Donald Wyman isn't a native tree and if you are concerned about rust it isn't really sensible to plant 14 of the same tree. You could have some crabs but also include Amelanchiers or native Crataegus to spread the risk and also stretch the blossom period. I'm sure more knowledgeable people will come along with other suggstions.

From Harvard bio: "Malus ‘Donald Wyman’ was named after the highly accomplished Dr. Donald Wyman (1094-1993), Arboretum horticulturist for over 35 years. Wyman hailed from Philadelphia, PA, and after receiving a Ph.D in horticulture from Cornell University, joined the Arboretum in 1935. He worked for six months without pay and was made horticulturist in 1936." I believe that serviceberry and hawthorns are susceptible to the rust as well. But I agree, they are also lovely trees.

I think you may be confused as to what constitutes a 'native' plant :-) A native is a species of plant that is indigenous to that area. The red cedars - junipers, Juniperus virginiana - are natives but not the crab. Like most of the ornamental crabapples sold, 'Donald Wyman' is a hybrid derived from Malus floribunda, or the Japanese flowering crab. It may well have some American crabapple species DNA in its make up as well but the hybridization has removed it from any "native" plant status. By definition, a manmade hybrid cannot be considered a native species.

I stand corrected - as you know, there are some crabs native to the U.S. I'm looking for people to weigh in with their first-hand knowledge of trees that meet my needs - While I would prefer native, and like crabapples (some non-native), I don't want to get hung up on that. I want an allee, and if that's not your thing, that's okay, move on, I do. Let's be positive and add to the discussion - if you have knowledge I'm looking for, great, thank you, I appreciate the input.

Woah!

Why the snarkiness?

You indicated in your original post that you specifically wanted a ’native to the US’ tree. Two very knowledgable folks responded based on your question. As to the Allee, that sounds lovely, but an Allee does not need to have only one species. While Floral’s suggestion that you plant several species in an effort to mitigate the risk of cedar rust may not match your vision, it was hardly an attack on you. It seemed to me to be a very professional recommendation- particularly as you mentioned the substantial investment you are making and your valid concerns about the cedar rust.

In your response, just above, you say you’re looking for knowledge You got it!

Give it some consideration

She said it twice! NATIVE... but now isn't hung up on it. Childish.

Fraker, what do you about apple cedar rust? What white flowering trees do you recommend? CONTRIBUTE or MOVE ON. Who are you, the etiquette police? Do you sit online critiquing others' comments all day? Floral had a good suggestion, with merit I might add, and I am considering it, but it's not what I would prefer. I'm looking for specific experience, and if you don't have it, that's okay Fraker.

Holly, I hope the rest of your day goes better.

I'm sure it will! I'm going for a nice hike, and I hope you have a more productive one moving forward ;-)

" Who are you, the etiquette police? Do you sit online critiquing others' comments all day? "

Comments like these rarely garner much positive feedback. Folks tend to be put off by snarky or rude comments. It's the flies and honey parable in a nutshell (to mix metaphors :-)).

Take a look at serviceberry 'Autumn Brilliance'. It's a popular cultivar of a small native tree.

Oh nice, I was ready to suggest you take a hike.

Thank you Nancy, I appreciate it, and just may combine your fb with floral, and my interest in DW. I can do 18 instead and alternate them, three on each side. There are hawthorn here at the park, and they are a nice looking tree. That might work, smaller, white flowers, and mitigate any damage from the rust or other diseases. Thank you both!

I'm sure you know, but, just in case, Serviceberry is the common name for Amelanchier, which I mentioned above. FWIW many successful allees, or avenues, comprise several species but they are arranged symmetrically, so still formal looking. Chionanthus virginicus and Halesia carolina are two more white flowered N American natives.

Cercis Royal White is a possibility.

Thank you Floral - Do you have any knowledge of these varieties? Growers near me offer: Amelanchier canadensis, Amelanchier laevis, and Amelanchier grandiflora 'Autumn Brilliance.' I am thinking that a (single-stem) Hawthorn, followed by MS Serviceberry, and a SS Donald Wyman might be a nice pattern.

My husband is not a fan of the Chionanthus, and I am seeing that the Halesia Carolina is a better understory tree. The allee will be at the west side of the property, and most of it will receive full sun. That's why I ruled out dogwood for this location. Occasionally, we get some strong winds from that direction too, as there is a large field in front of us, with few wind breaks. Please let me know if it is a "hardy" tree.

Cecily - Cercis canadensis are my favorite tree, and I have several planted in the yard. For whatever reason, the cercis royal white doesn't appear to be as readily available, but I'm sure it can be had with a little effort. It's another great possibility. Thank you!

I am not a tree specialist, but I did once have a Hawthorne tree. I don’t know its variety. Despite our attempts to save it, it succumbed to rust. I would verify that the variety you are interested in is not vulnerable to it.

Thanks ptreckel, that's what I am concerned about. I've read that hawthorns, serviceberry, and many varieties of crabapple are susceptible to it, and I'm not one to pre-emptively spray them with fungicides. I don't think redbuds are though, and I'm not sure about the silverbell.

Pagoda dogwood might be worth a look. They’re beautiful trees and can tolerate sun. After multiple disappoinments with crabapples & serviceberries, usually 2-3 years after very promising beginnings, I’m done tempting fate.

Thanks petula, this is good information, even if it isn't what I hoped to hear. I am sorry for your disappointments - that's unfortunate because they are really great trees. I will give the Pagoda dogwood a look.