Loblolly Pine The New Northern Pine

Loblolly Pine

Pinus taeda

The Loblolly Pine is widely known as the most common Pine tree in the South-Eastern United States. However, it is the cold hardiest species of the several Southern "Yellow Pines" . It is hardy in USDA Zones 6-9. It has been known to survive into USDA Zone 5b with winter damage or severe foliar burn occurring when temps dip below -5°F. Recovery of specimens from near complete foliar burn is known from established specimens down to -10°F or slightly colder. Examples of which I have seen in Southern/South Central Indiana. The tree is so fascinating to Conifer enthusiasts and people wanting other "exotic" evergreen options outside of the Loblolly's native range. If planted in sheltered locations from direct drying winds (eg. Southernly exposure) it has the best chance in USDA Zones 5b/6a. The "unaturally" long and bright glossy needles and large cones adds interest to the landscape. Whether that be an ornamental, wind break, erosion control.. this tree is a great option! However if you are not willing to take the risk from winter cold snaps being an issue, many growers have hybridized the Loblolly with the Pitch Pine (Native further North into the Mid-Atlantic and New England and Southern Canada.) The name this hybrid tree gets is the "Pitlolly Pine". There are some official multiple state DNR sources that at least in recent years have actively sold starters of the Pitlolly Pine online publicly. Gives you the look of the long needles of the Southern Pine, but you get the enhanced drought tolerance and cold hardiness of the Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida), but retain the extreme heat, moisture, and vigorous growth of the Loblolly Pine.

If you are in a zone 5b-6a and want to give Loblolly a go, start with cheap saplings and baby them in the ground shelterd with tons of Summer and fall hand watering, and heavy year-round mulching until they sustain good size (more than 2" caliper). Or try the Pitlolly Pine for guaranteed hardiness WAYY further North than a Loblolly could ever grow into USDA Zone 4 (-35°F). It should be kept in mind the Pitlolly will not grow in the deep South like the pure Loblolly does, as the Pitlolly is only hardy to zone 7 or 8a given the more Northern genetics of the Pitch Pine. You can try Loblolly as an experimental tree in Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Columbus, for examples especially with a warming climate. In the coming decades zone 5 may squeeze into zone 6 and zone 6 may inch into zone 7 putting all the cities mentioned above into the Loblolly growing range! However, given a more volatile climate means wild cold snaps from an aggressive Polar Vortex may mean historic cold in the years to come as well, keeping any hopes of Loblolly Pines further North on hold for a while. If this is the case (or a fear at the very least) the Pitlolly Pine will definitely thrive even in climates not warm enough today.

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 The Loblolly Pine's native range has been expanded due to planting (not a warmer climate as some may tell you). This is usually always the case when a tree species naturalizes outside of its historical native range. I have observed this with the Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) naturalzing hundreds of miles North of its native range. Countless of millions of specimens landscaped hundreds of miles North of its native range for many decades. The exact same can be said of the Loblolly Pine. (Nearly identical hardiness as Southern Magnolia). On a drive back from Alabama in the Summer of 2023 (current year as of this post) I diligently observed the species on the hike back North to my home in North Central Indiana (USDA Zone 5b) and I noticed them naturalizing from planted specimens as far North as the Indiana/Kentucky Border in/near Louisville, KY (USDA Zones 6a/6b). Specimens from this area planted and naturalized are pictured below.

Large Loblolly Pines near Louisville, KY (USDA Zone 6b/6a)

Loblolly Pine saplings naturalized on edge of Sugar Maple grove (Acer saccharum) source are from large planted Loblolly Pine specimens nearby located near Louisville, KY (USDA Zone 6b/6a)

Winter Burn on a native forest of Loblolly Pines in East Texas after the Polar Vortex outbreak  in 2021. While it looks like these trees are dead, fortunately they are not. While the existing needles suffered winter burn, these well established trees have the ability to flush new growth in Spring. 

