THE LEAFLET

#PeakBloom sometimes feels like a citywide holiday in D.C. Cherry blossom trees lining the Tidal Basin inspire themed drinks, clothes, and food, not to mention all the photographers, tourists, and locals that pause on their way to snap a picture of those beloved blossoms. 

While they might not be the first to bloom, these trees offer eye-catching blooms in late spring (and maybe even foliage come fall!). The best part? We can plant them for free in your yard thanks to our residential planting program.

American Linden | Tilia americana

For a tree with many common names (it’s also known as the American basswood or lime), it has just as many honey bee pollinators. With nectar irresistible to honey bees, some beekeepers even market basswood honey! This stately shade tree has delicate pea-shaped fruits hanging from wing-shaped bracts. Look for them along Embassy Row on Massachusetts Avenue – DC’s historic linden corridor. Plant some on your property for free (or get money back!) with our residential planting programs.

Tulip Tree | Liriodendron tulipifera

Tulip trees, one of the largest native trees in North America, have unusual flowers that give them their name. The flowers resemble the classic tulip flower. Tulip trees can be identified by their goblet shaped leaves: The tip almost looks like someone came along and took a bite out of them. Plant some on your property for free (or get money back!) with our residential planting programs.

Northern Catalpa | Catalpa speciosa

This is a tree that demands your attention. White, showy flowers. Giant heart-shaped leaves. Dangling bean-like seed pods. Twisting trunk and branches. How could you not stop to take it in? And with all of these unique features, the Northern Catalpa is popular with kids as well. This unique and hardy tree is a fast grower that may find a perfect home in your yard. Plant some on your property for free (or get money back!) with our residential planting programs.

Southern Magnolia | Magnolia grandiflora

This elegant tree has large fragrant flowers that bloom from March to June, striking seed pods that drop bright red seeds in the fall, and bold, beautiful leaves. Southern magnolias are a much sought-after, durable evergreen tree that grace gardens and yards throughout the District. Southern magnolias reach approximately 50 feet in height in about 50 years. It thrives in full sun or partial shade. Plant some on your property for free (or get money back!) with our residential planting programs.

PawPaw | Asimina triloba

At the north end of its range in DC, the pawpaw is an under-used, small tropical tree with lustrous, dark-green leaves. Its deep-purple spring flowers produce clusters of kidney-shaped fruit that taste like a banana crossed with a mango. Animals enjoy the fruit, so the tree should be netted to protect the fruit for human consumption, however, deer will not eat pawpaw leaves. For optimal fruit production, pawpaws should be pollinated by hand. May be grown in full sun or partial shade, reaching heights of 20 feet – 25 feet in 15 to 20 years. Plant some on your property for free (or get money back!) with our residential planting programs.