Choosing the Right Plants - University of Nevada, Reno

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CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLANTS ∙ PART 2

Robinia ambigua ‘Idahoensis’ Sorbus aucuparia

Sorbus species

Mountain Ash – This is a good tree for small er

yards or street planting, as it is successful when

planted in turf. It has handsome, dark green

leaves that turn

yellow, red or

orange in fall.

Clusters of white

flowers appear

in April or May,

followed by red

or orange berries

that birds like.

Best planted in

full sun to partial

shade and well-

drained soil with humus added. Water deeply

once every seven to 10 days. Buy fireblight-

resistant varieties.

S. alnifolia (Korean Mountain Ash) –

40 ft. tall by 30 ft. wide; red or yellow berries.

S. aucuparia (European Mountain Ash) –

30 ft. tall by 20 ft. wide; orange berries;

orange fall color.

Sorbus aucuparia, fruit

Tilia americana

Tilia species

Linden – This tree has very appealing dark

green, heart-shaped leaves; unfortunately

they may turn yellow only briefly in fall

(if at all). It has fragrant greenish-yellow

flowers in July and inconspicuous fruit. The

dense canopy produces very deep shade, so

it is not a good candidate to plant within a

lawn. If the leaves appear to be “dripping,”

it is infested with aphids and is receiving

too much water. A dormant oil spray in

winter kills overwintering insect larvae.

This tree becomes tattered in high wind

areas; plant in a protected spot or choose

a different tree. Plant in full sun to light

shade and well-drained soil with humus

added. Water deeply once every seven days.

T. americana (American Linden) – 60 ft. tall

by 50 ft. wide; large leaves; yellowish-white

flowers in midsummer.

T. cordata (Littleleaf Linden) – 80 ft. tall by

50 ft. wide; blue-green leaves.

Robinia ambigua ‘Idahoensis’

TREES

Sophora japonica

Japanese Pagoda Tree – A fine-textured tree

that grows 50 ft. tall and equally as wide. Long,

drooping clusters of fragrant ivory flowers in

August are follow ed by brown pods that hang

on into winter.

Glossy, dark green

leaves turn yellow

in fall. Good choice

for planting within

a lawn. Best in full

sun to part shade and

well-drained soil.

Water deeply once a

week. Sophora japonica