Large Trees

  • Prices: $38 to $105 each (includes tax)
  • Trees are potted in five, seven or ten gallon containers
  • Height between five and 14 ft tall
  • Hardiness shows lowest temperature trees are guaranteed for
  • (n) = Wisconsin native
  • Learn more about trees here
  • 'Best Trees' guide for Cambridge area

Trees Available for Immediate Purchase:

Trees can be ordered now for delivery in April 2010.

Birch, Paper ‘Whitespire’ (Betula platyphylla ‘Whitespire’  Initially propagated at UW-Madison by Dr. Edward Hasselkus in the 1960s, ‘Whitespire’ is now the national standard white-barked birch...Attractive bark and glossy green leaves that turn yellow in the fall…‘Whitespire’ is superior to other white birches because it withstands stress better and is able to hold off disease and insect damage, leading to faster growth and a longer life...Growth has averaged 14.5” annually over 33 years at the UW-Arboretum...Hardy to -30. Available for purchase now: 8 ft. tall (5 available) $68 each

Birch, River ‘Heritage’ (Betula nigra ‘Heritage’) This birch features peeling tan, white and salmon-colored bark…Relatively fast growing, averaging 18" to 24” a year locally...Grows naturally along the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers…Requires a sunny location for optimal health and growth…A great birch tree for recently-developed subdivisions as it tolerates thin and compacted soils...Hardy to -30. Available for purchase now: 10-12 ft. tall (4 available) $78 each

Buckeye 'Autumn Splendor' (Aesculus flava 'Autumn Splendor')  Some of the nicest leaves of any midwestern tree and yellow flowers in spring...this is a version of the Ohio buckeye that holds onto it's leaves longer and has a decent pumpkin-orange fall color...of all buckeyes and horsechestnuts in the UW-Arboretum - Autumn Splendor looks the best to me available for purchase now: 10-12 ft. tall (2 available) $128 each

Chokecherry, Amur (Prunus Maackii)  A great small ornamental: Shiny amber-colored bark stands out in the landscape...White spring flowers appear with the leaves in late spring...Needs rich, moist soil...Grows quickly when young: 18-24" annually...Very tolerant of cold: up to -40.  Available for purchase now: 6 ft. tall SOLD $45 each

Coffeetree, Kentucky (Gymnocladus dioicus)  A rare and beautiful Wisconsin native with a local tie: the second tallest coffeetree in America (112’ high) is found just south of Cambridge in the Town of Sumner…This tree has two great attributes: a light, airy shade because of very small leaflets and an open, picturesque shape…Because of this grass and plants easily grow underneath it…The tree’s bark is rough-textured and the branches are stout, giving it a unique appearance in the winter...Also, Coffeetrees are very tough: they grow in just about any soil or environmental conditions and are disease and insect resistant – even Japanese beetles won’t touch them...In the winter female coffeetrees have persistent dark brown seed pods that prompt questions from those interested in nature…Hardy to -30 Available for purchase now: 6 ft. tall SOLD $55; 7 ft. tall SOLD $65

Crabtree, Red Flowering (Malus x 'Prairiefire')  Features dark purplish/red flowers and dark red fruits that persist through the winter months...Prior to flowering 'Prairiefire' has nice looking red buds...has glossy, green leaves…Excellent choice if you want a vigorous, attractive red-flowered crab tree...Hardy to -35. Available for purchase now: 5-6 ft. tall (4 available) $38

Crabtree, White Flowering (Malus x 'Spring Snow' 'Dolgo' and 'Sugar Tyme')  Our white-flowering crabs are available with or without berries: 'Spring Snow' is fruitless while 'Sugar Time' and 'Dogo' have small red fruits which persist over the winter months if the birds don’t get at them…All three also have glossy, green leaves…Spring Snow is fast-growing; four trees planted along the 200 block of High Street a few years ago have averaged 29” of annual growth between 2006 and 2009…Hardy to -35. Available for purchase now: all are around 6 ft. tall: 'Spring Snow' (2 available) $48 each; 'Sugar Tyme' (2 available) and 'Dolgo' (1 available) are $38 each

Dogwood, Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas)  An exceptional, care-free and beautiful small tree…Mature height is around 20 feet and can easily be trained to grow as a tree or a bush…They also handle pruning well and are used as a hedge throughout Olbrich Botanical Gardens…This is the first tree to flower in Cambridge: usually in late March to early April, along with crocus and daffodil…This dogwood's yellow flowers last for almost a month and give way to lustrous, dark green leaves that retain their vigor (that is, no Japanese beetle bites) throughout the growing season…Fall color is a so-so violet to red, but to make up for that this dogwood produces edible bright-red berries that are popular with local birds…Another plus is the flaking bark which reveals a golden tan to gray inner color...Cornelian cherry dogwoods are naturally resistant to disease and pests and are adapted to nearly all soils except those which are chronically wet...Hardy to -25. Available for purchase now: 6 ft. tall (2 available) $78 each

Dogwood, Pagoda (Cornus alternifolia)  Native dogwood that has an attractively tiered, horizontal branching pattern…Pagoda dogwoods are bushy, small trees growing to about 15-20 feet tall at a rate of about 12” annually…Fragrant white flowers bloom from late May to early June for a week or two…Fall color is nothing special…Like most dogwoods, the pagoda prefers life in the shade; best landscape conditions are with morning sun and afternoon shade though it will thrive in shady areas as well...Pagoda dogwoods are a great tree to frame the side of a house or to naturalize the edge of a property...Hardy to -30 Available for purchase now: 5 ft. tall (2 available) $45 each

Elm, American (Ulmus x ‘Morton Glossy’) This elm will not succomb to Dutch elm disease...It was developed by Dr. George Ware of the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL to be a fast growing, attractive tree with glossy, deep green leaves that turn yellow in fall...Withstands poor, thin soils and drought - will grow just about anywhere. Available for purchase now: 8 ft. tall (4 available) $68 each

Elm, Lacebark (Ulmus parvifolia ‘Hallelujah’)  In many parts of the country, lacebark elms are used as a replacement for the American elm given their fast growth, tolerance of extreme conditions (poor soil, drought, etc.) and the open, classic vase shape…This tree is also resistant to Dutch Elm Disease...Fast growing (we’re seeing more than two feet annually) to a manageable mature height of around 30 feet... Attractive small glossy green leaves with wine red fall color...Exceptional bark that has exfoliating patches which reveal a warm tan color underneath…We offer one of the few known cultivars (‘Hallelujah’) that will tolerate temperatures down to -35. Available for purchase now: 4 ft. tall (2 available) $45 each

Gingko 'Saratoga' (Gingko biloba x 'Saratoga')  A favorite of Frank Lloyd Wright, ginkgo trees feature what might be the most distinctive leaf of any deciduous tree: they're shaped like a fan, and nearly all of the leaves fall over a 24 hour time period in the autumn; as you can guess this reduces the annual autumn rake-up ‘hassle’ factor considerably...The leaves also have an exceptional clear-yellow fall color…Ginkgos are considered by many to be one of the most trouble-free trees available - no bugs or diseases are known to bother them and they are extremely hardy once established…During hot, dry summers Ginkgos planted along Greenway Boulevard in Middleton look great whereas leaves on lindens, maples and some other trees are drooping or browned-off...We offer the cultivar ‘Saratoga’ which is male and reputedly faster-growing for a Ginkgo, though that’s not saying much: perhaps 8-10” a year if watered regularly…Trees in China are known to be over 1,000 years old...Hardy to -30 Available for purchase now: 6-8 ft. tall (3 available) $148 each

