X Chitalpa tashkentensis

Has anyone had any experience with this tree? We are considering using it to replace a butchered pine, SDG&E. The pine had provided shade for a Pacific Coast Iris hybrids and Heuchers. Our biggest concern is shade for the understory.

I use tons of these trees - they are great, especially inland, where they are fast growing and floriferous. They tend to get a little mildewy along the coast, however. You may also want to consider something like a Bishop pine (pinus muricata) which is relatively small but fast growing. It would tie in nicely with the established ecology of the site. Arctostaphylos 'Dr Hurd' is a fairly fast growing manzanita tree, and Lyonothamnus is nice near the coast.