We're replacing some lawn with native plantings, and we'd like redbud and shadblow trees that are smaller than the straight species, yet still native-friendly. Can you recommend cultivars or where to buy them?
The straight species are too big for our yard, but I've learned that cultivars of native species often can't benefit insects, especially in their larval stages when they're eating leaves, or when they're adapted to particular characteristics of native flowers. If the only change in a cultivar is the overall size of the plant, that's usually ok. So, I'd like to find redbud and shadblow trees that are smaller, but not otherwise modified. It's width that we're most constrained on, but since we prefer a spreading look to an upright one proportionally, our width constraint also ends up constraining height.
I keep finding redbuds that have different colors and shapes in the foliage, flower, and overall tree, which I fear makes them less suited to native creatures. Can you help me find ones that are:
- Smaller (ideally, much smaller) than the straight species, but otherwise as similar as possible.
- Canadensis, I think, because that's what's native and well-suited to thrive in partial shade/partial sun in Western Massachusetts (zone 5-6)? But please correct me if I'm wrong.
For the shadblow, the criteria are the same. I've had a little more success finding candidates -- specifically, Prince William -- though not sources for them.
I'd also like suggestions for a reputable place to buy these varieties where they're...
- Available for purchase, either now or likely within a year.
- Raised without neonicotinoids (but I can inquire).
- Reasonably priced, given all of the above. I'd rather get a less mature tree for less money if odds are good that it'll thrive over time. |
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