Picture below

Summary

The Loblolly Pine is a tree desired by many who have not/or can not yet have it, and despised by many who can not get rid of them given their extreme aggressiveness in the South. It is likely in the many decades to come this tree will be able to grow further North than it can today, and at the very least the Pitlolly Pine can grow way North than the Loblolly is capable of growing in. The Loblolly Pine is fully hardy to roughly -5°F. Healthy established specimens can recover from damage down to -10°F or slightly colder. The Pitlolly Pine is hardy to at least -30°F if not slightly colder. In the Loblolly Pines native range it is one of the most common and weedy trees in the South-East. The species quickly invades road-sides, open fields, low wet areas, wood edges… To some in the South it's seen as a pest, to others a money maker for the timber industry, to others a symbol that defines the South. Whichever boat you happen to fall in, one thing no-one can deny is its significance to the South-East through the improtance of carbon obsorbtion, environmental health, and overall dominance.

🌲NatureMan 2023🌲

*SOURCES*

•NatureMan's own knowledge 😁

•https://woodcountymonitor.com/stories/nature-has-not-been-too-kind-to-east-texas-trees,158895

•https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/2021/03/04/east-texas-now-noticing-freeze-damage-on-forest-trees/amp/

•https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/plants-trees/needle-like-leaves/loblolly-pine-pinus-taeda

•https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/plants-trees/needle-like-leaves/pitlolly-pine-pinus-rigida-x-taeda

•https://mdc12.mdc.mo.gov/Applications/TreeSeedling/Home/ProductDetails/58

•https://www.houzz.com/discussions/1879150/pitlolly-pine-pitch-x-loblolly-hybrid 

The Kentia Palm: The ONLY True Houseplant Palm

 1) Howea forsteriana is the botanical name for Kentia Palm. This Palm is the only true pinnate Palm tree that can thrive as a houseplant. It can survive being the typical low lighting, lack of water, low humidity and more of the average home where only certain cultivated plants can grow. 

This tree is not only known solely as a houseplant, the Kentia's history is just as fascinating if not more so.

2) The Kentia Palm is endemic to Lord Howe Island. This island is so diverse in endemic plants that is has been named a World Heritage Site. It has a very unique climate where the weather never gets hot, and never gets cold. It's typically cool/mild year-round. They can get lots of rainfall, but also dry periods as well. Given the rocky/mountainous terrain and perfect weather, plants that grow exclusively to this dry soil, but yearly mild climate and healthy rainfalls means entirely unique plants will grow here. The genus Howea has only 2 species. Both of which are endemic to Lord Howe Island. Growers in frost free regions of the world, have to get their Kentia Palm seeds or starters directly from Lord Howe Island, as the tree is found nowhere else on Earth in the wild. Given the trees very slow growth, overall rarity, and popularity among Palm enthusiasts there is really no other seed source except Lord Howe Island. It is very hard to find a Kentia Palm for sale, and if you do it is likely expensive, starting at several hundred dollars for a 4'+ tree. From personal experience, if you are a houseplant nut, it is TOTALLY worth the money! 

More History 3) The Kentia Palm first became popular as a houseplant back in the 2nd half of the 19th century for the wealthy in England. Queen Victoria herself was so obsessed with them, she had them placed in all of her homes. The wealthy would pay large sums of money to get Kentia Palms shipped from the small far away island of Lord Howe (off the coast of Australia) to have them as an easy low maintenance houseplant. One could say it was a 19th century "fad" among the rich and elite. If you had a Kentia Palm in your home, it was a sign of wealth and prosperity. Even to this today it is not easy to get ahold of as described above.  

Care 4) 

Water and Soil: Allow all of the soil to dry out before watering. In average home water may only be once every 1-2 months. It will require a well draining potting mix such as Coconut Coir, Perlite, Orchid Bark mix etc.. Avoid soils that contain vermiculite and Spagnam Peat Moss as they retain moisture that may lead to root rot. Humidity is not of concern, adaptable to humid or dry air. Even air vents that dry the air fast is not of concern.

Light: Will thrive in low light, however expect extremely slow growth (roughly 1 frond per year). In high light (avoiding direct sun if not acclimated to it) will lead to faster growth if that is desired (several fronds per year are possible)

Care summary: This Palm will thrive with neglect when placed in the average home of average lighting or lower lighting. Too much care may kill this plant such as watering more than once every 1-2 months, fertilizing more than once per year, or placing in too much sun when not acclimated or using a soil that doesn't dry/drain quickly in the harsh indoor environment.

