Shrub/Tree Amelanchier × grandiflora [Apple Serviceberry] The Apple Serviceberry is an attractive plant with multi-seasonal interest and can be found in both small tree or large shrub form. If the tree form is desirable, make sure to remove the suckers that arise from the roots, or the specimen will become shrubby. This is less of a problem for this hybrid species than its parents, Amelanchier arborea and A. laevis. The attractive white clusters of flowers give rise to sweet purple-black berries…
Tree Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Autumn Brilliance' [sold as Autumn Brilliance®] [Autumn Brilliance Apple Serviceberry] A. x grandiflora 'Autumn Brilliance is a vigorous selection with impressive blooms and bright red fall colors. It is resistant to leaf spot. The berries are frequently used to make jams, jellies, and pies. This selection can be found in both single and multi-trunk forms.
Tree Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Cole’s Select' [Cole's Select Apple Serviceberry] Cole's Select Apple Serviceberry is an attractive plant with multi-seasonal interest, thick, glossy foliage, and especially outstanding red to orange fall coloration. 'Cole's Select' tends to have slightly larger flowers and stronger spreading, more horizontal branching than the species type. The beautiful white clusters of flowers give rise to sweet purple-black berries that are edible by humans and especially relished by birds. The fruits can be used in pies, jams, and jellies.
Tree Amelanchier laevis 'Cumulus' [Cumulus Allegheny Serviceberry] Amelanchier laevis 'Cumulus' is a single-stemmed, strongly upright small tree, excellent as a small street tree and for very early, but short-lived, blooms. This tree is sometimes grafted, so rootstock suckers can be a problem. Fruits are edible and a prime source of food for birds. Subject to the troubles of Rosaceous plants in general, including fire-blight and mites, which can be controlled, usually quite easily.
Shrub Indiana Native 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…
Shrub 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.
Shrub Indiana Native Aronia melanocarpa [Black Chokeberry] This Indiana native shrub is similar to the Red Chokeberry in habit and form, but differs in that the Black Chokeberry is larger, has black-colored fruits, broader leaves, and generally larger flowers. Place in a higher light location for the best flower and fruit display. Best used for naturalizing, mass plantings, and wetland reclamation projects. The berries are edible, but only palatable when used in jellies and jams.
Shrub Aronia melanocarpa 'Autumn Magic' [Autumn Magic Black Chokeberry] The Autumn Magic Black Chokeberry is known for its outstanding bright purple to red to orange fall color, compact form, and large, attractive fruits. Place in a higher light location for the best flower and fruit display. Best used for naturalizing, mass plantings, and wetland reclamation projects. The berries are edible, but only palatable when used in jellies and jams.
Shrub 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.
Shrub InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive 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.