Selected by Earl Cully almost 20 years ago for its outstanding peeling bark, extreme hardiness, resistance to borers, and ability to grow in waterlogged or dry soils. Whether you clump them in a container or grow them as singles, this is among the easiest of plants to finish: even our smallest liners can grow to 5-6 ft. in a single season. Named Urban Tree of The Year for 2002 by the Society of Municipal Arborists.

Essentially the tree form of witchhazel. It naturally becomes a low-branched tree, typically two-thirds as broad as it is tall. Bark exfoliates on older branches; leaves turn brilliant red, yellow and orange in autumn. With a bit of selective pruning when it's young, but minimal care thereafter, it becomes a medium-sized tree of appealing form. Maroon spring flowers are small, easily missed but attractive, rewarding the curious.