new cultivars can add beautiful native trees back in the landscape

We are fortunate in the Washington DC metropolitan area to have several recent cultivars that allow us to include some favorite native trees in our landscapes!

Princeton Elm / Ulmus americana 'Princeton' Princeton Elm and Valley Forge Elm are cultivars that have been developed for resistance to the Dutch Elm Disease that has been a critical issue for the American Elm. Elm trees have a beautiful arching form that creates a perfect street tree or an accent in the landscape. As a native tree that is part of the lowland ecosystem, the American Elm is tolerant of wet soil conditions. These cultivars have been introduced into the landscape and have been thriving; providing a great option to consider for the home landscape.

White Flowering Dogwood Hybrid / Cornus florida 'Appalachian Spring' - or other disease resistant hybrid cultivar. These cultivars are resistant to Anthracnose and several other diseases that have been a problem for the White Flowering Dogwood. Requires well-drained soil conditions. Provides year-round interest, including spring blossoms, bright fall color, berries, beautiful branching form.

American chestnut 'Restoration' and other cultivars /

Castanea dentata 'Restoration' and other Cultivars

Before the early 1900s, the American chestnut tree was the predominant tree in eastern forests. One hundred years ago a blight caused it to be virtually extinct. But now, scientists are working to revive this beautiful tree. Efforts have already begun with planting of hundreds of small disease resistant seedlings in Eastern Forests. In the future a disease resistant chestnut may be an option for the home landscape

Read more...

For more about the revival of the American Chestnut, see https://www.americanforests.org/magazine/article/revival-of-the-american-chestnut/

For more info about native plants in Virginia, see Virginia Native Plant Society website https://vnps.org