Honeylocust: (Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Sunburst’ and 'Imperial')     Honeylocust is a great choice if you want a hassle-free, attractive, fast-growing (18”+ annually, more with watering) tree that won’t shade out your lawn and landscaping…Honeylocust have very small leaflets that produce a filtered shade and, because they’re so small, they literally don’t require fall raking as they readily disappear into your lawn and decompose...New leaf growth and fall color is a nice yellow...The trees are also tough: poor soils, drought, heat, cold, and even standing water do not bother honeylocust…We offer thornless and seedless cultivars chosen for their quick growth and open branching patterns…...Hardy to -30. Available for purchase now: 6 feet tall 'Moraine' (1 available) $65; 6 ft. tall 'Sunburst' (9 available) $48 each

Katsuratree: (Cercidiphyllum japonicim)  Considered by tree snobs to be one of the most beautiful and desirable trees in the world...Long-lived, low maintenance and attractive in all seasons: new leaves emerge reddish purple to an interesting round shape that flicker in the wind throughout summer; they remain disease free (Japanese beetles won’t touch this tree) well into autumn when they turn a nice amber-orange color and have a distinctive scent as well (described by some as like cinnamon or brown sugar)…Exceptional resistance to insects and diseases...The tree's only liability is its need for regular watering when young...a Katsuratree growing in the Nakoma neighborhood is 65’ tall...Hardy to -30. Available for purchase now: 4 ft. tall (4 available) $48; 6 ft tall (2 available) $68; 6 ft tall multi stem (3 available) $78 each

Magnolia, Red Flowering 'Jane': (Magnolia x 'Jane'Left alone this magnolia is a vigorous, upright rounded bush...or, it can easily be trained into a small tree between 10-15' high...flowers arrive in early May and are reddish purple on the outside, white on the inside...very cold hardy and quick-growing...a great patio tree or shrub. Order now for April 2010 delivery: 3 ft tall (4 available) $38 each; 4 ft tall (2 available) $48 each

Magnolia, White Flowering 'Merrill': (Magnolia x loebneri 'Merrill'A hardy and quick growing magnolia with reliable, pleasantly-fragrant and dense white flowers...can be grown as a shrub or trained into a small tree...will reach up to 20'...flowers arrive in early May...very cold hardy (zone 3b)...a great patio shrub or tree. Order now for April 2010 delivery: 3 ft tall (2 available) $38 each; 4 ft tall (1 available) $48

Maple, Amur: (Acer ginnala)  One of the toughest and hardiest maples: will grow anywhere in the state (to zone 3) and it tolerates poor soils...Attractive in spring, summer and fall: nicely shaped, fragrant spring flowers; lustrous, waxy and dark green leaves with a vivid red fall color; showy red seeds from late June to September...Slow and low growing (20 ft.) makes the Amur maple an ideal tree for patios and small gardens...Has the typically heavy maple seed crops each year which can lead to weed seedlings...A great colorful small maple for newer subdivisions. Available for purchase now: 5 ft. tree form (5 available) $40 each; 9 ft. tree form (1 available) SOLD

Maple, Autumn Blaze: (Acer x freemani 'Jeffersred')  Probably the most common landscape maple, this tree needs no introduction...Exceptional red fall color that lasts for a long time...Is faster growing but not weak-wooded...Is nearly seedless and grows well in full or part sun...Happiest in good soils but withstands wet and dry soils...Hardy to -30. Available for purchase April 3rd: 6 ft tall (4 available) $65 each or 8-10 ft tall (4 available) $85 each

Oak, Red: (Quercus rubra)  One of our faster growing oaks, growing two feet annually in Cambridge with good soil and regular moisture…Red oaks are also tough: handling the poor, compacted soils that are common in newly constructed subdivisions, although growth isn’t as robust under those conditions…This oak is also very tolerant of drought and can handle wind, heat and being planted on slopes…Acorns arrive when tree is 20-25 years old and are quickly swiped by local squirrel packs…Leaves have a brilliant red fall color during good years; and, at worst, a russet red/brown color…Red oaks reach 60’ high and commonly live to 150 years and older...Hardy to -35. Available for purchase now: 6 ft tall (2 available) $45 each; 8 ft tall (3 available) $65 each or 9 ft. tall (1 available) $75

