Plants

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Shrub

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Cotoneaster horizontalis

[Rockspray Cotoneaster]

C. horizontalis is a low, flat, dense shrub with horizontally spreading branches creating a tiered effect. A generally trouble-free cotoneaster, although can be subject to the troubles of Rosaceous plants on occasion. Fireblight is more problematic for this species in the South.

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Shrub/Tree

 InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive

Elaeagnus angustifolia

[Russian-olive]

Widely adaptable and invasive plant in the Midwest. Like other members of the family, fixes atmospheric nitrogen. Can be a large shrub or small tree. Spreads by rooting suckers. Especially tolerant of extreme cold and drought, but does not tolerate extreme heat of the south. Verticillium wilt and stem canker may be a problem in some areas. Needs some pruning to keep vigorous and in good form. Berries used to make sherbet in some parts…

Shrub

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Eleutherococcus sieboldianus

[Fiveleaf Aralia]

Tolerates a wide range of soil and environmental conditions, including dry city conditions and shade. Little seasonal interest other than foliage, but extremely durable shrub. Prickles on stems can make pruning difficult. In poor sites, renewal pruning can improve form. In rich organic soils, renewal pruning can lead to rank growth. Usually dioecious.

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Shrub/Tree

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Euonymus europaeus

[Common Spindle Tree]

Euonymus europaeus is an adaptable small tree (sometimes large shrub) that can spread and become invasive. The Common Spindle Tree's primary ornamental interest is its attractive and interesting fruits in the fall. Unfortunately, this tree can otherwise be quite unattractive, irregular, and spindley.

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Liana (Climbing Vine)

 InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive

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Euonymus fortunei

[Wintercreeper Euonymus]

Best in soil that is reasonably moist, either in full sun or shade, but not heavy wet soils. Can be used as a wall climber (possibly climbing up to 70') or groundcover. Subject to Euonymus Scale that can kill some plants, especially 'Vegetus' and 'Coloratus'. Euonymus fortunei is a vigorous vine that invades forest openings and margins. It grows across the ground, displacing herbaceous plants and seedlings and climbs trees high into the tree canopy…

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Liana (Climbing Vine)

 InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive

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Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus'

[Coloratus Wintercreeper Euonymus]

Can tolerate full sun to full shade. Best in soil that is reasonably moist, but not heavy or wet. Can be used as a wall climber, but is best as a groundcover. This vigorous form turns purplish-plum during the winter months. Can be subject to Euonymus Scale. Euonymus fortunei is a vigorous vine that invades forest openings and margins. It grows across the ground, displacing herbaceous plants and seedlings and climbs trees high into the…

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Shrub

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Euonymus fortunei 'Vegetus'

[Vegetus Wintercreeper Euonymus]

This cultivar has a more shrub-like habit than the species type, but can be moderately effective as a groundcover or wall climber. Also much heavier fruiting than the straight species; the fruiting display can be quite attractive, if fruits are borne in high enough numbers. Very susceptible to Euonymus Scale.

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Shrub/Tree

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Euonymus sachalinensis

[Siberian Spindletree]

The Siberian Spindletree is a large shrub (or sometimes small tree) that has showy 4-lobed, crimson fruits appearng in late summer followed by handsome red fall color. Plant can be affected by scale.

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Shrub

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Forsythia × intermedia

[Border Forsythia]

The most showy forsythia cultivars are found in this vigorous and adaptable hybrid species. Cut stems excised in mid-winter will flower indoors due to very short chilling requirement. Hardy to USDA Zone 4 for vegetative parts and USDA 5(6) for flowers. Flower buds are killed by severe winters in zone 5, and frequently in colder zones. Plants, however, are hardy in Zone 4. Too big for most foundations and small border plantings (Don't Shear!). Remove…

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Shrub

Fouquieria splendens

[Ocotillo]

Habit of distinctive vertical lines providing a stark texture. Withstand long periods of drought. Leaves fall off when water is scarce, but can reappear within a few days after rain. This cycle of leaf drop and re-growth can reoccur several times a season. Foliage typically last about one month. Water twice a month to retain leaves in the summer. Otherwise, don't water. May not leaf out for a year after transplanting. Protected by Arizona native…