Similar care to Dracaena marginata,  Aglaonema to name a couple.

The first 2 pictures are of my Kentia Palms and ths third picture is one that was for sale at a nursery:

The following pictures are a few examples of Kentia Palms in wealthy Victorian homes (late 19th Century England)

 

Native Trees for Wet Areas

Indiana Native Trees for Wet Areas

This list provides native tree species excellent for the purpose of naturalizing wet areas. Many people will want to plant non-natives for landscaping purposes. This is absolutely fine, so long as they are not invasive species. However, the people who are trying to naturalize a site will obviously want to use native species. This post I will list the best options for wet areas.

1. American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)

This tree is common as a succession tree in disturbed sites/wet areas. Very prevalent along creeks, rivers, and general low areas prone to flooding. Grows super fast, and lives for centuries developing gorgeous bark that peels to show a glistening white. Prefers Full sun, it is adapted to partial shade due to a partial canopy.

2. Boxelder Maple (Acer negundo)

This Maple doesn't look like most Maple leaves, so it is rarely grown in the nursery trade. This Maple is often seen as weedy. It develops into a large tree given time, and even grows as a clump form (multiple trunks) is not uncommon in the wild. Great for soil stabilizing as it grows vigorously. Full Sun-partial shade

3. Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)

This Oak species, is unlike most Oaks that it tolerates wet sites. All Oaks develop deep tap roots, so they grow in dry sites. Swamp White Oak is common in nature to stabilize soils in wet areas where fewer trees can grow. Just like other Oaks, it grows very large and lives for centuries. Fantastic option to develop a real forest look, where others won't grow! Full sun-partial shade.

4. Pin Oak (Quercus palustris)

While not recommended anymore for landscaping due to intolerance of drought and chlorosis from poor urban soils, this native tree is fantastic for wet areas for the purpose of naturalizing. Just like the Swamp White Oak, Pin Oak will give a forest effect to an area where other hardwoods can not grow. Full sun-partial shade

5.  River Birch (Betula nigra)

Obviously given the name, you would assume it grows near rivers or at the very least wet areas. That would be a correct assumption. They are intolerant of drought, and often suffer chlorosis in landscaping situations and have a whole sort of issues in the landscaping. However, as a naturalizer it will add some pizzazz to the ecosystem with its cinnamon peeling bark! Native to the Southern half of the state. It has been known to naturalize North of the defined native range due to planting. Full sun.

6. Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides)

This tree is a famous succession tree that is one of the first to pop up in disturbed sites. Will grow in dry prairie settings, to wet soils by flood zones and creeks/rivers. Known to live for at least a couple centuries and become a very large tree with a vigorous growth rate. Full sun.

7. Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)

This tree was widely planted during the 1950s-60s as a yard tree. It is now despised by most arborists and the people in general as a weedy tree with very weak limbs and invasive roots. So it is best to avoid planting these near a foundation (just like a River Birch). However Silver Maples are excellent for restoration purposes. One of the best options for soil erosion control. Full sun.

8. Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)

This tree is only native to a sliver of far South-Western Indiana where the Ohio River is. So technically, not a native to most of the state, it can easily naturalize North of its defined native range, and absolutely will benefit an ecosystem for restoration. This is a deciduous Conifer, meaning it drops it's needles in the Autumn, and regrows them in the Spring. Grows even in standing water, and is adaptable to drought. Extremely versatile. Lives for centuries and grows vigorously. Full sun

9. Black Willow (Salix nigra)

This native Willow grows in any kind of wet soil, even near standing water. Very vigorous grower. Full sun

10. Northern Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)

This tree grows in a wide variety of soils. It will tolerate even wet soils, except ones that are consistently standing water. Gorgeous bark is very unique, lives for at least a couple centuries and grows vigorously. Full sun-partial shade.