Redbud, Eastern (Cercis canadensis)  One of the more vivid spring flower shows around - a reddish-lavender spectacle that appears on all wood, not just the prior year’s growth as with most flowering trees…Also has attractive, dark slate grey bark and dark green, heart-shaped leaves which emerge a reddish purple and turn to a warm yellow in the fall…Redbuds grow to about 20 feet tall…We offer trees that are from northern seed sources to assure hardiness to -25. Available for purchase now: 5 ft. tall SOLD; 6 ft tall (2 available) $55 or 7 ft tall (1 available) $65

Serviceberry ‘Autumn Brilliance’ (Amelanchier grandiflora ‘Autumn Brilliance’) A good foundation, patio or small yard tree with white April flowers, interesting smooth, gray bark and a good red fall color…Grows to 25 feet tall at an average rate, around 12” annually…Produces mid-summer purple-colored berries that are edible and supposedly taste like blueberries, though not many people have tried them because of how quickly they’re taken away by song birds…We offer serviceberries in ‘clump’ form with several trunks or as a single-trunked tree…Grows just about anywhere with good soil, sun or shade is OK...Not a good choice for newer subdivisions...Hardy to -35. Available for purchase now: multi-stem 6 ft. tall (3 available) $65 or multi stem 7 ft. tall (1 available) $75 each

Sweet Gum: (Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Moraine’) Interesting star-shaped aromatic leaves that feature a crimson, orange and yellow fall festival of rich color…Sweet gums also have ‘gum ball’ seed pods which hang on the tree throughout the winter…We’re seeing annual growth of 24” on recently-planted sweet gums in Cambridge…Tolerant of wet areas, poor soils and constricted areas with limited room for root expansion...Hardy to -25. Available for purchase now: 6 ft. tall SOLD $75

Large Trees Available by Order

  • Trees available by order are premium-grade stock propagated by a method known as 'air-pruning.'  This process creates a more fibrous root system which enables faster initial growth and equips young trees to better withstand stress from heat, cold, drought, insects, etc.
  • Order by April 23, 2010 for late April delivery
  • Prices are $95 and trees are between 6 to 8 feet tall
  • Unlimited quanity available for most trees

 Tree

Growth

 Where to Plant

 Hardiness

Mature Size

Attributes

Baldcypress            Taxodium distichum

12" annually

anywhere sunny, including poor or wet soils, avoid areas with high soil pH

-25

Large

exceptional foliage, reddish/brown bark, fast growth, golden fall color, grows anywhere sunny except for areas with high soil pH more

Birch, River (n)                Betula nigra

18-24" annually

sunny, moist to wet, poor soil OK 

-30 

Medium 

beautiful exfoliating bark, quick growth more

Birch, Yellow (n)          Betula alleghaniensis

18-24" annually

cool, part sun, well-drained 

-35 

Large 

bronze-colored bark, yellow fall color, wintergreen fragrance more

Buckeye, Ohio       Aesculus glabra

8-10"  annually

evenly moist and rich soil, sun or shade

-35 

Medium 

flowers, leaves, buckeye nuts more

Catalpa                          Catalapa speciosa    

24-30" annually (faster when young)

anywhere sunny

-30 

Large 

June flowers, adaptability, bean-type seeds, large tropical leaves, tolerance of soil and weather extremes more

Coffeetree, Kentucky(n)                             Gymnocladus dioicus

9-12" annually

anywhere sunny and well-drained 

-30 

Medium 

interesting leaves that provide filtered shade, toughness, furrowed bark, pods on female trees remain throughout winter more

