Sassafras
Sassafras albidum The sassafras bark and roots were once used (and perhaps still are) for medicines, tea, and root-beer. Leaves are generally mitt-shaped but variable in form, turning yellow and …
Trees
Information on urban hardy species that have been tested for success.
SEARCH
Nuttall Oak
Quercus nuttallii The nuttall oak is a highly-adaptable, underused, tough urban shade tree. It is prized by homeowners for its deep, brick-red fall foliage and reddish-purple new twig growth. Size …
Chinese Pistache
Pistacia chinensis A small, tough ornamental shade tree, the Chinese pistache is known for its brilliant autumn color, feathered leaf pattern, and gray bark that peels back as the tree …
American Holly
Ilex opaca The American holly is a pyramid-shaped tree symbolizing the holiday season with characteristic dark green leaves and red berries that are appreciated by birds. It adds a splash …
American Hornbeam
Carpinus caroliniana Not to be confused with hophornbeam, the American hornbeam or “musclewood” is so named because of its distinct bark – smooth, bluish-gray with a muscle-like surface. Hornbeams are …
American Hophornbeam
Ostrya virginiana The American hophornbeam or ironwood is so named from its seed resembling hops used in beer production and its extremely hard wood. This graceful tree has yellow fall …
Blackhaw Viburnum
Viburnum prunifolium A small tree, the blackhaw viburnum can also be characterized as an ornamental shrub with creamy-white spring flowers, burgundy fall foliage and berry-like “drupes” valued by wildlife and …
Eastern Redbud
Cercis canadensis A local favorite found in forests, fields, and yards – the redbud has beautiful pink and purple spring flowers, large heart-shaped leaves. and attractive seed pods that release …
Silverbell
Halesia carolina Named for its beautiful flower, the silverbell is an ornamental tree with distinctive furrowed bark that can withstand a variety of conditions. Size and Light Requirements Grown in …
Serviceberry
Amelanchier As one would expect from a small tree in the rose family, the serviceberry has beautiful flowers and fruit that attract birds and butterflies, as well as brilliant orange-yellow …
Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia A small, flowering tree that will provide shade when fully-grown, the crape myrtle not only has wonderful, showy flowers that can range from white to deep purple, it also …
Pawpaw
Asimina triloba At the north end of its range in D.C., the pawpaw is an under-used, small tropical tree with lustrous, dark-green leaves. Its deep-purple spring flowers produce clusters of …
Tree Species
The trees in this guide are well adapted to the soil and conditions present in Washington, D.C. We encourage you to plant medium and larger-sized trees, as they provide greater benefits …
Urban Tree World Cup
Do you follow us on Twitter? If not, you totally should. Because then you’d be able to witness and take part in the Urban Tree World Cup, the brilliant idea …
Casey Trees’ Urban Forester Featured in 730DC’s Not a Swamp: Winter Guide
Every season there are fascinating changes occurring in our urban forests, parks, and gardens. Paying attention is the first step toward changing our relationships with the shared natural world. 730DC’s …