Ornamental Trees
Small Flowering and Other Trees

Ornamental trees have a special place in the landscape. They are typically smaller trees (although not always!), and therefore can be located in a place that shades trees normally cannot. Ornamental trees also usually flower in the Spring or Summer and can add showy displays of color.

Some of these trees, do not flower. However, they can have other wonderful features, such as beautiful bark or striking leaves. Trees such as the Japanese Red Maple 'Bloodgood' is one example, with its bright red leaves. Here are some small ornamental trees that I use often in my designs. These trees do not get nearly as large as shade trees.

Flowering Plum Tree

• Leaves are purple throughout the season, a nice change from all the greenery.
• Pink flowers in the spring which are quite interesting against the purple foliage.
• 15 - 25' high and wide
• Zone 4B to 7A
• 15 - 25' high and wide

Japanese Ornamental Trees - Japanese Red Maple

Japanese ornamental tree with fall color.

I love this tree, although it does not flower. It has so many great features for an ornamental tree.

There are so many varieties of Japanese Red Maples. I am talking about the ones that get large, not the little weepers which I don't like. I once worked at a large garden center and my boss had a book on all the varieties (there are probably even more now).

I could not believe all the different types. Big leaves, small leaves, very serrated leaves, those that stayed red all season (like 'Bloodgood'), those that had beautiful green foliage.

I also love its form. It gets rather round in shape, but a little "Japanese" looking too...slightly weeping (very slightly).

Flowering Dogwood Tree

The Flowering Dogwood tree is one of our native trees. It is a great all season plant. In the spring it produces pink or white flowers, depending on the variety. In the summer it has lovely green leaves and a very pretty shape. In fall, it presents beautiful red berries which attract birds, and in the winter its pretty branches can be appreciated.

It does not get too big, so is easily incorporated into the residential landscape. I often use one at a house corner.

• Zone 5A to 9A
• 20' to 25' High
• 20' to 30' Wide
• Part shade to full sun

Ornamental Cherry Tree - Weeping Cherry

• Weeping form.
• Pink flowers in the Spring.
• Nice choice when you need a strong focal point.
• Nice near a pond or waterfall.

White Birch Tree

• It's beautiful white bark definitely stands out in the landscape!
• It can be either single stemmed or multi-stemmed.
• Leaves are small and open....tree is less dense than others.

White Birch does not do well in the warmer zones. May susceptible to borers. Some varieties have shown to be resistant to the borers, such as VerDale.

This tree can be limbed up to create more useable space under it and nearby. Limbing it up also shows off the beautiful bark.

River Birch

• Another beautiful Birch tree with peeling reddish brown bark.
• Available single or multi-stemmed.
• Resistant to birch borers.

Known for its beautiful peeling brown and tan bark, this tree is a winner! It was the first tree I bought for my yard when I moved. Along with the bark, it has a very pretty yellow foliage in the fall.

I prefer the multi-stem trees which have multiple trunks. These also can be limbed up (lower branches removed) to show off the bark.

Star Magnolia - One Of The Smaller Trees

• Small flowering tree.
• 'Centennial' and 'Royal Star' are nice varieties.
• Flowers very early in the Spring.

• Zone 4A to 8B
• 10' to 20' High
• 10' to 15' Wide
• Part shade to full sun

Most Star Magnolias have white flowers. However, if you want a pink flowering one, consider Magnolia 'Jane'!

This is a great, small flowering tree that can be used in almost any small spot. It will even do well with shade.

Enkianthus - Another Smaller Tree

If you are looking for an unusual tree...this is it.

With its uncommon beauty, lovely bell shaped flowers and great fall color, this small tree is a great choice, if you can find it!

It's a nice small sized tree which is great by a patio.

• Zone 5A to 7B
• 12' to 18' High
• 10' to 15' Wide
• Part shade to full sun

Related Pages
Landscaping Ideas
Evergreen Trees
Front Yard Landscaping Ideas
Foundation Plantings

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