List of Small Evergreen Trees

Small evergreens are excellent trees to add to a landscape when you want to create the backbone of a look that will last throughout the year. Since evergreens will not drop their leaves during the winter, they will continuously provide privacy and reduce wind and noise. Choose evergreens that are hardy in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone where you live.

Bristlecone pine (Pinus aristata) grows to heights ranging between 8 and 20 feet. It grows 10 to 15 feet wide with an irregular spread. It is a slow grower. It prefers full sun. It produces needle-like leaves in bundles of 5. The needles are a bluish green color. Bristlecone pine is hardy in zones 4 through 7. It tolerates poor sandy soil. Bristlecone pines will survive through periods of drought.

Cherry laurel (Prunus caroliniana) is hardy in zones 7 through 10. It is a fast grower, forming a pyramid shape early in its development. Later, it forms a rounded crown. It grows 20 to 40 feet high and 15 to 20 feet wide. It produces small, white flowers in late winter. The flowers are fragrant. Its leaves are dark green. Cherry laurel grows in full sun or partial shade. It prefers moist, but well drained soil.

Inkberry holly (Ilex glabra) is a slow-growing tree that reaches 3 to10 feet high when it is mature. It is a broadleaf evergreen with glossy, dark green leaves. The leaves alternate on the stem and have serrated edges. In the summer, it produces small, white flowers. The fruit are small and black. It prefers its soil to be moist as well drained. It performs well in full sun or partial shade conditions. Inkberry holly is hardy in zones 5 through 9.

Japanese plum (Eriobotrya japonica) grows 20 to 30 feet tall. It is a member of the rose family. It has a short rounded crown. It is native to southeastern China. Its leaves are dark green and glossy. The leaves are elliptical and grow in a whorled pattern. It produces white, fragrant flowers, usually in early spring. Its fruit,called "loquat," are oval or, at times, pear-shaped. They grow 1 to 2 inches long. Loquat are yellow to orange and white. Japanese plum is hardy in zones 8 through 11.

Wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) is a fast grower that tops out between 10 and 15 feet high. It is broad, shrub-like tree spreading out between 8 to 10 feet. It has a rounded, irregular shape. It produces small flowers and gray fruit. The glossy, green leaves alternate on the stem. When you touch the leaves, they give off the scent of bayberry. Wax myrtle needs exposure that provides full sun or at least partial shade. It will grow in sand or clay soil. It does not need soil that is high in nutrients. Wax myrtle is hardy in zones 7 through 10.