#UMBRELLA TREE FULL#
#UMBRELLA TREE FREE#

#UMBRELLA TREE FREE#

Like the rest of the genus it is free of disease and insect pests. The oldest tree there is only 19 years old and until its recent removal to a new location, requiring heavy pruning, was rather broad topped and rather attractive.

#UMBRELLA TREE FULL#

We still do not know the full potential of this tree as it was introduced in the Los Angeles State and County Arboretum in 1958. In this area it self sows readily and seedlings are easily transplanted. Koelreuteria integrifoliola is well suited to the small city lot and will stand temperatures as low as 20☏, probably lower. This is the smallest of the genus, all of which arc worthwhile ornamental trees. They are green at first turning a beautiful salmon pink with age. The fruit which follows is bladderlike, somewhat resembling inverted Japanese lanterns. Flowers are small but produced in large terminal panicles in summer when flowering trees are at a premium. The entire leaf often reaches 14 inches in length. The leaflets ovate-oblong about 4 inches long. Koelreuteria integrifoliola (no common name)Ī small, deciduous tree from China which seldom attains a height of more than 30 feet. But in the hotter desert areas of southern California where it has been widely planted, the Texas Umbrella Tree is very effective, and those who have enjoyed its shade on a hot summer day in the desert will he ever grateful for it. lt is not good near the coast nor in areas of heavy winds as the brittle branches tend to break. Under garden or lawn conditions it will be a messy tree and will tend to send up suckers because of garden waterings. In spring the tree is covered with fragrant clusters of small lavender flowers that are followed in the fall by yellow fruits often used for beads. The foliage is bright green and the leaves are bipinnately compound. It is a fast-growing tree which tolerates a wide variety of soil and growing conditions. The Texas Umbrella Tree is practically indispensable for those hot desert areas where very few trees will grow. In spite of this it is one of the best shade trees for this area. The best control is to watch the watering and feed regularly. One caution should he noted-during the past year or two there has been some evidence of damage and occasionally outright killing of trees by verticillium wilt. The ultimate height will be about 25 feet. A certain amount of pruning is necessary to develop an open crown and overcome a tendency to cross branching and heavy growth. The inconspicuous flowers are followed by scarlet berries.

The leaves are dark green, somewhat shiny, and evergreen. This species of Schinus is much heavier and more densely foliaged than Schinus molle, the long grown and beautiful California Pepper. It heads too low for street use where 14 feet is often required height for the lowest branches. It is one of the best for use as a lawn tree since it thrives on the type of watering program usually given lawns in this area. Schinus terebinthifolius Brazilian PepperĪ native of Brazil, Schinus terebinthifolius is another fine, small shade tree for patio or garden. Very tolerant of a variety of soils, it can be grown over a wide area. Ideal for street or patio tise and also excellent for container use when young. It would be very easy to say that this is one of the best all-around trees in existence. Both types make outstanding evergreen hedges, especially when clipped.Īs a mature tree it has a billowy outline which is soft and pleasing. They are often used as a substitute for vines along a fence or arbor. They are fine for espaliers because of their tendency to make horizontal growth. Cutting grown or grafted plants tend to be rather supple and floppy. Its major drawback, if it can be called one, is that it takes so long to reach its mature growth of 50-70 feet and a width of 20-30 feet. In other words, it comes close to being the ideal shade tree for all areas in which it can be grown. It is one of the cleanest trees in that leaf drop is no problem as the leaves are so small and needle-like. Often sold in nurseries as Podocarpus elatior, it has been grown in Southern California at least for 40-50 years. This beautiful native of Africa is one of the most outstanding shade trees for a wide range of situations. Those discussed in this article are outstanding in this respect. Nonetheless, there are a number which, though falling short of this ideal, have, by reason of their adaptability, great value as shade trees. None of the trees are perfect, if perfect means being in flower year round and never dropping leaves.

Aside from such horticultural considerations as location, soil, and exposure there is the attitude of the person making the selection, perhaps the most important consideration of all.

Making a choice in this situation is sometimes difficult. Southern California gardeners are fortunate in having a wide variety of trees available to them. MaSome Outstanding Shade Trees for Southern California

Umbrella tree