Trees - J -  Plant Nursery

Japanese Maple - Beni Schichihenge
Japanese Maple Beni Schichihenge

The Beni Schichihenge Japanese Maple, Acer p. 'Beni Schichihenge', has a dwarf habit that makes it a delightful accent tree; ideal for smaller gardens and containers. A graceful, upright-growing tree, it reaches just 6 to 8 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide in 10 years. Because of its small size, it makes a fine accent for the front garden, patio, or any high-interest garden area. It boasts a spring foliage display as impressive as its fall color! In the spring Beni Schichihenge's new leaves uncurl from crimson stems that keep their color all the way through summer and fall. The dark green base of the leaves is edged in silvery-white and splashed in pink and orange, for an unforgettable spring show. This maple's name means "red and changeful," and 'Beni Schichihenge' certainly lives up to that with every season! To keep this tree fresh and colorful give it full sun in the north, and afternoon or dappled shade farther south.

Japanese Maple - Bloodgood
Japanese Maple Bloodgood

The Bloodgood Japanese Maple, Acer p. 'Bloodgood', has a round shape and looks best when the canopy is allowed to branch to the ground. Reaching only 20 feet, it is nicely suited for a residential area. Since its leaves stay red for most of the summer, Bloodgood is one of the most popular accent trees. However, the fall color is reddish and less striking than other Japanese maples. Thinning the lower foliage branches will help show off the attractive bark and gray muscular-looking trunk structure. Thriving in partial shade and moist soil, it can be used as a border, near a patio, in a container, or as a bonsai.

Japanese Maple - Emperor One
Japanese Maple Emperor One

The Emperor 1 Japanaese Maple, Acer p. 'Emperor 1', is often called Red Emperor. This tree will not disappoint you. It leaves out about two weeks later than most other Japanese Maples giving it the benefit of less spring frost damage. The growth rate is very good, and in the spring the leaves are a stunning dark purple; fall color is a brilliant crimson red. Emperor 1 is very similar to 'Bloodgood' with a vigorous, upright growth, but this tree has a lighter almost translucent quality to the leaves. It requires full sun in the northern areas, and afternoon shade in the southern states. It is best to feed it once a year with a slow release fertilizer.

Japanese Maple - Fireglow
Japanese Maple Fireglow

The Fireglow Japanese Maple, Acer p. 'Fireglow', is an impressive, vigorous, reliable tree that burns fire-red. It has an upright tree/shrub shape with many slender dark red shoots. Reaching 6-10 feet, it makes an excellent garden or container plant. Fireglow's leaves are not as deeply divided as Bloodgood, but they have a deeper more intense wine-red leaf color that continues well into the heat of summer. Since it does not get as tall or widespread as Bloodgood, it is ideal for those smaller tight spaces. In early fall, the foliage becomes purple-red suffused with green. It is easy to grow, and adapts to most conditions and likes well-drained, humus-rich soil; thrives well in hot, sunny conditions. It is best to feed it once a year with a slow release fertilizer. Fireglow got its name because sun can shine through the leaves for a blazing color accent!

Japanese Maple - Goshiki Kotohime
Japanese Maple Goshiki Kotohime

The Goshiki Kotohime Japanese Maple, Acer p. 'Goshiki Kotohime', has a unique appearance. The crinkled leaves of this small upright bush tightly clump along the ends of the branches. These tiny star-shaped leaves are variegated with shades of pink-red in spring, turning in autumn to striking yellow-orange to orange-red; creates a lacy appearance. Goshiki Kotohime is one of the first of Japanese Maples to come into leaf, and having a small stature, it is also one of the top miniature Japanese Maples. The trunk and stems are its best features because they thicken at an early age for an ancient look. This is a rare and wonderful dwarf; a good choice for the small garden, containers, and rock gardens. It prefers filtered to full sun.

Japanese Maple - Green Hornet
Japanese Maple Green Hornet

The Japanese Maple Green Hornet, Acer pd. 'Green Hornet', is a fantastic tree that displays fine, deeply green leaves in the summer. The dark green summer foliage then changes to a beautiful red in the fall. Green Hornet forms a cascading mushroom-shaped mound, much wider than tall, and has a lacy appearance. This tree grows more vigorously than most Japanese laceleaf maples, is very easy to grow, and likes afternoon shade in warmer climates. It is best to feed it once a year with a slow release fertilizer.

Japanese Maple - Hogyoku
Japanese Maple Hogyoku

The Hogyoku Japanese Maple, Acer p. 'Hogyoku', is often seen shaped like a giant pumpkin in the fall to enhance its rich pumpkin-orange color. But in warmer climates it sometimes has yellow leaves in the fall that have orange and red washed across them. This intense color and its reliable performance makes it a good choice. The Hogyoku Japanese Maple grows 12-18' upright and has an attractive spring color that is bright yellow green turning to a deeper rich green in summer. This maple is a sturdy and hardy cultivar that responds well to pruning and shaping. It thrives in acidic, well-drained soil, and filtered to full sun.