Dogwood, Pagoda (n)     Cornus alternifolia

12" annually

sun or shade, moist and rich soil, protect from hot afternoon sun 

-30 

Small 

distinctive horizontal branches, white spring flowers more

Hackberry, Northern (n)  Celtis occidentalis

22-30" annually

grows anywhere 

-35 

Large 

quick growth, tolerance of harsh conditions more

Hophornbeam (Ironwood) (n)            Ostrya virginiana

8-10" annually 

anywhere except where exposed to afternoon sun

-35 

Small 

refined form, handsome scaly bark, butter yellow fall color, interesting hop-like fruits aren't messy more

Hornbeam (Musclewood) (n)         Carpinus caroliniana

8-12" annually (very fast when young) 

sun or shade, well-drained rich soil 

-30 

Small 

smooth silvery bark, leaves, distinctive wine red fall color more

Magnolia, Sweetbay   Magnolia virginiana

18-24" annually 

sun or part shade, rich soils, protect from hot afternoon sun, great patio tree

-25 

Small

lemon-scented summer-long flowers, leaves stay green all winter in milder years, interesting red seeds more

Maple, Sugar (n)              Acer saccharum

8-12" annually

moist, rich soils, well-drained area and protect from hot afternoon sun

-30

Large 

leaves, yellow fall color more

Oak, Black (n)               Quercus velunta  

18-24" annually

anywhere sunny and well-drained, tolerates poor soils 

-35 

Large 

shiny dark green leaves, brown fall color, quick growth, acorns more

Oak, Bur (n)             Quercus macrocarpa

9" annually

anywhere sunny 

-35 

Large 

furrowed bark, acorns, rustic grace, large leaves more

Oak, Chinkapin (n)      Quercus muhlenbergi

18-24" annually (when young, slower with age)

any soil with good drainage, tolerates exposed, harsh conditions 

-30 

Medium 

interesting leaves, acorns, yellow fall color, toughness more

Oak, Northern Pin (n)   Quercus ellipsoidalis

12" annually 

requires full sun, tolerates heat, drought and wet soils 

-35 

Large 

red fall color, toughness, acorns more

Oak, Red (n)            Quercus rubra

18-24" annually 

anywhere sunny 

-35 

Large 

fast growth, red fall color, adaptability (poor soils, exposed areas), acorns more

Oak, Shingle           Quercus imbricaria

6-12" annually 

sunny, exposed areas, good soil 

-25 

Large 

smooth, shiny leaves, rusty red fall color, leaves persist through winter giving shade and wind protection, acorns more

Oak, Swamp White (n)    Quercus bicolor

18-24" annually

anywhere in full sun including poor soils

-30 

Large

rustic peeling bark, shiny leaves, acorns, tolerates extremes in heat, drought, wet, rocky or compacted soils more

Oak, White (n)              Quercus alba

6-12" annually 

sunny, large and open areas 

-35 

Large 

classic shape, leaves, acorns more

Persimmon             Diospyros virginiana

9" annually

exposed areas, all soil types 

-25 

Large 

attractive shiny leaves and blocky bark, edible fruit more

Redbud, Eastern       Cercis canadensis

9-12" annually  (faster when young)

sunny or part shade, requires well-drained soil 

-25 

Small 

vibrant spring flowers, interesting bark, heart-shaped leaves more

Sweetgum 'Moraine'   Liqiudamber styraciflua

18-24" annually

requires full sun, good soil, tolerates wet conditions 

-25 

Large 

star shaped leaves with exceptional fall color, spiny fruits persist throughout winter, aromatic leaves and stems more

Sycamore, American (n)  Platanus occidentalis

18-36" annually (up to 48" annually when young) 

anywhere sunny including poor soils and wet environments 

-30 

Very Large

peeling mottled bark, grows anywhere, seed balls persist all winter more

Tupelo, Black (n)           Nyssa sylvatica

9-12" annually 

moist to wet, sun or part shade 

-30 

Medium 

vibrant red fall color, glossy leaves, pyramidal form, horizontal branching more

Walnut, Black (n)       Juglans nigra

18-24" annually (24-36" annually when young)

full sun, evenly moist, poor soil 

-25 

Large 

fast initial growth, edible nuts that make a mess more

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Learn more about trees here

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