Are you looking for a highly ornamental tree for a wetland edge, pond border, or rain garden? Weeping willows are large, graceful trees that command plenty of attention. In this article, gardening enthusiast Liessa Bowen introduces the weeping willow, and how to grow and maintain these elegant trees. When I think of a weeping willow tree, I conjure images of a large tree with gracefully swaying branches growing at the edge of a scenic lake or pond. The branches flow downwards like a cascading waterfall, nearly touching the water’s surface below. The willow tree stands alone and majestic, reflected in the still water, its leaves either at their vibrant green peak or perhaps golden yellow with showy autumn hues. Weeping willow trees have been used for centuries as a highlight in ornamental landscapes. Growing one at the water’s edge makes sense since these trees are thirsty and crave moist soil and plenty of sunlight. However, you won’t be able to—or even want to —grow this species just anywhere. If you hope to incorporate a weeping willow into your yard, take into account their specific needs and requirements to determine if this tree is right for you. There are approximately 350 species of willow trees and shrubs (genus Salix) within the willow family (Salicaceae), along with dozens of related hybrids and cultivars. Various species are native to Asia, Europe, Africa, and North and South America. The weeping willow originated in Asia and is now a widespread horticultural favorite. If you’re hoping to make a bold statement along the edge of your lake, pond, wetland, or rain garden, let’s take a closer look at the benefits and challenges of growing a weeping willow, and how to help your tree thrive and look its best. Plant Natural History Weeping willow trees originated in China. People noticed and appreciated their natural beauty and started to cultivate them. They quickly spread to other Asian countries, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Many species have naturalized in many states and can be found growing in riparian areas in the southeastern United States and also in California. These are fast-growing trees that reach 60 to 80 feet tall in optimal conditions. For a tree, they have a relatively short lifespan, living anywhere from 50 to 75 years. They have relatively weak wood that’s susceptible to breakage, particularly under the strains of snow, ice, or heavy storms. These trees are still important and valuable wetland trees in their natural habitat, providing shade, shelter, and foraging opportunities for a variety of birds, insects, mammals, and other animals. Characteristics The weeping willow is a deciduous tree with great ornamental value. They develop a distinct form. The broad trunk develops several low-growing horizontal branches with uniquely weeping elongated leaf-lined stems. The rough, light gray bark is thick and heavily ridged. Each of the long, thin, weeping branches is lined with alternate leaves. The simple, lanceolate leaves are between three and six inches long and less than one inch wide. During the growing season, the leaves stay uniformly green and then become golden yellow in the autumn for some showy fall color. The trees blooms in early to mid-spring. These plants are dioecious with male and female flowers on separate trees. The flowers are called catkins. Catkins are elongated, pale greenish-yellow, and not especially showy, although they do attract some pollinators. Each catkin measures one to two inches long. After flowering, tiny seed capsules develop, full of fluffy, white, cottony seeds. These trees have long been cultivated and now include many unique varieties, including dwarf stature, golden yellow leaves, and corkscrew-shaped branches. Weeping willows generally have a rounded form, although the cultivars and other Salix species may be more spreading or vase-shaped. Propagation Weeping willow is surprisingly easy to propagate by cuttings. You could take a cutting at any time of year, but late winter is ideal for a very high chance of success. Select a healthy branch between one and two inches across and no more than six feet long. Cut the branch with a sharp pruning tool large enough to handle a branch cutting. Decide where you want to plant the cutting so it can grow into a large new tree. Prepare the site by removing competing vegetation and loosening the soil. Prepare a hole approximately eight to 10 inches deep and place the cutting in the hole. Push the soil against the cutting so the ground around the cutting holds it securely in place. Water the area well and keep it moist until the cutting begins to develop fresh new leaves. This will be the first indication that your cutting is a success. Keep the weeds away as your new tree begins to grow. These are fast-growing trees, and your cutting will soon begin to grow vigorously. Within a few years, it will transform from a branch cutting into an elegant young tree.
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Are you looking for an unusual conifer to add to the landscape? Monkey puzzle trees have been around for hundreds of millions of years, with odd branches covered in spiraling leaves. They’re surprisingly easy to grow in mild climates throughout the United States. Plant biologist Emily Estep walks you through everything you need to know about this South American native. Monkey puzzle trees are fun and unusual perennials that add an unexpected shape to the landscape. The branches grow in a parallel fashion with space in between. Native to Chile and Argentina, these plants have persisted on Earth for more than 200 million years. The International Union for Conservation of Nature classified A. araucana as an endangered species in 2011 due to a decreasing population trend, citing both the decline of mature individuals and the decline of habitat. It’s one of about 20 species in its genus, and quite a few of the other species are dwindling as well. They are relatively easy to care for, and their growth is slow but steady. The greatest difficulty in growing these plants is providing the right amount of water. They are used to the significant precipitation of the Andes mountains, but they’re also prone to rot in wet soil. Far from their native land, monkey puzzle trees are now planted in landscapes in mild climates all over the world. If you live in the right zone, you can add one of these striking living fossils to the landscape. What Is It? Monkey puzzle tree is an evergreen conifer known for its symmetrical branches that grow with lots of open space between them. In its native habitat of the Andes mountains in Chile and Argentina, it can live to be more than 1,000 years old, earning the nickname “living fossil.” This species is the national tree of Chile. Though it’s not naturalized in the United States, it’s often grown in the South and the West Coast in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 10. Characteristics This perennial has a pyramidal growth habit. Its branches grow without touching each other and form a unique, geometric shape. Small, triangular leaves spiral densely along the branches. This species does not provide much shade, due to the branches’ sparse growth. They add unusual texture and shape in the landscape all year long, though their large surface roots may interfere with the lawn, sidewalks, and foundations. Eventually at maturity, the branches widen to form a canopy, with no branches below, reaching 80 feet. This is highly unlikely in a cultivated, landscape plant. These plants have either cylindrical (male) or spherical (female) cones that emerge in a shade of green before fading to yellow and then brown. The cones drop seeds in the fall. This can be a bit of a hassle to clean up, but they’re actually edible. These seeds are usually roasted similarly to pine nuts. Native Area This plant is native to the Andes mountains in both southern Chile and western Argentina. It grows on volcanic hills. This temperate location sees a lot of rain, experiences average humidity, and observes winter temperatures that go just below zero (~-18°C). This species will grow in similar, mild climates down to zone 7 as long as it gets enough water. Planting You can purchase small monkey puzzle trees and plant them in the landscape of your home. It’s possible to grow them from seeds, too, but the cold stratification and germination processes can take up to six months. Young plants can be kept in pots but will quickly outgrow them. When planting, consider that these trees can ultimately expand to 30 feet in width and will have sprawling roots.
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Do you want to grow the largest tree in the world? If your landscape has 30-60 square feet of open space and lots of summer moisture, you can plant your own Giant Sequoia to reach up to 150 feet in your lifetime! In this guide, garden expert Logan Hailey explains how to grow this gigantic living fossil. If you want to grow the largest tree in the world, you can plant your own Giant Sequoia in USDA zones 6 through 8. These breathtaking giants are native to California, and their species has lived on Earth for millions of years. Only about 75 wild groves remain scattered along the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in central California, where they once dominated the landscape until logging and more severe wildfires killed huge stands. Still, these are some of the most fire-resistant and climate-resilient trees on the planet. Amazingly, these living fossils can grow up to 150 feet in just 50 years! They are cold and heat-tolerant, growing around the U.S. and the world as ornamentals and timber resources. You don’t need to live in California to grow a redwood, but you do need to ensure the proper spacing and conditions for this rapid-growing conifer to thrive. History and Cultivation When dinosaurs roamed the Earth about 70 to 180 million years ago, gigantic conifers ruled North America and Europe. Often called the redwoods, most Sequoia relatives have gone extinct, but two primary species remain: Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum). Another smaller relative, the Dawn Redwood, is widely cultivated and grows wild inChina. While Coast Redwoods are the tallest trees in the world, Giant Sequoias are the largest by volume. The largest known specimen is nicknamed “The General Sherman Tree,” and grows in Sequoia National Park near Mount Whitney in Central California. This tree is over 270 feet tall and 30 feet in diameter. Scientists estimate that it is about 3,800 years old! Though you may not see its tremendous heights in your lifetime, planting a Giant Sequoia tree sapling in your landscape could yield 30-60 or more feet of growth in a few decades and up to 150 feet in 50 years. What is It? The Giant Sequoia tree—also known as giant redwood, Sierra redwood, or Sequoiadendron giganteum—is one of three remaining redwood species in the world. This coniferous tree grows 200-300 feet tall and about 10 to 20 feet in diameter, withstanding centuries of wildfires and climate changes. Native to the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Central California, Giant