moist soils in sandy, acidic conditions. Arrowwood viburnum is a terrific flood-tolerant plant that is also pest-free.
- Ashe/Dwarf bigleaf magnolia (Magnolia ashei) - available spring 2022 at Clemson and Sumter
A small, deciduous magnolia with extraordinarily large leaves and fantastic, bright, creamy white, saucer-shaped flowers. Spring profusions of sweetly fragrant blooms grow 10-12 inches across and are marked with distinct purple spots at the interior base of the petals. Super-sized leaves expand 1-2 feet long by 6-12 inches across. Flowers are followed by magnificently colored reddish-purple cone-like fruits. Fall foliage does not disappoint, leaves convert to a pleasant, golden yellow color. This is a smaller version of the native Bigleaf magnolia with a more compact stature and typical height of 20-25 feet. Ashe magnolia prefers moist soils that are well-drained and needs plenty of lateral space for maximal show. It also tolerates heat and is considered deer resistant.
- Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) - available spring 2022 at Clemson, Conway, and Sumter
Bald cypress is a large, needle-leaf, cone-bearing tree with a pyramidal shape, spreading crown and soft, feathery leaves. It reaches heights of 70-100 feet with narrower spread of 20-35 feet. Although this tree occurs in moist-wet soils, naturally, it is a superior selection in the urban environment, lending great versatility and tolerance of harsh, urban conditions, including heat, drought, diseases, and variable soil moisture. Bark is thin, fibrous, and light gray to reddish-brown. Small, one-inch, rounded cone fruits are produced each year, and fall color reveals a lovely, rich, bronze-reddish color. Bald cypress can be planted in full sun or partial shade.
- Black walnut (Juglans nigra) - available spring 2022 at Clemson
A large, native nut tree with robust, upright branching, deeply furrowed, dark brown bark and pleasant yellow fall color. Black walnut prefers moist, rich soil and often grows along the banks of rivers and creeks. Its walnuts are covered with a tough husk and are favored by white-tailed deer, squirrel, and turkey, among other wildlife.
- Blackgum (aka: Black tupelo) (Nyssa sylvatica) - available spring 2022 at Clemson and Sumter
Blackgum is a striking medium-large canopy tree with strong horizontal branching and a stout, central trunk, growing 40-60 feet in height with narrow spread of 15-20 feet. Young trees are consistently triangular. Attractive, dark green and glossy summer foliage transitions to a vivid display of scarlet red during fall. Clusters of small, bluish-black berry fruit produced, supplying an abundant food source for wild turkey, bobwhite quail, wood ducks and over 30 species of songbirds. Blackgum prefers full sun but will tolerate dappled shade.
- Bluejack oak (Quercus incana) - available spring 2022 at Sumter
A small tree or large, deciduous shrub with distinctive blue-green foliage, short trunk, loose, open crown with stout, crooked branching. Though capable of reaching upwards of 30-40 feet, the average height of this small canopy tree nears around 20 feet. It’s thick, waxy leaves are slender with a cupped margin. New growth emerges in spring with a colorful display of soft pinks and reds. Small acorn fruits produced in fall support a variety of wildlife species. This attractive tree and compact habit make it a great shade tree selection for a small yard that also provides a haven for wildlife. Bluejack oak grows naturally in dry, upland sites with deep, sandy soils and is especially tolerant of dry sites and drought.
- Common chinquapin/Dwarf chestnut (Castanea pumila)
Chinquapin, also called American Chinquapin or Dwarf Chestnut, is a small, multi-stemmed, densely branched shrub or small tree with spreading lower branches and ascending upper branches. This tree can grow to a mature size of 15-25 feet in height and spread of 6-20’. Attractive yellow flowers bloom in spring, followed by production of edible nuts. Numerous species of birds and other wildlife relish in Chinquapin’s sweetly-flavored nuts. Chinquapin tolerates a variety of soil conditions and can be planted in full sun to partial shade. This tree is also resistant to Chestnut blight.
- Dahoon holly (Ilex casseine) - available spring 2022 at Conway and Sumter
A small, native holly that tolerates wet and shady sites and grows to a mature size of 20 to 30 feet, though usually much smaller in the urban landscape. Dahoon is considered a worthwhile selection for the urban environment, though quite under-utilized, and is virtually pest-free. It upholds a somewhat shrubby form and dense habit, and its foliage lacks the usual spines and teeth adorning other hollies. Dahoon produces a copious amount of attractive, red berry fruit reach fall season and is pollinated by bees; however, individual plants do not self-fertilize. It may be considered a bit of a recluse in the natural environment, though known to dwell among moist woods and swamps of the coastal plains it is difficult to stumble upon a Dahoon holly in the wild. Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist and/or acidic soil. Flowers quickly, even during the first season after planting.
