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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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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)
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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.
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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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Amorpha fruiticosa Indigo Bush
$40.00Found in nature in wet swamp soils. Best fruit production in full sun. White flowers, dark purple berries. Associates: Zizia aurea (Golden Alexander), Aster novae-angliae (New England Aster), Silphium perfoliatum (Cup Plant)
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Aronia melanocarpa (Black Chokeberry)
$40.00Found in nature in wet swamp soil, but will do great in good garden soil. Small white flowers in the spring; dark purple berries in the fall attract birds. Intense red autumn color. Best in full to half day sun. Best fruit production occurs in full sun.
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Aronia prunifolia (Chokeberry)
$40.00 Add to cart -
Betula alleghaniensis (Yellow Birch)
$45.00 – $175.00A moderate to fast-growing birch that prefers moist garden soil and some protection. You must be prepared to water because it does not tolerate drought. This birch is the most shade-tolerant of its family, needing only a few hours of sunlight. Yellow Birch has a silvery bronze bark that peels into small strips. Fall color is yellow. This species shows some resistance to bronze birch borer.
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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.