- Among the New England trees with conspicuous flowers are witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), black cherry (Prunus serotina), American plum (Prunus americana), yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) and sassafras (Sassafras albidum).
- Sassafras grows to between 40 and 50 feet, while the yellow poplar is suitable only for large landscapes, growing to well over 100 feet on occasion. Witch-hazel and American plum are much smaller flowering trees, growing in the 15- to 30-foot range. Black cherry is a medium-sized to large species, growing between 60 to 90 feet.
- The flowers of American plum emerge in early spring before the leaves do, while those of witch-hazel bloom in October and November, after the foliage drops from the branches. Black cherry blooms during May, yellow poplar shows flowers no later than early June, and sassafras blossoms early in May.
- The smaller flowering species of New England work well in naturalized areas, woodland borders, shady spots and groupings that highlight their flowering abilities. The larger flowering trees are suitable as lawn and shade trees, with their flowers an added benefit.
previous post