- Dwarf palmetto (Sabal minor) - available spring 2022 at Sumter
A small fan-shaped palm tree or shrub that matures to a size of 5-10 feet in height. The Dwarf palmetto is one of only twelve palms native to the U.S. It is considered a “stemless” plant as each large palm leaf arises from underground stock; however, the plant will develop a trunk if submerged in water. The leaf blades are fan-shaped and can grow as much as 4 feet in width, significantly longer than leaf stalks. Late spring white flowers precede clusters of half-inches sized black fruit. Plant Dwarf palmettos in full sun, part shade or full shade and in any dry to moist soil.
- Eastern mayhaw / May hawthorn (Crataegus aestivalis) - available spring 2022 at Clemson
A small canopy tree, also known as May hawthorn, with showy flowers and strong branching that is resistant to breakage. Eastern mayhaw can reach a mature height of 25-30 feet and spread of 30-35 feet. Small, red fleshy fruits cover its branches during fall and like other hawthorns, branches have thorns. It is a versatile little tree that is considered as one of the best hawthorns for the south due to its superior disease resistance. Eastern mayhaw is adapted to full or partial sun or partial shade and tolerates a variety of soil conditions, including clay, sand, loam, acidic to slightly alkaline acidity and droughty conditions.
- Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis)
A small native tree with a short trunk and multiple stems and vase shape with a mature size of 15-25 feet in height with a similar spread. Redbud is adored in early spring for its stunning display of gorgeous purplish-pink flowers that decorate the branches. Its leaves are smooth, simple and heart-shaped, and bark is dark brown-grayish with a flaky texture. Considered a tough, urban tree tolerant of clay soils and periods of drought.
- Eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana)
A medium-sized evergreen tree with dense, oval to columnar form with a mature height of 40-50 feet and spread of 8-25 feet. Leaves are scale-like, dark green and aromatic. Tiny (1/4”-1/3”), dark green cones mature to a dark blue. Bark is light, reddish-brown and separates into long, peeling strips. Plant in full sun on dry sites.
Eastern redcedar (placeholder image)
Image courtesy of South Carolina Forestry Commission - Florida anise tree (Illicium floridanum) - available spring 2022 at Conway
Anise tree is a medium-large evergreen shrub or small tree with upright form and delicate, deep-red fringe-like flowers. Showy spring flowers grow to one and a half-inch in size and contain aromatic compounds that repel insects, making this plant pest resistant. Evergreen leaves are thick and shiny, olive green in color and have an aromatic fragrance when crushed. Plant Anise tree in partial sun or full shade to prevent leaves from scorching in excessive hours of bright sunlight. It prefers moist, rich soil to grow and can also tolerates excessively wet sites or occasional flooding.
- Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) - available spring 2022 at Clemson and Sumter
A small landscape favorite popular for its beautiful white, five-petal spring flowers and handsome form with horizontal branching. This native has a mature height and spread of 20-30. Clusters of attractive small red fruits are produced each season, ripen by fall and enjoyed by numerous songbirds and other wildlife. Bark is attractive, dark brown with unique pattern. This tree is very adaptable, however must have partial shade and well-drained soils to maintain good health, live long and optimize flowering and bright red fall color.
- Hazel adler (Alnus serrulata) - available spring 2022 at Conway
Hazel alder is a small, multi-trunked, deciduous tree with deep green leaves with serrated, wavy edges. Mature size of 10-15 feet. Also known as Smooth alder, this small shrubby tree is excellent for moist-wet soils as it grows naturally along edges of creeks, rivers, and ponds. Bark is shiny grayish-brown, smooth and fluted in appearance. Fall color is an attractive yellow with tinges of red. This native tree attracts songbirds, butterflies and other pollinators and can be planted in partial sun, partial shade, or full shade. Hazel alder is a robust little tree, tolerant of various site conditions, including clay, compaction, drought, erosion, heat, and occasional flooding.
- Highbush blueberry ‘Hodnett’ (Vaccinium corymbosum. ‘Hodnett’) - available spring 2022 at Sumter
A large, deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub with gray-green foliage, attractive white, spring flowers and showy, edible blue-black fruit. This shrub will reach a size of 6-8 feet in height and slightly wider spread of 8 feet. New growth stems are distinctively green or sometimes red. Clusters of tiny, inverted bell-shaped, white flowers completely cover this plant in late spring. Plant in full sun to partial shade in consistently moist soil and, preferably, on highly acidic sites.
