Fire Smart Plants

Amur maple may be considered invasive in some areas of the US, however it is drought tolerant, fire-resistant, and can help create an exceptional privacy screen and hedge. Thanks to a height of 20 to 30 feet and their ability to offer ample shade, Amur maple trees (Acer ginnala) function well as hedges in the home landscape. With clusters of tiny yet aromatic flowers and green foliage that turns red during the fall, Amur maples make a strong impact. Though these deciduous hedges boast a reputation for ease of maintenance and a low susceptibility to problems, they still require consistent daily care for continued health. Amur maple hedges should be planted in full sun to partial shade in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 3 to 8 for best growth.

Fraxinus (ash) species recommended for Marin:

Fraxinus dipetala, CALIFORNIA ASH

• Utility friendly tree.

  Foothill Ash is a commonly occurring native riparian habitat shrub or small tree. It is sometimes used as a garden tree, and when the foliage canopy is pruned up to expose the trunks, it makes an attractive multi-trunk tree or garden specimen. The showy flower clusters in late spring make it useful as a flowering accent tree in a native garden setting. Its height rarely exceeds 25'.

  Native to California.

  Trees may be referred to as male or female.

  A Fraxinus dipetala in Lake County is registered as a California Big Tree. It measures 32 feet high, with a trunk circumference of 39 inches and a crown spread of 34 feet.

Fraxinus latifolia, OREGON ASH

• Riparian species.

  Native to California, Oregon, and Washington.

  Trees may be referred to as male or female.

  A Fraxinus latifolia in Scicon is registered as a California Big Tree. It measures 76 feet high, with a trunk circumference of 120 inches and a crown spread of 46 feet.

Fraxinus ornus, FLOWERING ASH

• Smog tolerant. Prolific seed producer, showy white flowers. Requires a moderate amount of water. Hardy to 0 degrees F.

  Has fragrant Flower.

  Native to Southern Europe and Asia Minor.

  Trees may be referred to as male or female.

General Notes

Carolina Laurel Cherry is grown as an evergreen shrub or tree standard, favored for its shiny green foliage. However, the flower and fruit litter is a problem in paved areas, and it may reseed unwantedly. It withstands heat, dryness and wind, and is quite durable once established. Variety Compacta generally grows 8-10' tall. It may require regularly scheduled light top-trimming (but not necessarily shearing) of vigorous top shoots to maintain its height below 25'.

Has fragrant Flower.

Native to Southeastern United States.

Family: Rosaceae

Additional Common Names

CAROLINA LAUREL CHERRY, CHERRY LAUREL

Tree Characteristics

Compact and Erect or Spreading with a Low Canopy.

Conical or Oval Shape.

Has Evergreen foliage.

Height: 20 - 30 feet.

Width: 15 - 25 feet.

Growth Rate: 36 Inches per Year.

Longevity 50 to 150 years.

Leaves Lanceolate to Oblong, Glossy Medium Green, No Change, Evergreen.

Flowers Showy. Fragrant White. Flowers in Spring or Winter. Has perfect flowers (male and female parts in each flower).

Black Drupe, Small (0.25 - 0.50 inches), fruiting in Winter, Spring or Summer.

Bark Dark Gray or Light Gray, Smooth.

Shading Capacity Rated as Dense in Leaf.

Litter Issue is Flowers and Wet Fruit.

Tree Site Conditions & Constraints

Sunset Zones 5 - 24.

USDA Hardiness Zones 7 - 10.

Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Moist Soil.

Drought tolerant.

Clay, Loam or Sand Texture.

Highly Acidic to Slightly Alkaline Soil pH.

Salinity Tolerance is Moderate on Coast.

Seaside Tolerance is Good in Mild Zone.

Pests & Disease Information

Resistant to Oak Root Fungus. Susceptible to Scales, Fire Blight, Root Rot, Rust, Gummosis and Verticillium.

Health, Safety & Environmental Concerns

Branch Strength Rated as Medium.

Root Damage Potential Rated as Low.

Allergy and Poisonous Health Hazard.

Biogenic Emissions considered Low.

Fire Resistance is Favorable.

Attracts Birds and Bees.

Not Deer Palatable.

Special Uses & Values

Screen.

Hedged or Topiary.

Cite this tree:
SelecTree. "Prunus caroliniana Tree Record." 1995-2017. May 4, 2017.
http://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/prunus-caroliniana