Jazzy Trees And Shrubs Starting With The Letters J And K

Jazzy trees and shrubs beginning with the letters J and K continue the section on the list of plants. In the J and K genus families, there are some beautiful and unique specimens that are native to many different geographic locations. Lets continue our journey with learning a little bit more about some plant families and their characteristics.

• Jacaranda - this group of medium to large trees contain around fifty species. They are deciduous and evergreen. The jazzy Jacaranda is native to sub-tropical and tropical South America. Brazil and Argentina have many of these natural beauties. The fern like leaves are rewarded with stunning bell shaped flowers. Colors range in white, purple, and mauve tones. In the springtime clusters of flowers appear. This genus loves full sun and well drained and fertile soil. Jacaranda will grow well in zones nine through eleven in the United States. They are a spectacular spotlight along streets and park settings. Some of the varieties can mature up to fifty feet tall. They remind me of the Dogwood and Bradford Pear trees in my zone seven in the United States during the springtime.
• Jasminum - Jasmine - this family consists over two hundred members. They are considered deciduous, semi-evergreen, and evergreen, depending on the climate zone. The Jasmine is native to Asia and Africa but also in parts of North America. This specie grows in zones six through ten in the United States. The Jasmine can create a jazzy addition in a natural setting. Some of these plants can be seen along the edges of wooded areas. Most are frost tender, but a few varieties can take some colder temperatures. The one aspect of the Jasmine that may surprise some of you is not all varieties are fragrant.
• Juglans - Walnut - there are about fifteen species that make up this genus. The Walnut is native to the Mediterranean region, Middle East, East Asia, and North and South America. These trees grow well in zones four through ten in the United States. The Walnut is frost hardy but a slow growing tree. The height of these fragrant foliage tree can reach up to fifty feet. The highlight of these deciduous species are the nuts they produce. Walnuts are used in a variety of baked goods around the world. Besides the nuts, the timber creates wonderful variety of furniture. This jazzy Juglan family prefers a sunny location and a light, loamy base soil. A great tree also for shade.
• Juniperus - Juniper - a very popular genus made up of about fifty species. They are native to different areas of the Northern Hemisphere. Many of the varieties are great trees and shrubs for both landscape and specific gardens. China, North America, and Europe grow many of these species. The Junipers love well drained soil and a sunny location. Many of these specimens are used for banks or on slopes. Here is some more information on the Juniper family along with some photos.
• Kerria - Japanese Japonica - there is only one specie in this family. It is native to China and Japan and will grow well in zones four through ten in the United States. This is a deciduous shrub where the flowers are ignited in the springtime warmth. The jazzy Kerria can take partial sun to shade. The golden flowers can be seen from a distance if left in its natural state with no pruning. The normal maturity is around five to eight feet high and wide. If left untrimmed, it can spread up to twelve feet. A great shrub along a fence, stone wall, deck, or an open garden surrounded by some Azaleas and Rhododendrons. The Kerria loves moist and well drained soil. A great choice for a variety of garden settings.
• Kigelia - Sausage Tree - this is a unique one specimen genus and native to Africa. It will grow in warm climate zones of ten through twelve. The Sausage tree thrives in a sunny location, well drained soil, high humidity, and regular watering. This evergreen can mature up to forty feet. The leaves are around twelve inches wide. The most amazing aspect of this specie, is in early summer, flowers emerge in panicles up to six feet long, and open at night. Bats pollinate the flowers and love the night time opening of these blooms. The blooms are red and orange tones.
• Kingia - Skirted Grass Tree - This is another one genus family and popular and native the areas of southwestern Australia. The long and slender needle like leaves can mature up to two feet long. This is a very slow growing specie, but some of these species are known to be one thousand years old. After the leaves die out, they remain on the tree and hang similar to a skirt around the trunk. Creamy white flowers appear on the upper leaves. The jazzy Kingia loves sandy soil and will grow well in full sun to partial shade. Another truly unique specimen.
• Kolkwitzia - Beauty Bush - this genus is made up of one member and is native to China, but planted in many landscapes and garden throughout the world. The Beauty Bush does well in zones four through nine in the United States. It loves well drained soil, full sun or light shade. In the spring mass of pale pink clusters of flowers appear on this upright shrub. This specie is deciduous but a wonderful accent plant in front of an evergreen backdrop. After the flowers die off, small fruit cover the shrub. A very showy specimen for the spring and summer months.

Each of these jazzy families above are a small representation of trees and shrubs beginning with the letters J and K. I hope this page in the list of plants section has given you a little more information on some plants that grow around the world.