Choose the Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana ‘Canada Red') tree or shrub if you're looking for something showy that will grow in
rather poor conditions. This hardy little 20 to 25-foot tree tolerates heat,
cold, wind, and poor soil in zones 2-10. Even though it asks for little, it
will grow beautiful clusters of long, white
flowers in the spring, attracting butterflies and other pollinators. Each new flush of bright green leaves turns reddish purple
by mid-summer, providing striking color throughout the growing season. As
the name implies, chokecherries taste bitter to humans when raw, but the fruit
can be used to make wines, syrups, and jelly. You’ll have to act fast, though,
if you want some for yourself! Birds love to feast on this important and
nutritious food source. The leaves and berry seeds are toxic to humans and
animals, so do not plant this tree if you have pets that might ingest the seeds
or foliage.
A classic in Idaho landscapes, the Crabapple(Malus spp) never fails to delight our
winter-weary eyes with its masses of pink flowers in early spring. This
outstanding tree thrives in full sun and acidic soil but is quite adaptable to
other conditions and is hardy to zone 4. The Malus ‘Indian Summer’
variety has excellent resistance to disease. Crabapples trees are a wildlife magnet. The bright-red fruit
remains on the tree from fall through winter as a welcome, nutritious treat.
Martin Luther once said,
“Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant
my apple tree.”
There is never a better time than now to choose a tree
and plant it. Even a small yard can attract birds, butterflies, and helpful
insects, benefiting us all for years to come.