'White Chocolate' is a very small selection of crape myrtle - will never get much beyond 8-10', so a bit of stretch to consider this very tree-like :-) I'd consider it more of a shrub and not a large one at that. Why not a dogwood? This is a classic woodland understory tree and should blend well with the other plants you mention. Ditto the Amelanchier. Either would work if you have sufficient room to allow for their mature spread, which is not clear in your post.

Cornus kousa chinensis is a possibility. It sounds as though you are looking more for 'structure' than a tall shade tree. An upright small tree-like shrub to about 15', moderate grower is Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox). Very fragrant winter blooms with summer foliage that would blend in with background trees. Not always available but can be found mail order at Nurseries Caroliniana web site.

Hi gardengal.

Thanks for the suggestion. I know there are some dogwoods that have trouble with fungus, etc. Can you recommend resistent varieties?

There is room for some spread, But I still want to remain on the small size, which was why I was thinking of using a crape myrtle. This area had been literally taken over by a very large cherry tree, but I think a dogwood is smaller than a cherry tree. (?) Besides, aren't there some that do grow more upright? Would that be too much sun for a dogwood? Maybe I should switch the dogwood to the left where I was going to plant the stewartia , and plant the stewartia in the sunnier location.

Or skip the stewartia and plant 2 dogwoods? I wish I had the ability to visualize this.

I wouldn't pick a crape myrtle for what sounds like a woodland-type situation. Along with the Kousa dogwood as suggested, which is anthrancose-resistant unlike the native dogwood, I would suggest one or more of the following:

- Styrax japonica 'Pink Chimes'
- Cornus mas 'Spring Glory'
- Halesia monticela
- Aesculus pavia
- Chionanthus virginicus
- Magnolia virginiana australis

Why not a Japanese maple? Seiryu, for example, has finely dissected green leaves, grows fairly quickly and doesn't get too big. The yellow fall color next to the red of the sourwood would be gorgeous, as would the green cutleaf foliage compliment the larger bright leaves of Little Honey in the growing season. It would also visually pick up on the texture of your ferns, and bring that fine texture upwards for greater continuity.

If there is plenty of sun, do you like chaste trees?

I also like the small type Japanese maple idea. Also the spring magnolia.

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/trees-new/common_namesj_m.html

Here is a link that might be useful: pic

Hi again,

I had never seen a chaste tree before; I liked the openness; it reminded me of a butterfly bush; I have checked out some of the recommendations; I liked the idea of contrast with the little honey, Giboosi, but I am looking for something with a trunk, and limbs above it , so it does not obstruct the view of the plants behind it.

So I am checking trees out one by one, and will go see whatever I can find at a local garden park tomorrow or Tuesday. In the meantime, let's keep those recommendations coming! :>)

That's why I specifically suggested 'Seiryu', as it is a dissected leaf tree form JM, as opposed to the weeping shrub forms. Mine has grown quite quickly, as well. Fine, lacy leaves and very open form with beautiful fall color.

http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/85065/index.html
http://kabokugardens.com/images/products/41857.jpg
http://www.worldplants.com/seiryu3.JPG

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:34591}}

Sweetbay magnolia (M. virginiana) is a beautiful, usually multitrunked small tree. Bloom is highly fragrant and lasts almost 6 weeks beginning here in early June and finishing in early July. Great plant.

I am sorry, Giboosi, the photo I had googled first looked nothing like what you just linked: it was tall, weeping and solid. I will definitely put it back on the list to check out at the garden park near me. It looks like it would produce a light shade. Stunning fall color.

I am 100% agree with spazzycat:

"I wouldn't pick a crape myrtle for what sounds like a woodland-type situation. Along with the Kousa dogwood as suggested, which is anthrancose-resistant unlike the native dogwood, I would suggest one or more of the following:

- Styrax japonica 'Pink Chimes'
- Cornus mas 'Spring Glory'
- Halesia monticela
- Aesculus pavia
- Chionanthus virginicus
- Magnolia virginiana australis"

BTW, a great reference for this part of the country is the book "The Year in Trees: Superb Woody Plants for Four-Season Gardens" by Kim Tripp and the late JC Raulston.

Here is a link that might be useful: The Year in Trees

Thank you, Spazzycat, I read the reviews, and it will be a valuable resource, I ordered it with one click. :>)