Though the name Trident Maple may conjure a sense of sharpness, this shade tree is anything but. In fact, the forward-facing leaves are soft, lobed, and often likened to the shape of a duck’s foot. Ideal to bring shade to a patio, yard, or street, the Trident Maple grows to a moderate height of 20-30 feet, branching out equally as wide, providing a welcoming canopy of coolness. What else is cool about this tree? Mature trunks boast an impressive display of exfoliating bark in shades of pale pink and soft orange.
Monthly Archives: May 2014
Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress
Photo by Derek Ramsey
It may be stating the obvious, but this hearty tree specimen is just as bold as its name suggests. Not only does it do well in a variety of soil conditions (ranging from acidic, sandy, and wet soils), it is left alone by deer, resists erosion and stands tall against air pollution, making it an excellent choice for both urban and rural landscapes. The Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress is a stately pyramidal conifer that yields ornamental 1” round green cones that turn brown by late fall, and reaches an average height of 50-70.’ Contrary to its appearance as an evergreen, the Bald Cypress is actually deciduous, dropping its needles before wintertime. Come by the nursery to behold its bold stature — you may just feel a bit braver basking in its presence!
American Paw Paw – tasteful in both backyard and culinary landscape
The American Paw Paw is a beautiful, multi-use addition to your backyard sanctuary, offering lush attractive alternate and spirally-arranged foliage, deep purple tulip-like blooms, and delicious fruit resembling papayas. It is said that the English name Paw Paw either came from the Spanish or Portuguese word for Papaya, since their fruit is so similar to each other. The Paw Paw is part of the Custard Apple family, and tastes like a combination of tropical fruits like mango, banana, pineapple and melon. Sound delicious? Come by the nursery to grow your own to make the decadent Paw Paw pudding recipe below.
Pawpaw Pudding
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
half teaspoon cinnamon
2 eggs
2 cups pawpaw pulp
1½ cups of milk (dairy or other)
1/3 cup melted butter (or coconut oil)
Dash of sea salt (optional)
Preheat oven to 350º and oil a medium-sized glass baking dish. In a large mixing bowl whisk together all dry ingredients. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and mix in the eggs. Add all other ingredients and mix thoroughly. Bake 50 minutes. When cooled, cut in squares. Top with whipped cream if desired.
The Hardy Rubber Tree is Hardly Just a Tree!
Tough conditions seem to bounce off this tough shade tree. Not only are they extremely tolerant of drought, insects and disease seem to keep their distance as well. The Hardy Rubber tree has lovely, elongated, glossy leaves that can get up to 8’’ long that even in the harshest conditions, retain their elegant green foliage. Another perk specific to New Jersey is that they can thrive in many soil environments, including heavy clay as long as adequate drainage is provided. Not only is the bark and sap processed to make natural latex, it has also been used in Chinese medicine for alleviating pain, strengthening joints and bones, and rejuvenating kidney and liver health.
Japanese Stewartia — a Tree for all Seasons!
If you’re looking for a truly unique specimen to intrigue your senses year-round, Japanese Stewartia is an excellent choice. This stunning deciduous ornamental is native to Japan and is a member of the tea family. With elegant, ruffled white blooms appearing in late summer, along with rich, deep green foliage, its canopy offers a sensory experience all on its own. What’s more, its stately trunk offers a collage of exfoliating bark that peels away in rounded lobes of peach-colored hues, complementing its leaves that turn shades of vibrant vermillion in autumn. With such variation in seasonal beauty, Japanese Stewartia truly makes a statement to any garden. However, the beauty of this tree is best seen in person — stop by our nursery to check it out!