We define "Shade Tree" as one that is deciduous (its leaves fall every year)and has inconspicuous flowers. In a different section we have what we call "Flowering Trees" which include deciduous trees that have very attractive ornamental flowers such as the Dogwood or Ornamental Cherry tree. Shade trees have flowers but we don't notice them and we don't have the tree in our yard because it has flowers. We have the tree in the yard because it is beautiful without having fancy flowers and in many cases we want to take advantage of the shade it produces.