23 Small Flowering Trees to Grow in Your Yard

By
Barbara Gillette
Barbara Gillette
Barbara Gillette
Barbara Gillette is a Master Gardener, herbalist, beekeeper, and journalist. She has 30 years of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Published on 04/25/23
small flowering trees

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Small flowering trees add plenty of appeal to your property. Many bloom in spring bringing lovely scents and pretty colors to the early garden, while others flower in summer, autumn, and even early winter. Weeping forms, fruits, and colorful autumn foliage contribute seasonal interest. Small trees fit in almost anywhere as foundation plants, accents, borders, screens, and hedges, and many blend in beautifully at woodland edges.

Many desirable types of small flowering tree include different species along with their cultivars. When you've got your eye set on a specific look, read plant tags and talk with your nursery specialist to discover the best options. Here are 23 types of small flowering tree to consider for your yard and garden.

Tip

Small trees are often multi-stemmed, developing shrub-like growth. To cultivate and maintain tree form, remove main stems at the base leaving two or three trunks and prune out lower branches.

  • 01 of 23

    Carolina Silverbell

    Carolina Silverbell

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    Carolina silverbell is a spring-blooming tree native to the southern Appalachian mountains. Drooping clusters of small (1/2 inch), bell-shaped white flowers appear along branches in April just before or at the same time leaves emerge. Dark yellowish-green foliage turns bright yellow in autumn. Flowers attract honeybees and brown, nut-like fruits are a favorite food for squirrels. Carolina silverbell tolerates black walnut.

    • Name: Carolina Silverbell (Halesia carolina)
    • Hardiness Zones: USDA 4-8
    • Light: Full sun to part shade
    • Soil: Moist, acidic, organically rich
    • Mature Size: 30 ft. tall, 20 ft. wide
    • Bloom Color: White
    Continue to 2 of 23 below.
  • 02 of 23

    Chaste Tree (Vitex)

    Chaste Tree

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    Chaste tree is a small multi-stemmed tree featuring spikes of lavender and pink or white blooms in mid-summer that resemble butterfly bush flowers. Gray green foliage is palm shaped with fragrance similar to sage. Chaste tree grows rapidly with multiple stems emerging from the soil in spring. Gardeners in the northern U.S. are advised to cut chaste tree to ground level in early spring. Its flowers attract bees and butterflies.

    • Name: Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus)
    • Hardiness Zones: USDA 6-9
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Average, well draining, neutral pH
    • Mature Size: 20 ft. tall, 15 ft. wide
    • Bloom Color: Lavender, pink, white
    Continue to 3 of 23 below.
  • 03 of 23

    Crepe Myrtle

    Crepe Myrtle

    tmersh/getty images

    Crepe myrtle, often called the "Lilac of the South," is a favorite among gardeners. This rapid grower features year-long interest with peeling bark, a long blooming period in summer, and colorful autumn foliage. Clusters of flowers are papery and large (6 to 8 inches), with red-tinged, light green foliage that darkens in summer then turns to brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow in autumn. Crepe myrtles come in dozens of cultivars.

    • Name: Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
    • Hardiness Zone: USDA 6-9
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Average, medium moist, well draining
    • Mature Size: 6 to 30 ft. tall and wide.
    • Bloom Color: Red, white, pink, mauve, lavender, and purple
    Continue to 4 of 23 below.
  • 04 of 23

    Flowering Almond

    Dwarf Flowering Almond

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    Among several species and cultivars, dwarf flowering almond is best loved for early spring displays of double blooms each made up of 30 to 40 petals. Flowers appear from late March to early April followed by medium green leaves. Once established, this tree grows rapidly forming an open, rounded canopy. Significant pruning is required to promote flowering and maintain an attractive shape. It draws bees and butterflies but plenty of insect pests, too. Dwarf flowering almond is mildly toxic to animals.

