SHRUBS
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Ceanothus americanus (New Jersey Tea)
$40.00A low-growing, compact woody prairie plant. Spectacular white flowers bloom on the 4th of July. Hummingbirds are attracted to the tiny insects that pollinate its flowers. Very hardy shrub with glossy leaves. Full sun to light shade; medium to dry soil. Drought tolerant.
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Cornus racemosa (Gray Dogwood)
$40.00A tough shrub that is sun and shade tolerant, grows in wet or dry soils, and grows in a variety of soil types. It has white flowers in May that turn to white fruit on red panicles, that birds relish in the fall. Will spread to form thickets if root suckers are not removed. Fall color is a dusky purplish red. Host for many larval butterfly species. Deer resistant.
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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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Dasiphora fruticosa (Shrubby Cinquefoil)
$40.00A dense, bushy shrub with upright, slender branches and bright yellow flowers. The beautiful flowers bloom throughout most of the growing season. This is a wonderful shrub to place under a window that gets a lot of viewing. Attracts large numbers of native bees. Grows best in loamy soil that is well drained but can be watered regularly. Tolerates occasional drought.
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Diervilla Ionicera (Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle)
$40.00Not a true honeysuckle, this small native, densely branched, suckering shrub is noted for its yellow trumpet-shaped flowers, dark green leaves and fall color. Flowers bloom in late spring to early summer. Full sun to part shade; dry to medium moisture in well-drained soil. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
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Physocarpus opulifolius (Ninebark)
$40.00Very durable large shrub. Features pink or white, five-petaled flowers in late spring. Flowers give way to drooping clusters of reddish fruit. Exfoliating bark exposes cinnamon brown inner bark for winter interest. Great in shrub borders. Full to half-day sun; dry to medium moisture. Attractive to waterfowl and bees.
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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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Rhus aromatica (Fragrant Sumac)
$40.00Easily grown in dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Part of the black oak savanna complex. Fall color is an excellent reddish-orange with bright red fruit that is attractive to wildlife. A great companion plant for upright or vertical plants because of its layering habit; for this reason it also provides great habitat. Deer resistant.
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Rhus copallinum (Shining Sumac)
$40.00Rhus copallinum, commonly known as the Winged Sumac or Shining Sumac, is a native plant species found in the state of Illinois, as well as throughout much of the eastern United States. This deciduous shrub belongs to the Anacardiaceae family and is a notable member of the Illinois flora for several compelling reasons:
1. Appearance: Rhus copallinum is a medium-sized shrub, typically growing to heights between 3 to 20 feet (1 to 6 meters). Its distinctive features include pinnately compound leaves with serrated edges, and most notably, the winged branches that give it its common name. These wings, or ridges, run along the stems and are an attractive characteristic, particularly in the winter months when the leaves have fallen.
2. Foliage: The leaves of Rhus copallinum are bright green in the spring and summer, turning vibrant shades of red, orange, or purple in the fall. The compound leaves are divided into multiple leaflets, giving them a feathery appearance.
3. Flowers: In late spring to early summer, Winged Sumac produces small, greenish-yellow flowers arranged in dense clusters called panicles. These flowers are not particularly showy, but they are important for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
4. Fruits: One of the most distinctive features of Rhus copallinum is its clusters of fuzzy, crimson-red berries, known as drupes, that appear in late summer and persist through the fall. These fruits are an essential food source for wildlife, including birds like the Eastern Bluebird and various species of mammals.
5. Ecological Importance: Rhus copallinum plays a crucial role in the Illinois ecosystem as a native plant. It provides food and habitat for numerous species of birds and insects and helps support local biodiversity.
6. Environmental Adaptability: Winged Sumac is well-suited to the Illinois climate, being drought-tolerant and capable of thriving in a variety of soil types, including sandy or rocky soils. It is often found in open woodlands, along roadsides, and in disturbed areas.
7. Cultural and Landscaping Uses: While not typically used in formal landscaping, Rhus copallinum has been utilized for erosion control and as a naturalistic planting in more natural or wildlife-friendly landscapes. Its bright foliage and distinctive berries also make it a visually appealing choice for native plant gardens.
8. Caution: It is important to note that Rhus copallinum is related to poison ivy and poison oak and can cause skin irritation in some individuals. Caution should be exercised when handling this plant, and protective clothing may be advisable.
Rhus copallinum contributes to the state’s ecological diversity, offers beautiful fall foliage, and serves as an essential food source for wildlife. Its unique winged branches make it an interesting addition to the natural landscape and a valuable plant for those looking to support local ecosystems.