Plants

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Alison'

[Alison Oakleaf Hydrangea]

Alison Oakleaf Hydrangea has big panicle white flowers and offers season round interest with exfoliating bark. In fall the large green leaves turn a rich burgundy-red.

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Gatsby Moon'

[Gatsby Moon Oakleaf Hydrangea]

Gatsby Moon Oakleaf Hydrangea is has double flowers that as the shrub matures fade from a creamy white to a light green color.

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers'

[Ruby Slippers Oakleaf Hydrangea]

Ilex glabra

[Inkberry]

This species, like other hollies, is dioecious, so plant females for fruit and an occasional male for pollination. Withstands severe pruning. Winter desiccation injury to leaves occurs in exposed sites, with severe yellowing when temperatures drop below -20 degrees F. Avoid high pH soils.

Ilex opaca 'Old Heavy Berry'

[Old Heavy Berry American Holly]

'Old Heavy Berry' is an excellent, vigorous female cultivar with good winter hardiness and an abundance of large, bright red fruits. This species, like other hollies, is dioecious, so plant females for fruit and an occasional male for pollination. Winter desiccation injury can occur on leaves in exposed sites. Holly leaf miners are one of the major pest problems for Ilex opaca.

Ilex verticillata

[Common Winterberry]

Excellent show of bright red berries in winter and fruiting color is best in full sun. This species, like other hollies, is dioecious, so plant females for fruit and an occasional male for pollination. Adaptable to wet soils, but tolerates more normal conditions also. Native habitats are swampy areas. Tends to sucker and can be quite twiggy. Leaf spot and mildew can be serious problems. Develops chlorosis on alkaline soils.

Itea virginica

[Virginia Sweetspire]

Quite drought and pH tolerant although best situated in moist areas with some acidity. Flowers best in full sun, but is shade tolerant. Pruning sometimes needed to maintain form, primarily for removal of wayward branches. Avoid pruning in late fall or winter as flowers form on previous season's wood. Can be subject to flea beetle and leaf spot.

Juglans cinerea

[Butternut]

Juglans cinera is a large, rounded tree similar to, but overall smaller than the Black Walnut (Juglans nigra). It is not commonly grown for ornamental purposes. The nut, once one is able to crack the hard shell, is edible, sweet, oily, and buttery. Long tap root makes transplanting difficult. This species is valued for its wood and between overharvesting and losses from Butternut Canker (Sirococcus clavigignenti-juglandacearum), this species has become rare in its native habitat.

Juglans nigra

[Black Walnut]

Nuts are a serious litter problem, staining sidewalks and driveways. Juglone (found in leaf litter and possibly roots) is toxic to many plants, like tomatoes, blackberries, red pines, and many others. Black Walnut wood is valuable and has a variety of commercial uses, especially for furniture.

Koelreuteria paniculata

[Goldenraintree]

Colorful small tree in bloom and interesting for its form. Tolerates heat, drought, wind, alkaline soils, and air pollution. Newly emerging leaves can be damaged by late spring freezes. Rather weak-wooded. Can be damaged or killed by –25 degrees F. Invasive in some parts of the country.