Shumard Oak
The Shumard Oak tree, Quercus shumardii, is one of the largest southern red oak trees. It grows moderately fast and produces acorns every 2 to 4 years that are a bonus since they can be used by wildlife for food. A handsome shade tree, suggested as a substitute for Scarlet Oak, though not so hardy northward. It was named for Benjamin Franklin Shumard (1820-69), state geologist of Texas. This deciduous tree, sometimes called the Texas Oak, has small, usually 5-lobed leaves, small acorns, and hairy red buds (instead of hairless brown). Shumard Oak trees have shiny, dark green leaves, and the bark is gray and smooth. Shumard Oak trees tolerate poor soil and drought conditions, especially after they are established. The outstanding deep crimson-red fall color produced by the Shumard Oak is an excellent reason to plant this species. In urban areas, this tree has been embraced as a hardy city species. It is also a valuable lumber oak. ... details
Serbian Spruce The Serbian Spruce, 'Picea omorika', Serbian Spruce forms a narrow, pyramidal silhouette with graceful arching branches. The upper surface of the needles is glossy, dark green in contrast to the whitish lower surface. The Serbian spruce, with it's narrow pyramidal habit, allows its use in smaller scale landscape situations than most other conifer trees. It prefers moist well drained soils, and will tolerates alkaline sites.
