Plants

Salix humilis

[Prairie Willow]

Prairie Willow is more drought tolerant than other willows. Rabbits and deer eat the twigs. The nectar is used by bees to provide high quality honey.

Schizachyrium scoparium [sold as Little Bluestem]

[Little Bluestem]

Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues'

[The Blues Little Bluestem]

Little bluestem is native to prairies and fields from Quebec to Alberta and from Arizona to Florida. Ornamental grass good for low maintenance.

Solidago speciosa [sold as Showy Goldenrod]

[Showy Goldenrod]

Sophora japonica 'Regent'

[Regent Japanese Pagoda Tree]

'Regent' is a cultivar with a fast growth rate, more mass to its oval-round crown, and has deep green glossy leaves. although, It can take up several years before it flowers for the first time.

Sorbaria sorbifolia

[Ural Falsespirea]

Coarse texture and unusual spirea-like flowers give this plant unique summer interest. Best in large-scale situations. Spreads vigorously by suckering if not contained. Intensive root pruning can be used to control spread. Does not do the best in dry soils but does tolerate them. Does poorly in heavy wind. Flowers turn brown with senescence and esthetic is slightly improved by their removal. To some, a bit too coarse in winter habit.

Sorbus intermedia

[Mountainash]

Structural pruning is important for this species, as it has weak crotch angles. Prune so that the trunk and branches cannot rub against each other. This tree does not tolerate competition well and should be mulched to the dripline.

Styphnolobium japonicum

[Japanese Pagodatree]

A widely adapted tree with good drought and pollution tolerance, and foliage texture comparable to Gleditsia, but a smaller tree and with more seasonal interest. Relatively trouble-free except for fungi that live in weaker twigs that cause twig blight and canker. Fungi invade most readily those twigs killed by cold or self-pruning. Seeds are poisonous. Difficult to train a central leader. More cold sensitive when young.

Symphoricarpos orbiculatus

[Coralberry]

Syringa meyeri 'Palibin'

[Dwarf Meyer Lilac]

Flowers by the time it reaches one foot tall, very floriferous. Flowers in spring before leaves are fully out. Powdery mildew resistant. Very low maintenance. Flowers can be damaged by a late spring freeze. Best to prune immediately after flowering to promote flower buds for the next year.