NatureMan's Top 5 Evergreen Tree Cultivars of 2022

 NatureMan's Top 5 Evergreen Tree Cultivars of 2022

01/2023

I live in Central Indiana in USDA Zone 5b. The trees I recommend are for my climate and region. There may be better options for your location, so I advise you to do research to determine if what I list are the best options for you or not.

1. Green Giant Arborvitae

This tree is increasingly popular in landscaping as a screening tree. Unlike the very common Emerald Green, Green Giant is a full size evergreen tree. Maturing to 50' tall by 25' wide. Very fast growing at 3'+ per year, especially when young. It will tolerate poor soils, except ones that are consistently wet.  Green Giant grows best in a moist but well draining soils. It has some drought tolerance once established. It grows in full sun-part shade.  Unlike Spruce or Pine, Arborvitae has soft foliage so you won't get pricked. Hardy in USDA Zones 4b-8.

Green Giant is very disease resistant, unlike the very common Leyland Cypress of the South. It has a much better growing habit than the Leyland Cypress. Green Giant is also more cold hardy than the Leyland Cypress, bringing its growing potential into the Great Lakes region.

2. 'Canaertii' Juniper

This cultivar of the native Eastern Red Cedar has been selected for its wild "artsy" growth habit. It grows outwards in all directions, while also maintaining a dense habit. Canaertii is spectacular as a stand alone accent or many together as a screen. This cultivar is a female clone, so it will produce beautiful blue berries (technically modified cones 😉) that coat the tree during Fall and Winter. The berries form on the tree during the Summer after Spring pollination. It prefers dry sites, though this Juniper is adapted to Indiana clay soils. It will grow in a wide variety of soils except ones that are consistently wet (like low-lying areas). Full sun. Matures to 25'-35' tall by 15'-20' wide. Hardy in USDA Zones 3-9.

3. 'Skylands' Oriental Spruce

Oriental Spruce is a fairly uncommon species in the nursery trade, but is becoming popular in Conifer gardens. Oriental Spruce has small needles that are not prickly like most Spruces. The 'Skylands' cultivar was selected for intense glowing yellow growth. Oriental Spruce has a sweeping habit of the branches that stand out amongst other Conifers. Skylands truly is a fantastic full Conifer with bright burning yellow needles that fade to an emerald green on the oldest (interior) growth. Retains the bright yellow needles on the newer growth all year-round. It will look best as a stand alone accent. Hardy in USDA Zones 4-7. It matures to 25' tall by 15' wide. It grow at 6"-12" per year. It prefers moist well-drained soils. It has some drought tolerance once mature. While it prefers Full sun, tbe golden needles may burn in the hot Summers of the South, so it may be best to plant in partial shade location.

4. 'Paul's Select' Norway Spruce

This is the first and only BLUE Norway Spruce that exists! A beautiful Conifer that is a great alternative to the Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) that is suffering Rhizosphaera Needlecast disease in much of the Eastern US. Needlecast is a fungus that kills many Conifers from our high humidity and wet clays. Norway Spruce is generally a great options and is very versatile in many climates and conditions. This is a dwarf selection of Norway Spruce. Only maturing to 20' tall by 10'-15' wide. Though this is a fairly new cultivar, so truly mature specimens may not exist. It is very possible it may get much larger than this over a period of many decades. The needles are much smaller than regular Norway, as is the growth rate at 6"-10" per year vs 3'-5' per year when young on a regular Norway. Definitely a must buy if you happen to find one! Hardy in USDA Zones 3-7.

5. 'Candicans' White Fir

Considered by many to be the bluest of all the Conifers, this bluer cultivar of Concolor Fir is a must have for any garden/landscape. Concolor Fir has long needles that are soft to the touch. When the needles are crushed it emits a very strong Citrus aroma. Concolor Fir is considered to be one of the most versatile of the Firs for our Indiana climate and soils. One of the only Firs to adapt to heavy clays and high heat/humidity. It will grow very large and wide given time. It will grow 1'-2' per year, and will mature to 35'-50' tall by 25'-35' wide. Hardy in USDA Zones 3-7.