Highbush blueberry
Image courtesy of Gerald Holmes, Strawberry Center, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Bugwood.org - Live oak (Quercus virginiana) - available spring 2022 at Conway
A majestic, long-lived, evergreen oak with largely expansive, wide-spreading canopy iconic to the South. Open-grown trees typically reach a 65-foot height and canopy spread of 80 feet or greater, with lower limbs sweeping down toward the ground before curving up again. Naturally tolerant of clay, loam, and sandy soils. Grows vigorously on well-drained sites and will also tolerate some moisture and is noted for effectively handling short periods of flooding. Live oak prefers slightly acidic to acidic soils. Bark is dark brown, thick, and furrowed. Leaves are dark green, stiff, shiny, and leathery. Small acorns are produced individually or in clusters.
Live oak
Image courtesy of South Carolina Forestry Commission. - Loblolly bay (Gordonia iasianthus) - available spring 2022 at Conway
An evergreen flowering tree with a slender, compact habit, small diameter branches and shiny, evergreen leaves. Large, white flowers are fragrant and showy, reminiscent of camelia flowers. Loblolly Bay is well-suited for planting in moist-wet soils as it is naturally associated near ponds or swamps. Mature size ultimately depends on soil moisture and ranges from 30-75 feet. Attractive foliage is dark-green and glossy. Though it prefers partial shade in moist to wet sites, it can also tolerate full sun only with sufficient moisture. Loblolly bay’s root system is shallow and demands watering during periods of drought to survive. Best planted in moist soil.
- Overcup oak (Quercus lyrata)
A medium-sized oak in the white oak group that grows to an average of 40-60 feet tall and wide and has strong, upright-branching, and beautiful, symmetrical form. Overcup oak is considered a hearty, urban-tolerant selection and adapts well to difficult urban sites, including compaction and clay. It also tolerates occasional flooding. Dark green leaves often form a “cross-like” outline like Post oak. Fall color is a rich yellow. Bark is an attractive, ashy gray with flaky texture. Globular-shaped acorn fruits are enclosed in a warty cap and enjoyed by much wildlife, including ducks, turkey, deer, and squirrel.
- Paw paw (Asimina triloba)
A small, short-trunked tree or large, multi-stemmed shrub with large, tropical-like leaves and edible yellow fruit. Paw paw matures to a size of 10-25 feet and can be planted in full sun or part shade. The large, deciduous leaves are bright green and thick, gradually altering to a yellow-green color in the fall. Deep purple, six-petal flowers emerge in the spring, though not particularly showy, are interesting, nonetheless. Yellow, cylindrical fruits add appeal to this small tree and are also enjoyed by a variety of wildlife, including possums, squirrels, raccoons and birds.
- Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
A small to medium-sized, edible deciduous tree with oval-to-columnar outline and slow growth. Typical mature height range of 30-50 feet and spread of 15-25 feet. Attractive purplish-red fall color. Female trees produce 1-1 ½” yellow/orange/burgundy fleshy fruits. Attracts pollinators (bees, butterflies, moths), songbirds and small mammals. Though mostly disease-resistant, often susceptible to leaf spot. Resistant to deer & wind. Prefers moist, well-drained loamy-sandy soils but also tolerates dry sites. Best in full sun to partial shade.
Persimmon (placeholder image)
Image courtesy of South Carolina Forestry Commission. - Pignut hickory (Carya glabra)
Pignut hickory is a large tree with glossy, dark green leaves and pear-shaped nut that matures in the fall. Bark is smooth on young trees and later develops as dark gray with interlacing, thick ridges, forming a diamond pattern. This tree prefers sites with well-drained soils and full sun, however it will also tolerate intermittent shade. Leaves transform into a brilliant, golden yellow during fall. Pignut hickory is a beneficial tree for numerous species of wildlife, as a host plant for butterflies and moths, and food source for squirrels, black bear, deer foxes and mice. There are no serious pests for this tree.
- River birch (Betula nigra) - available spring 2022 at Clemson
River birch is a native, upright deciduous tree associated with moist soils along creeks, rivers, and lowlands. It is known for its attractive, papery, exfoliating cinnamon-brown bark and its natural occurrence along creeks, riverbanks, and other lowland areas. Though it prefers moist-wet sites, it also fares well in rocky and well-drained sites. River birch tolerates heat as well as periods of drought and occasional flooding. This native also makes a terrific landscape tree as its crown and branching are wind resistant. Plant River birch in full sun or partial shade. Full sun plantings yield optimum fall color. It is also a wind-resistant tree.
