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Amelanchier laevis (Allegheny Shadblow or Serviceberry)
$45.00Amelanchier laevis, commonly known as Smooth Serviceberry, is a native plant species that thrives in the state of Illinois. This small deciduous tree or multi-stemmed shrub belongs to the Rosaceae family and is celebrated for its striking appearance, ecological significance, and its adaptability to a variety of environments. Here’s a detailed description of Amelanchier laevis in the Illinois landscape:
1. **Appearance**: Smooth Serviceberry typically grows to heights ranging from 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) but can occasionally reach up to 30 feet (9 meters). It is characterized by a graceful, upright form with a dense canopy. The smooth, grayish-brown bark adds to its aesthetic appeal.
2. **Leaves**: The leaves of Amelanchier laevis are alternate, simple, and oval-shaped with finely serrated edges. They emerge as bronze or reddish in spring, transition to a deep green in summer, and transform into beautiful shades of orange, red, or purple in the fall, adding vibrant colors to the Illinois landscape.
3. **Flowers**: In early spring, Smooth Serviceberry produces showy clusters of delicate, white or pale pink, five-petaled flowers. These blossoms are an early source of nectar for pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making the plant a valuable addition to Illinois gardens.
4. **Fruits**: One of the most distinctive features of Amelanchier laevis is its edible berries, which ripen in late spring to early summer. These berries are initially red or purple and eventually mature into dark blue-black fruits that resemble small cherries. They are not only visually appealing but also a sought-after food source for birds and wildlife.
5. **Ecological Importance**: Smooth Serviceberry plays a vital role in the Illinois ecosystem. Its flowers attract pollinators, and its fruits are eagerly consumed by various bird species, including cedar waxwings and robins. It also provides habitat and shelter for a variety of wildlife.
6. **Environmental Adaptability**: This native plant is highly adaptable and can thrive in a range of soil types, from well-drained sandy soils to heavier clay soils. It is often found in woodlands, open forests, and along stream banks.
7. **Cultural and Landscaping Uses**: Smooth Serviceberry is an excellent choice for native plant enthusiasts, wildlife gardeners, and those seeking ornamental plants for their landscapes. It can be used as a specimen tree, in mixed borders, or as a naturalistic planting in more natural landscapes.
8. **Historical and Cultural Significance**: Native American tribes historically utilized Amelanchier species for medicinal purposes and as a source of food. The berries were consumed fresh or dried for later use.
Amelanchier laevis offers year-round interest with its attractive flowers, colorful foliage, and edible berries. Its ecological importance, adaptability, and historical significance make it a valuable addition to the Illinois landscape, providing both aesthetic and environmental benefits.
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Cornus alternifolia (Pagoda Dogwood)
$45.00Pagodas like a few hours of sun, moist soil, and protection from the west. Beautiful horizontal branching and white flowers in the spring. Birds relish the blue-black fruit in August. Maroon-red fall color. Grows fast.
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Cornus obliqua (Blue-Fruited / Silky Dogwood)
$40.00A very large shrub that is as broad as it is tall. Found on wet sites and riverbanks but has proved adaptable to the urban garden. Flowers are white, one to three inches in diameter, flat-topped corymbs. Birds devour the shining, blue fruit. Full to part sun. Fall color is reddish purple.
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Corylus americana (American Filbert (Hazelnut))
$40.00Nut is edible and attractive to wildlife. Likes at least half day of sun and good garden soil. A harbinger of spring when male catkins elongate 2-3 inches and release puffs of pollen. Excellent red, yellow, and orange fall color. Better chance of producing nuts if you have 3-5 plants. Best grown in moist, well-drained soil.
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Prunus americana (Wild Plum)
$45.00Fast growing shrub/tree that will sucker freely to create thickets. The flowers of wild plum rival those of any exotic flowering tree. Snow white blooms in April-May. Fall color is maroon-red. An excellent plant for naturalizing. While it prefers full sun, it may be grown in dry to medium, well-drained soil in part shade. May be pruned to desired size. Edible fruits are best used for preserves.
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Prunus virginiana (Choke Cherry)
$40.00Chokecherry has white flowers that bloom late April to early May, and birds relish the fruit in August. Grow in average, dry to medium, well-drained loams in full sun to part shade. It can be grown in sand or clay and is tolerant of wet or dry soil. Best flowering is in full sun. Plants will sucker to form colonies in the wild. Promptly remove suckers to prevent any unwanted spread. It consistently produces early fall color of a nice red-orange.
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Quercus alba (White Oak)
$45.00 – $175.00Illinois state tree. The only white oak with russet red fall color. Grows in sand and clay but not wet sites. Requires at least 3-4 hours of sun, but prefers full sun, moist, well-drained soil. Perhaps the flagship species of white oaks. Host tree for moths and butterflies. Tolerates the black walnut. Attracts wildlife.
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Quercus rubra (Red Oak)
$45.00 – $175.00Red oak is one of the most shade-tolerant of the oaks making it a good choice to grow under existing trees. It needs only a few hours of sun per day to grow but does best in full sun, in dry to medium moisture, acidic soil, with good drainage. Outstanding red fall color. Tolerates the black walnut. Host tree for moths and butterflies. Attracts wildlife.
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Quercus velutina (Black Oak)
$45.00Black Oak tends to be found on well-drained sites such as sand or gravel. The leaves are very similar to Red Oak. Fall color can be red but usually is a tan-brown. Leaves do not persist through winter. Ultimate size is slightly smaller than Red Oak in the Chicago region.