    • Name: Flowering Almond (Prunus glandulosa)
    • Hardiness Zone: USDA 4-8
    • Light: Full sun, part shade
    • Soil: Average, moist, well draining
    • Mature Size: 5 ft. tall and 3 to 4 wide
    • Bloom Color: Pink, white
    Continue to 5 of 23 below.
  • 05 of 23

    Flowering Crabapple

    Flowering Crabapple

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    Flowering crabapple consists of 30 species and dozens of cultivars with spectacular aromatic flowers in late spring. Bloom fragrance can be apple-like or spicy with single, double, semi-double, cupped, or fringed flowers. Foliage is green to dark green or purple turning golden yellow, red, orange or bronze in autumn. Small, tart berries remain in clusters on trees throughout winter, and are a food source for wildlife.

    • Name: Flowering Crabapple (Malus spp.)
    • Hardiness Zone: USDA 4-8
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Acidic to neutral, well draining loam
    • Mature Size: 15 to 20 ft. tall and wide
    • Bloom Color: White, cream, pink, magenta, red, burgundy, coral
    Continue to 6 of 23 below.
  • 06 of 23

    Flowering Dogwood

    Flowering Dogwood

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    There are 17 different species of dogwood tree native to the U.S. with Cornus florida the most recognized. Kousa dogwood and Cornelian cherry dogwood are other small flowering dogwoods well-suited to the home landscape. These species are deciduous and include a number of spring-blooming cultivars. Dogwoods are understory trees that grow taller shaded under the canopy of other trees. Light green foliage darkens through summer turning reddish purple in autumn before falling. Summer fruits are berry-like and food for wildlife.

    • Name: Flowering Dogwood
    • Hardiness Zone: USDA 5-9
    • Light: Full to part sun
    • Soil: Organically rich, moist, well drained, acidic
    • Mature Size: Average 20 to 25 ft. tall and wide
    • Bloom Color: White, pink, red
    Continue to 7 of 23 below.
  • 07 of 23

    Franklin Tree

    Franklin Tree

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    If you can find one, a Franklin tree is deserving of bragging rights. This member of the tea family is extinct in the wild but available at specialty nurseries and botanical garden shops. Fragrant, 3- to 6-inch flowers open from late July to early September. Glossy, narrow leaves turn red, orange and purple in autumn. The Franklin tree is an outstanding specimen tree for small spaces.

    • Name: Franklin Tree (Franklinia alatamaha)
    • Hardiness Zone: USDA 5-8
    • Light: Full sun to part shade
    • Soil: Acidic, moist, well draining, organically rich
    • Mature Size: 10 to 25 ft. tall, 6 to 15 ft. wide
    • Bloom Color: White
    Continue to 8 of 23 below.
  • 08 of 23

    Fringetree

    Fringetree

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    The cascading, richly fragrant, white fringe-like flowers of Fringetree add a touch of whimsy in the late spring landscape. Native to the eastern U.S., this deciduous tree is multi-stemmed but easily pruned to a single trunk with an open form and canopy. Green leaves are 6 inches long turning to golden yellow in autumn. Two trees are needed to produce blue-black berries for wildlife food. Flowers attract pollinators.

    • Name: Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus)
    • Hardiness Zone: USDA 3-9
    • Light: Full sun to part shade
    • Soil: Moist: Well draining, organically rich
    • Mature Size: 12 to 30 ft. high, 12 to 20 ft. wide
    • Bloom Color: White
    Continue to 9 of 23 below.
  • 09 of 23

    Golden Chain Tree

    Golden Chain Tree

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    Golden chain tree dominates the landscape in late May into early June with masses of fragrant, golden-yellow, 10- to 20-inch blooms dangling from the canopy. Pea-like flowers are followed by brown seed pods and foliage, composed of three dark green leaflets, turns yellow in autumn. Several cultivars exist including the dwarf L. anagyroides 'Sunspire'. All parts of golden chain tree are toxic to humans and animals.

    • Name: Golden Chain Tree (Laburnum x watereri)
    • Hardiness Zone: USDA 5-7
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Moist, well draining
    • Mature Size: 15 to 20 ft. tall, 9 to 12 ft. wide
    • Bloom Color: Gold
    Continue to 10 of 23 below.
  • 10 of 23

    English Hawthorn

    Hawthorn

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    Hundreds of trees and cultivars make up the hawthorn genus (Crataegus). The species English hawthorn and its cultivars are particularly well-suited to the home landscape and thrive in urban and difficult environments. The dense, thorny-branched crown is covered with clusters of beautiful blooms in late May and early June often followed by red berries, depending on cultivar. Foliage emerges reddish-purple, turning to dark green with autumn colors displayed in orange, scarlet or purple. Some cultivars are thornless and not all types produce berries. Every part of the hawthorn tree is edible.

    • Name: Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata)
    • Hardiness Zone: USDA 4-8
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Neutral, well draining loam
    • Mature Size: 6 to 25 ft. tall and wide
    • Bloom Color: White, pink, red
    Continue to 11 of 23 below.
  • 11 of 23

    Japanese Flowering Cherry

    Japanese Flowering Cherry Tree

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    All cherry trees bloom, but flowering cherry or ornamental cherry often refers to Japanese flowering cherry tree and its cultivars. Rapid growers, they put on a stunning, fragrant spring display lasting several weeks. Attractive foliage turns brilliant shades of red, yellow, and orange in autumn. Trees take on various forms including, columnar, vase-like, umbrella, and weeping, making them a stand-out in the home garden. These trees do not produce fruit and many have seeds, leaves, and stems toxic to humans and animals.

    • Name: Japanese Flowering Cherry (Prunus serrulata)
    • Hardiness Zone: USDA 5-8
    • Light: Full sun, part sun, shade
    • Soil: Acidic, moist, well draining loam
    • Mature Size: 15 to 25 ft. tall and wide
    • Bloom Color: White, pink, lavender
    Continue to 12 of 23 below.
  • 12 of 23

    Japanese Tree Lilac

    Japanese Tree Lilac

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    Japanese tree lilac is appreciated for it versatility and tall (6- to 12-inch), upright blossoms of fragrant, creamy white flowers. This east Asian native is the most trouble-free plant in the lilac family (and its only tree form). Growth habit is graceful with green foliage spreading to form a rounded canopy. This flowering tree thrives in difficult and urban locations and can be planted as a screen and street tree in full sun locations,

    • Name: Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata)
    • Hardiness Zone: USDA 3-7
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Adaptable, moist, well draining
    • Mature Size: 20 to 30 ft. tall, 15 to 20 ft. wide
    • Bloom Color: White
    Continue to 13 of 23 below.
  • 13 of 23

    "Little Girl" Magnolias

    Little Girl Magolia Jane

    Images from Japan, Asia and othe around the world/Getty Images

    Dozens of small and dwarf magnolia species and their cultivars are available, including the popular "Little Girl" collection. These magnolias grow 10 to 15 feet tall, are easy to maintain, and offer a variety of bloom types and colors. Royal Star is a popular dwarf version of the larger Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) and, if you love the iconic southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflorum) but don't have the yard to accommodate it, consider its miniature counterpart, Little Gem, 25 feet tall at maturity.

    • Name: "Little Girl" magnolias (Magnolia spp.)
    • Hardiness Zone: USDA 4-9, depending on variety
    • Light: Full sun, part shade
    • Soil: Acidic: moist, well draining, organically rich
    • Mature Size: 6 1/2 to 15 ft. tall, 8 to 12 ft. wide
    • Bloom Color: Red, pink, purple, white, yellow
    Continue to 14 of 23 below.
  • 14 of 23

    Mountain Stewartia

    Mountain Stewartia

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    Native to the southeastern U.S., Mountain stewartia and its cultivars bloom between May and October exhibiting large (3-inch) showy white flowers with pale purple and orange centers. This plant offers year-long interest with egg shaped seed capsules in autumn along with scarlet orange foliage. Some extra TLC is required to establish this slow-growing tree, but it's well worth the lovely accent it adds to beds and borders.

    • Name: Mountain Stewartia (Stewartia ovata)
    • Hardiness Zone: USDA 5-9
    • Light: Full to part sun
    • Soil: Neutral, moist, well draining loam
    • Mature Size: 10 to 15 ft. tall and wide
    • Bloom Color: White
    Continue to 15 of 23 below.
  • 15 of 23

    Elderberry

    Elderberry Tree

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    Common elderberry includes four species and their cultivars with black elderberry, (Sambucus nigra) popular with home growers. Flowers perfume the landscape with vanilla scent from May to July with large, flat blooms composed of dozens of tiny blossoms. Clusters of black, blue-black, or red berries follow as a major food source for birds and wildlife. Both flowers and berries are edible when cooked. Foliage is made up of 6 to 9 narrow leaflets that turn shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple in autumn. Pruning is needed to maintain the attractive rounded crown.

    • Name: Elderberry (Sambucus spp.)
    • Hardiness Zone: USDA 3-9
    • Light: Full sun, part shade
    • Soil: Average, moist, well draining
    • Mature Size: 20 to 30 ft. tall, 10 to 15 feet wide
    • Bloom Color: White
    Continue to 16 of 23 below.
  • 16 of 23

    Purpleleaf Plum

    Purple Leaf Plum Tree

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    Purpleleaf plum tree delivers vibrant color to the spring garden with both leaves and blossoms. Fragrant flowers appear mid-March to mid-April followed by edible red berries in late summer. Dark purple foliage draws the eye — and the eastern tiger swallowtail caterpillar. Several cultivars are available including the dwarf 'Purple Pony'. Stems, leaves, and seeds are mildly toxic to humans, dogs, cats, and horses. A gorgeous specimen tree in the home landscape, purple leaf plum can struggle in the urban landscape.

    • Name: Purpleleaf Plum (Prunus cerasifera)
    • Hardiness Zone: USDA 4-9
    • Light: Full to part sun
    • Soil: Acidic, average
    • Mature Size: 15 to 25 ft. tall and wide
    • Bloom Color: Pink, white
    Continue to 17 of 23 below.
  • 17 of 23

    Purple Leaf Sand Cherry

    Purple Leaf Sand Cherry Tree

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    A cross between purpleleaf plum and sand cherry, purple leaf sand cherry is easily pruned to a stately small tree with a short trunk. White and pink flowers from late April to early May are set off by dark purple foliage that turns a stunning bronze-green in autumn. Black or purple fruits follow in summer as an important food source for birds and other wildlife. Purple leaf sand cherry is a hardy plant adaptable to almost any growing environment, but it is susceptible to insect pests, including Japanese beetle.

    • Name: Purple Leaf Sand Cherry (Prunus x cistena)
    • Hardiness Zone: USDA 2-8
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Acidic, moist, well draining
    • Mature Size: 6 to 10 ft. tall, 5 to 7 feet wide
    • Bloom Color: Pink, white
    Continue to 18 of 23 below.
  • 18 of 23

    Red Buckeye

    Red Buckeye Tree

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    Red buckeye is a deciduous understory tree and one of the first to leaf out in spring. Dark green foliage sets off tall spikes (up to 6 inches tall) of tubular, deep red blooms in spring. Upright growth and an oval shaped canopy give red buckeye plenty of versatility in the home landscape. This tree attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

    • Name: Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)
    • Hardiness Zone: USDA 6-9
    • Light: Full to part sun, part shade
    • Soil: Acidic, moist, well draining
    • Mature Size: 15 to 20 ft. tall and wide
    • Bloom Color: Red
    Continue to 19 of 23 below.
  • 19 of 23

    Eastern Redbud

    Redbud Tree

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    Eastern redbud shows its colors in late winter and early spring decorating woodlands across the eastern U.S. A native tree, the redbud is much loved by homeowners for its dark green, heart-shaped leaves and pea-like blooms. This is a short-lived tree at about 20 years, but it thrives in most soil types and is easy to maintain. It's tolerant of black walnut and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

    • Name: Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
    • Hardiness Zone: USDA 4-8
    • Light: Full sun part shade
    • Soil: Average, moist, well draining
    • Mature Size: 20 to 30 ft. tall and wide
    • Bloom Color: Pink, white
    Continue to 20 of 23 below.
  • 20 of 23

    Serviceberry

    Serviceberry Tree

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    Serviceberry, sometimes called Juneberry or shadbush, includes several species of woodland trees native to the U.S. with possibilities for the home garden. Most species don't exceed 25 feet in height, and the species Saskatoon serviceberry grows to only 10 feet tall, giving it plenty of versatility. Delicate white blooms cover these multi-stemmed trees in March and April. Edible berries follow in June turning to red or black when ripe. Serviceberry is one of the finest small trees for autumn foliage which turns to brilliant shades of red and gold.

