Plants

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.

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…

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…

Heptacodium miconioides

[Seven-son Flower]

The common name, Seven-Son Flower, is derived from the cluster of 7 small flowers contained within each whorl. The flowers are followed by very showy, reddish fruit structures that have the appearance of flowers. The tan, shredding bark is attractive and exfoliates in long strips to reveal a dark brown inner bark. This plant can be hard to find, both in the wild and in commerce. Needs pruning to maintain aesthetics.

Hydrangea quercifolia

[Oakleaf Hydrangea]

A unique plant with attractive flower panicles and large, coarse, handsome foliage. Tops (including flower buds formed in fall) can die back when winter temperatures go much below – 20 degrees F (often in Zone 6b and colder). Flowers form on previous season's growth. Thus, no flowers will appear in the years when the tops are killed. May be best used for foliage effect in cold areas. Not very drought tolerant. Spreads by stolons forming…

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Alice'

[Alice Oakleaf Hydrangea]

Alice is an upright, stoloniferous shrub with a broad, rounded habit which grows 5-8' tall and similar in witdth. In optimum growing conditions, Alice can reach heights of 12' tall. The flowers of this shrub are the highlight of any landscape with creamy-white, feathery panicles that change to a rosy-pink color with age. Large, coarse green leaves change to a burgundy-red in the fall. Exfoliating stems add texture and color during the winter months. Tops…

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Amethyst'

[Amethyst Oakleaf Hydrangea]

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Flemygea' [sold as Snow Queen™]

[Snow Queen Oakleaf Hydrangea]

A unique plant with attractive flower panicles and large, coarse handsome foliage. 'Flemygea' is known for its larger and more numerous showy, sterile flowers in each panicle. This cultivar also has stronger flower stems that can withstand a heavy rain better than many Hydrangea quercifolia variants. Tops (including flower buds formed in fall) can die back when winter temperatures go much below – 20 degrees F (often in Zone 6b and colder). Flowers form on…

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Pee Wee'

[Dwarf Oakleaf Hydrangea]

A unique plant with attractive flower panicles and coarse, handsome foliage. 'Pee Wee' is an excellent compact cultivar (up to 3' high and wide) that has smaller leaves and flower panicles than the species type. Tops (including flower buds formed in fall) can die back when winter temperatures go much below – 20 degrees F (often in Zone 6b and colder). Flowers form on previous season's growth. Thus, no flowers will appear in the years…

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers'

[Ruby Slippers Oakleaf Hydrangea]