Hello Panther,

There are a ton of crabapple varieties which grow around St Louis well. I assume they do similarly well in your location.

Next is the Cherry, Kwanzan Prunus 'Kwanzan'. They have a life expectancy also though even though they are "cooler" than the hated Bradford/Clevelands.

If your yard has a good amount of shade and you catch the right Japanese maple you can get spring and fall interest. Acer Griseum, Paperbark Maple, is another favorite of mine and seems more sun tolerant.

Nyssa Sylvatica "Wildfire" is a favorite of mine but a difficult transplant. Instead of showy spring flowers you get showy spring leaves and great fall color. It should attain decent size but not get HUGE.

Anything unique going on there? Your spot at the top of a dry hill or down next to the drainage pond?

Here's my 2 cents: While a tree in bloom is nice to look at, I feel that many of the showiest ones are just average at best the rest of the year. Personally I'd rather have a tree that's pretty for all 365 days than one that's great for 2 weeks and blah the rest. Not that I don't like a blooming tree; I love all trees in the right setting (except Bradford pear). Think about bark texture, branching habits, and winter silouhette. It's also best to stick with trees which are native to your area, although I do think some Japanese maples are nice. If you're really set on a blooming tree, here's a few native suggestions:

-Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum). These trees will not get too big, and they have interesting white blooms in summer that hang on a long time and look great against the leaves which turn bright red in fall.

Dogwood (Cornus florida). Great tree. Small to medium size, gorgeous white or pink blooms, bright red berries to attract birds, and burgundy fall color.

Redbud (Cercis canadensis). Intense pink/purple blooms against leafless branches in early spring, pretty heart-shaped leaves through summer, and interesting "bean-pod" looking fruits later. Also a small/medium tree.

Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea). Medium sized at maturity, Spectacular blooms that look just like white wisteria, and beautiful smooth bark for winter interest. I'm hoping to fit one of these in my own landscape somewhere.

Carolina silverbell (Halesia tetraptera). I don't know a lot about them, but they don't usually get very big, and they have beautiful bell-shaped flowers.

Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis). If you want a tree that resembles Bradford pear without all the negatives, this may be the best substitute. Beautiful snow-white blooms, nice fall color, not too big. Plus it has edible berries.

My personal favorite smaller landscape tree is the American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana). Also called the ironwood, musclewood, blue beech, and water beech. They don't bloom, but the leaves have a nice fine texture and the bark is especially nice. They get the name musclewood because the smooth bark and "rippled" look of the trunk resemble the flexed muscles of a really fit person. Very nice tree.

I don't know what conditions your yard has, but you shouldn't have too much trouble findiong just the right tree for your needs. Just look at things like sun, soil, and water requirements, and plan accordingly.

thanks guys/gals... my front yard is full day sun. No shade. i will look into these suggestions.I appreciate it. Have a great weekend

Aesculus pavia..........red buckeye would fillthe bill. I have many of them, but one is planted toward the front of our property, visible from the road. I've had people pull in to ask us what it is. That showy when in bloom. Smaller tree, good form, never had to prune it. Hummers love it too. Also Briotii (a buckeye/red chestnut hybrid) would work well.

{{gwi:362331}}

Then there are the magnolias, Japanese tree lilac 'summer snow', and so many others. I also think you shouldn't limit your choices to just those who bloom.

you did it... my wife is a sucker for humming birds. she is like a little kid in a candy store every time she sees them. we have a cpl hanging baskets with million bells petunia's that the humming birds feed on. This could definitely be a possibilty too. Thank you!