3 Shade Trees for Small Spaces

Magnolia stellata – star magnolia

Magnolia virginiana (sweetbay magnolia)

Stewartia psuedocamellia (Japanese stewartia)

Nothing beats sitting under a spreading shade tree on a lazy summer day, enjoying something fresh from the garden, or an ice-cold drink. Many of us do not have the space for a full-size shade tree, or prefer not to have a large tree by the patio or close to the house. But, do not worry, there are plenty of options of small to medium-sized trees that fit the bill of providing shade in the garden, while also being in scale with smaller spaces, and not overwhelming the area in which they are planted.

By medium-sized trees, I am referring to trees that grow to between 15-25 feet within approximately 20 years. Think of these as plants that grow to between one and two stories tall, and you can get a sense of how they might work in your landscape.

With so many options to choose from, it is hard to pick just a few. Here are three to get you started:

1. Magnolia stellata – star magnolia: native to Japan, it is one of the earliest magnolias to flower, with bright white flowers in late March and early April.
2. Magnolia virginiana (sweetbay magnolia): one of the most adaptable magnolias, of all of the trees on this list, it is probably the best for urban conditions or heavy soils. Sweetbay is notable for its small, but fragrant, flowers in mid-June. Some varieties (M. virginiana var. australis) such as ‘Milton’, ‘Henry Hicks’, and ‘Green Bay’ are evergreen, holding their leaves throughout the winter.
3. Stewartia psuedocamellia (Japanese stewartia): is probably the most finicky plant on this list, and one that prefers a rich, well drained soil, high in organic matter. However, this is a plant that rewards throughout the year, with beautiful exfoliating bark, early summer flowers, and fantastic fall color. If you can grow this plant, it is one of the best to have in the garden.

Happy planting, and sit back and enjoy for years to come.


For even more small tree suggestions and information, join our new tour on Saturdays (June 13, 20, 27), Small Trees For Small Spaces.

Article contributed by Anthony Aiello - The Gayle E. Maloney Director of Horticulture & Curator, Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania
Photos: Paul W. Meyer

Turtle Tips

Eastern box turtle, photo by Paul Meyer

Eastern painted turtle and red-eared slider

Red-eared slider

Snapping turtle

Turtles at the Morris Arboretum

What lives at the Arboretum, leaves its shell and never leaves its shell? Not nut trees. Turtles of course. Like many reptiles, turtles hatch from eggs. Unlike their fellow reptilians - snakes and lizards - turtles have a distinct shell to protect and support their body.

Four turtle species are known to make their home at Morris Arboretum. All of them can be seen in and around the Arboretum’s Wetland, Paper Mill Run and the Wissahickon Creek. Other species may yet be found. All turtles, including aquatic species, lay their eggs on land, usually above the flood line.

Turtle Watching Tips

If you visit the Wetland during April-October you may see a dozen turtles basking on a log. These are the easiest to observe but who are you looking at? The most likely is a mix of Red-eared Sliders and Eastern Painted Turtles. The sliders are more common. Turtles near water usually dive before you are close enough to identify them, so binoculars are useful. With a little practice - and some identification guide research - you can be checking scute patterns, carapace profiles and head markings to share your herpetological observations. The common Snapping Turtle is most often seen as a snout and pair of eyes just above the surface. You might think it is just a bit of stump. Once you recognize it, you will begin to see it more frequently. The only land turtle we have is the Eastern Box Turtle. This may be the rarest to see as it likes to burrow into cool moist retreats or under logs. Eastern Box Turtle is a species of special concern in Pennsylvania. The survival of many reptile species is threatened by habitat loss. Leave all the turtles be and protect their habitats. Look and learn, but don’t touch – and remember the powerful snapping turtle has a long neck and a short temper.    

Look for these four turtles at the Morris Arboretum:

1. Red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta elegans – aquatic invasive
2. Eastern painted turtle, Chrysemys picta picta – aquatic native
3. Common snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentine serpentine – aquatic native
4. Eastern box turtle, Terrapene carolina carolina – terrestrial native species of special concern

Article and photos (unless otherwise stated) contributed by Robert R. Gutowski, Director of Public Programs, Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania.