Q. Yes I miss your column. I’m looking for recommendations of native trees to plant on our parking strip, which is on the North side of the house. These are to replace the two matching winter flowering Japanese flowering ones I need to have removed because one has died. I think natives will have a better chance. Lily Warnick – Gig Harbor, WA
A. Well since you say that the strip is on the north side of the house I will assume that it is either a shady or partially shaded area, which limits the number of native trees that would be appropriate. If you would like to stay in the cherry genus there is a native Bitter Cherry (Prunus emarginata var. mollis), which may be suitable. Be sure not to get the “var. emarginata” which is more spreading and shrub like. Although the flowers are not quite as showy the Cascara or buckthorn (Rhamnus purshiana) is another option if the soil is on the moist side. A Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nutallii) is another showier alternative although it is somewhat susceptible to the fungal disease anthracnose. Breeders are actively working on disease resistant varieties of this.