OP-367 Hybrid Poplar

 

OP-367 Hybrid Poplar 

Populus deltoides × Populus nigra 'OP-367'

(Populus x canadensis 'OP-367')

This cultivar of a hybrid Poplar is very likely the fastest growing tree on Earth. While other Hybrid Poplars grow at 4'-6' per year, this cultivar in the right spot can grow more than 10' per year. The tree can grow to be over 100' tall im about a decade or so. This tree is almost never commercially available due to the fact nurseries can't compete with virtually every other tree that takes years to get to a substantial size, and the fact every branch of Hybrid Poplar can easily be propagated into new trees. However most if not all urban homeowners shouldn't want a tree growing that fast to outgrow their yard and home, so in most cases traditional shade trees are the best. Cuttings are best taken when dormant to root to avoid shock with foliage. No rooting hormone is required as it releases its own natural hormone. Grows in virtually any environment from arid sites to wet sites. However in very hot dry climates they will require water support the first few years. They also tolerate extraordinarily poor soils, and are planted near treatment plants or polluted sites to remove harmful waste in the soil, as they are one of the few trees that can take such conditions and thrive. For wholesale or commercial propagation cut back to the ground every year or every other year and the tree will simply send new shoots from the base and this can be done indefinitely for nearly infinite cuttings to root. Can be cut for large firewood in as little as 2 or 3 years. This tree is a hybrid Between the Black Cottonwood (native to Europe and Asia) and Eastern cottonwood (native to Eastern North America). This cultivar was selected at the Oxford Paper Nursery in New York State in the 1920s. Studies show the Black and Eastern Poplar hybrid produced the best versatility and growth of the other Poplars hybridized. The 'OP-367' cultivar was found to produce the most biomass of the Hybrid Poplars, and grow the fastest. Other online sources claim the 'OP-367' cultivar can grow up to 12' per year. However studies show the tree grows its most vigorously during its first growing season, and still very aggressive during its 2nd season. I suspect growth upwards of 6' per year continues until larger than 40' tall after a few years. 'OP-367' is a male clone so no cotton/seeds are produced. The tree is most easily sold/shipped as bare-root cuttings during dormant season, though some growers may ship them as rooted saplings. The Hybrid Poplar is hardy in USDA Zones 3-10. It grows in full sun. Not particular with soil type or pH, as it is extremely versatile. 

The following is quote from North Carolina State University on why Poplars are not good landscaping trees:

"Poplars are not good landscape trees because they are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases as well as other cultural problems. Insect problems include aphids, borers, caterpillars, and scale. Cankers are problematic especially in hot and humid climates. Cytospora canker attacks the upper branches of the tree and trunk and is often fatal. Dieback, leaf spots, rusts, and powdery mildew are other diseases problems. Weak wood is easily damaged by wind and shallow roots can lift sidewalks, make lawn mowing difficult, and damage drainage systems. Frequent clean up is required from the endless amount of falling leaves and twigs. To quote Michael Dirr from his popular book Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, "if anyone plants poplars they deserve the disasters which automatically ensue.""

All in all use this tree as a reclamation for the environment, or to screen large open farmlands with poor soils. It is best to avoid Poplars in general in the urban landscape.

Sources:

https://www.hybridpoplars.com/hybrid-poplar-uses/ 

https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/53617/#b

https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/populus-nigra/

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a894

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2 linked videos (YouTube and Instagram) posted August 15th, 2022 and September 7th, 2022. Over over 1.5' of growth within 3 weeks!

https://youtu.be/V9BMO-Tv7Ck

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CiOH5KJDdY7/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=

Top 5 Evergreens for Erosion Control/Reclamation for Zones 5-7

 Top 5 Evergreens for Erosion Control/Reclamation for Zones 5-7

1. 'Green Giant' Arborvitae (Thuja plicata x standishii 'Green Giant')

This increasingly popular selection of Arborvitae is an excellent choice either as a screening tree or as a stand alone accent. Because it gets so large, it can be used as a reclamation tree as you would other large evergreens. Foliage is very soft to the touch. It does bronze some in harsh Winters, but is fully hardy down to at least -25°F to zone 8a. When young this tree grows very vigorously at 3'-5' per year. Performs best in Full sun, but is tolerant of partial shade.

