Plants

Larix decidua

[European Larch]

A deciduous conifer. Needs sun and good soil moisture. Does poorly on dry or chalky soil. Tolerates wet soil. A few insect pests can be problems, most notably, the larch case-bearer.

Larix laricina

[Eastern Larch]

The Eastern Larch, or more commonly referred to as Tamarack, is a cold hardy deciduous pine found in northern portions of Canada, Alaska, and as far south as Minnesota, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. The Tamarack grows in particularly moist soils and is salt tolerant. It grows open and pyramidal with a slender trunk, and has horizontal and drooping branchlets. During the fall, its soft, blueish-green needle-like leaves turn a rich, golden color. This tree does best…

Microbiota decussata 'Prides' [sold as Celtic Pride™]

[Celtic Pride Russian Arborvitae]

The Russian Arborvitae is a low spreading, groundcover conifer that was discovered in Russia in 1921. It is generally easy to grow and can be a good substitute for Juniper in part shade situations, although it is best in full sun. 'Prides', often sold under the name Celtic Pride is known for its excellent disease resistance and tolerance to difficult conditions. Seeds of this plant can remain in a dormant state for up to 28…

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Monlo' [sold as Diabolo®]

[Diablo Eastern Ninebark]

Renew by cutting to the ground in late winter. Very course in texture in the winter with its multi-layered exfoliating bark (which gives it the common name of "ninebark"). 'Monlo', generally sold under the name Diablo, has reddish-purple leaves that sometimes fade to green in hotter climates.

Picea abies

[Norway Spruce]

Slight mite susceptibility in hot, dry sites. Some susceptibility to borers. May become thin, open, and have a less attractive habit at maturity.

Picea abies 'Cupressina'

[Columnar Norway Spruce]

Picea glauca

[White Spruce]

Best in full sun, but tolerates some shade. Withstands heat, cold, drought, wind, and crowding. Often found at the arctic tree line. Slight susceptibility to trunk and root rots, bagworms, sawflies, and mites. Except for its use in the far North, other evergreens have better overall aesthetics for Midwestern and Eastern states.

Picea glauca var. conica

[Dwarf Alberta Spruce]

This commonly available dwarf variety has a very dense, conical habit. Best in full sun, but tolerates some shade. Withstands heat, cold, drought, wind, and crowding. Slight susceptibility to trunk and root rots, bagworms, sawflies, and mites. Except for its use in the far North, other evergreens have better overall aesthetics for Midwestern and Eastern states.

Picea glauca var. densata

[Black Hills Spruce]

Widely considered a superior form, this variety is denser and more compact with brighter foliage, when compared to the straight species . Best in full sun, but tolerates some shade. Withstands heat, cold, drought, wind, and crowding. Slight susceptibility to trunk and root rots, bagworms, sawflies, and mites.

Pinus banksiana

[Jack Pine]

This pine is quite hardy and can grow on poor soil, however, given its scrubby and somewhat unkempt appearance, it is not generally recommended for ornamental use. Pyramidal when young, becoming flat-topped and spreading with maturity.