Sequoias are the largest trees by volume and are now cultivated in many parts of the world as ornamental and timber species. Where Do Giant Sequoia Trees Originate? The last remaining native wild groves are the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. This species is specifically adapted to mild climates with humid winters and dry mild summers at elevations between 4,000 and 8,500 feet. However, there is evidence that ancestors of the Giant Sequoias were once widespread across the Northern Hemisphere. They are now cultivated around the world, including parts of the Pacific Northwest, Southern United States, South America, Europe, and Japan. Propagation Nursery-grown saplings are the quickest and easiest way to establish a Giant Sequoia, but you can also grow this tree from seeds or cuttings. The seeds can be collected from mature redwoods (70+ years old) in the fall, but they have very low germination rates. Cuttings are best taken from younger trees under 10 years old, so your decision between seed or cutting may depend on whether or not properly-aged trees grow in your area. These nuances also explain why purchasing from a reputable nursery is ideal. The Jonsteen Company’s SequoiaTrees.com offers live tree seedlings for shipment. If you wish to grow an ornamental cultivar like ‘French Beauty’ or ‘Albospica,’ you may need to find a specialized landscaping nursery. Seed Propagating a redwood from seed is not for the faint of heart, but it can be incredibly rewarding. Seed propagation is a form of sexual reproduction, which means it enhances the genetic diversity of a species. Although Giant Sequoias grown from seed have a very low germination rate and take much longer to get established, this is a cheap or free way to grow lots of saplings at home. So if you want to start a mini reforestation effort on your land or in conjunction with neighboring properties, consider collecting redwood cones from beneath mature trees in the fall. You can also purchase seeds online.
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If you don’t live in the ideal foggy coastal climate for growing a California Coast Redwood, you can still plant a redwood in your landscape! Dawn Redwood trees are native to China and adaptable to USDA zones 4-8. Garden expert Logan Hailey explains everything you need to know about growing this ancient coniferous tree. When you think of redwood trees, Northern California most likely comes to mind. But there is another species of redwood—the Dawn Redwood—that is native to China. These ancient trees share many characteristics with the iconic giants of the Pacific Northwest. But Dawn Redwoods are much more suitable for ornamental landscaping! It even offers fall color that most coniferous trees lack. If you want to grow a redwood tree but live far from the foggy coast of Northern California, then Metasequoia glyptostroboides is probably a suitable alternative. Let’s dig into everything you need to know about growing this fast-growing living fossil! History and Cultivation Once thought to be extinct, Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) was rediscovered by Chinese foresters in 1944 in the Sichuan province of Southern China. Botanists thought the trees had been extinct for more than a million years, but when the country reopened to foreign visitors, they found forests full of the “living fossil” tree. This tree is a close relative of America’s famous Coast Redwoods and Giant Sequoias, but it has much more cold tolerance and a smaller size. Dawn Redwoods are grown around the world as valued ornamentals. They turn golden-bronze and drop their needles in the fall, which is a unique attribute for a conifer (cone-bearing tree). The deciduous species regrows its leaves in the spring. What is It? Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) is an ancient tree and the last living species of its genus. A close relative of California’s Coast Redwood, this species is native to the other side of the world in China. Dawn Redwoods are smaller, more cold-tolerant, and more adaptable than their fog-loving cousins, which makes them ideal for ornamental use in USDA zones 4-8. This deciduous conifer is known for its distinct pyramidal shape, straight trunk, and fast growth rate. At maturity, the trunk can reach over seven feet in diameter and 60-160+ feet tall. The tree is mostly suited for parks and botanical gardens, but homeowners with larger properties can grow this redwood. Where Does Dawn Redwood Originate? Metasequoia glyptostroboides is an endangered redwood tree native to the Sichuan province of Southern China, where it is colloquially called 水杉 or shui shan. Much like the famous panda bear, the tree is a conservation icon, and tremendous efforts have been made to preserve the last old-growth forests. These ancient trees date back over 150 million years to the Mesozoic Era. In its native range, Dawn Redwood trees thrive in mild temperate climates with wet slopes and stream valleys. While they are technically the smallest of the redwoods, Coast Redwoods are the tallest, and Giant Sequoias are the largest by volume, these Chinese natives are still impressively large, with some being documented at over 160 feet tall. Can I Plant a Dawn Redwood in My Yard? It is perfectly legal (and recommended) to grow this endangered ancient tree. Dawn Redwoods are more adaptable to temperate landscapes than their cousins. Suitable for USDA zones 4-8, these trees are fast-growing and smaller than other redwoods, but they still require a large area of at least 25 feet in every direction. These ornamental conifers are not recommended for regular residential yards but are suitable for large estates, farms, homesteads, and parks. Propagation Coniferous (cone-bearing) trees are typically propagated vegetatively from cuttings. While you can grow a Dawn Redwood from seed, it is a long and laborious process. The seeds have less than a 5% germination rate and can take months to sprout. Moreover, the saplings take a long time to reach a transplantable size. For the fastest growth, purchase nursery saplings or take cuttings from an established tree. For more genetic diversity and experimentation, try growing from seed!
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If you want to grow a majestic Coastal Redwood in your landscape, join gardening expert Logan Hailey as she describes how to plant and care for the world's tallest tree! Do you want to grow the tallest tree in the world? If you live between Central California and Southwestern Oregon, you can grow the iconic Coast Redwood tree in its native zone. Also known as California Redwood, these tremendously tall trees grow wild exclusively along the southern parts of the Pacific Northwest Coast. They rarely thrive more than 50 miles inland. However, the stately conifers can be cultivated in many locations around the world with some extra maintenance and modifications. For example, California’s Coast Redwoods have successfully grown on plantations in New Zealand since the early 1900s. Even Hawaii has redwood forests on both Maui and Kauai, but the trees only grow successfully above 6,000 feet in this tropical zone. In colder and drier regions, the redwood cousin, Giant Sequoia—native to the Sierra Nevada Mountains—is a reliable option for a home landscape. This species can also be grown on the East Coast, but they tend to be much shorter. Let’s dig in how to plant and care for your very own Coast Redwood. This tree easily out-lives your great grandchildren and acts like a living legacy of your love for gardening! History and Cultivation Crowned the tallest tree in the world, Coast Redwoods are a breathtaking sight to behold. People from all over the globe trek to Northern California to experience the last of wild old-growth redwood forests. These one-of-a-kind conifers grow up to 300 feet tall and can live to be 3,000 years old or more. Only about 5% of the original redwoods remain in the world, but you can play a role in keeping this ancient species alive by planting it in your landscape. Fortunately, this tree doesn’t only grow in its native range. Sequoia sempervirens can be cultivated as a landscape tree in many other places. With proper moisture, temperature, and soil, the seedlings grow into magnificent ornamental specimens in a variety of climates. The species is also one of the fastest-growing trees, averaging a whopping 3 to 10 feet per year! What is a Coast Redwood? Coast Redwood, or California Redwood, is botanically known as Sequoia sempervirens. It is the tallest tree in the world, reaching up to 300 feet tall. One of the fastest-growing conifers, Coast Redwood is native to a limited range on the foggy Pacific Northwest coast, but it can be cultivated in other areas. These fire-resistant, tannin-rich, ultra-resilient trees have been around since the age of the dinosaurs. They have significant ecological value, and redwood forests even create their own weather patterns! Are Redwoods the Tallest Trees in the World? Sequoia sempervirens, or the Coast Redwood, is the tallest recorded tree on the planet, reaching heights up to 300 feet. For comparison, the tallest pine tree is about 260 feet, and the tallest tanoak is 160 feet. A redwood relative, the Giant Sequoia or Sequoiadendron giganteum is the largest tree in the world by volume, but they don’t grow quite as tall as Coast Redwoods. Both species can live to be thousands of years old. They are endemic to California and a small portion of Southern Oregon. Can You Grow a Redwood in Your Garden? It is perfectly legal to grow a redwood in your garden, but it is illegal to cut down, dig up, or propagate a wild protected tree. Instead, you must propagate redwoods from seeds or nursery stock. It is important to match the right species to your climate or make significant modifications to keep the tree alive outside of its native California range: Coast Redwoods are very picky about their environment, requiring lots of humid or foggy air, moist but well-drained soils, and mild temperatures between 30-70°F (-1 to 21°C). Dawn Redwoods, native to China, are more flexible and desirable for ornamental use. Giant Sequoias are ideal for dryer, colder regions, and low-elevation mountains. Propagation This coniferous (cone-bearing) tree can be propagated by seed, cutting, or sucker shoots. The seeds tend to have low germination rates, so vegetative propagation is the most common. You can also find varieties of Sequoia sempervirens seedlings at ornamental tree nurseries. If you want to get the largest tree possible in a short amount of time, purchase an established redwood from a tree nursery. Most propagation methods take one to three years to produce saplings large enough to plant in the ground.