2. Norway Spruce (Picea abies)

This tree is a classic landscaping tree. The most commonly planted evergreen in the Eastern US. It has been widely planted since the 19th century. They grow very large up to 100' tall by 30'-40' wide at maturity after about 100 years. When young they grow 3'-4' per year. Very cold hardy to -40°F if not colder to zone 7. Unlike most other Spruce, Norway Spruce has some shade tolerance so it can take some competition from other large trees. However this tree isn't tolerant of full shade, and prefers full sun.

3.  Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

This evergreen has been widely planted in the Eastern US since Europeans first colonized the region. Is is most heavily planted in the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley regions closer/in its native range. Will grow anywhere in the Eastern US in USDA Zones (3b)4-7(8a). Unfortunately the White Pine requires acidic soils and performs poorly in drought and compacted clays. So many have to site this tree properly if poor clay soils are an issue. Chlorosis can be a problem if not in the correct soil. As a reclamation in great soil in a wooded area this tree is an excellent choice. The needles are very long, but super soft aka not prickly)

4. Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

This evergreen is the most common evergreen in parts of the Eastern US. They grow in virtually the poorest soils, from disturbed sites, to slopes, to foreat edges and others. The Eastern Red Cedar not a true Cedar but in fact a Juniper can grow in Alkaline or Acidic soils. They don't like poor draining soils however, so make sure if you have clay soils to make sure water drains away from the roots. Since it can grow in the poorest soils, it is excellent as a restoration tree on disturbed sites. Hardy in USDA Zones 3-9. Mature Size ranges from 25'-50' tall by 15'-25' wide. Full sun is a required for this tree.

5. Black Hills Spruce (Picea glauca 'Densata')

This tree native to the Black Hills of South Dakota is also the state tree is one of the best Spruce options further South where hot Summers may stress other Spruce such as the regular White Spruce. Black Hills Spruce has a more compact slower habit than the White Spruce slowly maturing to 30' by 15' instead of over 60' tall like the White Spruce. Black Hilld is more tolerant of higher heat than the regular White Spruce, also tolerates drought better as well. Extreme cold hardiness down to -50°F to zone 7. Full sun is required for this tree. The needles have more of a silvery/bluer tinge to the deep green needles than the regular White Spruce. 

Ponderosa Pine

 Ponderosa Pine

Pinus ponderosa

Pictured Above are a Grouping of Ponderosa Pines in Boulder, CO

Ponderosa Pine is a long needled Pine native to the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Navada, and into parts of the Northern Plains. The species is divided into four subspecies. One native in the NW, one in Sierra Navada range in California, one in the Southwestern part of the country, and one in the Colorado Rockies to the Northern Plains. This tree is also very popular in landscaping as an erosion control tree or for common landscapaing. It dislikes the clay soils and high moisture in Eastern states, however they will adapt if sited properly. I have read of specimens grown near Chicago with great success, as well as in some East Coast areas.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 3-7

Mature Size: 50'+ tall by 20'-30' wide

Light: Full Sun

Water: Dry

Performs best in well draining soils.

Soils: Not particular with specific pH level. Requires deep well draining soils. While not preferring clay soils, they will adapt if placed properly with adequate drainage. Most Conifers including Ponderosa Pine prefer slightly acidic soils, but Ponderosa Pine does have quite the tolerance for a wide range of soil pH from Alkaline to Acidic.

Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen

Sand Pine Christmas Tree

 Sand Pine Christmas Tree

Pinus clausa

The Sand Pine is an underrated Christmas tree native to Florida and small sliver of Alabama. Many may not beleive me, but the most common type of native tree in the state of Florida is Pine. Several species are native in the state. The two most common are Slash Pine and Loblolly Pine. There are a few species of Conifers that are grown as Christmas trees in Florida. However most can only be grown in the North half of the state because the Southern half is too warm. Unlike other Pines, Sand Pine has very short and compacted needles ao its excellent to be grown as a Christmas tree. Sand Pine can grow anywhere in the state from Miami to Tallahassee. So even people who want to cut their own tree in South Florida have to option. Many tree farms exist in Southern Florida that grow Sand Pine. Sand Pine is hardy in USDA Zones 8-11. This tree grows in sand dunes in Central Florida and along sandy coastlines. It is intolerant of wet soils. It is also nicknamed the Scrub Pine due to scrubby growth. When young it is very contact and decent looking, but becomes very scraggly with age, and usually not very tall.

