Flowering almond, or double flowering plum, is a deciduous tree with gorgeous spring flowers blooming pink with double petals. This medium growing Rosaceae family member is a lovely addition to accent shrub borders around parking lots, strip plantings, or around a deck or patio.

Zone: 3-7
Sun: Full Sun, part-shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained, tolerant to alkaline soil
PH: 5.5-7.5
Salt Tolerance: Sensitive
Height: Up to 30 feet

Type

- Double Flowering

Domesticated tree and fruit of the rose family Rosaceae, one of the most widely cultivated tree fruits. Apple flowers are showy with five white petals, often tinged with pink, and numerous stamens. The flowers are pollinated by bees and other insects, and most varieties require cross-pollination for fertilization.

Zone: 3-8
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: Moist, well-drained
PH: 6.0-8.0
Salt Tolerance: Sensitive
Height: Up to 30 feet

Type

- Ambrosia

- Cortland

- Empire

- Fuji

- Gala

- Gravenstein

- Granny Smith

- Honeycrisp

- Jonagold

- Liberty

- McIntosh

- Mutsu

- Red Delicious

- Red Gravenstein

- Spartan

- Yellow Delicious

- Assorted Patio Pot

- Blushing Delite

- Combo

- Tasy Red

Aspen trees are fast-growing deciduous trees known for their striking white bark and shimmering leaves that flutter in the wind. They provide excellent habitat and food for birds, deer, rabbits, and other wildlife. Their brilliant golden-yellow fall colour makes them a standout feature in larger Ontario landscapes. Aspens spread naturally through underground roots, often forming beautiful groves over time.

Zone: 4–6
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: Moist, well-drained sandy or loamy soil
PH: 5.5–7.5
Salt Tolerance: Low to Moderate
Height: 40–80 feet with a spread of 20–30 feet

Type

- Trembling

The beech tree is deciduous tree that grows very tall, and has a smooth, grey-blue bark. When the spring arrives, you will notice the buds on the beech trees opening out into deep, emerald-green leaves.

Zone: 4-9
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: Grows best in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, silty loam, well-drained and clay soils. It is very drought sensitive.
PH: 5.0-6.5
Salt Tolerance: Tolerant
Height: 50–60' and a spread of 35–45' at maturity

Type

- Dawyck Purple

- Red Obelisk

A birch is a thin-leaved deciduous hardwood tree found in almost all countries having a temperate climate. Birch trees are recognizable by their bark, which peels off in strips in all birches except the gray birch. Bark of the birch can be white, grey, yellow, silver or black in colour.

Zone: 2-7

Sun: Full Sun

Soil: Moist, does not tolerate dry soils

PH: 5.0-6.4

Salt Tolerance: Sensitive

Height: 40 to 70 feet tall

Type

- Dakota Pinnacle

- Dura Heat Clump

- Heritage River Clump

- Heritage River Single

- Paper

This large bush has a natural open form that shows well in borders, beds, and even containers. The plant will get tiny flowers from May to June that turn into tiny dangling red berries.

Zone: 3-9
Sun: Full Sun, part-shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained
PH: 6.0-7.5
Salt Tolerance: Moderate

Type

- Little Moses Dwarf

Caragana, most commonly known as Siberian pea shrub, is a genus of shrubs or small trees that are native to the cold, semi-arid regions. When used as an ornamental, the form of the shrub can be altered with selective pruning as it grows.

Zone: 2-7
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: Prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought
PH: 5.0-8.0
Salt Tolerance: Tolerant
Height: 6- 9 feet tall

Type

- Weeping Standard

- Weeping Walker's Cutleaf

Cedar trees are hardy evergreen trees valued for their dense foliage, pleasant fragrance, and year-round privacy screening. They are commonly used in Ontario landscapes for hedges, windbreaks, and natural borders. Cedar trees also provide shelter and nesting habitat for birds and other wildlife while remaining attractive throughout all seasons.

Zone: 4–6
Sun: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained loamy or sandy soil
PH: 6.0–8.0
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Height: 30–60 feet with a spread of 10–20 feet

Type

- Green Giant

Cherry trees are beautiful ornamental and fruit-bearing trees admired for their fragrant spring blossoms and colourful seasonal interest. Their flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, while many varieties also provide fruit enjoyed by birds and wildlife. Cherry trees make an excellent focal point in Ontario landscapes and thrive in sunny locations with good air circulation.

