Jeff Springer wrote:

Hi,

Since we are getting close to spring I thought that I seek some ideas from
the group. I would like to solicit ideas for a small tree (20-25' max.) to
be placed in my front yard. A little history..... The house was previously
owned by a landscaper and he has already planted a nice assortment of trees:
japanese maples (coral bark, red laceleaf, green laceleaf), corkscrew
willow, river birches, holly trees, magnolia, pin oak, zelkova, mostly in
the backyard. The front yard has wonderful shrub and flower beds, but I
would really like to fill one spot near the driveway (= no sappy trees).....
I want to find something that is rare and unique (a showstopper). While I
am not looking to spend a bundle, I would definitely pay more to acquire
such a tree. Any ideas? Something that would fluorish in SW Wake County.
One tree I am thinking about is a Chinese flame tree.....

Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea, formerly called C. lutea) matches your
qualifications -- it's rare, unique, small, and a showstopper when in
bloom. It has great beech-like bark for winter interest. One of our most
ornamental southeastern natives. The main disadvantage is it's slow
growing - it'll be 7 years or so before it blooms, but it's worth the wait.
I'm not sure where you can buy it, but Niche Gardens has a mature tree you
can look at.