Some trees are fairly easy to grow. These species are especially suitable for novice gardeners. They’re generally easy to transplant and are undemanding.

Pawpaw

The paw paw is native to the East. Reaching 35 feet in height or so, the upright to pyramidal tree or shrub is hardy to zone 5.

The species has become a popular fruit tree in recent years. Those fruits with yellow flesh tend to be more flavorful than the others.

During late spring, the cup-like dark red blossoms emerge. These are generally pollinated by beetles and aren’t very showy.

The leaves are a source of yellow fall color. The foliage can be up to a foot in length. Like the quaking aspen, this has leaves that blow about in breezes.

Paw paw can be planted in orchards and used to create screens. It also makes a great specimen plant. This can be hard to transplant. Spreading by suckers, the tree can cause a rash in some gardeners. Paw paw has few problems.


Red Cedar

Native to the East and much of the country, the red cedar is quite hardy—to zone 3. The tree is often 40 to 50 feet in height. Use this as a screen, mass planting, or specimen.

Many fine cultivars are available at nurseries and garden centers. The slow growing plant is long lived. The plant’s growth habit and size can vary according to the one being grown.

The species is pyramidal although this can differ with the cultivars. A number of cultivars are available, including dwarf ones and fastigate ones for small spaces.

The leaves turn red for the winter.. The foliage is generally dark green although some cultivars have greenish-blue needles with a silver cast. The needles are usually scale-like with the exception being that of young plants.

Red cedar bears gray to vivid blue fruits. This species serves as an alternate host for the cedar-apple rust, which does no harm to red cedars. Avoid planting this near orchards and fruit trees as they can be harmed by cedar-apple rust.


Chaste Tree

Several species of chaste tree are commonly cultivated in warm climates. They can be either a small tree or a deciduous shrub, according to the species or cultivar. They require slightly less water than many other woody plants.

The chaste tree can be trained either as a tree or a rounded upright, shrub. In warm regions, the plants are up to 20 feet tall and equally wide. In colder areas, these are typically lower growing.

The hardiness can vary by species or cultivar as well. Most are hardy to zone 7 or so. The compound leaves are generally scented and gray-green.

Chaste tree blossoms, which are tubular, open on foot long spikes. The flowers are mostly purple, blue, or white.

To encourage the plant to rebloom, prune off the fading blooms. Flowering is
from mid-summer into fall.

The compound leaves have 3 to 7 leaflets. The foliage and blossoms can be scented.

This tree does best in full sun in a sheltered spot. It is suitable for most soils, but prefers a well drained, moist soil. Keep it watered during the growing season to promote flowering.


Japanese Pagoda Tree

Hardy to zone 6, this member of the pea family is also called Chinese scholar tree. It is typically 50 to 75 feet in height with a matching spread.

This is a good shade tree. Small cultivars are available. The tree is grown as a shade tree and specimen plant.

Japanese pagoda tree bears small, whitish-yellow blooms in long clusters, up to a foot in length. Flowering occurs during the summer. The pods are bean-like.

The leaves are a source of yellow fall color. This species is quite adaptable and withstands heat and drought. Pruning is rarely needed.

There is a weeping form that is only about 10 feet tall. This species rarely suffers problems although it can sometimes experience stem canker disease and twig blight.