10- to 20-Foot Shade Trees

Small shade trees are often grown for ornamental landscape use.

Shade trees that grow to heights of 10 to 20 feet are classified as small, ornamental trees. These trees are often grown for their flowers, foliage color and unique growth habits and work well in yards near patios, building entrances and water features. Their features, habits and heights make them a great addition to any landscape.

Flowering Crabapple

There are numerous varieties of Flowering Crabapples, also known as Malus species. These trees are best recognized by their abundance of white, pink or red blooms that appear in April or May. They range in height from 10 to 20 feet with weeping, spreading or vase-like forms depending upon the cultivar. Flowering Crabapples require full sun, clay loam soils and are slightly drought-tolerant. Their dark green leaves turn bright yellow, orange and red in the fall. Flowering Crabapples are suitable for mass plantings or single.

Redbud

The Redbud, or Cercis canadensis, matures to heights of 15 feet with an equal spread. Young Redbuds have a vase-like growth habit that develops into a rounded spreading habit as they mature. This small shade tree develops clusters of lavender pink flowers in April after which dark green leaves appear. Redbuds can grow in full sun to part shade and require rich, well-draining soils. They are hardy to USDA zones 4 through 9. Redbuds do best when the soil is kept moist. Redbuds work well when planted near entrances, patios and water features.

Star Magnolia

Magnolia stellata, or Star Magnolia, grows to heights of 15 to 20 feet with a width of 10 to 15 feet. Their silvery grey trunks support dense chestnut brown branches. Star Magnolias grow best in moist, fertile soils and full-sun areas. They are hardy to zones 4 through 8 and develop 3- to 4-inch blooms that are white with pink edges. The blooms are highly fragrant and appear in early spring.

Newport Plum

The Newport Plum, also know as Newport Flowering Plum or Prunus cerasifera 'Newport', is hardy to zones 4 through 9. Mature heights equal 10 to 15 feet with an equal spread. Newport Plums develop 1-inch white to pink fragrant blooms in early spring and are known for their dark reddish-purple leaves. They grow best when planted in well-drained soils that are kept moist and require full sun. Their rounded form provides shade throughout the season.

Prunus blireiana "Newport"

Gleditsia triacanthos 'Moraine' Moraine Honeylocust

References

• Colorado State University Extension: Flowering Crabapple Trees; J. Klett and R. Cox; Februrary 2008
• Ohio State University Horticulture & Crop Science: Cercis Canadensis
• University of Connecticut Plant Database: Magnolia Stellata
• MGE: Newport Plum