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Elisabeth C. Miller Library

Keyword: Wind-tolerant plants

evergreen wind-resistant plants

I am looking for evergreen hedges that will tolerate a windy site. Do you have any suggestions?

 

Sunset Western Garden Book (2007 edition) has
a list of wind-resistant plants. From that list, there were a few plants
which meet some of your site’s needs (evergreen, fast-growing, about 7-10
feet tall). They are:

  • Arbutus unedo (Strawberry tree)
  • Arctostaphylos (Manzanita)
  • Ceanothus
  • Chamaecyparis
  • Cotoneaster
  • Escallonia
  • Morella californica
  • Pinus species (you would need a dwarf pine for your size limits)
  • Pittosporum (many of these grow taller than 10 feet over time, but P.
    tobira     might work)
  • Pyracantha

I don’t know if it is tolerant of winter winds, but Osmanthus delavayi
makes a nice, dense evergreen hedge with flowers, and reaches about 8
feet. It grows fairly quickly also.

Two good resources for finding more information on the plants above are
Oregon State University’s Landscape Plants and Great Plant Picks.

Also, I found an article (no longer available) on wind tolerance from Colorado State University Extension which may be of interest. Here is an excerpt about the physical characteristics of wind tolerant plants:

“When considering which trees and shrubs do well in windy conditions,
examine the shape and thickness of the leaves, stems and branches.
Wind-resistant trees usually have flexible, wide spreading, strong
branches and low centers of gravity. Wind tolerant shrubs often have
small, thick or waxy leaves or very narrow leaves (or needles), to help
control moisture loss. Plant species that have large, flat leaves “catch”
wind. These plants have a tendency for branch breakage when strong gusts
blow, or if laden with heavy, wet snow.
Evergreen (conifer) trees are an excellent choice, having needles and
being flexible in high winds.”

Acer palmatum cultivars for full sun

I want to find an Acer palmatum cultivar
that can manage full sun and high winds. Is this asking too much of the
dainty thing? Can you suggest a type, or a source that lists palmatums
and their various needs and attributes?

 

The main issue with Japanese maples and wind would be hot, drying winds. According to this information from University of California Master Gardeners, sunburn can be a problem, and hot wind exacerbates it: “Leaf scorch can appear on any type of deciduous tree, shrub or plant. During prolonged periods of drought, windy weather or bright sunshine, Japanese Maples are particularly susceptible, especially young trees.”

I would be concerned about scorching from exposure to hot wind, and
damage from winter wind even if the tree is not likely to lose limbs.
Here is what J. D. Vertrees’s book, Japanese Maples (Timber Press, 2001,
3rd ed.) has to say: “A spot with a constant strong wind will misshape the plant and may burn the leaves. In winter, the wind-chill factor may cause bark and cambium
damage (…) In areas of strong marine breezes, leaf damage from salt
deposits may occasionally occur. Anyone growing plants under such
conditions should be familiar with the necessary protection and the need
for periodic washing of the foliage with fresh water.”(p. 63)

A commercial nursery, Maple Ridge groups Acer palmatum cultivars by type. University of British Columbia Botanical Gardens offers additional information.