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When it comes to tropical, flowering trees, few specimens hold a candle to the magical and beautiful jacaranda tree. If you’re planting one of these special trees, there are a few important factors to consider. Here, gardening expert Melissa Strauss will help you get off on the right foot with your beautiful tree. Jacaranda mimosifolia is a stunning landscape tree. It is best known for the abundance of bluish-purple flowers it produces in the spring. In warmer climates, it can bloom at any time of year, but spring is the most common bloom time. I remember the first time I laid eyes on one of these trees in bloom. They are simply magnificent and stunning. Not only do they have great ornamental value, they also make excellent shade trees. They grow quickly, and have a lovely umbrella-shaped canopy once mature. History and Cultivation The jacaranda tree is in cultivation in most areas of the world with tropical and subtropical climates. There are a large quantity in Pretoria, South Africa. The sheer number of them has earned the city the nickname “Jacaranda City.” In the United States, they are very popular in California, Arizona, Florida, and Hawaii. Native Area J. mimosifolia is native to South America. Specifically, you can find it growing naturally in southern Brazil, southern Bolivia, Paraguay, and northwestern Argentina. It grows in wooded ravines, bushlands, riverbanks, and grasslands. Much of the native population has been threatened by deforestation for agriculture and logging. Characteristics This is a beautiful semi-evergreen or deciduous species that can reach heights of 25′-50′ tall at maturity. It grows very quickly, putting on three to four years of growth per year in its first few years. In its first year, a jacaranda is capable of growing up to ten feet tall. This is only under optimal conditions, though. When grown in tropical conditions, a jacaranda tree will be closer to its full 50 feet tall at maturity. In cooler, subtropical climates, the tree will be smaller. The canopy of a full-sized mature jacaranda can be as large as 30 feet wide. Once established, it is drought tolerant. The canopy is lush and rounded, making it an excellent shade tree. It can be single or multi-trunked, depending on pruning. It has a large, open canopy. The foliage is feathery and fernlike, and the leaves can grow to a foot long. The bark is thin, gray and smooth on young trees, developing fine scales as it ages. In early summer, large clusters of flowers form all over the canopy. The blooms are trumpet-like and the most stunning shade of purple. The flowers persist for up to two months. A mature tree is a breathtaking sight during the summer months. Uses As a landscape element, this tree gets major points for its ornamental value. It has a lush, tropical appearance, and makes a nice shade specimen. The wood is smooth, pale, and hard. It is often used in carpentry, and for making carvings and handles for tools. Where to Buy In tropical climates where the tree is common, you’re likely to see it at local nurseries and landscape supply stores. You might find it near another type that it resembles, the Royal Poinciana. The two are similar and need similar care. Small, young trees are available at several online retailers. Planting This is a large tree, and that needs consideration when choosing a location. It has roots that grow close to the surface, so plant it away from sidewalks and other concrete slabs to avoid disruption. Choose a location that receives at least six to eight hours of sun daily. Plant in spring or fall so that it has time to establish while the weather is mild. Water your tree well a few hours ahead of planting to minimize stress. Dig a hole that is as deep and twice as wide as the root ball. No need to dig down deeper as long as the soil is loose. Transfer the jacaranda into the hole, position it as you prefer, and backfill with native soil. Mulch over to hold in moisture and protect the shallow roots, keeping the mulch away a few inches from the trunk. For the first month, water two to three times per week. If the leaves look wilted, water. After the first month, you can ease off of watering gradually. As long as you don’t see the leaves wilting, it should be fine with watering once per week for the duration of its first year.
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Willow trees have a graceful, almost magical look to them. They are well suited to moist locations near ponds and wetland borders. In this article, gardening enthusiast Liessa Bowen introduces the diverse world of willows and how to best grow these trees in your landscape. Willows are a group of trees and shrubs in the genus Salix that includes over 350 species worldwide. While some willows blend into their surroundings without standing out or being noticed, other varieties are highly ornamental and useful in the landscape. The weeping willow is probably the most easily recognized, known for its long, graceful branches. As a general rule, willows are fast-growing trees that love wet areas. They aren’t suitable for all landscapes, but if you live near a pond, lake, stream, wetland, or occasionally flooded area, a willow could be an ideal tree. Willows thrive in these wetter areas where other tree species struggle. A few willow species are more tolerant of occasionally dry soils, but all willows appreciate constant moisture. If you decide to use a willow tree for your property, consider it more than just a tree. Look for a willow with an appealing structure. These trees often appear very elegant during the growing season when they are leafy and green. In the winter, the bare branches have their own unique appeal. Many willows have fascinating forms that you can appreciate all year round. If you have a plot of land with plenty of space and moist soil, let’s dig right in and look at the details of how and where to grow a willow tree. Natural History There are around 350 species of willows worldwide. Willows are found in many temperate regions around the world, including Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America. Many of the more ornamental willows, such as the weeping willow and pussy willows, originated in Europe and Asia. These trees have been widely cultivated for landscaping, erosion control, and the floral industry. Willows typically grow in moist to wet soils. They thrive along the edges of ponds, lakes, streams, and wetlands and are very tolerant of occasional flooding and saturated soils. They are fast-growing but often short-lived. Many species of willow spread to form small colonies along waterways, creating a natural floodplain erosion control. Characteristics All willows are deciduous shrubs or trees. Smaller varieties, such as the pussy willow, can be pruned into a bush-like form, while larger varieties, such as the weeping willow, grow to be impressive, thick-trunked trees. The weeping varieties are highly ornamental, with long, gracefully drooping branches that cascade downwards, overlapping each other like elegant fringes. Most willow varieties have an upright growth form with a rounded or vase-like crown. These trees and shrubs tend to have similar leaf shapes. Many long, thin, lance-like leaves line the thinner woody stems, giving them a densely green overall appearance. Willows tend to leaf out early in the spring and hold their leaves until late fall. In the autumn, willow leaves typically turn from green to yellow before dropping for the winter months. Willows bloom in the spring. Most species are dioecious, having separate male and female flowers on different plants. Both trees have showy catkins, often with a white, fuzzy appearance. Male and female flowers bloom at the same time, both attracting pollinators, which then help these plants cross-pollinate. The female plants then produce seed pods, sometimes releasing the seeds with tufts of white fluff to help them disperse in the wind. Propagation These trees are remarkably easy to propagate. Willow seeds are ready to germinate as soon as they mature, and willow cuttings readily take root with minimal effort.
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‘Bacon’ avocados are mild and creamy, with excellent cold tolerance. This large avocado tree is a wonderful addition to the cooler climate landscape. Read on as gardening expert Melissa Strauss discusses how to care for this tasty tree. In recent years, avocado toast has taken the world by storm. From coast to coast, American restaurants have caught the avocado craze, and I don’t mind one bit! Amazing avocados are a powerhouse of nutrition. They are an excellent source of healthy fats and are chock full of an incredible number of nutrients. Avocados are not a new discovery, though, and in fact, they have been in cultivation for thousands of years. Central Americans have been enjoying the benefits of this fruit for a very long time. What are ‘Bacon’ Avocado Trees? ‘Bacon’ is a hybrid variety that originated on the Buena Park ranch of James E. Bacon. It took about 20 years for Mr. Bacon to get around to registering the tree, but by the 1950s, it had gained popularity along the West Coast. Its excellent cold tolerance made it especially popular among gardeners in cooler climates. Its popularity continued to grow throughout the 1960s. Cold tolerance, in combination with overall attractiveness, were factors in its rise. Unfortunately, with the rise of the thick-skinned and richly flavored Hass, the 1980s saw a severe descent for ‘Bacon.’ In recent years, however, this variety has seen a resurgence. Many farmers and gardeners plant ‘Bacon’ specifically as a pollenizer for the ‘Hass’ avocado. Many home gardeners plant them for the same reason. They are tall, upright trees with attractive foliage and make nice ornamentals in addition to bearing a great quantity of fruit. Native Area This hybrid that hails from Buena Vista, California. However, its ancestry has roots in two different species of avocados that are native to Mexico. Avocados go back about 10,000 years, and their initial cultivation was in Tehuacan, Mexico, a Puebla state. Characteristics ‘Bacon’ avocado has a tall, upright growth habit. It typically reaches about 20 feet tall but has been known to grow taller. It is a type B avocado, meaning that it requires another plant for pollination. A type B avocado has flowers that open as female on the first day and male the second. This trait encourages cross-pollination. This is an attractive avocado tree with deep green, glossy foliage. It often grows in a pyramidal shape, which is unusual for this genus. In terms of fruit, this variety produces a great number of large fruits. They are a thin-skinned type, and the skin does not peel away as easily as a Hass or other thick-skinned variety. The skin is bright green with yellow dots, and it does not darken as it ripens. ‘Bacon’ avocados have large seeds and pale greenish-yellow flesh. The creamy, buttery flesh is the main attraction for this avocado. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Propagation Avocados are not difficult to propagate. You can propagate them by seeds, cuttings, layering, and grafting.
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Gingko trees are geological relics that bring history and beauty to our landscapes. Join gardening expert Logan Hailey as she shares how to grow and care for gingko trees. Considered living fossils, ginkgo trees are among the last of their kind. These stunning 25 to 80-foot-tall trees have uniquely fan-shaped leaves that turn vibrant golden-yellow in the autumn. As the last surviving members of the ancient Ginkgoacaeae plant family, these tremendous trees are geological relics that make enchanting landscape specimens for fall color. Although they are native to China, these trees grow well in most parts of the United States, from USDA zones 3 through 9. Ginkgos are known for their memory-enhancing herbal qualities, but the seeds of female trees can also be quite stinky if left on the ground. Fortunately, seedless all-male cultivars are now available to avoid the smelly cleanup. Let’s dig into everything you need to know about planting and growing this living fossil in your yard! History and Cultivation Native to China, ginkgo trees have been admired for hundreds of thousands of years in gardens, ornamental landscapes, and urban parks. The oldest known ginkgo tree in North America is located in South Philly’s Bartram’s Garden, allegedly planted in the 1700s. But the oldest ginkgo in the world is over 3,000 years old and grows outside a Buddhist temple in Xi’an City, China. The long-lived trees show no signs of slowing down, and many speculate that they get more vibrant and healthy as they age. In the fall, the ground beneath each tree is shockingly blanketed with golden-yellow leaves that shine through even the foggiest days. If you plant one in your yard, you can enjoy an equally stunning show that will reliably return every year for generations to come. What is Ginkgo Biloba? Ginkgo biloba is among the oldest living tree species. The deciduous tree is the last remaining species of the ancient Ginkgoacaeae family. Sometimes called maidenhair trees, the distinctive fan-shaped leaves turn extraordinarily bright yellow in the fall. The massive trees grow up to 80 feet tall and can live for thousands of years, earning them the title of “living fossils.” Gingko is notable for its medicinal qualities for the brain and memory. The tree’s extracts have been used as an herbal medicine for many centuries, and modern science has proven the neurological benefits for memory enhancement, as well as prevention of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Intriguingly, this ancient tree is quite tolerant of drought and urban pollution, making it a popular landscaping tree for city streets, parks, and buildings. It is virtually pest-and-disease-free and tolerates cold weather. The trees can be planted as large single-specimen shade trees or at a closer spacing for a privacy hedge. The pyramidal shape and few branches make for a striking focal point, and the fan-shaped leaves turn from pretty green to striking gold every fall. Key Attributes Gingkos are dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female trees. The male trees are preferred for cultivation because the female trees can be stinky. Female trees produce yellow cherry-like “fruits” that dangle in pairs. The fleshy fruit-like structure is actually a seed that resembles a plum seed or a nut. These nuts are traditionally used in soups and medicines. Gingko “fruits” are not technically fruits, but rather fleshy seed ovaries. They are notoriously stinky when they fall to the ground. A gorgeous row of ginkgos grew on my college campus and regularly shed their “fruits” on the ground every fall. The orangish-tan fleshy seeds were so pretty, yet they smelled like vomit as they rotted on the concrete. It is a smell you will never forget! Horticulturalists have struggled to properly sex-identify the trees when they’re young, but by propagating with cuttings or using the male-only cultivars that we will discuss below, you can ensure a sleek, stink-free landscape. The trees naturally grow straight up with a pyramidal structure averaging 40 to 80 feet tall but often exceeding 100 feet at maturity. Dwarf varieties are also available. The bark is fissured and gray with a corky texture. As trees age, the bark becomes more deeply furrowed like an ancient wrinkled wise being. The interior wood is light-colored and soft and was once used for religious furniture. However, it is too soft to serve structural purposes, and nobody wants to cut down a living fossil! Gingko leaves are fan-shaped with irregular toothing along the widest edge. There is a distinctive notch that splits the leaves into two lobes, hence the name bi-loba, as in “two.” The leaves are cheery lime green and turn dull and grayish in the summer, then yellow and eventually gold in the autumn. They stay on the tree late into the season for long-lasting color, then rapidly fall at the same time, creating a pretty skirt of gold. The leaves are most commonly used in herbal extractions for memory-enhancing supplements and teas. Where Do Ginkgo Trees Originate? These tremendous ancient species are native to China and grow throughout the world as ornamental and medicinal plants. Ginkgo biloba trees date back over 270 million years to the Permian Period when Earth’s crustal plates were still in the single continental formation of Pangea. About 70% of terrestrial plant and animal species on Earth went extinct during this era, but the majestic ginkgo survived. Ginkgo trees are widely cultivated but are listed as highly endangered in the wild. Planting one in your yard can help preserve an ancient species (though clearly, ginkgos don’t need much help from humans to survive through the ages). Propagation An interesting fact about ginkgos is that they are gymnosperms, which means “naked seed” in Latin. These trees are so old that they pre-date flowering plants! Most gymnosperms are coniferous, like redwoods, pines, and firs, but ginkgos are broadleaf gymnosperms. While their dangling “naked seeds” look similar to fruits, they are technically naked ovules or kernels with a fleshy covering. The trees don’t produce any flowers; instead, the pollen from a male tree reaches the open ovules of a female tree, and they fertilize each other. While you can propagate ginkgo from seed, it is more common to propagate by cutting so you can ensure you have a male tree that won’t drop any stinky seeds in your yard. Grafting is sometimes used to jumpstart a new tree.
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Add a billowy, whimsical backdrop to any landscape with smoke trees that flutter in every breeze. Garden expert Logan Hailey digs into how to grow and maintain the fluffy, smoke-like puffs of this intriguing ornamental. One of the most intriguing landscape ornamentals, smoke trees have an ethereal aesthetic that evokes a sense of drama and mystery in the garden. The billowy hairs that dangle from the smoke tree’s wispy spent flower stalks resemble a smoke-like puff, giving this tree its iconic shape and name. This large multi-stemmed woody shrub or small tree grows to 15-30 feet and adapts to many landscapes, from poor soils to polluted inner city landscapes. While the smoke tree genus includes seven distinct species, the most common are the North American native smoke tree (Cotinus obovatus) and the non-native European smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria). Both species offer unique varieties and attributes and thrive with similar care. With proper site selection and moderate maintenance, these striking hazy-hued trees are perfect for borders, woodlands, and individual specimen plantings. Let’s dig into everything you need to know about this lovely ornamental. History and Cultivation Smoke trees, sometimes called smoke bushes, mist trees, or cloud trees, are a group of large flowering shrubs or small trees in the Cotinus genus. The genus includes seven unique species, all sharing the distinctive wispy, airy-looking flowers that add exceptional fall color to the garden. When in bloom, the small trees look like billows of hazy smoke. Where Does Smoke Tree Originate? The iconic ornamental smoke tree has two main origins: America and Eurasia. The most commonly landscaped tree comes from southern Europe and central China, but a related species is native to Eastern North America. All members of the Cotinus genus have the signature fluffy, smoke-like dried flower clusters. They are known for their magnificently vibrant fall leaves and the fish-scaled appearance of their bark that stands out in the winter. In North America, the heartwood of the smoke tree was traditionally used by Natives as a yellow or orange dye. American vs. European Smoke Tree The common smoke tree, Cotinus coggygria, is native to Eurasia and widely cultivated as a landscape plant in the United States. This species was introduced as early as 1656 and remains commonly available in most mainstream nurseries around the country. Plant breeders have developed dozens of colorful cultivars with leaf shades ranging from golden, green, and purple, and flowers in hues of pink, mauve, red, purple, and bronze. Most cultivars transform to stunning hues of yellow, orange, or red in the autumn. The Eurasian species is dioecious, meaning male and female plant parts grow on the same tree. The smoke display is the same for both male and female flowers. The American smoke tree, Cotinus obovatus, is native to the United States and grows wild in rocky soils from central Texas to Tennessee. It is more cold hardy and larger in stature than the Eurasian species, but its flowers tend to be smaller and less showy. The American species is also dioecious, which means there are separate male and female trees. The male plants have a “smokier” appearance. Propagation Stem cuttings are the cheapest way to propagate smoke trees, but they can also be grown from bare-root trees or seeds.
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