Japanese Maple - Inaba Shidare
Japanese Maple Inaba Shidare

The Japanese Maple Inaba Shidare, Acer pd. 'Inaba Shidare', is a weeping red lace leaf maple and even though it is an upright grower, it has a beautiful cascading form. The larger, more intricate leaves develop a deep tone of purple red as they grow in the spring, and they retain this brilliant color all season. The leaves do not bronze out in late season as do other red maples. Performing well in hot sun and humidity, this maple does need some afternoon shade. Water Inaba Shidare adequately during the hot summer months because the leaves can dry out. In the fall, the color is outstanding as it turns from purple red to a crimson tone. It can be planted in a large container, or it is at home right next to a pond.

Japanese Maple - Kasagiyama
Japanese Maple Kasagiyama

The Japanese Maple Kasagiyama, Acer p. 'Kasagiyama', has a very unusual color that attracts attention. There is a sort of brick-like mottling that happens as the leaves age. The veins are a different tone, the main ones being dark, and are prominent. Growing as wide as it is tall, Kasagiyama has a wonderful and beautiful wide spreading habit. This upright, open growing, small tree makes an excellent specimen in the garden; great red stem color in winter. Plant in full sun in spot with good air circulation to prevent early spring fungal disease. It needs protection from excessive heat, and doesn't tolerate heavy soil, but it is well worth the care! Kasagiyama means Red Dwarf.

Japanese Maple - Orido Nishiki
Japanese Maple Orido Nishiki

The Orido Nishiki Japanese Maple, Acer p. 'Orido Nishiki', has a broad and rounded habit with branches that are often layered or sweeping toward the ground in a weeping or cascading manner. Since its narrowly lobed leaves are often dissected, a delicate, lacy appearance is created. Orido Nishiki has an upright to rounded crown and is very dense with white, cream, and pink colors swirled through its deep green leaves. In the spring you can enjoy the lovely pink colors of the leaves, and then these are replaced by the green ones in the summer. With this unique splash of color, you can expect that no two trees are the same; pink splashes are not only on the leaves but also as veining on the trunk. As an added bonus, this magnificent Orido Nishiki Japanese Maple can withstand full sun, but needs to be planted in well drained soil.

Japanese Maple - Red Dragon
Japanese Maple Red Dragon

The Japanese Maple Red Dragon, Acer pd. 'Red Dragon', will turn heads with its bold color, open branch system, and distinctive foliage. Its vivid purple foliage holds well until it changes into an outstanding flaming scarlet in the fall. It keeps its tremendous deep color in sun or shade, better than any other lacleaf maples. A hardy and vigorous grower, Red Dragon has a dwarf growth habit, is well branched with a cascading mound, and reaches a height of 5-6 feet in 10 years. Red Dragon does need some protection from cold wind and summer drought. It thrives in moist well-drained soil, but can tolerate a variety of soil conditions. Not drought tolerant, Red Dragon requires regular watering, especially in the first five years. It is a perfect choice for a small garden, rock garden, or as a container plant.

Japanese Maple - Seiryu
Japanese Maple Seiryu

The 'Seiryu' Japanese Maple, Acer p. 'Seiryu', is the only upright dissected-leaf Japanese maple. The others are all 'weepers'. Even the leaves are much smaller and do not have the appearance of other dissected-leaf maples. The foliage appears green in spring with a slight red or pink tinge to the margins of each leaf. Then in the summer these margins quickly fade away leaving a striking medium green leaf. This vigorous growing 'Seiryu' Japanese Maple makes an airy, spreading small tree that reaches around 15 feet in height. It is a rather vase-shaped tree when young; growing wider and much rounder with age. In the fall, the first cold air may give the tree an orange or red appearance but the leaves will always end up burgundy before dropping. It is a useful small tree for garden accents, Bonsai, or in containers. This 'Seiryu' will thrive best if planted in a shady, less windy environment, with well drained soil.

Japanese Maple - Shaina
Japanese Maple Shaina

The Shaina Japanese Maple, 'Acer p. 'Shaina', is an ornamental, understory dwarf tree that is grown primarily for its red foliage and interesting shape. With its non-dissected leaves clustered on short shoots, it displays a bushy, tufted habit that will grow 4-5' tall in 8 years. Appearing dark maroon during the summer, the leaves then change to a brilliant red in the fall;will hold its color well throughout each season. Grow Shaina Japanese Maple in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Sometimes it prefers lightly dappled shade. This maple makes a wonderful specimen or accent tree for that smaller landscape with a limited space.

Japanese Maple - Shishio Improved
Japanese Maple Shishio Improved

The Shishio Improved Japanese Maple, Acer p. 'Shishio Improved', grows more quickly than many other Japanese Maples and has attractive 5-7 lobed leaves that emerge crimson in the spring. These leaves then fade to a blue-green in summer, followed by brilliant red and orange autumn colors. With its spreading but upright habit, it will enhance its frothy, light appearance if planted against a darker background. Its branches are often layered or sweeping toward the ground in a weeping or cascading manner. This Japanese maple is a multi-branched shrub that typically matures over time and becomes an upright, rounded form. It is best used as a specimen or accent tree, or planted in groups around the home or yard. It prefers moist, organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade; grows well in sandy loams.

Japanese Maple - Trompenburg
Japanese Maple Trompenburg

The Japanese Maple Trompenburg, Acer p. 'Trompenburg', is a very fast growing Japanese maple and one of the most beautiful maples in the world. It has a unique leaf shape and a naturally beautiful structure. This tree's leafstalks are red and in the spring the leaf color is a dark purple sometimes almost appearing brown or chocolate, turning more red as summer begins, but holding its beautiful color that lasts well into late summer. The foliage becomes a brilliant crimson red in fall; leaf edges roll down, giving it a finger-like effect. Trompenburg performs as well as any of the Japanese maples when it comes to heat tolerance. It tolerates full sun in the South, and prefers average, medium, well-drained soil.

Japanese Maple - Waterfall
Japanese Maple Waterfall

The Japanese Maple Waterfall, Acer pd. 'Waterfall', is a beautiful weeping laceleaf that displays bright green summer foliage that holds well throughout the summer months. It then transforms into brilliant golden tones in the fall, with hints of crimson. The weeping branch structure gives this plant the waterfall appearance as the foliage cascades down. It is perfect to use as a specimen plant in the landscape or as a large potted patio tree. A faster growing green laceleaf variety, Waterfall Japanese Maple adapts to most conditions; afternoon shade is required in southern states. This Japanese maple, an easy care plant, does best if fed once a year with a slow release fertilizer.

Japanese Tree Lilac
Japanese Tree Lilac

The Japanese Tree Lilac, Syringa reticulata, is a handsome, multi-stemmed, tree or large shrub that bears large creamy white flowers in large panicles in June and July. This is a clump form and will have multiple stems. Reddish-brown, cherry-like bark, and clean, dark green leaves enhance seasonal interest. Japanese Tree Lilac has spreading branches, developing a somewhat oval-rounded to vase-shaped crown. 2002 Iowa Tree of the Year. Lilacs need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce flower buds. Too much nitrogen can lead to lush green foliage and fewer flower buds. Lawn fertilizer contains nitrogen, so avoid using it around the base of the lilac tree. Prune immediately after flowering to avoid removing flower buds. Water routinely to maintain a healthy and beautiful plant. Tree lilacs are dependable urban trees, including as parking lot or boulevard plantings, which tolerate a wide range of conditions.

White Walnut
Juglans cinerea

The White Walnut tree, Juglans cinerea, also known as White walnut and Butternut tree is a small to medium-sized tree. This tree has a short trunk which is divided into a few ascending limbs with large spreading, sparsely forked branches. The smaller branches tend to bend downwards and then turn up at the ends. The crown is open, broad, irregular in outline and rounded at the top. The root system is composed of a number of wide-spreading laterals that grow to a considerable depth. Usually a taproot develops in deep soils. White Walnut trees grows fast, especially as a seedling, but usually does not live longer than 75 years. Nuts resemble Black Walnut, but smaller, with an oily, spicy flavor. Tree is best known for the rich quality of its wood. It makes a good shade tree.

Black Walnut
Juglans nigra

The Black Walnut tree, Juglans nigra, is prized for its wood and shade. Black Walnut trees are a large, moderately growing, majestic tree. This deciduous tree makes a wonderful shade tree, and when planted for a wood plantation, makes a great long-term investment. This tree has moderate water requirements and is tolerant to drought. It has massive, upright spreading, open branches. The nuts are large and plump and crack out of the shell easily. The roots of the black walnut produce a substance known as juglone . This biochemical is toxic to many plants such as the tomato, potato, black and blue berries, and other plants that may grow within a 50 to 60 foot radius of the trunk. Not all plants are sensitive to juglone and many trees, vines, shrubs, and flowers will thrive in close proximity to a Black Walnut tree.

Juniper - Grey Owl
Juniper Grey Owl

The Grey Owl Juniper, J. virginiana 'Grey Owl', is a handsome, medium-sized, slightly vase-shaped, vigorous evergreen with widely spreading branches and loose, airy, silvery-gray foliage. This evergreen shrub is similar to Pfitzer Juniper in habit. The branch tips sometimes turn purple in winter. Female sets abundant cones. Prune junipers in June after the new growth has time to establish. With most evergreens it is easy to remember "Prune in June". 'Grey Owl' is excellent for use as screen, background, or accent. It withstands a wide variety of soils and growing conditions and very long lived. It produces attractive silver-blue berries. It is called 'Grey Owl' because it has a grey and ghostly look.