TREES
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Gymnocladus dioica (Kentucky Coffee Tree)
$45.00 – $175.00When young, it is the ugly duckling of trees, but it turns into a beautiful swan as it matures. It has bipinnate leaves, similar to a locust and it produces 3-6 inch seed pods that stay on all winter, providing great winter interest. The leaves, as well as the seeds are poisonous. As the trees are dioecious you will need male and female trees to produce fruit. The scaly ridged bark and irregular coarse branching habit create a dramatic effect on the winter landscape. Best grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates poorer soils and drought. Avoid heavy clays. Also adapts well to urban conditions. Suckers to form colonies in the wild. The tree is late to leaf out and one of the first to drop leaves in the fall. Fall color is yellow.
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Malus ioensis (Iowa Crab)
$45.00A miniature apple tree in most respects, prairie crabapple grows to 35 ft. with a dense, irregular form. A sometimes spiny shrub or small tree, with spreading branches and broad, open crown. Exfoliating bark reveals silvery-gray inner bark. The large, white or pink flowers clusters cover the tree. Fruits are eaten by several species of birds and mammals.
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Morus Rubra (Red Mulberry)
$45.00This is a medium-sized tree with a short trunk, broad rounded crown and milky sap that should only be pruned in late fall or winter. Leaves are up to 8” long and are variable in shape. The fruit is edible and relished by birds and other wildlife. The bark was used by the native Americans to make rope and cloth. Leaves turn bright yellow in fall. Best grown in rich, moist, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade.
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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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Pinus strobus (White Pine)
$45.00 – $175.00This native conifer demands the right site. Prefers good, well-drained soil and protection from the west wind. Does not like heavy, clay soil. Tolerates light shade. The pine is extremely susceptible to salt damage. Great winter shelter for birds.
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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.
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Populus tremuloides (Quaking Aspen)
$45.00 – $175.00Aspen is native to the Chicago area. Displays yellow fall color, cream-colored bark, and trembling leaves. Best placed in full sun in rich, consistently moist, well-drained soil. Grows very fast and suckers vigorously. Attracts birds.
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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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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.