Trees for Zones 9 and 10

Zones 9 and 10 are hottest places in the continental United States. There is no place where a bit of shade is more appreciated than in the deep south, but only special trees will survive the summer heat. They may not be the ones you think of first when you picture a shade tree, but they get the job done, survive and bring their own sense of design to a garden.

Boxelder (Acer negundo) is a member of the maple family and is hardy as far south as zone 9. The tree grows up to 50 feet tall. Light yellow leaves become pale green in the summer and finally yellow brown in the fall. The leaves are compound, made up of 3 to 9, 2 to 4-inch long leaflets and grow on leaf stems 2 to 3 inches long. The boxelder is the only member of the maple family to have compound leaves. The tree will be either male or female and only the female trees produce seeds, so if you do not want to clean up the seeds after they drop, get a male tree. On the other hand, the seed grow in long clusters and last into the winter, long after the leaves are gone. Plant where the tree gets sunshine in the morning and shade during the hot time of the day and a moist to wet soil.

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is also hardy as far south as zone 9. This one can grow up to 100 feet tall. The leaves are star-shaped and 4 to 7 inches long. The fruits of the tree are one of its most distinguishing features. They are brown, about the size of a golf ball and can be seen hanging from the tree after the leave are done. Plant in full sun or filtered shade and a soil that is moist and well-drained.

Hemp tree (Vitex agnus-castus) is also known as the chaste tree, sage tree and the monk tree. This is one that is hardy as far south as zone10. The tree grows to a height of 10 to 20 feet with compound leaves from 3 to 4 inches in diameter that are comprised of 5 to 7 thin leaflets. Purple flowers grow in clusters just on the new growth and bloom in late spring and early summer. The flowers produce seeds used to make a spice similar to black pepper. The tree is adaptable to any type of soil as long as it is well drained and does well in full sun, partial shade or full shade. The hemp tree has nectar that attracts both bees and butterflies.