Popular And Rare Trees And Shrubs Starting With The Letter Q And R

• Quercus - Oak - The Oak family consists of over six hundred species. This genus is native to many sub-tropical and tropical regions. Many different countries are home to this genus. Mexico, southeast Asia, Africa, North America, Europe, the Mediterranean region, China, and Canada. There are many different varieties that will grow well in zones two through ten in the United States. These species can be evergreen, semi-evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs. The leaves have a unique shape and are great mulch for acid loving plants.

  Quercus range in height from three feet up to one hundred and twenty feet tall. These species love damp and well drained soil. This popular tree and shrub can take take full sun or partial shade, depending on the plant. The Oak has a spreading and big root system and doesn't transplant very well. These species can live for a long time. A great tree specimen for shade in a front or backyard.

• Rauvolfia - Quinine Tree - There are over fifty species that make up this family. This family is native to both the northern and southern hemisphere tropical areas, and especially southern Africa. The Quinine variety is the only specie native to south Africa. They will thrive in zones nine through twelve in the United States. Many different parts of the tree have been and are still used for medicinal purposes. Rauvolfia specimens are fast growers and can mature up to forty feet. The fragrant flowers have green and white tones and followed by shiny black colored berries. Birds are attracted to the berries and in due to the location of these trees, monkey's also love the eating the berries.









Rhabdothamus - this is a rare one specie family and native to New Zealand. The Rhabdothamus is actually a member of the African Violet family. The trunk and branches are slender and it is the flowers that are so popular to view in New Zealand and also in zones ten and eleven in the United States. The flowers are tubular in stunning shades of orange and red tones. This plant is an evergreen shrub that likes partial shade and humus rich soil. It can be a frost hardy shrub and should be pruned often to produce a fuller plant. The Rhabdothamus is a wonderful specimen that grows about six feet high and wide. Great in gardens and landscapes.
Rhamus - Buckhorn - This genus is made up of deciduous and evergreen shrubs. The Buckhorn is native to a variety of different climates and will do well in zones seven through ten in the United States. There are about one hundred and twenty five species in this family group. The shrub loves well drained soil and will do well in full sun, but partial shade is best for hot areas. Some of the species have thorns and the leaves are jagged. The flowers aren't noticeable, but the berries are popular with birds. T he maturity of the family can reach up to fifteen feet in height. A nice accent specimen for a landscape area.

Rhalphiolepis - There are nine species that make up this genus. This is one of my favorite shrubs to use in a variety of gardens and landscapes. These species are native to sub-tropical and tropical southeast Asia. This family will grow well in zones seven through ten in the United States. These shrubs love full sun or partial shade and well drained soil. The Rhalphiolepis is known in spring for its tiny clusters of white and pink flowers. The coastal area is an ideal area to grow these specimens. One variety, the Indian Hawthorn is very popular in my zone seven. I have used this specimen around decks and patios and as great evergreen accents throughout a garden or landscape.
Rhododendron - this is a very large family of over eight hundred species. The Rhododendron can be found in so many different geographic locations. Many of are native to southern China, Himalayan region, Japan, southeast Asia, Australia and North America. In the United States, many varieties will grow in zones five through ten. Also known as the Rhodi this specimen grows wild in many mountainous areas. This family is known for its brilliant color flowers that appear in the late spring throughout the summer months. There are many different colored flowers and a wonderful focal point in gardens and landscapes. You can read more about the Rhododendron and see a few photos of this beautiful shrub.
Rhus - Sumac - There are over two hundred species that make up this family. The Sumac is native to Japan, China, and the United States. This deciduous and evergreen shrubs, trees, and vines will do well in zones two through nine in the United States. The Sumac prefers a sunny and fertile, well drained soil. The family needs protection from strong winds. Some of these popular trees will mature up to twenty feet and some of the smaller varieties will reach only three feet. Yellow to green tone clusters of flowers will appear in late spring into the summer months. In late summer red colored berries appear. The tree can take the spotlight in the autumn months, as the leaves turn vibrant colors of orange and purple tones. Another popular specimen for a wide variety of landscapes.
Ribes - Currant - This genus is made up of around one hundred and fifty specimens. This family is a group of wonderful deciduous and evergreen ornamental and fruit bearing shrubs and trees. The Currant is native to northern Europe, Russia, and will grow well in zones five through nine in the United States. In late winter and early spring, clusters of yellow, pink, or red flowers appear. The berries are in colors of white, green, purple or black and many are edible. These plants can be planted in masses to produce different colored berries. They will thrive in rich, well drained soil and can take full sun or partial shade. Some varieties will mature to ten feet tall and can spread up to eight feet. Another great specimens for gardens.
Richea - this is a rare family of twelve evergreen shrubs. They are native to Australia and are also large numbers in Tasmania. The leaves are a rich green color, and long and slender. The clusters of pink, white, yellow or cream tone flowers come to life in the summer months. You should deadhead the flowers after bloom time in the fall months. The popular Richea will do well in ground gardens and also popular in container gardens. Richea needs a rich base humus and acid base soil and needs protection from full sun and strong winds. These shrubs are generally small in height but a couple of the varieties can mature up to fifty feet. A very unique family.
Ricinus - Caster oil Plant - There is only one specie that makes up this family. Native to Africa and southwestern Asia, this specie will grow in zones nine through eleven in the United States. The danger of this specie is that all parts of the plant are poisonous. The rare aspect of this plant being poisonous, is that the actual seed oil has been used medicinally in heat treatments. Ricinus loves full sun and humus base, well drained soil. This is a fast growing tree-like shrub and can mature up to twelve feet. The specie may need staking.

The ten genus above represent both popular and rare specimens in many different geographic locations. I have enjoyed so much doing this section for you and look forward to continuing more pages other different trees and shrubs in the list of plants.