- Rusty blackhaw (Southern blackhaw) (Viburnum rufidulum)
Rusty Blackhaw has glossy, dark green leaves that turn a variety of warm colors during fall, including pink, orange and lavender and red. Showy profusions of tiny, white flowers form in flat-topped clusters in early spring. Small, purplish-blue berries produced each year are a favorite of many species of birds and other animals. Plant this tree in partial shade in drier, loamy soils.
Rusty blackhaw (Southern blackhaw)
Photo courtesy of Ed Gilman, University of Florida - Scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea) - available spring 2022 at Clemson
A large, fast growing, deciduous oak with an attractive, rounded silhouette, deep green, glossy leaves and brilliant red fall color. This species produces medium-sized acorns, an important food source for many songbirds, White-tailed deer, squirrel, and turkey. Mature size is 60-80 feet in height and 40-50 feet in canopy spread. This red oak tolerates a wide range of soils and does best when planted in full sun.
- Shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) - available spring 2022 at Conway
Shagbark hickory is a large, deciduous native shade tree with an oval to rounded crown, egg-shaped nuts, and delightful golden yellow fall color. Shagbark matures to a height range of 70-90 feet and grows well on various sites, including moist soils and lowlands to dry upland wooded slopes. It produces large crops of hickory nuts, each enclosed in a thick husk that is split into four sections. The fruit ripen in fall, attracting and supporting a variety of wildlife. Shagbark is also noted for its unique exfoliating bark which splits into large, rigid strips light gray in color. Plant in full sun to partial shade on moist or dry sites.
- Shumard oak (Quercus shumardii)
A large, spreading, robust oak with strong branching and oval-rounded form. Shumard oak typically grows to 45-60 feet in height and spread of 30-40 feet. Summer leaves are attractive medium-to-dark green that later coalesce into a kaleidoscope of vivid fall colors of red, orange and gold. This tree is a versatile selection, tolerating a wide range of site conditions. Plant in full sun or partial shade, dry or moist/wet soils or in clay, loamy or sandy soils. Shumard oak is very agreeable in highly acidic to slightly alkaline soil pH.
- Southern waxmyrtle (Morella cerifera) - available spring 2022 at Sumter
Wax myrtle is a small, wispy evergreen shrub or small tree with multiple stems and height typically ranging from 6-15 feet. Though it can reach a height of twenty feet, it is usually much shorter. Leaves are slender, olive green and have a wavy, toothed margin and spicy, aromatic odor when crushed. Bark is light gray to brown and smooth. Cylindrical flowers are produced in the spring, followed by clusters of bluish-white berries that persist into winter. Wax myrtle is a versatile little tree that grows naturally in moist, wet soils but also fares well on drier sites. This is a popular southern native, especially useful as a screening plant and tolerance to both full sun and part shade.
- Sparkleberry (Vaccinium arborea) - available spring 2022 at Sumter
A large, deciduous to evergreen shrub with leathery, dark green ovate-shaped leaves that turn a brilliant, crimson-red fall color. Beautiful racemes of tiny white-pinkish, bell-shaped flowers drape beneath leaves throughout the spring season. Blossoms are followed by a profusion of black berries relished by many species of songbirds and small animals. Sparkleberry matures to a height and similar spread of 8-15 feet. Attractive, exfoliating bark reveals shades of grays, rich browns, and reddish browns. Plant in full sun to part shade in a variety of soil conditions including both moist and well drained, sandy to rocky. Sparkleberry is pest-free and drought and heat tolerant; prefers acidic soil.
- Swamp chestnut oak (Quercus michauxii) - available spring 2022 at Clemson and Conway
Swamp chestnut oak is a medium-sized oak tree, capable of growing to 100 feet, with a beautiful, upright, oval form and dark green summer leaves that transform into attractive copper and red fall colors. Although it is often found, naturally, in low-lying and moist bottomland areas, Swamp chestnut oak grows exceedingly well in the urban setting, withstanding compacted soil, drought and intense heat.Simple leaves are shallow-lobed and bright green. Bark is thick, scaly, loose, and light gray in color. This long-lived, moderately fast-growing tree makes an exceptional shade tree and performs best on full sun sites. Acorns are relished by ducks, turkeys, squirrel, red fox and deer.
- Swamp titi (Cyrilla racemiflora) - available spring 2022 at Conway
Swamp Titi, also known as “Swamp Cyrilla” or “Littleleaf Titi,” is a small, semi-evergreen tree or shrub with graceful, contorted form and mature height of 12-15 feet. This interesting little tree boasts both evergreen and deciduous leaves, providing a canopy of lustrous, evergreen leaves, combined with a colorful show of deciduous leaves during fall. Summer flower display is stunning and long-lasted, and seeds are attractive to birds. Attractive, exfoliating bark is striking, revealing gray and cinnamon-red colors. Similar to other plants that originate in wet habitats, Titi also grows well in upland, drier soils.
- Swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor) - available spring 2022 at Clemson, Conway, and Sumter
A beautiful, medium-sized native oak with a broad, rounded canopy shorter trunk and typical mature height of 50-60 feet with similar spread. It grows naturally in moist soils of bottomlands, swampy areas and other lowlands. This is a tough, urban tree that is quite tolerant of both moist and drier, upland soils, clay soils and compaction. Large-lobed leaves are thick and shiny green with silvery-white undersides. Fall color is an attractive yellow that transitions into shades of reds and occasionally reddish-purple.
- Sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) - available spring 2022 at Conway
Sweetbay magnolia is a moderately quick-growing, small to medium-sized tree with a vase-shape and mature height of 20-50 feet and typical spread of 15-20 feet. Springtime blooms decorate this tree with beautiful, fragrant, creamy white flowers. Leaves are evergreen to semi-evergreen, 4-6 inches long and elliptically-shaped. Bark is thin, smooth and gray, becoming scaly as the tree matures. Although this tree occurs extensively in the low country, it has also adapted successfully on drier sites and in Piedmont soils of the upstate.
- Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana) - available spring 2022 at Sumter
A tenacious, fast-growing pine tree with broad, pyramidal-oval form and stout, irregular branching. Mature size in the landscape reaches a size range of 15-40 feet. This evergreen has small, reddish-brown cones and grows successfully on almost any site, succeeding on difficult sites where most trees fail. Plant in full sun to part shade on a variety of sites, from dry hillsides to excessively rocky or sandy planting sites.
- Walters viburnum (Viburnum obovatum) - available spring 2022 at Sumter
A large deciduous to evergreen shrub or small tree with oppositely arranged small, dark green, oval-shaped leaves and showy blooms. Delicate, white flowers born on flat-topped clusters decorate this plant during late winter to early spring. The long-lived shrubs mature to a height and similar spread of 10-15 feet and are hurricane wind resistant. Flat, red drupe fruits are produced each fall that transition to black in color at maturity. Plant in full sun to part shade.
- White oak (Quercus alba)
White oak is a massive, long-lived stately tree with a wide-spreading, horizontally-branched crown that boasts an exquisite, wine-red fall leaf color that later fades to winter shades of brown. This native reaches grows to 80-100 feet in the wild and 60-80 feet tall and wide in the urban environment, providing ample shade for larger landscape spaces. Shiny, bright green leaves have finger-like lobes, and large, acorn fruits that are largely commonly consumed by squirrels, woodpeckers, turkey and white-tailed deer. Numerous butterflies use white oak as a host tree. Bark is ash-gray and scaly on young trees and ridged and platy on older trees. White oak is fairly adaptable, grows very well on most urban sites, preferring sites offering full sun and rich, well-drained soils.
- Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) - available spring 2022 at Clemson
A small, attractive tree or large shrub with multiple-stems, crooked branching, and unique fall display of fragrant, yellow, fringe-like flowers. Witch hazel typically grows to a height of 10-15 feet, though it can grow to a height of 30 feet. Leaves are deciduous and produce a brilliant gold fall color. Leaves, twigs, and bark are aromatic and used in astringent lotions. For best performance, plant Witch hazel in full sun to part sun, and on moist sites. Avoid excessively dry sites.
- Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) - available spring 2022 at Clemson
A small evergreen tree with shiny green, elliptical-shaped leaves and strong, upright, dense branching, making it an ideal selection as a screening or privacy species. Yaupon holly typically matures to a size of 10-20 feet in height and spread of 8-12 feet. Growth rate can be slow to moderate. Copious amounts of attractive, bright red berries are produced by female trees, most popularly sold in nurseries. Yaupon holly is a versatile little tree that transplants easily and tolerates a range of soil types, including both dry and wet soils, drought, and occasional flooding. Plant in full sun or part shade.
- Yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) - available spring 2022 at Clemson
A fast-growing, tall, deciduous tree with attractive tulip-shaped flowers and a beautiful, straight trunk and gorgeous yellow fall color. Late spring blooms of large, showy, greenish-yellow flowers with a splash of orange at the base are carried high up in the canopy. Yellow poplar needs full sun for best performance. Though Yellow poplar prefers normal moisture, it does well in slightly drier sites and tolerates sand and clay. Average height is 70-90 feet, and canopy spread ranges from 20-25 feet.
Yellow poplar
Image courtesy of South Carolina Forestry Commission.
