Choosing the Right Plants - University of Nevada, Reno

UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION • (^49)

30’
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CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLANTS ∙ PART 2

Platanus acerifolia

Platanus acerifolia

London Plane Tree – This stately, 100-ft.-tall

tree makes as striking a state ment in winter

with its white, patchy bark, as it does in spring

fully leafed out. It has dark green leaves that are

somewhat felty to the touch. The fruits may

be a problem when the tree is planted near turf

or walkways. The 1-in. spiny, dry globes wreak

havoc on a lawn mower. Best when planted

25 -30 ft. from concrete so large anchor roots

don’t crack concrete or pipes. Needs full sun,

well-drained soil and deep watering once every

10 to 14 days.

Prunus cerasifera ‘Atropurpurea’

Prunus species

Plum or Cherry – This genus has over

400 species and countless more hybrids, but

only the hardiest varieties will be discussed

here. Note that though these trees will tolerate

heat, cold, drought and wind, they are very

susceptible to pests and disease. Most require

annual spraying in winter and summer to

reduce insect populations. Annual pruning for

the first few years to remove sucker growth and

to encourage strong branch ing is a must. (This

may be required indefinitely depending on

variety.) Grow in full sun and well-drained soil,

and water deeply once every seven to 10 days.

These trees are a valuable food source for birds,

rabbits, squirrels and deer.

P. cerasifera ‘Atropurpurea’ (Purpleleaf Plum)

• 20-30 ft. tall by 15-25 ft. wide; purple
  leaves; pink flowers; purple fruit.
  P. domestica (Fruiting Plum) – 20 ft. tall by
  20 ft. wide; pink flowers; red, yellow or
  purple fruit.
  P. maackii (Amur Chokecherry) – 30 ft. tall by
  20 ft. wide; fragrant white flowers;^1 ⁄ 4 -in. black
  fruit.
  P. padus (Bird Cherry) – 30 ft. tall by 30 ft.
  wide; fragrant white flowers;^3 ⁄ 8 -in. black fruit;
  red fall color.
  P. sargentii (Sargent Cherry) – 40 ft. tall by
  40 ft. wide; pink flowers;^1 ⁄ 4 -in. maroon fruit;
  red fall color.

Prunus padus

Pyrus calleryana

Pyrus species

Pear – Both fruiting and nonfruiting pears

have proven themselves worthy of consider-

ation for this area. They are tolerant of cold,

wind, heat, drought and poor soils. Plant

in full sun and well-drained soil, and water

once every seven to 10 days.

P. calleryana (Flowering Pear) – 40 ft. tall

by 30 ft. wide; white flowers in May; red,

orange and yellow fall colors.

P. communis (Fruiting Pear) – 15-30 ft. tall

by 15-30 ft. wide; white flowers; edible

fruits August-October; fall color depends on

variety.

Pyrus communis

TREES