Sometimes a garden design calls not for sun or shade but for dappled shade. Trees which create dappled shade allow some sun to reach the ground. Its ideal for sitting area or for lawns since beneath these trees grass can grow. The following is a list of trees which will create dappled shade.
River Birch (Betula nigra) a wonderful native tree that is treasured for its unique bark and graceful silhouette. Its bark, which peels and flakes, is reddish brown in color. The River Birch has dark green summer foliage that turns a golden yellow in the fall. Easy to grow, the river birch is tolerant a wild range of soil conditions. Planted in a group, the river birch could create a interesting interlacing of delicate branches. On its own, its silhouette is dramatic against a stand of evergreens or the sky. The river birch is great tree for year round interest.
Thornless Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos) is an excellent tree for all types of landscapes. Its small leaves and open canopy allow dappled sunlight to reach the ground. The ability to grow grass under these trees has helped them reach the popularity they now enjoy. The trees produce dark-brown seedpods that can be a maintenance headache. They are easy to grow, easily transplanted and are adaptable to a wide soil range. Fruitless varieties are available with varying resistance to pests from which the species suffers.
Ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana), also known as musclewood and American hornbeam, is a great native tree that’s easy grow and shade tolerant. A common understory tree in forests of eastern North America, ironwood is a perfect tree for the woodland garden. The leaves are blue green above and yellowish green below in summer. In fall its foliage turns vibrant yellows, oranges and reds. The bark of the ironwood tree is gray with muscle-like ripples. Its attractive silhouette provides winter interest in the garden.
Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica) has long, graceful leaves and a pronounced weeping habit make this stately tree a unique specimen. This spectacular tree dominates the landscape with its large canopy and long, flowing branches that wave with the slightest breeze. Fast growing in any moist soil.
Katsura Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Katsura’) is prized for its beautiful spring foliage. Small, palmate, 5-lobed leaves (to 1″ long) emerge chartreuse with orange-tinted margins in spring, mature to bright green by summer and finally turn pastel shades of orange and yellow in fall. This variety typically grows in a vase-shaped form which gradually becomes rounded as it matures to 10-12′ tall. Japanese maples are generally grown for their attractive foliage and shape. Specimen/accent or group around the home or yard or patio or periphery of the border or rock garden.
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