Zone: 4–6
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: Moist, well-drained loamy soil
PH: 6.0–7.0
Salt Tolerance: Low to Moderate
Height: 20–40 feet with a spread of 20–30 feet

Type

- Meteor

- Montmorency

- Bing

- Combo

- Double Pink Weeping

- Kwanzan

- Lambert

- Snow Fountain

- Stella

Crabapple trees enhance the aesthetics of lawns with their attractive foliage and fragrant blossoms. Crabapples are smaller than apples and too sour or bitter to eat but still useful for making jelly and preserves.

Zone: 4-8

Sun: Full Sun

Soil: Rich soil, well-drained

PH: 5.5-6.5

Salt Tolerance: Moderate

Height: Up to 15-25 feet

Type

- Coralburst Standard

- Dolgo

- Gladiator

- Indian Magic

- Makamic

- Prairie Fire

- Profusion

- Red Barron

- Red Jade

- Robinson

- Royal Mist

- Royal Raindrops

- Spring Snow

An upright North American native tree with reddish-brown bark that matures to gray. The white spring flowers are followed by white fruit in summer.

Zone: 3-8

Sun: Full Sun, part-shade

Soil: Wet to dry

PH: 5.0-7.0

Salt Tolerance: Moderate

Height: Up to 10-15 feet

Type

- Milky Way

Elm trees are large, graceful shade trees known for their broad canopy and arching branches that create excellent street and yard shade. Their textured leaves provide dense summer coverage and turn yellow in the fall. Elm trees support many species of birds and pollinators and are valued for their adaptability and fast growth in Ontario landscapes.

Zone: 4–6
Sun: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained loamy or clay soil
PH: 6.0–8.0
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Height: 60–80 feet with a spread of 40–70 feet

Type

- New Horizon

Euonymus trees are ornamental small trees or large shrubs prized for their colourful foliage, compact form, and year-round visual appeal. Many varieties display vibrant green, gold, or variegated leaves, with some producing decorative berries in the fall that attract birds. Euonymus trees are well-suited for accent planting, borders, and smaller Ontario landscapes due to their manageable size and adaptability.

Zone: 4–6
Sun: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil: Well-drained loamy or sandy soil
PH: 6.0–7.5
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Height: 8–15 feet with a spread of 6–10 feet

Type

- Country Gold Standard

- Emerald Gaiety

Fruit Salad Tree

Fruit salad trees are unique grafted trees that grow several varieties of fruit on a single trunk, allowing homeowners to enjoy multiple fruits while saving garden space. Depending on the grafted varieties, these trees may produce combinations of peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, or cherries. Their spring blossoms attract pollinators, while the compact size makes them ideal for smaller Ontario yards and home orchards.

Zone: 4–6
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: Moist, well-drained loamy soil
PH: 6.0–7.0
Salt Tolerance: Low
Height: 10–20 feet with a spread of 8–15 feet

Type

- Fruit Salad

Ginkgo trees are ancient, hardy shade trees recognized for their unique fan-shaped leaves and brilliant golden-yellow fall colour. They are highly resistant to pests, disease, pollution, and urban conditions, making them an excellent long-lasting choice for Ontario landscapes. Ginkgo trees provide light shade and strong seasonal interest while requiring minimal maintenance once established.

Zone: 4–6
Sun: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained sandy or loamy soil
PH: 5.0–8.0
Salt Tolerance: Moderate to High
Height: 50–80 feet with a spread of 30–40 feet

Type

- Maidenhair

- Blagon

Hackberry trees are tough, adaptable shade trees well-suited to Ontario’s climate. They are known for their strong resistance to drought, wind, pollution, and poor soils, making them a reliable choice for urban and rural landscapes. Their small berry-like fruits are an important food source for birds, and their broad canopy provides excellent summer shade.

Zone: 4–6
Sun: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil: Moist to dry, well-drained loamy, clay, or sandy soil (very adaptable)
PH: 5.5–8.0
Salt Tolerance: High
Height: 40–60 feet with a spread of 40–60 feet

Type

- Common

Hazelnut trees (also called filberts) are hardy nut-bearing shrubs or small trees well-suited to Ontario’s Zone 4–6 climate. They produce edible nuts in late summer to fall and provide early spring pollen for pollinators. Many varieties grow as multi-stemmed shrubs, making them useful for hedgerows, food forests, and wildlife plantings. They are also valued for their ornamental catkins in late winter.

Zone: 4–6
Sun: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained loamy soil (tolerates clay if not waterlogged)
PH: 5.5–7.5
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Height: 8–15 feet with a spread of 8–15 feet

Type

- American

Hibiscus shrubs are showy flowering plants known for their large, tropical-looking blooms that add bold colour to gardens. In Ontario (Zone 4–6), the most commonly grown types are hardy hibiscus, which produce dinner-plate-sized flowers in mid to late summer. These plants die back to the ground in winter and re-emerge in spring, making them a striking perennial-like shrub for sunny garden spaces and pollinator-friendly landscapes.

Zone: 4–6 (hardy hibiscus varieties)
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained soil
PH: 6.0–7.5
Salt Tolerance: Low to Moderate
Height: 3–8 feet with a spread of 3–6 feet

Type

- Rose of Sharon Purple Pillar

- Rose of Sharon White Pillar

Honey locust trees are hardy, fast-growing shade trees known for their delicate, feathery foliage that creates light, dappled shade rather than dense cover. They are highly adaptable and commonly used in parks, streetscapes, and large yards. Many modern cultivars are thornless and podless, making them easier to manage in residential landscapes while still providing excellent drought and urban tolerance.

Zone: 4–9
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: Well-drained loamy, sandy, clay, or silt soils (very adaptable)
PH: 6.0–8.0
Salt Tolerance: High
Height: 30–70 feet with a spread of 30–70 feet

Type

- Skyline

- Sunburst

Hornbeam trees are strong, slow-growing hardwood trees known for their smooth gray bark, dense branching structure, and excellent ability to hold their shape. They are often used as shade trees, hedges, or street trees because they tolerate pruning well and provide reliable structure in the landscape. Their leaves turn yellow to orange in the fall, adding seasonal colour to Ontario gardens.

Zone: 4–6
Sun: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained loamy soil (tolerates clay)
PH: 5.5–7.5
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Height: 30–50 feet with a spread of 20–35 feet

Type

- Eastern Hop

- Frans Fontaine

- Frans Fontaine Pyramidal

- Persian Spire

Hydrangeas are popular flowering shrubs known for their large, showy flower clusters that bloom from summer into fall. They are widely grown in Ontario gardens for their long-lasting colour and versatility in landscaping. Some varieties can even change flower colour depending on soil pH (blue in acidic soil, pink in alkaline soil). Hydrangeas are excellent for borders, foundation plantings, and shade gardens, depending on the variety.

Zone: 4–6 (hardy varieties such as panicle and smooth hydrangeas)
Sun: Full Sun to Part Shade (morning sun, afternoon shade preferred)
Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained soil
PH: 5.5–7.5
Salt Tolerance: Low to Moderate
Height: 3–8 feet with a spread of 3–8 feet

Type

- Candelabra

- Fairytrail Bride

- Fairytrail Green

- Lavalamp Moonrock

- Limelight Prime

- Little Lime Short

- Moonrock

- Phantom

- Vanilla Strawberry

Lilac trees are not true trees but lilac shrubs grafted onto a single trunk to create a small ornamental tree form. They are prized for their highly fragrant spring blooms and attractive rounded canopy. In Ontario gardens, lilac trees provide strong seasonal colour and scent, making them popular near patios, walkways, and entryways. They require regular pruning to maintain their tree shape.

Zone: 3–6
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: Well-drained loamy soil (tolerates poorer, drier soils once established)
PH: 6.0–7.5
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Height: 10–15 feet with a spread of 6–10 feet

Type

- Baby Kim

- Beauty of Moscow

- Bloomerang Dark Purple

- Bloomerang Purple

- Ivory Pillar

- Japanese Ivory Silk

- Korean Dwarf

Linden trees (also called basswood) are large, elegant shade trees valued for their dense canopy, heart-shaped leaves, and fragrant yellow summer flowers that attract bees in large numbers. They are commonly planted in Ontario for parks, streets, and large residential properties due to their strong shade, long lifespan, and tolerance of urban conditions. Their flowers are also known for producing high-quality nectar for honey production.

Zone: 3–7 (well suited to Ontario Zone 4–6)
Sun: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained loamy soil (tolerates clay)
PH: 5.5–7.5
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Height: 50–80 feet with a spread of 30–50 feet

Type

- Basswood

- Glenleven

- Greenspire

Magnolia trees are prized for their large, often fragrant flowers that appear in early to mid-spring before or alongside the leaves. Depending on the species, magnolias can be deciduous or evergreen, with broad, smooth-edged leaves and striking blooms ranging from white and pink to deep purple. In Ontario, only hardy species are typically grown successfully, such as star magnolia and some hybrid varieties.

Zone: 4–6 (Ontario; hardy magnolia species only)
Sun: Full sun to part shade (best flowering in full sun)
Soil: Moist, well-drained, rich organic soil
PH: 5.0–6.5
Salt Tolerance: Low (sensitive to road salt)
Height: 15–30 feet (some cultivars up to 40 feet)

Type

- Cleopatra

- Elizabeth

- Genie

- Judy Zuk Tree Form

- Saucer

- Tinkerbell

- Yellow Bird

The red maple is a tall, straight tree that tends to divide its main stem several times and is a good, fast-growing shade tree, but pruning and maintenance may be needed to keep its form strong and avoid breakage if it is shading your house.

Zone: 4–6
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: acidic, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, silty loam, well-drained, and clay soils
PH: 6.0–7.0
Salt Tolerance: Sensitive
Height: 40 to 70 feet with a spread of 30 to 50 feet

Type:

- Armstrong Gold

- Brandywine

- October Glory

- Red Maple

- Red Sunset

- WW Warren Red Sentinel

The freeman maple is a fast-growing hybrid maple known for its strong branching, vibrant fall colour, and adaptability. It combines the rapid growth of the silver maple with the durability and appearance of the red maple, making it a popular landscape and shade tree.

Zone: 4–6
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: moist, well-drained, sandy, loamy, and clay soils
PH: 5.5–7.5
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Height: 40 to 60 feet with a spread of 30 to 40 feet

Type

- Autumn Blaze

The norway maple is a dense, broad-canopied shade tree valued for its hardiness and ability to tolerate urban conditions. It grows quickly and provides deep shade, though its shallow roots can compete with nearby plants and lawns.

Zone: 4–6
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: adaptable to clay, loam, sandy, and well-drained soils
PH: 6.0–7.5
Salt Tolerance: High
Height: 40 to 50 feet with a spread of 35 to 50 feet

Type:

- Crimson King

- Crimson Sentry

- Harlequin

- Princeton Gold

- Royal Red

- Crimson Sunset

The sugar maple is a long-lived native shade tree admired for its brilliant fall colours and strong wood. It grows more slowly than other maples but develops into a sturdy and attractive landscape tree.

Zone: 4–6
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: deep, fertile, moist, and well-drained soils
PH: 5.5–7.3
Salt Tolerance: Sensitive
Height: 60 to 75 feet with a spread of 40 to 50 feet

Type:

- Fall Fiesta

- Green Mountain

- Sugar Maple

The paperbark maple is a smaller ornamental maple prized for its striking cinnamon-coloured peeling bark and attractive fall foliage. It is commonly used as a specimen tree in gardens and landscapes.

Zone: 4–6
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: moist, well-drained, fertile soils
PH: 5.5–6.5
Salt Tolerance: Low
Height: 20 to 30 feet with a spread of 15 to 25 feet

The golden full moon maple is a graceful ornamental maple known for its rounded golden leaves and layered branching habit. It performs best in sheltered areas protected from strong afternoon sun and wind.

Zone: 5–6
Sun: Partial Shade to Full Sun
Soil: moist, rich, well-drained soils
PH: 5.5–7.0
Salt Tolerance: Low
Height: 15 to 25 feet with a spread of 15 to 20 feet

The japanese maple is a small ornamental tree valued for its delicate foliage, elegant branching, and vibrant seasonal colours. It is commonly planted as a focal point in gardens and landscapes.

Zone: 5–6
Sun: Partial Shade to Full Sun
Soil: moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils
PH: 5.5–6.5
Salt Tolerance: Sensitive
Height: 10 to 25 feet with a spread of 10 to 20 feet

Type

- Bloodgood

- Coral Bark / Sango Kaku

- Crimson Queen

- Emperor 1

-Garnet

- Inaba Shidare

- Moonfire

- Red Dragon

- Shaina

- Shindeshojo

- Shishigashira

- Tamukeyama

- Viridis

-Waterfall

- Amur Flame

The mountain ash is a small ornamental tree valued for its clusters of bright berries, delicate foliage, and attractive fall colour. It is commonly planted for decorative landscaping and to attract birds and pollinators.

Zone: 4–6
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: moist, well-drained, loamy soils
PH: 5.5–7.0
Salt Tolerance: Low to Moderate
Height: 20 to 40 feet with a spread of 15 to 25 feet

Type

- Cardinal Royal

The mulberry tree is a fast-growing deciduous tree valued for its dense shade, broad canopy, and edible berries. It is commonly planted in landscapes for ornamental use, wildlife attraction, and fruit production.

Zone: 4–6
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: moist, well-drained, loamy, sandy, and clay soils
PH: 5.5–7.0
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Height: 30 to 50 feet with a spread of 25 to 40 feet

Type

- Weeping Fruiting

- Weeping Fruitless

The nectarine tree is a small fruit-bearing tree closely related to the peach tree, valued for its smooth-skinned fruit, spring blossoms, and ornamental appearance. It grows best in warm, sheltered locations with good air circulation and sunlight.

Zone: 5–6
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: well-drained, sandy, loamy soils rich in organic matter
PH: 6.0–7.0
Salt Tolerance: Low
Height: 12 to 20 feet with a spread of 12 to 15 feet

Type

- Hadired

The oak tree is a large, long-lived shade tree valued for its strong wood, broad canopy, and ability to support wildlife. It is commonly planted in landscapes and parks for shade, durability, and its impressive mature form.

Zone: 4–6
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: well-drained, loamy, sandy, and clay soils
PH: 5.5–7.0
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Height: 50 to 80 feet with a spread of 40 to 70 feet

Type

- Burr

- Crimson

- Green Pillar

- Green Pillar Pin

- Kindred Spirit

- Red

- Red Northern

- Regal Prince

- Scarlet Letter

- Skinny Genes

- Streetspire Columnar

- Urban Pinnacle

The pear tree is a medium-sized fruit tree valued for its spring blossoms, sweet edible fruit, and ornamental beauty. It is commonly planted in home orchards and landscapes for both fruit production and decorative appeal.

Zone: 4–6
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: well-drained, fertile, loamy soils
PH: 6.0–7.0
Salt Tolerance: Low to Moderate
Height: 15 to 30 feet with a spread of 15 to 25 feet

Type

- Anjou

- Bartlett

- Bosc

- Flemish Beauty

- Asian Combination

- Red Bartlett

- Chanticleer

- Cleveland Select

- Combo

The plum tree is a small to medium-sized fruit tree valued for its fragrant spring blossoms, colourful foliage, and sweet edible fruit. It is commonly planted in home orchards and landscapes for both ornamental beauty and fruit production.

Zone: 4–6
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: well-drained, fertile, loamy soils
PH: 5.5–6.5
Salt Tolerance: Low
Height: 15 to 25 feet with a spread of 15 to 20 feet

Type

- Burbank

- Early Italian

- Italian

- Shiro

- Santa Rosa

- Stanley

- Assorted Dwarf

- Combo

The redbud is a small ornamental tree admired for its vibrant pink or purple spring blossoms that bloom along its branches before the leaves emerge. It is commonly planted in landscapes and gardens for its decorative appearance and compact size.

Zone: 4–6
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: moist, well-drained, loamy soils
PH: 6.0–7.5
Salt Tolerance: Low to Moderate
Height: 20 to 30 feet with a spread of 25 to 35 feet

Type

- Eastern

- Forest Pansy

- Midnight Express

- Oklahoma

- Ruby Falls

The rhododendron is a broadleaf evergreen ornamental shrub valued for its large clusters of colourful flowers and glossy foliage. It is commonly planted in gardens and landscapes for spring colour and decorative appeal.

Zone: 4–6
Sun: Partial Shade
Soil: moist, rich, acidic, well-drained soils
PH: 4.5–6.0
Salt Tolerance: Low
Height: 4 to 15 feet with a spread of 4 to 12 feet

Type

- Roseum Elegans

The rose of sharon tree is a small ornamental flowering tree form of the rose of sharon shrub, valued for its large hibiscus-like blooms and long summer flowering season. It is commonly planted as an accent tree in gardens and landscapes for its colourful flowers and compact size.

Zone: 5–6
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: well-drained, loamy, sandy, and clay soils
PH: 5.5–7.5
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Height: 8 to 15 feet with a spread of 4 to 8 feet

Type

- Assorted Standard

The sand cherry is a small ornamental shrub or tree valued for its colourful purple foliage, fragrant spring blossoms, and compact growth habit. It is commonly planted in landscapes and gardens for decorative borders, accent planting, and seasonal colour.

Zone: 4–6
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: well-drained, sandy, loamy soils
PH: 6.0–7.5
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Height: 7 to 14 feet with a spread of 5 to 10 feet

Type

- Purpleleaf

The service berry tree is a small ornamental tree valued for its delicate white spring flowers, edible berries, and vibrant fall colour. It is commonly planted in landscapes and gardens for year-round interest and its ability to attract birds and pollinators.

Zone: 4–6
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: moist, well-drained, loamy soils
PH: 5.5–7.0
Salt Tolerance: Low to Moderate
Height: 15 to 25 feet with a spread of 15 to 20 feet

Type

- Autumn Brilliance

- Autumn Brilliance Multi-Stem

- Canadensis

- Canadensis Single-Stem

- Downy Multi-Stem

- Multi-Stem

- Robin Hill

- Spring Flurry