| I am trying to figure out what region I live in. I live in Lancaster, CA, which is high desert, the Angelope Valley, zip code 93536. I am also interested in planting a hardy shade tree in my east facing yard and want to know if a Japanese Maple would survive. Thanks! |
| You are in USDA zone 8 or Sunset's zone 13. A maple won't be happy in your desert environment, but lots of other trees will. Goldenrain Tree (Koelreuteria paniculata.) 20-35 ft tree that grows slow to moderate. Takes cold, heat, drought, wind, alkaline soil, though needs regular watering when young. Good for a lawn or terrace tree in difficult soils and climates. Honey Locust (Gleditsia tricanthos.) 40 ft fast growing, good desert tree that is tolerant to heat, cold, wind and some drought. Tolerant of acidic and alkaline soils but will do best on deep, well drained soils. Good multi-row windbreak, shade, and lawn tree. Produces small clusters of white flowers in the spring. Hybrid Poplar (Populus canadensis. ?Robusta?) 50-60 ft fast growing tree that prefers cold winters and hot summers. Desert adapted. Best with regular deep watering. Drought tolerant if roots grow deep enough to tap into the water table. Not for lawns or city streets as roots are invasive. Little-Leaf Linden (Tilia cordata.) Hardiest of the lindens, responds well to deep rich soil and plenty of water. Grows at a slow to moderate rate. Produces small yellowish white flowers in July. Excellent medium-sized lawn or street tree. Purple Smoke Tree (Cotinus coggygria. ?Purpureus?) 25 ft tree does best under stress in poor or rocky soil. Prefers fast drainage and infrequent watering. Full sun. Produces loose clusters of flowers which, as they fade, turn into dramatic ?puffs? of purple smoke. Pussy Willow (Salix discolor.) 20 ft fast growing tree that tolerates poor drainage and is successful in almost any soil. Needs plenty of water. Full sun to partial shade. Good for erosion control. Invasive roots. Produces catkins in late winter/early spring. Siouxland Poplar (Populus deltoids. 'Siouxland') 60 ft fast growing tree that prefers cold winters and hot summers. Full to partial sun. Does well in dry conditions. Best with regular deep watering. Drought tolerant if roots grow deep enough to tap into the water table. Good windbreak. Not for lawns or city streets as roots are invasive. Sycamore (Platanus) 50 ft moderate growing tree tolerant of heat and wind. Somewhat drought tolerant but does better in summer with deep watering. Good shade tree. Theves Poplar (Populus nigra. 'Thevestina') 40 ft fast growing tree that prefers cold winters and hot summers. Full sun. Best with regular deep watering. Drought tolerant if roots grow deep enough to tap into the water table. Good windbreak. Not for lawns or city streets as roots are invasive. Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera.) 60-80 ft fast growing tree. Prefers deep, rich, well drained soil and plenty of summer watering. Give this tree room to grow as eventually spreads to 40 ft. Good shade, lawn, or roadside tree. After 10-12 years produces greenish yellow flowers in the late spring. White Ash (Faxinus Americana.) 80 ft tree tolerates hot summers, cold winters, and many kinds of soil. Used on streets, for shade, lawns and patios. Needs some watering. Edges show burning in hot, windy areas. You can find lots of other plant suggestions by visiting a website sponsored by Antelope Valley Conservation District: http://www.avrcd.org/nursery.h... |
