Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Wednesday - August 05, 2009
From: Buffalo, NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Trees
Title: Small ornamental tree in Buffalo, NY
Answered by: Anne Bossart
QUESTION:
Hi.. My family and I have recently moved from coastal North Carolina to Buffalo NY. We have chosen to live in south Buffalo and therefore have a small front yard. We are looking for the perfect tree to plant and thought you may be able to give us some advice.ANSWER:
The hardest part of making this choice will be selecting just one!!
You don't indicate anything about the conditions in your new front yard (for instance whether it is on the north, south, east or west side of your house which will affect whether the tree is exposed to sun or winter winds or more protected and shady). You also didn't mention whether you are looking for a big shade tree or a smaller ornamental tree. One feature you will learn to appreciate as you get accustomed to the northern winter are fruits that persist through winter and attract birds. The American Mountain ash and a number of crabapple species have this feature. If you do select the mountain ash, be certain that your nursery does not substitute the European mountain ash, as it is very susceptible to insects and diseases.
You can do a narrow search or a recommended species search on our database by clicking on "Explore Plants" on our website main page to see a longer list but here are a few of my favorites that would be suitable in your new zone.
Large (but not huge) Shade trees with good fall color
Liquidambar styraciflua (sweetgum)
Smaller ornamental trees
Amelanchier canadensis (Canadian serviceberry)
Cercis canadensis (eastern redbud)
Cornus florida (flowering dogwood)
Malus coronaria (sweet crabapple)
Sorbus americana (American mountain ash)
More Trees Questions
Pruning of Bauhinia lunarioides
May 29, 2008 - I have a Bauhinia variegata..when is the best time to prune it? it tends to grow horizontally..where do you clip off the limbs?
view the full question and answer
Can a Quaking aspen grow in central Texas?
August 11, 2015 - I live in Austin and like the idea of a Quaking Aspen tree. I live on a creek and the tree(s) would get good sun and water.
Am I crazy?
view the full question and answer
Poolside plants for East Texas
June 18, 2015 - What are the best plants, shrubs, ornamental trees, etc. for poolside planting in East Texas?
view the full question and answer
Planting Garry Oak in Kinnikinnick in WA
May 09, 2015 - I want to plant a Garry Oak tree in my backyard in an area currently covered in kinnikinnick planted by the previous homeowner. The kinnikinnick covers a large area - about 10 feet in diameter. Even...
view the full question and answer
Thinning out of maple tree following heavy winds
July 26, 2008 - A 15 yr old red maple lost significant fruit in spring from heavy winds, in summer the tree seems thinned out. Is this the reason? Tree is otherwise very healthy and has always had thick foliage in ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |