These Are a Few Of My Favorite Trees
APLD members across California chime in on their favorite trees for specific situations.
Click images to enlarge.
Favorite tree for WILDLIFE HABITAT value
Cynthia Tanyan: Quercus agrifolia, Coast Live Oak
Carla Harford: Pistachia chinensis, Chinese pistache
Carol Vander Meulen, FAPLD: Cercis occidentalis, Western Redbud
Johanna Woollcott: Arbutus ‘Marina’, Strawberry Tree
Lisa Bellora: Quercus agrifolia, Coast Live Oak
Francesca Corra, APLD: Quercus agrifolia, Coast Live Oak
Mary Fisher, FAPLD: Vitex agnus-castus, Chaste Tree
Julie Lienert & Reka Foss: Prunus ilicifolia, Holly Leaf Cherry
Favorite tree to use near or in a RAIN GARDEN
Cynthia Tanyan: Acer rubrum, Red Maple
Carla Harford: Populus tremuloides, Quaking Aspen
Johanna Woollcott: Chilopsis linearis ‘Art’s Seedless’, Desert Willow
Lisa Bellora: Platanus racemosa, Western Sycamore
Francesca Corra, APLD: Platanus racemosa, Western Sycamore
Mary Fisher, FAPLD: Agonis flexuosa, Peppermint Tree
Julie Lienert & Reka Foss: Corylus cornuta var. californica, Western Hazelnut
Favorite STREET TREE (under power lines)
Cynthia Tanyan: Acca sellowiana, Pineapple Guava
Kristen Rudger, APLD: Tristania laurina 'Elegant', Elegant Water Gum
Carla Harford: Cercis reniformis ‘Oklahoma’ Oklahoma Redbud
Carol Vander Meulen, FAPLD: Lagerstroemia cvs., Crape Myrtle
Johanna Woollcott: Cassia fistula, Golden Shower Tree
Lisa Bellora: Lagerstroemia cvs., Crape Myrtle
Francesca Corra, APLD: Cercis occidentalis, Western Redbud
Mary Fisher, FAPLD: Acacia fimbriata, Fringed Wattle
Favorite STREET TREE (no power lines)
Cynthia Tanyan: Pistacia X 'Red Push', Red Push Chinese Pistache
Kristen Rudger, APLD: Acer buergerianum, Trident Maple
Carla Harford: Ginkgo biloba, Maidenhair Tree
Johanna Woollcott: Ginkgo biloba, Maidenhair Tree
Lisa Bellora: Cassia leptophylla, Gold Medallion Tree
Francesca Corra, APLD: Jacaranda mimosifolia, Jacaranda
Mary Fisher, FAPLD: Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’, Red Maple
Favorite NARROW SCREENING TREE between close neighbors along a property line
Cynthia Tanyan: Podocarpus elongatus ‘Icee Blue', Blue Ice Yellow-wood
Kristen Rudger, APLD: Prunus caroliniana, Carolina Cherry Laurel
Carla Harford: Nyssa sylvatica, Sour Gum
Carol Vander Meulen, FAPLD: Dodonaea viscosa ‘Purpurea’, Purple Leaved Hopseed Bush
Johanna Woollcott: Myrica californica, Pacific Wax Myrtle
Lisa Bellora: Agonis flexuosa ‘Burgundy’, Burgundy Peppermint Tree
Francesca Corra, APLD: Podocarpus gracilior, Fern Pine
Mary Fisher, FAPLD: Cercis canadensis var. Mexicana, Mexican Redbud
Julie Lienert & Reka Foss: Rhamnus alaternus, Italian Buckthorn
Favorite tree to use NEAR A SWIMMING POOL
Cynthia Tanyan: Phoenix canariensis, Canary Island Date Palm
Carla Harford: Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca Pendula’, Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar
Johanna Woollcott: Fortunella margarita, Kumquat
Lisa Bellora: Euphorbia cotinifolia, Caribbean Copper Plant
Francesca Corra, APLD: Olea europaea ‘Majestic Beauty’, Majestic Beauty Olive
Julie Lienert & Reka Foss: Agonis flexuosa ‘Burgundy’, Burgundy Peppermint Tree
Favorite tree to ESPALIER
Cynthia Tanyan: Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy', Forest Pansy Eastern Redbud
Kristen Rudger, APLD: Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem', Little Gem Dwarf Southern Magnolia
Carla Harford: Citrus
Johanna Woollcott: Punica granatum, Pomegranate
Lisa Bellora: apple and citrus
Francesca Corra, APLD: Lyonothamnus floribundus, Catalina Ironwood
Mary Fisher, FAPLD: Arctostaphylos densiflora ‘Howard McMinn’, Howard McMinn Manzanita
Julie Lienert & Reka Foss: Acca sellowiana, Pineapple Guava
Favorite tree for LARGE CONTAINERS
Cynthia Tanyan: Corynocarpus laevigatus 'Variegatus', Variegated New Zealand Laurel
Kristen Rudger, APLD: Olea europaea ‘Majestic Beauty’, Majestic Beauty Olive
Carla Harford: Citrus
Carol Vander Meulen, FAPLD: Acer palmatum
Johanna Woollcott: Cercis occidentalis, Western Redbud
Lisa Bellora: Acacia stenophylla, Shoestring Acacia
Francesca Corra, APLD: Jacaranda mimosifolia ‘Bonsai Blue’, Bonsai Blue Dwarf Jacaranda
Mary Fisher, FAPLD: Acacia cultriformis, Knifeleaf Acacia
Julie Lienert & Reka Foss: Citrus limon ‘Meyer Improved’, Improved Meyer lemon
Favorite FAST-GROWING tree for quick effect
Cynthia Tanyan: Quercus palustris, Pin Oak
Kristen Rudger, APLD: Ulmus parvifolia 'Drake', Drake Chinese Elm
Carla Harford: Acer rubrum cvs., Red Maple
Carol Vander Meulen, FAPLD: Acer negundo ‘Variegatum’ - Variegated Box Elder
Johanna Woollcott: Acacia podalyriifolia, Pearl Acacia
Francesca Corra, APLD: Bauhinia variegata, Purple Orchid Tree
Mary Fisher, FAPLD: Lophostemon confertus Brisbane Box
Julie Lienert & Reka Foss: Prunus ilicifolia spp. lyonii, Catalina Cherry
Favorite CA NATIVE tree
Cynthia Tanyan: Quercus lobata, Valley Oak
Kristen Rudger, APLD: Ceanothus 'Ray Hartman' standard, Ray Hartman CA Lilac
Carla Harford: Quercus lobata, Valley Oak
Carol Vander Meulen, FAPLD: Chilopsis linearis, Desert Willow
Johanna Woollcott: Arctostaphylos ‘Austin Griffiths’, Austin Griffiths Manzanita
Lisa Bellora: Quercus agrifolia, Coast Live Oak
Francesca Corra, APLD: Chilopsis linearis ‘Bubba’
Mary Fisher, FAPLD: Cercocarpus betuliodes, Mountain Mahogany
Julie Lienert & Reka Foss: Quercus agrifolia, Coast Live Oak
Favorite PALM TREE
Cynthia Tanyan: Brahea edulis, Guadalupe Palm
Carla Harford: Chamaerops humilis, Mediterranean Fan Palm
Lisa Bellora: Butia capitata, Pindo Palm
Francesca Corra, APLD: Brahea armata, Mexican Blue Palm
Julie Lienert & Reka Foss: Washingtonia filifera, CA Fan Palm
Favorite CONIFER
Cynthia Tanyan: Cupressus cashmeriana, Kashmir Cypress
Carol Vander Meulen, FAPLD: Pinus mugo mugo, Mugo Pine
Johanna Woollcott: Cedrus deodara, Deodar Cedar
Lisa Bellora: Cedrus deodara, Deodar Cedar
Francesca Corra, APLD: Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca’, Weeping Blue Cedar
Mary Fisher, FAPLD: Cryptomeria japonica ‘Elegans Nana’, Dwarf Japanese Cedar
Julie Lienert & Reka Foss: Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Wilma Goldcrest’, Wilma Goldcrest Monterey Cypress
Favorite FRUIT/NUT TREE variety with year-round ornamental quality
Cynthia Tanyan: Diospyros kaki, Japanese Persimmon
Kristen Rudger, APLD: Feijoa (Acca) sellowiana, Pineapple Guava
Carla Harford: Weeping Santa Rosa Plum
Carol Vander Meulen, FAPLD: Punica granatum, Pomegranate
Johanna Woollcott: Diospyros kaki ‘Fuyu’, Fuyu Persimmon
Lisa Bellora: Citrus limon ‘Meyer Improved’, Improved Meyer lemon
Francesca Corra, APLD: Feijoa (Acca) sellowiana, Pineapple Guava
Mary Fisher, FAPLD: Ficus carica ‘Improved Brown Turkey’, Fig
Julie Lienert & Reka Foss: Diospyros kaki ‘Izu’, Izu Persimmon
Favorite CITRUS TREE variety
Cynthia Tanyan: Fortunella margarita 'Nagami', Kumquat
Kristen Rudger, APLD: Citrus limon ‘Meyer Improved’, Improved Meyer lemon
Carla Harford: Citrus unshiu, Satsuma Mandarin
Carol Vander Meulen, FAPLD: Citrus limon ‘Meyer Improved’, Improved Meyer lemon
Johanna Woollcott: Fortunella crassifolia, Meiwa Kumquat
Lisa Bellora: Citrus limon ‘Meyer Improved’, Improved Meyer lemon
Francesca Corra, APLD: Fortunella margarita 'Nagami', Kumquat
Mary Fisher, FAPLD: Citrus reticulata ‘Owari’, Owari Satsuma Mandarin Orange
Julie Lienert & Reka Foss: Citrus sinensis ‘Trovita’, Trovita Orange
