Plants

Special Characteristics: Invasive

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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
 InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive

Elaeagnus umbellata 'Cardinal'
[Cardinal Autumn Olive]

Elaeagnus umbellata 'Cardinal' was originally introduced by the Soil Conservation Service and is not recommended for the home landscape. Widely adaptable and invasive plant in the Midwest. Like other members of the family, fixes atmospheric nitrogen. Spread by birds and through rooting suckers. Especially tolerant of extreme cold and drought, as well as extreme heat, unlike the related Elaeagnus angustifolia (Russian Olive).
Shrub
 InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive

Euonymus alatus 'Compactus'
[Dwarf Winged Euonymus]

The dense and lower-growing 'Compactus' is one of the most common Winged Euonymus cultivars. Widely tolerant of most soil and microclimatic conditions, but develops good fall foliage color only when exposed to considerable direct sun. Tolerates heavy pruning. Can be troubled by scale insects, although not so frequently as the evergreen euonymus. Fruits are toxic. Avoid very dry or wet sites. Can be invasive, seeding into woodlots.
Euonymus alatus 'Compactus'
Liana (Climbing Vine)
 InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive

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…
Euonymus fortunei
Liana (Climbing Vine)
 InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive

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…
Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus'
Liana (Climbing Vine)
 InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive

Hedera helix
[English Ivy]

Tolerant of heavy shade to full sun except at the northern limits of its useful range, where some protection from full winter sun is necessary. Useful as a groundcover only, not as a vine, in Zone 5b, except hardiest cultivars in sheltered sites. Vigorous and can be a weed problem in certain regions of the country (like the NW US) where it can smother woodlands. Poisonous fruits, but it generally takes many years for it…
Hedera helix
Liana (Climbing Vine)
 InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive

Hedera helix 'Baltica'
[Baltica English Ivy]

'Baltica' has smaller leaves with more prominent white veination. Foliage becomes tinged with purple in the winter. Tolerant of heavy shade to full sun except at the northern limits of its useful range, where some protection from full winter sun is necessary. Vigorous and can be a weed problem in certain regions of the country (like the NW US) where it can smother woodlands. Poisonous fruits, but it generally takes many years for it to…
Hedera helix 'Baltica'

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