Here in the south, I love the layered branch habit of a Cornus florida that has grown as an understory tree. It is especially noticeable in the spring when it flowers. I also like the perfect Christmas tree shape of a young red cedar (Juniperus virginiana).

Well, me and a certain gentleman by the name of spruceman are both great appreciators of the growth form of a well grown Norway spruce. The upswept branches with individual branchlets cascading down, the overall "heaviness" of its' foliage, and great loftiness strike us as most impressive.

ps......I've got a hundred NS seedlings coming soon ;^)

+oM

Esh--I'd have to agree that a mature specimen of C. florida is breathtaking. After seeing one in flower, I just had to give it a try and planted a small one last summer. It survived winter, but the odds of me seeing it develop into a beautiful specimen like those in the SE are not good. BTW, I recently saw a picture on another forum of a flowering dogwood located at a botanical garden in Alabama (Huntsville?) that was incredible. Its supposedly over a 100-years old and was moved to its current site about ten years ago. Anyone seen it?

Thank you for giving the ubiquitous J. virginiana some love. No two seem to be the same around here, but I agree it can be a very attractive tree. I've got one in my yard that I wouldn't think of removing. I just wish I hadn't limbed it up. Here's a picture of one located a short distance from me that has a distinct weeping form:
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Tom--I'm well aware of your and Spruce's mutual admiration for Norway spruce. I like it, but I'm not quite the fan you two are. It does exceedingly well over here and along with Scots Pine has become naturalized. This is being really, really picky, but I don't care for the way it holds its cones. To me they look like turds hanging off the branch tips. I fully expect barbs to come flying my way from you two. :)

Bob

FIGHT! FIGHT!LOL
Not sure what may be hanging off the branch tips next. I know I'll never be able to look at a Norway the same, Hank

A good Norway Spruce is certainly very nice!
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Turkish Hazel is another very good neat tree
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Resin

Basic

Why I oughta!!!

Actually, I'm always heartened to hear of species I happen to like becoming naturalized, though purists will decry same as invasiveness. Now buckthorn..............that's some crap!

;^) +oM

Basic Bob, and others in cooler climes, if the Cornus florida doesn't make it, I'm quite fond of Cornus kousa. Hardier and more disease resistant than C. florida.

tj