Tree Gleditsia triacanthos f. inermis 'Impcole' [sold as Imperial®] [Imperial Thornless Honeylocust] This rounded, compact, and low-fruiting cultivar has finely compound leaves that provide a pleasant, dappled shade in the summer. The thornless forma inermis is only sold in commerce, as the profuse thorns of the species type can be a liability. Mimosa webworm and locust mite are serious pests in the Midwest, and are becoming more serious (especially in areas tending toward monoculture). Can be controlled with spraying.
Tree Gleditsia triacanthos f. inermis 'Skycole' [sold as Skyline®] [Skyline Thornless Honeylocust] The Skyline Thornless Honeylocust is a nearly fruitless compact, pyramidal tree with a strongly upright habit and finely compound leaves that provide a pleasant, dappled shade in the summer. The thornless forma inermis is only sold in commerce, as the profuse thorns of the species type can be a liability. Mimosa webworm and locust mite are serious pests in the Midwest, and are becoming more serious (especially in areas tending toward monoculture). Can be controlled…
Tree Gleditsia triacanthos f. inermis [sold as Shademaster®] [Shademaster Thornless Honeylocust] The Shademaster Thornless Honeylocust is a popular cultivar that is nearly fruitless and has dark green, finely compound leaves on ascending branches that provide a pleasant, dappled shade in the summer. The thornless forma inermis is only sold in commerce, as the profuse thorns of the species type can be a liability. Mimosa webworm and locust mite are serious pests in the Midwest, and are becoming more serious (especially in areas tending toward monoculture). Can…
Tree Halesia carolina [Carolina Silverbell] This small tree is interesting in bloom and rather neutral otherwise, but relatively trouble free and useful in many situations as a neutral background plant, or for its flowers. Best grown as a single stem and allowed to branch low (20-30"). Does not transplant well (a particular problem with field-grown plants).
Tree Halesia carolina 'Arnold Pink' [Pink Carolina Silverbell] This small tree is interesting when in bloom with pink bell-shaped flowers that are larger than the straight species, but this plant is rather neutral otherwise. However, it is relatively trouble free and useful in many situations as a neutral background plant, or for its flowers. Best grown as a single stem and allowed to branch low (20-30"). Does not transplant well (a particular problem with field-grown plants).
Shrub/Tree Hamamelis vernalis [Vernal Witchhazel] Earliest blooming shrub for the Midwest. Good as a neutral filler for the border with quiet seasonal interest. More pH tolerant than Hamamelis virginiana. Should not be pruned (tip pinching would be acceptable to direct growth). Not as showy in bloom as Hamamelis mollis, the Chinese Witchhazel, or its hybrids.
Liana (Climbing Vine) InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive Hedera helix [English Ivy] Tolerant of heavy shade to full sun except at the northern limits of its useful range, where some protection from full winter sun is necessary. Useful as a groundcover only, not as a vine, in Zone 5b, except hardiest cultivars in sheltered sites. Vigorous and can be a weed problem in certain regions of the country (like the NW US) where it can smother woodlands. Poisonous fruits, but it generally takes many years for it…
Liana (Climbing Vine) InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive Hedera helix 'Thorndale' [Thorndale English Ivy] 'Thorndale' is a very hardy cultivar that has large, glossy leaves with striking white veination. Tolerant of heavy shade to full sun except at the northern limits of its useful range, where some protection from full winter sun is necessary. Useful as a groundcover and vine. Vigorous and can be a weed problem in certain regions of the country (like the NW US) where it can smother woodlands. Poisonous fruits, but it generally takes many…
Herbaceous Heuchera americana 'Palace Purple' [Palace Purple Coral Bells] Coral bells does best when grown in organically rich soils that are well drained and in full sun. To encourage continuos bloom, remove the old flower stems. Every 3-4 years in the spring, the clump should be divided.
Liana (Climbing Vine) Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris [Climbing Hydrangea] Among the best ornamental vines. Holds to a wall using root-like holdfasts arising from nodes. Grows best in shaded areas. Slow to establish. Best to transplant from a container. Although it can eventaully reach up to 80 feet, its size is controllable, if desired.