    • Name: Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)
    • Hardiness Zone: USDA 3-9, depending on variety
    • Light: Full sun, part shade
    • Soil: Average, moist, well draining
    • Mature Size: 8 to 25 ft. tall, 6 to 15 ft. wide, depending on variety
    • Bloom Color: White
    Continue to 21 of 23 below.
  • 21 of 23

    Smoke Tree

    Smoke Tree

    Photos from Japan, Asia and othe of the world/Getty Images

    Smoke tree is notable for unusual blooms that form a rounded hair-like cluster, appearing in late spring and lasting through summer. Several cultivars exist, some with purple leaves. Autumn foliage displays in purple, yellow and orange before shedding. Often grown as a hedge, this plant is easily shaped into a small tree with an open canopy. Smoke tree blooms on old wood so wait to prune until flowers fall. This tree is mildly toxic to humans.

    • Name: Smoke Tree, Smoke Bush (Cotinus coggygria)
    • Hardiness Zone: USDA 4-9
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Loamy, well draining
    • Mature Size: 10 to 15 ft. tall and wide
    • Bloom Color: Pink, purple-red, lavender
    Continue to 22 of 23 below.
  • 22 of 23

    Japanese Snowbell

    Japanese Snowbell Tree

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    Japanese snowbell blooms from May to June with waxy, bell-shaped, drooping flower clusters. Fragrant blossoms take center stage under dark green foliage held on the upper portion of branches. Small gray-green berry-like fruits appear in summer, with foliage turning to red and yellow in autumn. Japanese snowbell and its cultivars take on various shapes, including vase-like, rounded, and weeping. Salt tolerance makes this tree a good choice for coastal gardens.

    • Name: Japanese Snowbell (Styrax japonicus)
    • Hardiness Zone: USDA 5-9
    • Light: Full sun, part shade
    • Soil: Neutral, moist, well draining
    • Mature Size: 20 to 30 ft. tall and wide
    • Bloom Color: White
    Continue to 23 of 23 below.
  • 23 of 23

    Witch Hazel

    Witch Hazel Tree

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    The two witch hazel species native to the U.S. include many cultivars with larger, more colorful blooms. Although flowering depends on variety, most bloom in autumn or mid-winter after trees shed their dark green, lightly toothed leaves. Fragrant, spidery blooms appear along branches, lasting up to eight weeks. Witch hazel can be grown as a shrub or pruned to tree shape with a rounded canopy. Witch hazel attracts honeybees.

    • Name: Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
    • Hardiness Zone: USDA 3-9
    • Light: Full to part sun
    • Soil: Acidic to neutral, loamy, moist
    • Mature Size: 10 to 20 ft. tall and wide
    • Bloom Color: Yellow, orange, red, pink
FAQ
  • What is the smallest flowering tree?

    A dwarf purpleleaf plum or a Little Girl magnolia are two of the smallest flowering trees, both growing to 15 feet tall or less.

    Learn More: 25 Popular Small Trees for Landscaping
  • What is the most beautiful small tree?

    The most beautiful small tree depends on your preferences. The red buckeye is a beautiful tree for any temperate zone. Flowering Japanese cherry trees, flowering dogwoods, and magnolia trees are some of the most commonly grown beautiful small trees.

  • What is a tree that stays small?

    Purple leaf sand cherry and Little Girl magnolias are trees that stay fairly compact at 15 feet tall and wide or less. Many other small flowering trees can be kept to a desired size with careful pruning.

Article Sources
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Black Walnut Toxicity, Wisconsin Horticulture

  2. Chaste Tree. The Morton Arboretum

  3. Prunus glandulosa. North Carolina State Extension

  4. Laburnum anagyroides. North Carolina State Extension

  5. Safe and Poisonous Garden Plants. University of California, Davis

  6. Poisonous and Non-Poisonous Plants. Poison.org

  7. Prunus cerisifera. North Carolina University Extension

  8. Plum. ASPCA