The Japanese tree lilac is very different from other lilac (Syringa) species. Even in Finland it is distinctly tree-like, and in its native habitat can reach 20m (65 ft). It also flowers later than the other lilacs, usually late June or even July, with creamy clusters of fragrant flowers up to 30 cms. (1ft.)
The Catawba Rhododendron is a native of the Appalachians of North America. It grows naturally on open land on the tops and slopes of hills, where it forms magnificent, flowering communities together with other species such as the flame azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum). It is a round, bushy evergreen. The flowers are broad and bell-shaped, violet, white or pale mauve in colour and have greenish-yellow flecks.
The wych elm grows naturally – though rare – in the south of Finland in small isolated groups, usually near forest streams. But it can be planted successfully as far north as Oulu. Its range makes it a European tree, stretching from the British Isles to western Russia, in the area between the Black and Caspian Seas.
Pendulous lilac has, as the common name suggests, distinctly pendulous cylindrical clusters of flowers, as much as 20 cms (8 inches) long. In contrast, when the seed pods form they curve upwards, which is the basis of the Latin ‘reflexa’. Flower buds are usually carmine, but on opening the flowers gradually fade to almost white.
Sargent’s cherry is a small to mid-sized tree usually of regular shape, which flowers early when other trees are just awakening to spring. In flower, it is the princess of any garden or park, totally smothered in large rose-red cherry blossom. The effect is emphasised by its brevity – flowering lasts only for about a week.
The extensive hawthorn (Crataegus) genus includes an estimated 140 species spread throughout North America and Eurasia. These include more species suitable to Finnish conditions besides the hedge hawthorn (C. grayana) used so commonly throughout the country. Chinese haw is a small broad-crowned tree with shiny lobed leaves. It bears white flowers in spring, red berries and beautiful leaf colour in autumn, but is very rare in cultivation despite its attractiveness.
The pagoda dogwood grows naturally throughout a large area of eastern North America. It is a small attractive shrub-like tree, but seldom planted in Finland. It is at its best when it has achieved its full size, the branches spreading in ascending layers and the beautiful crown at its full extent.
Native to the eastern United States, the Allegheny service berry prefers thickets with dry to moist soil at the forest edge. Beauty in two seasons, it is a slender small tree with spring flowering and autumn colour. The flowers are white 5-petalled in drooping clusters, while in autumn the leaves take on shades of warm orange.
Called in the trade saskatoon or blueberry tree, the Saskatoon service berry is sometimes planted for its looks, but more often for its edible berries. Dark blue, they ripen at Mustila in early August. They have a unique taste, somewhere between blueberry, rowan and plum, with a trace of almond. The berries are sweet and almost completely without acidity, so they are often used mixed with other berries.