Small trees can fit into many sites and spring blossoms add color and fragrance to any landscape. They usually do not need pruning when used near power lines and other utilities. These varieties were developed at the Agricultural Experiment Station and are some of the best small trees to use for Minnesota urban landscapes.
Crabapple (Malus)
Crabapple (Malus)
Crabapples bloom abundantly in spring and have attractive displays of fruit. The ornamental U of M cultivars get no taller than 20 feet, with foliage colors that vary from light, bright green to deep maroon or silvery red. Forms may be horizontal, oval, rounded, or vase-shaped.
U of M Crabapple (Malus) Varieties
| Image | Variety | Year | Blooms | Fruits | Features | Tree Size |
 |
Flame | 1934 | White double flowers | Red fruits | Green foliage | 20' wide by15' tall |
| N/A | Radiant | 1958 | Red flowers | Red fruits | Purple/green foliage. Oval shape | 20' wide by 20' tall |
 |
Sparkler | 1969 | Pink flowers | Deep red fruits | Red/green foliage. Flat-topped tree | 15' wide by 15' tall |
| N/A | Vanguard | 1963 | Red flowers | Red fruits | Green foliage. Vase-shaped tree | 18' wide by 12' tall |
Flowering Plum (Prunus)
Flowering Plum (Prunus)
'Newport' and 'Princess Kay' flowering plums are fragrant ornamental trees in the spring. Plums can produce fruit that is attractive to wildlife and useful for making jelly.
U of M Flowering Plum (Prunus) Varieties
| Image | Variety | Year | Blooms | Features | Tree Size |
 |
Princess Kay | 1986 | White double blossoms | Smooth trunk and branches. Red fall foliage | 20' wide by 15' tall |
 |
Newport | 1923 | Pink flowers | Purple fruit follows flowers. Dark purple foliage | 20' wide by 20' tall |
Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
A hardy variant of redbud appeared in a mass screening of seedlings planted at the Horticultural Research Center many years ago. Before the 'Minnesota Strain' was developed in 1992, few large specimens survived as far north as Minnesota. Flowers are rosy pink and open before leaves appear.
U of M Redbud (Cercis canadensis) Variety
| Image | Variety | Year | Blooms | Features | Tree Size |
 |
Minnesota Strain | 1992 | Dark pink to purple flowers | May flowers are followed by leaves | 12' wide by 12' tall |
 |
Heart's Desire™ | 2019 | Lavender Pink | May flowers are followed by medium green foliage in summer and yellow in fall. | 20' wide by 15' tall |
Heart's Desire™ is a trademark of the University of Minnesota.
