shade tree

a tree planted or valued for its shade.

Origin of shade tree

An Americanism dating back to 1800–10

This is the ailanthus, a large tree which you have often seen in the village, and which used to be popular as a shade-tree.

Among the Trees at Elmridge |Ella Rodman Church
As he stepped down, he became aware that someone leaned against a shade-tree in the yard.

The Sheriff of Badger |George B. Pattullo
The rider might lounge under a shade-tree, kicking up his heels to the sky.

Dwellers in the Hills |Melville Davisson Post
Then her eye rose to the overhanging branch of a shade-tree near them.

Gentle Julia |Booth Tarkington

Soon the shade-tree sent out its blossoms of lilac, and the dog-wood burst into a pile of snow.

The Puddleford Papers, |H. H. Riley