Upclose

Native Range

Wild Sand Pines

Sand Pine on Florida Christmas Tree Farm

None of these pictures are mine. 

Sources:

http://www.floridachristmastreefarm.com/tree_types.htm

https://www.bonsai-bci.com/index.php/by-common-name/evergreen-conifers/585-pinus-clausa

https://mapio.net/pic/p-40672509/

Giant Sequoia

Giant Sequoia 

Sequoiadendron giganteum

Giant Sequoia is regarded as the largest and one of the oldest trees on Earth. No tree compares to these ancient monsters! Most people know about these trees however because they are so infamous. The are quite adaptable and will grow beyond the Sierra slopes in California. In fact, several cultivars have been bred for better cold tolerance and overall durability to harsher environments. Generally given a little TLC and protection from harsh winds these trees should grow in zones 5 or colder areas of zone 6. However, saplings are the most sensitive. These tree will grow over 2'-4' per year or perhaps faster given optimal conditions. They are somewhat picky for conditions. They require loose draining soils that don't remain super dry through the hot seasons. They also can not tolerate wet sites. So finding the great spot is key. They are adaptable to clay soils so long as Water quickly drains after heavy rains. Saplings were selected back in the '40s from California and were planted along Lake Michigan in Manistee. 3 seedlings out of the 6 survived. 1 is doing exceptionally well. For that climate the harsh cold winds should kill a Sequoia. However, the trees likely had better genes than most sequias, so that is the advantage. The man who owns the trees has been micropropagating them in the millions to plant to slow climate change due to their unique ability to survive Michigan winters. Also a key factor, to their survival Michigan along the coast is slightly warmer due to the lake than inland. That helps the trees survive. The sandy soils aid with water drainage, but being right on the lake prevents them from becoming bone dry. Really the perfect locations for these amazing cultivars. Another breakthrough cultivar 'Glaucum' is a blue cultivar bred for blue needles and much stronger cold hardiness into zone 5 than the species. 

Hardiness: USDA Zones 6-9 

(zone 5 with protection)

Mature Size: 100'-250' tall by 25'-40' wide

Light: Full Sun

Water: Dry-Moist

Performs best in loose well draining soils. Does not tolerate wet sites. Does not tolerate very dry soils especially when young. Very drought tolerant once established.

Soils: Prefers Acidic soils. Prefers loose well draining soils. Adaptable to other soil types such as clay or loamy clay, so long as adequate drainage is provided.

Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen 

Windmill Palm

 Windmill Palm

Trachycarpus fortunei 

This hardy Palm is renowned as the hardiest "trunked" Palm in the world. Once established it will survive brief temperatures down to between 0°F to 5°F with severe foliar damage. Usually temps above 10°F will result in no foliar damage. Sustained freezing temperatures will kill this tree however. Fast growing Palm. They put on as many as 5-10 new fronds per season. They tend to dislike extreme heat year-round (aka during the Winter). They will perform best with hot and humid Summers, and cool/mild Winters. Windmill Palms don't perform well in the hot South Florida climate. However, they thrive in virtually any other part of Florida. They have been successfully grown unprotected to Tennesee, Maryland, Virginia, Arkansas, and others. Hardy in USDA Zones 7b-9 (sheltered areas of zones 10-11 out of hot afternoon sun). Will survive in protected areas in zone 7a and perhaps 6b if heavily sheltered.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 7b-9 

(Shady areas in zones 10-11)

Mature Size: 30'-40' tall 

(Rarely up to 50'-60' tall)

Light: Full Sun-Part Shade 

(Part shade to mostly shade in sub-tropical climates such as zones 9b and warmer)

Water: Medium-Moist

Performs best in moist well draining soils. Has some drought tolerant once established.

Soils: Not particular with specific pH level. Not particular with soil type and will grow in poor soil conditions except wet ones. Performs best in slightly acidic well draining soils.

Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen