Plant Finder
User Guidelines
The Plant Finder is a multi-faceted tool to assist designers, contractors, maintenance personnel, community groups and the general public in selecting plants that perform well within the public right-of-way. It expands on the lists included in previous versions of the Manual and should be used in conjunction with the guidance provided in the Landscape Chapter.
The Plant Finder database is not comprehensive and there is no guarantee that these plants will survive at a specific site. All plants within the public right-of-way must be selected based on site-specific conditions and approved by the appropriate agency or agencies with jurisdiction. Download the Plant Finder User Guide for instructions on how to use the tool.
The information in this database was generated by DOT, Parks, other agency staff, and local horticulture professionals based on their first-hand knowledge as well as from existing resources. Download the Plant Finder References page for a full list of sources.
Plant Basics
Characteristics
Tolerances
Collections:
Common:
Ruby Slippers Amur Maple
Scientific:
Acer ginnala
'Ruby Slippers'Plant type:
TreesHeight:
15-20 ftSpread:
15-20 ftShape:
Rounded UprightBloom:
Color yellow Color whiteOrnamentally insignificant. Pale yellow flowers emerge in clusters in early spring. Fragrant
Blooming period:
Apr - MayFruit:
color redAbundant showy, scarlet samaras in early summer that persist into the fall/winter
Foliage:
color greenDark green foliage. Opposite, three-lobed with a prominent central lobe, 1.5"-3" long leaves
Fall:
color redcolor orangeFoliage turns an intense red-orange in the fall
Special Qualities:
Showy Fruit, Fall ColorSeason of Interest:
Spring, Summer, FallLight:
Full Sun to Part ShadeSalt:
MediumpH:
Acid to Alkaline (5.0-8.0)Soil:
LoamMoisture:
MedOther:
ALB Host, Has Invasive Tendencies'Ruby Slippers' features particularly abundant showy scarlet samaras in early summer compared to the species and other cultivars.
Sometimes referred to as Acer tataricum ssp. ginnala.
This species is recognized by professionals and institutions in the tri-state area, and/or nationwide, as potentially damaging to our natural systems. Caution must be exercised when planting these near a Forever Wild or other natural area.
Collections:
Common:
Flame Amur Maple
Scientific:
Acer ginnala
'Flame'Plant type:
TreesHeight:
15-20 ftSpread:
15-20 ftShape:
RoundedBloom:
Color yellow Color whiteOrnamentally insignificant. Fragrant
Blooming period:
Apr - MayFruit:
color redShowy red samaras in early summer that persist into fall/winter
Foliage:
color greenMore lustrous, distinctively three-lobed with long central lobe, and better red in the fall when compared to species
Fall:
color yellowcolor redImpressive fall color. Typically a brilliant red with some occasional natural variation
Special Qualities:
Showy Fruit, Fall ColorLevel of Maintenance:
LowSeason of Interest:
Spring, Summer, FallLight:
Full Sun to Part ShadeSalt:
MediumpH:
Acid to Alkaline (5.0-8.0)Soil:
LoamMoisture:
MedHardiness:
3a - 8aOther:
ALB Host, Has Invasive Tendencies'Flame' turns a brilliant, fiery red in autumn.
Sometimes referred to as Acer tataricum ssp. ginnala.
This species is recognized by professionals and institutions in the tri-state area, and/or nationwide, as potentially damaging to our natural systems. Caution must be exercised when planting these near a Forever Wild or other natural area.
Collections:
Common:
Paperbark Maple
Scientific:
Acer griseum
Plant type:
TreesHeight:
20-30 ftSpread:
15-25 ftShape:
Oval RoundedBloom:
Color greenOrnamentally insignificant
Blooming period:
AprFruit:
color greenOrnamentally insignificant. Samara
Foliage:
color greencolor whiteGreen trifoliate leaves 3"-5". Almost frosty/white on underside
Fall:
color greencolor redCan be red, but is frequently green with red overtones on exposed surfaces
Special Qualities:
Distinctive BarkLevel of Maintenance:
LowSeason of Interest:
WinterLight:
Full Sun to Part ShadeSalt:
MediumpH:
Acid to Alkaline (5.0-8.0)Soil:
Loam, ClayMoisture:
MedHardiness:
4a - 8aOther:
ALB HostSpecimen plant known for its beautiful cinnamon colored bark in the winter.
Special care should be taken when specifying this plant as it does not tolerate urban stress.
Common:
October Glory® Red Maple
Scientific:
Acer rubrum
'October Glory'Plant type:
TreesHeight:
40-50 ftSpread:
30-40 ftShape:
Oval Rounded SpreadingBloom:
Color yellow Color redOrnamentally insignificant yet attractive red flowers appear in early spring prior to foliage
Blooming period:
MarFruit:
color redEmerges as red, two-winged samara
Foliage:
color greencolor redDark red foliage in early spring turning to green in summer and bright red in the fall. 2"-5" long, 3 principal triangular lobes, toothed margins, pointed tips
Fall:
color redcolor orangeFall color typically starts orange and turns bright red; leaves persist longer than other cultivars
Special Qualities:
Distinctive Foliage, Fall ColorLevel of Maintenance:
LowSeason of Interest:
Spring, Summer, FallLight:
Full Sun to Part ShadeSalt:
LowpH:
Acid to Neutral (5.0-7.4)Soil:
Loam, ClayMoisture:
Med to WetHardiness:
4a - 9aOther:
Native, ALB Host‘October Glory’ is a female cultivar that is known for its exceptional fall color that transitions from orange to red.
It's a wonderful tree for difficult places and is a common street tree in NYC.
Collections:
Common:
Red Sunset® Red Maple
Scientific:
Acer rubrum
'Franksred'Plant type:
TreesHeight:
45-50 ftSpread:
35-40 ftShape:
Rounded PyramidalBloom:
Color yellow Color redOrnamentally insignificant. Typically emerge red prior to leaves in late winter/early spring
Blooming period:
Mar - AprFruit:
color redEmerges as red, two-winged samara
Foliage:
color green2"-5" long, 3 principal triangular lobes, toothed margins, pointed tips
Fall:
color redcolor orangeOutstanding orange to red fall color
Special Qualities:
Fall Color, Distinctive BarkLevel of Maintenance:
LowSeason of Interest:
Spring, Summer, FallLight:
Full Sun to Part ShadeSalt:
LowpH:
Requires Acid (5.0-7.0)Soil:
LoamMoisture:
Med to WetHardiness:
3a - 9aOther:
Native, ALB Host'Franksred' is known for it's superior red fall color early in the season.
Generally tolerant of air pollution.
Collections:
Common:
Red Maple
Scientific:
Acer rubrum
Plant type:
TreesHeight:
40-70 ftSpread:
30-50 ftShape:
RoundedBloom:
Color yellow Color redOrnamentally insignificant. Typically emerge red prior to leaves in late winter/early spring
Blooming period:
Mar - AprFruit:
color redEmerges as red, two-winged samara
Foliage:
color greenGreen 2"-5" long leaves with 3 principal triangular lobes, toothed margins, and pointed tips
Fall:
color greencolor yellowcolor redcolor orangeCan be very striking, many cultivars selected for red fall foliage. Typically orange-red
Special Qualities:
Fall Color, Distinctive BarkSeason of Interest:
Spring, Summer, FallLight:
Full Sun to Part ShadeSalt:
LowpH:
Acid to Neutral (5.0-7.4)Soil:
LoamMoisture:
Med to WetHardiness:
3a - 9aOther:
Native, ALB HostCommon:
Sugar Maple
Scientific:
Acer saccharum
Plant type:
TreesHeight:
40-80 ftSpread:
30-60 ftShape:
Oval RoundedBloom:
Color green Color yellowOrnamentally insignificant
Blooming period:
AprFruit:
color brownOrnamentally insignificant. Two-winged samara
Foliage:
color greenMedium green leaves that are 3"-6" wide with 3-5 lobes
Fall:
color yellowcolor redcolor orangeYellow-orange with occasional color variation. Typically has great fall color
Special Qualities:
Fall Color, Distinctive BarkLevel of Maintenance:
MediumSeason of Interest:
Spring, Summer, FallLight:
Full Sun to Part ShadeSalt:
NonepH:
Acid to Alkaline (5.0-8.0)Soil:
LoamMoisture:
MedHardiness:
3a - 8aOther:
Native, ALB HostIdeal specimen tree for lawns or parks. Can be used as a street tree as long as it is located in an area where road salt, soil compaction and pollution will not be a problem.
Collections:
Common:
Tatarian Maple
Scientific:
Acer tataricum
Plant type:
TreesHeight:
15-20 ftSpread:
15-20 ftShape:
Rounded UprightBloom:
Color green Color whiteOrnamentally insignificant
Blooming period:
Apr - MayFruit:
color redWinged samaras that turn a showy red in summer and early fall as they mature
Foliage:
color greenMedium green leaves, up to 4" long, are typically unlobed and broadly-ovate with irregular doubly serrate margins on mature trees. Often 3-lobed on young trees
Fall:
color yellowcolor redLeaves typically turn yellow and red in the fall
Special Qualities:
Showy Fruit, Fall ColorLevel of Maintenance:
LowSeason of Interest:
Spring, Summer, FallLight:
Full Sun to Part ShadeSalt:
MediumpH:
Acid to Alkaline (5.0-8.0)Soil:
Sand, Loam, ClayMoisture:
Dry to MedHardiness:
3a - 8aOther:
ALB Host, Has Invasive TendenciesThis species is recognized by professionals and institutions in the tri-state area, and/or nationwide, as potentially damaging to our natural systems. Caution must be exercised when planting these near a Forever Wild or other natural area.
Collections:
Common:
Shantung Maple
Scientific:
Acer truncatum
Plant type:
TreesHeight:
20-25 ftSpread:
15-20 ftShape:
RoundedBloom:
Color green Color yellowOrnamentally insignificant
Blooming period:
AprFruit:
color redOrnamentally insignificant. Samara
Foliage:
color greencolor purpleLeaves emerge purple but mature to dark green. Glossy, 5-7 triangular lobes and up to 5" across
Fall:
color yellowcolor redcolor orangecolor purpleAttractive fall color featuring shades of yellow and orange. May sometimes be red or purple
Special Qualities:
Fall Color, Distinctive BarkLevel of Maintenance:
LowSeason of Interest:
Spring, Summer, FallLight:
Full Sun to Part ShadeSalt:
LowpH:
Acid to Alkaline (5.0-8.0)Soil:
Sand, LoamMoisture:
Dry to MedHardiness:
4a - 8aOther:
ALB HostHeat and drought tolerant. May be appropriate for use under power lines due to small size. Generally a good urban plant.
Collections:
Common:
Norwegian Sunset® Shantung Maple
Scientific:
Acer truncatum x platanoides
'Keithsform'Plant type:
TreesHeight:
35-35 ftSpread:
25-25 ftShape:
Oval UprightBloom:
Color green Color yellowOrnamentally insignificant
Blooming period:
Apr - MayFruit:
color redOrnamentally insignificant. Samara
Foliage:
color greenGlossy dark green foliage. Leaves are simple, palmate in appearance, with 5-7 lobes pointed outward
Fall:
color yellowcolor redcolor orangeAttractive fall color ranging from yellow-orange to bright red
Special Qualities:
Fall ColorLevel of Maintenance:
LowSeason of Interest:
Spring, Summer, FallLight:
Full Sun to Part ShadeSalt:
LowpH:
Acid to Alkaline (5.0-8.0)Soil:
Sand, Loam, ClayMoisture:
Dry to MedHardiness:
4b - 7bOther:
ALB HostA hybrid maple, 'Keithsform' is known for its nice branching structure and uniform canopy. Heat and drought tolerant. Generally a good urban plant.