Small trees and flowering trees
Mimosa
Albizia julibrissin
Mimosa's most outstanding feature is its showy, fluffy pink summer flowers. Throughout Missouri, except in southern areas, twigs and branches may be killed by winter cold. Sometimes entire trees die back to the ground. A prolific seed producer, the seedlings may become weedy. It also is subject to a vascular disease known as mimosa wilt that may kill trees. Several insect pests, such as mimosa webworm, can ruin its ornamental value in summer.
Mountainash
Sorbus aucuparia
This small tree is common in cooler climates, but suffers from Missouri heat and drought. It is bothered by several pests and diseases, the most damaging of which is fire blight. This bacterial disease causes serious dieback and cankers that may disfigure or kill mountainash.
Russian Olive
Elaeagnus angustifolia
Russian olive has been a popular tree for many years. Its single most distinguishing characteristic is its silvery-gray foliage. It is useful in drier climates, but several diseases have caused problems that make it undependable in Missouri. Canker diseases of the trunk and branches are most devastating, causing dieback that may kill entire trees
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