Plants

Aralia spinosa

[Devil's Walkingstick]

Slow growth rate, but fast on roots (forms a very coarse thicket). Sucker shoots can be a maintenance problem if tree form is desired. Sharp prickles also make maintenance difficult, and are a minor hazard to children. Otherwise, no serious problems with this plant. Very adaptable and easy to grow, tolerating most conditions except wet soil. Drought tolerant, and best in full sun. Excellent selection in a mass planting near buildings having poor soils.

Aronia arbutifolia

[Red Chokeberry]

Red Chokeberry is often a multi-stem shrub that's native to Indiana as well as Eastern North America to Minnesota and south as far as Texas. This shrub bears white to slightly pinkish flowers with prominent anthers that gives it a unique look. Red berries form in September to often December. Best grown in mass plantings or for a naturalizing species in the landscape. Though the berries are bitter to taste, they are often used in…

Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima'

[Brilliant Red Chokeberry]

The Brilliant Red Chokeberry has dark green leaves that turn a stunning deep red in the fall. 'Brilliant' produces larger and more abundant flowers and a greater number of red berries than the species type. Because birds find the fruits unappealing, the berries are allowed to persist well into the winter months. This plant tends to sucker and create colonies.

Aronia arbutifolia 'Erecta'

[Erecta Red Chokeberry]

'Erecta' has a more upright form than the species and does not bear as colorful of fruit

Aronia melanocarpa 'Morton' [sold as Iroquis Beauty™]

[Iroquois Beauty Black Chokeberry]

Cultivar 'Morton', sold as Iroquois Beauty, is a compact shrub that reaches 5 to 6 feet. The flowering and fruiting are similar to that of the straight species, but the compact form allows this shrub to e better utilized in a mass planting. Great for rain gardens, bioswales, and lowlands that collect water in the landscape. Glossy green leaves will turn a brilliant orange-red in the fall. Its black fruit attracts wildlife, such as birds.

Athyrium filix-femina 'Dre’s Dagger' [sold as Dre's Dagger Lady Fern]

[Dre's Dagger Lady Fern]

Baptisia 'Cherries Jubilee' [sold as Decadence Vanilla Cream]

[DECADENCE® ‘Vanilla Cream’ Baptisia]

Berberis thunbergii

[Japanese Barberry]

An adaptable plant that does well in an urban environment. Can be coppiced, with the resulting new growth developing better summer color. Can be pruned to ground every 5 to 7 years. Relatively trouble-free. Berberis thunbergii invades a variety of habitats from shaded woodlands to open fields and wetlands. Berberis thunbergii is rapidly spread by birds that eat the berries thus dispersing the seeds.

Berberis thunbergii 'Bogozam' [sold as Bonanza Gold™]

[Bonanza Gold Japanese Barberry]

'Bogozam' is noted for its golden yellow leaves and compact, dwarf habit. An adaptable plant that does well in an urban environment. Place in a high light location for best foliage coloration. Can be coppiced, with the resulting new growth developing better summer color. Can be pruned to ground every 5 to 7 years. Relatively trouble-free.

Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea

[Purple Japanese Barberry]

This variety has purple to red summer foliage, turning a rich red to red-violet in the fall. It is an adaptable plant that does well in an urban environment. Place in a high light location for best foliage coloration. Can be coppiced, with the resulting new growth developing better summer color. Can be pruned to ground every 5 to 7 years. Relatively trouble-free.