Tree Betula papyrifera 'Renci' [sold as Renaissance Reflection®] [Renaissance Reflection Paper Birch] Betula papyrifera 'Renci' is faster growing and more heat resistant than the straight species. This tree requires full sun and is not suitable for poor or polluted city conditions.
Tree Betula pendula [European White Birch] A graceful tree with beautiful white bark and pendulous branches, the European White Birch was once a common tree in many landscapes across the United States. However, the popularity of this species has decreased rapidly due to its extreme susceptibility to the birch borer. Despite its beautiful aesthetics, other birch species, such as Betula nigra (the River Birch), are recommended for use in the landscape instead.
Tree Betula pendula ssp. mandshurica [Asian White Birch] A generally better choice than the species type, Betula platyphylla var. japonica is a larger, graceful tree with thinner, spreading branches and striking pure white bark. It is especially well adapted to wet soilsand does not do well in dry situations. Less subject to the borer troubles of B. papyrifera in the Midwest, although still susceptible.
Shrub Buxus 'Glencoe' [Chicagoland Green Buxus] Low maintenance cultivar popularized in Illinois through partnership with the Chicago Botanic Garden. Broad mounded shrub that is a fast grower in full sun.
Tree Carpinus betulus [European Hornbeam] Carpinus betulus is relatively trouble-free and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and some shade. This plant is also very tolerant of heavy pruning, making it useful as a hedge.
Tree Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata' [Fastigiate European Hornbeam] Carpinus betulus is relatively trouble-free and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and some shade. This plant is also very tolerant of heavy pruning, making it useful as a hedge. The cultivar 'Fastigiata' is a narrow, columnar cultivar with densely set, broom-like branches. Over time this cultivar tends to broaden and open up into a more oval-vase form.
Tree Carya × nussbaumeri [Hican] This tree is a hybrid of the pecan and shellbark hickory, thus the common name of "Hican". It was developed to produce a nut with the taste of pecans, but with the weaker shell of the shellbark hickory. This plant has a large tap root and can be difficult to transplant. Dropped fruits, stems, and leaves can be a litter problem. Can be prone to various fungal leaf spots.
Tree Cercidiphyllum japonicum [Katsuratree] More hardy once established than when young. A striking specimen tree, useful for partial shade and accent. Unusually free of insect problems. Leafs out early in spring. Forms multiple trunks unless pruned. Does not transplant well. Not very drought-tolerant, particularly after transplanting.
Tree Cercis canadensis 'Alba' [White Eastern Redbud] 'Alba' is a white-flowering Eastern Redbud ("Whitebud"). Relatively trouble-free and drought-resistant. Requires some protection from the sun in hotter climates, however flowering decreases with deep shade. Canker, leaf spot, and verticillium wilt can be problematic for older trees, or trees weakened by other environmental stresses. Long tap root means that older plants transplant poorly.
Tree Cercis canadensis 'Hearts of Gold' [Gold-Leaf Eastern Redbud] 'Hearts of Gold' is a striking redbud cultivar with reddish-orange tinted emerging leaves that turn bright yellow and finally deepen to a bright green towards the end of the summer. The yellow color develops most intensely under higher light conditions. A fine small tree that is relatively trouble-free and drought-resistant (although the yellow foliage color will become green in drought conditions). Canker, leaf spot, and verticillium wilt can be problematic for older trees, or trees…
