Tree Fagus sylvatica 'Riversii' [Rivers Purple-Leaf European Beech] In a proper site, an excellent trouble-free shade tree with year-round interest. More adaptable to hot, dry conditions than our native F. grandifolia, but somewhat less hardy. F. grandifolia is preferred in Zone 4. Like F. grandifolia, this tree is so shallow rooted and casts such heavy shade that grass does not grow well beneath it. Low branching habit is a concern for use in the tree lawn as a street tree (may require more…
Tree Fagus sylvatica var. heterophylla 'Asplenifolia' [Fern-Leaf European Beech] In a proper site, an excellent trouble-free shade tree with year-round interest. More adaptable to hot, dry conditions than our native F. grandifolia, but somewhat less hardy. F. grandifolia is preferred in Zone 4. Low branching habit is a concern for use in the tree lawn as a street tree (may require more pruning than other street trees). 'Asplenifolia' has attractive, fern-like leaves; the cultivar name was derived from the spleenwort fern genus, Asplenium.
Tree Fagus sylvatica var. heterophylla 'Laciniata' [Cut-Leaf European Beech] In a proper site, an excellent trouble-free shade tree with year-round interest. More adaptable to hot, dry conditions than our native F. grandifolia, but somewhat less hardy. F. grandifolia is preferred in Zone 4. Low branching habit is a concern for use in the tree lawn as a street tree (may require more pruning than other street trees). The cultivar 'Laciniata' has graceful, deeply-cut leaves.
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Forestiera acuminata [Swamp Privet] The Swamp Privet is a large shrub typically found near swamps, floodplains, wet woods and marshes. Purple-black fruits (drupes) ripen during late summer and is a food source for water fowl, such as ducks. Forestiera acumunata is dioecious, so one would need a male and female for the shrub to produce its fruit. Leaves are a dark green and looks evergreen from a glance, yet turns a golden yellow in fall.
Shrub Forsythia × intermedia [Border Forsythia] The most showy forsythia cultivars are found in this vigorous and adaptable hybrid species. Cut stems excised in mid-winter will flower indoors due to very short chilling requirement. Hardy to USDA Zone 4 for vegetative parts and USDA 5(6) for flowers. Flower buds are killed by severe winters in zone 5, and frequently in colder zones. Plants, however, are hardy in Zone 4. Too big for most foundations and small border plantings (Don't Shear!). Remove…
Shrub Forsythia × intermedia 'Courtasol' [sold as Gold Tide®] [Dwarf Border Forsythia] 'Courtasol' is a compact, dwarf cultivar that can function as a groundcover. It has arching branches that are covered with an abundance of bright yellow flowers early in the spring. Cut stems excised in mid-winter will flower indoors due to very short chilling requirement. Hardy to USDA Zone 4 for vegetative parts and USDA 5(6) for flowers. Flower buds are killed by severe winters in zone 5, and frequently in colder zones. Plants, however, are…
Shrub Forsythia × intermedia 'Golden Bells' [Golden Bells Forsythia] The Golden Bells Forsythia flowers in early spring, golden flowers cover the bare shrub as the emerge before foliage. Groups or clusters are produced along the stems although, Forsythias only bloom on old wood, leaves sprout shortly after bloom and are medium to dark green in the summer season.
Shrub Forsythia × intermedia 'Karl Sax' [Karl Sax Border Forsythia] The Karl Sax Border Forsythia is a dense shrub that bears its dark yellow flowers horizontally. Flower buds are more cold hardy than many Forsythia variants, but flower buds can be killed by severe winters in zone 5, and frequently in colder zones. Plants, however, are hardy in Zone 4. Cut stems excised in mid-winter will flower indoors due to very short chilling requirement. Too big for most foundations and small border plantings (Don't Shear!).…
Shrub Forsythia × intermedia 'Spectabilis' [Showy Border Forsythia] 'Spectabilis' is a well-known and high quality Forsythia variant that has been around for many years. It is a very vigorous grower and prolific bloomer with bright yellow flowers that smother the branches early in the spring. 'Spectabilis' flower buds have better cold hardiness than many cultivars, but flower buds can be killed by severe winters in zone 5, and frequently in colder zones. Plants, however, are hardy in Zone 4. Cut stems excised in…
Shrub Forsythia × 'Meadowlark' [Meadowlark Forsythia] This hybrid of Forsythia ovata and F. europaea is an excenllent variant for the Midwest and is noted for its abundance of cold hardy flower buds that open to create a bright yellow flower show in the spring. Cut stems excised in mid-winter will flower indoors due to very short chilling requirement. Too big for most foundations and small border plantings (Don't Shear!). Remove old wood for best appearance.
