SHRUBS
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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.
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Ribes americana (Wild Black Currant)
$40.00Tolerates most soils. Prefers wet to mesic soil moisture. Full sun to part shade. White flowers with black-purple fruit. Exceptional wildlife value.
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Rosa blanda (Early Wild Rose)
$40.00A rose that lacks thorns that many other roses are covered in. Another common name is “Smooth Rose.” Early Wild Rose blooms in late May and June with bright pink flowers with yellow centers. It can form dense thickets. Prefers full sun, in medium well-drained soil. Tolerates dry soil. Attracts birds & butterflies.
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Rosa carolina (Pasture Rose)
$40.00A small rose that forms a very loose thicket. In the prairie these thickets allow numerous prairie plants to grow. Also adapted to sand country. Pasture Rose blooms heavily in June and then sporadically through September. Fall color is red with crimson hips. Prefers full sun, in medium to wet, well-drained soil. Attracts birds & butterflies.
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Salix discolor (Pussy Willow)
$40.00Pussy willow is a short-lived, fast growing, native tree, or large shrubby shrub with a rounded crown. In early spring the silky furry catkins open before the leaves appear to signal spring is on the way. Grows in average, medium to wet, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers full sun. Thrives in moist soils but tolerates somewhat drier soils better than most other willows. Intolerant of dry soils. Prune as needed in late winter to early spring. Plants may be cut to the ground every 3-5 years to maintain a smaller shrub shape. This is a dioecious species (male and female catkins appearing on separate trees) that is most often seen as a large multi-stemmed shrub to 6-15’ tall but is less frequently found as a small tree to 30’ tall.
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Salix humilis (Prairie Willow)
$40.00Dwarf willow found on moist to dry sites. Dark green foliage, dense branching habit. Showy catkins. Full sun to partial shade. Host plant for the caterpillars of various butterflies. Various birds feed on the buds and catkins of willows and construct their nests in willow thickets.
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Symphoricarpos albus (Snowberry)
$40.00Low-growing shrub that does well in dry shade under oak trees. It is not grown for its flowers but for the pure white berries that appear in late summer and persist through most of the winter. Attracts birds. If allowed, it will sucker and spread making it good for stabilizing slopes. Best grown in medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Deer resistant.
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Viburnum lentago (Nannyberry Viburnum)
$40.00Large, vase-shaped shrub. Beautiful white flowers in May. Fall color is a fabulous maroon-red with fruit birds love. Highly adaptable to all soil types. Best grown in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil. Fruit attracts bird and other wildlife. This shrub is also a host for butterflies. Deer resistant.