Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, January 30, 1992 TAG: 9201290014
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-7 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
NATIVE TREES, SHRUBS ARE HARDY AND RIGHT AT HOME IN YOUR YARD
One often-recommended way of reducing maintenance in your home landscape is to select native trees and shrubs.These plants usually are more tolerant of local environmental conditions and pests, ensuring better performance with less care.
One difficulty in this approach is that many homeowners have problems identifying the desirable species among the multitude of trees in our forests.
Carolina silverbell (Halesia carolina), native to North Carolina, can be seen throughout the mountains of Virginia, but it does well throughout the state. Usually considered to be a small tree - 30 to 40 feet - the species occasionally has reached 80 feet.
Its primary value is its clusters of small, white, bell-like flowers borne on year-old growth in late April or early May. These attractive flowers have a subtle beauty that is effective for about a week. Their summer foliage, with its dark, yellowish-green tone, also is an asset to the landscape.
The American yellowwood (Cladrastus lutea) is a native with its showy spring flowers. In late May and early June, these fragrant white blossoms hang in clusters between 8 and 14 inches long. They begin flowering when the tree is between 12 and 18 feet tall.
The flowers are noted for their fragrance as well as their beauty. Bees are particularly attracted to them. Because of its medium size (30 to 50 feet) and spreading habit, it is a good tree for smaller properties. Its yellow fall foliage and smooth, gray bark bring additional interest to the landscape.
Unfortunately, American yellowwoods tend to bloom every second or third year, so it would be best to combine them with other plants that bloom in the same season to assure an annual show.
A group of native trees that should interest homeowners is the serviceberry.
Two of the most interesting are the downy serviceberry or shadblow (Amelanchier arborea) and Alleghany serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis).
Serviceberries bloom in early April with clusters of white flowers on the tops of the branches. They are among the earliest plants to have fruit, blue or black berries that ripen in July. The sweet fruit was first used by Native Americans.
One common name, the pie bush, indicates how the fruit can be prepared. The fruit also is a favorite of some wildlife and can be used to attract songbirds to the garden.
Although there are many other worthy native trees, two that are not well known are the spicebush and American hornbeam.
The spicebush (Lindera benzoin) grows from 6 to 12 feet tall with a normal spread. It is particularly noted for its pungent aroma when any part of the plant is broken.
American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), also called the blue beech, ironwood or musclewood, has smooth, thin, dark, blue-gray bark that is sinewy, greatly resembling flexed muscles. The wood itself is very hard and heavy. American hornbeam grows to a height of 20 to 30 feet and is best used in natural-looking sites.
One difficulty in using these trees is, with the exception of the American yellowwood, they are not commonly found in a nursery. It may be necessary to find a supplier of native trees or dig them yourself from the wild.
Joe Hunnings is the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service agent for agriculture in Christiansburg. Call the extension office at 382-5790.