Favorite tree to cast DAPPLED/LIGHT SHADE
Cynthia Tanyan: Fagus sylvatica, European Beech
Kristen Rudger, APLD: Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy', Forest Pansy Eastern Redbud
Carla Harford: Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Seiryu’, Threadleaf Japanese Maple
Carol Vander Meulen, FAPLD: Acer negundo ‘Variegatum’ - Variegated Box Elder
Johanna Woollcott: Cercidium X ‘Desert Museum’, Desert Museum Palo Verde
Lisa Bellora: Cercidium X ‘Desert Museum’, Desert Museum Palo Verde
Francesca Corra, APLD: Cercidium X ‘Desert Museum’, Desert Museum Palo Verde
Mary Fisher, FAPLD: Acacia stenophylla, Shoestring Acacia
Julie Lienert & Reka Foss: Lagerstroemia X ‘Natchez’, Crape Myrtle
Favorite MULTI-TRUNK tree
Cynthia Tanyan: Olea europea 'Majestic Beauty', Olive
Kristen Rudger, APLD: Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple', Royal Purple Smoke Tree
Carla Harford: Acer palmatum cvs., Japanese Maples
Carol Vander Meulen, FAPLD: Arbutus ‘Marina’, Strawberry Tree
Johanna Woollcott: Arbutus ‘Marina’, Strawberry Tree
Lisa Bellora: Arbutus ‘Marina’, Strawberry Tree
Francesca Corra, APLD: Arbutus ‘Marina’, Strawberry Tree
Mary Fisher, FAPLD: Luma apiculata, Chilean Myrtle
Julie Lienert & Reka Foss: Rhus lancea, African Sumac
Favorite tree with WEEPING BRANCHES
Cynthia Tanyan: Agonis flexuosa ‘Burgundy’, Burgundy Peppermint Tree
Kristen Rudger, APLD: Ulmus parvifolia 'Drake', Drake Chinese Elm
Carla Harford: Acer palmatum ‘Ryusen’, Ryusen Japanese Maple
Lisa Bellora: Agonis flexuosa ‘Burgundy’, Burgundy Peppermint Tree
Francesca Corra, APLD: Acacia pendula, Weeping Myall
Mary Fisher, FAPLD: Acacia cognata, River Wattle
Julie Lienert & Reka Foss: Callistemon viminalis, Weeping Bottlebrush
Favorite DECIDUOUS TREE for year-round performance
Cynthia Tanyan: Lagerstroemia X ‘Natchez’, Crape Myrtle
Kristen Rudger, APLD: Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy', Forest Pansy Eastern Redbud
Carla Harford: Cornus X ‘Starlight’, Starlight Dogwood
Carol Vander Meulen, FAPLD: Pistachia chinensis ‘Kieth Davey’ - Male Chinese Pistache
Johanna Woollcott: Ginkgo biloba, Maidenhair Tree
Lisa Bellora: Lagerstroemia cvs. Crape Myrtles
Francesca Corra, APLD: Alibizia julibrissin, Silk Tree
Mary Fisher, FAPLD: Cercis canadensis var. Mexicana, Mexican Redbud
Julie Lienert & Reka Foss: Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Lace Lady’, Twisty Baby Dwarf Black Locust
Favorite EVERGREEN TREE for year-round performance
Cynthia Tanyan: Afrocarpus gracilior, African Fern Pine
Kristen Rudger, APLD: Olea europaea 'Swan Hill', Swan Hill Olive
Carla Harford: Sequoia sempervirens, Redwood
Carol Vander Meulen, FAPLD: Arbutus ‘Marina’, Strawberry Tree
Johanna Woollcott: Quercus suber, Cork Oak
Lisa Bellora: Agonis flexuosa ‘Burgundy’, Burgundy Peppermint Tree
Francesca Corra, APLD: Arbutus ‘Marina’, Strawberry Tree
Mary Fisher, FAPLD: Acacia fimbriata, Brisbane Golden Wattle
Julie Lienert & Reka Foss: Geijera parviflora, Australian Willow
Your “DESERT ISLAND TREE” (if you could only choose one tree to spend the rest of your life with – not necessarily on a desert island!)
Cynthia Tanyan: Corynocarpus laevigatus 'Variegatus', Variegated New Zealand Laurel
Kristen Rudger, APLD: Quercus lobata, Valley Oak
Johanna Woollcott: Arctostaphylos ‘Austin Griffiths’, Austin Griffiths Manzanita
Lisa Bellora: Agonis flexuosa ‘Burgundy’, Burgundy Peppermint Tree
Francesca Corra, APLD: Michelia champaca ‘Alba’, White Fragrant Himalayan Champaca
Mary Fisher, FAPLD: Brachychiton rupestris, Queensland Bottle Tree
Julie Lienert & Reka Foss:Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Lace Lady’, Twisty Baby Dwarf Black Locust
