5-Gallon
-
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.
-
Alnus rugosa (Speckled Alder)
$40.00Multi-stemmed, quick growing for wet areas and floodplains. Fixes nitrogen. Nice winter interest: catkins and cones. Also known as Alnus incana subsp. rugosa.
Associates: Calamagrostis canadensis (Blue joint grass), Cephalanthus occidentalis (Buttonbush), Cornus obliqua (Blue-Fruited / Silky Dogwood), Onoclea sensibilis (Sensitive Fern), Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern), Populus tremuloides (Quaking Aspen), Rosa palustris (Swamp Rose), Spiraea alba (Meadowsweet), Spiraea tomentosa (Hardhack or Steeple Bush)
-
Amelanchier arborea (Downy Serviceberry)
$45.00An attractive tree for all seasons. Birds love its berries. Delicate white, star-like flowers bloom in early spring. Pleasant gray-green foliage, orange to rusty-red fall color, and smooth red-gray bark. Full sun to part shade. Likes well-drained soil. Host tree for moths and butterflies.
-
Amelanchier humilis (Low Shadblow)
$40.00Amelanchier humilis is a deciduous shrub that is native to North America. It is also known as the low shadbush or low serviceberry. It is a member of the rose family and can grow in a variety of habitats, including rocky outcrops and moist meadows.
Amelanchier humilis typically grows to a height of 3-6 feet and has a spread of 4-6 feet.
It has small, white flowers that attract bees in the spring. Its red berries are eaten by birds.
The fruit is a pome that is very dark, almost black. It is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. The fruit has a sweet taste, with slight apple flavor.
Amelanchier humilis is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It flowers in April, and the seeds ripen from June to July. -
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.
-
Aronia prunifolia (Chokeberry)
$40.00 Add to cart -
Cephalanthus occidentalis (Buttonbush)
$40.00A shrub of the marsh or floodplain, this plant grows well in good garden soil but will tolerate clay soil. Leaves are an eye-catching glossy green but lack great fall color. White flowers bloom in July and August are rich in nectar and attract butterflies and other insects. Full sun only. Deer resistant.
-
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.
-
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.