Citizens for Conservation’s 2023 Fall Native Shrub and Tree Sale
The Fall Sale Pre-Order Period is Open Now!
Visit our trees and shrubs for sale this year:
SHRUBS |
TREES |
Autumn is an ideal time to plant shrubs and trees. Cool weather allows woody plants to establish roots in their new location before spring rains and summer heat stimulate new growth.
Sale Information:
Pre-Order Dates: September 1st – 30th
Pick-Up: October 14, 2023 from 9AM – 3PM.
Location: Hill ‘n’ Dale Restoration Site. Ridge Road entrance, one-quarter mile north of County Line Road, Barrington Hills, Illinois. Click here for a map.
*Please Note*: If you order a 15 gallon tree, you are responsible for lifting and loading the plant into your vehicle. Bring a vehicle large enough to comfortably fit the tree you’ve purchased.
Membership Information:
Your support makes a difference. As a member of Citizens for Conservation you are joining an organization that not only directly benefits you, but also your neighbors and the entire Barrington area community. Our members are partners in the acquisition and restoration of our land resources in the Barrington, Illinois area.
You can join as a new member or renew your membership online here – and remember – current members can take 10% off their orders!
Give the gift of Conservation! Memberships can be purchased as gifts at any level.
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Ceanothus americanus (New Jersey Tea)
$40.00A low-growing, compact woody prairie plant. Spectacular white flowers bloom on the 4th of July. Hummingbirds are attracted to the tiny insects that pollinate its flowers. Very hardy shrub with glossy leaves. Full sun to light shade; medium to dry soil. Drought tolerant.
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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.
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Corylus americana (American Filbert (Hazelnut))
$40.00Nut is edible and attractive to wildlife. Likes at least half day of sun and good garden soil. A harbinger of spring when male catkins elongate 2-3 inches and release puffs of pollen. Excellent red, yellow, and orange fall color. Better chance of producing nuts if you have 3-5 plants. Best grown in moist, well-drained soil.
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Hydrangea arborescens (Smooth or Wild Hydrangea)
$40.00White corymbs bloom in June and July. Best grown in medium moisture, well-drained soil in part shade. Flowers make lovely dried arrangements. Will require watering during dry weather.
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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.
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Quercus rubra (Red Oak)
$45.00 – $175.00Red oak is one of the most shade-tolerant of the oaks making it a good choice to grow under existing trees. It needs only a few hours of sun per day to grow but does best in full sun, in dry to medium moisture, acidic soil, with good drainage. Outstanding red fall color. Tolerates the black walnut. Host tree for moths and butterflies. Attracts wildlife.
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Rhus aromatica (Fragrant Sumac)
$40.00Easily grown in dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Part of the black oak savanna complex. Fall color is an excellent reddish-orange with bright red fruit that is attractive to wildlife. A great companion plant for upright or vertical plants because of its layering habit; for this reason it also provides great habitat. Deer resistant.
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Rhus glabra (Smooth Sumac)
$45.00Rhus glabra, commonly known as Smooth Sumac, is a native plant species found throughout the state of Illinois. This deciduous shrub belongs to the Anacardiaceae family and is a prominent member of the Illinois flora. Here’s a detailed description of Rhus glabra in the Illinois landscape:
1. **Appearance**: Smooth Sumac typically grows as a multi-stemmed shrub, reaching heights of 6 to 20 feet (1.8 to 6 meters). It features an open, spreading growth habit with slender branches. The name “Smooth Sumac” alludes to its smooth, hairless stems and twigs.
2. **Leaves**: The leaves of Rhus glabra are pinnately compound, consisting of multiple leaflets. They are arranged alternately along the stems. In the spring and summer, the leaves are bright green, providing a lush appearance to the plant.
3. **Flowers**: In late spring to early summer, Smooth Sumac produces dense, pyramidal clusters of small, greenish-yellow flowers. These flower clusters, called panicles, are an important nectar source for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
4. **Fruits**: One of the most distinctive features of Smooth Sumac is its clusters of fuzzy, crimson-red berries, which ripen in late summer and persist through the fall. These berries are a valuable food source for numerous bird species, including cardinals and turkeys, making the shrub an important component of Illinois’ wildlife habitat.
5. **Autumn Colors**: Smooth Sumac is known for its stunning autumn foliage. As the seasons change, the leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and purple, adding vibrant color to the Illinois landscape.
6. **Ecological Importance**: Rhus glabra plays a crucial ecological role in Illinois by providing food and shelter for wildlife. The berries attract birds, while the shrub’s dense growth provides nesting sites and cover for various animals.
7. **Environmental Adaptability**: This native plant is highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of soil types, including rocky or poor soils. It is often found in open woodlands, along roadsides, and in disturbed areas.
8. **Cultural and Landscaping Uses**: While not typically used in formal landscaping, Smooth Sumac has been employed for erosion control, particularly on slopes and in areas with poor soil quality. Its vibrant fall foliage and attractive berries also make it a popular choice for naturalistic and wildlife-friendly landscapes.
9. **Historical and Cultural Significance**: Native American tribes historically used various parts of Smooth Sumac for medicinal purposes and as a source of dye. The berries can be used to make a refreshing and tart beverage known as “sumac-ade.”
Rhus glabra, or Smooth Sumac, offers aesthetic appeal, ecological importance, and historical significance. Its striking foliage, vibrant berries, and adaptability to various environmental conditions make it a valuable component of the Illinois natural landscape, supporting local wildlife and adding beauty to the state’s ecosystems.