TREES
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Aesculus glabra (Ohio Buckeye)
$45.00First tree to leaf out in spring and shade tolerant. Yellow-green flowers in early May. The 1″ diameter showy fruit is called a buckeye due to its resemblance to a deer’s eye. Does best in good garden soil with plenty of moisture, in full sun to part shade. Attracts butterflies. Deer resistant.
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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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Betula nigra (River Birch)
$45.00A fast growing birch (up to 3′ per year) with exfoliating cinnamon to brown bark. Needs wet or moist soil. Drought sensitive. Can be single or multi-stemmed. Accepts tight clay soil. Dull yellow fall color. Delicate, expanding catkins dispersed gradually by winter winds. Prefers full sun to part shade. Host tree for a variety of moths and butterflies. Deer resistant.
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Carpinus caroliniana (Blue Beech)
$45.00 – $175.00Also called American hornbeam. Finely textured, graceful understory tree with smooth, gray-fluted bark and red, yellow and orange fall color. Nice shade tree for small yards. Clean ornamental with no off-season. Highly adaptable. Full to half-day sun. Prefers moist, organically rich soils but will tolerate clay. Good replacement for buckthorn. Deer resistant.
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Celtis occidentalis (Hackberry)
$45.00 – $175.00Looks similar to an elm in form and foliage. Very adaptable; grows in wet and dry soils in full sun. Good street tree. Birds relish the purplish-black fruit. Also attracts butterflies. Growth rate is fast in youth and moderate as it ages. Distinctive grooved, warty bark. Deer resistant.
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Nyssa sylvatica (Black Gum)
$45.00Leaves are smooth, waxy, and glossy. Known for its intense fall colors and beautiful silvery bark that is attractive in winter. Needs protection from west winds. Flowers are not showy but are an excellent nectar source for bees. Fruits are attractive to birds and wildlife. Full sun to part shade. Medium to wet soil. Female tree needs a male tree nearby to set fruit. Deer resistant.
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Platanus occidentalis (Sycamore)
$45.00 – $175.00One of our largest native shade trees that is fast growing (3-4 feet per year). Easily grown in medium to wet, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade. The most striking feature of this tree is its camouflage bark that readily exfoliates. Its round seed balls persist into winter and the individual seeds are eaten by birds in the spring. Host for the tiger swallowtail butterfly. Deer resistant.