Tree Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Sheridan Spire' [Sheridan Spire Dawn Redwood] 'Sheridan Spire' is more narrow and upright than the straight species. Metasequoia glyptostroboides is more tolerant of different sites than Taxodium distichum (Common Baldcypress). Prefers moist sites and can grow in water. Japanese beetles will feed on foliage. Does not like chalky soils with high pH.
Shrub Microbiota decussata [Russian Arborvitae] The Russian Arborvitae is a low spreading, groundcover conifer that was discovered in Russia in 1921. It is generally easy to grow and can be a good substitute for Juniper in part shade situations, although it is best in full sun. This plant is not tolerant of extreme heat. Seeds of this plant can remain in a dormant state for up to 28 months.
Shrub Microbiota decussata 'Prides' [sold as Celtic Pride™] [Celtic Pride Russian Arborvitae] The Russian Arborvitae is a low spreading, groundcover conifer that was discovered in Russia in 1921. It is generally easy to grow and can be a good substitute for Juniper in part shade situations, although it is best in full sun. 'Prides', often sold under the name Celtic Pride is known for its excellent disease resistance and tolerance to difficult conditions. Seeds of this plant can remain in a dormant state for up to 28…
Shrub/Tree Myrica pensylvanica [Northern Bayberry] Waxy gray berries were used by early settlers for making aromatic candles, and occasionally still are used for this purpose. Especially good plant for full sun and sandy soils, but grows well on many soils. Tolerates half shade. Relatively salt-tolerant. Forms colonies via suckers. Fixes nitrogen in the soil. Dioecious. Use female plants (when known) for fruiting, and occasional male for pollination. Difficult to transplant from field.
Shrub Nerium oleander [Oleander] Has high salt and wind tolerance, and is somewhat drought tolerant. Excellent visual barrier. All parts of this plant are poisonous to humans, even smoke is a serious irritant. Oleander caterpillar can be a problem. Many cultivars, including 'Hardy Red,' which has red flowers and is hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tree Indiana Native Ostrya virginiana [American Hophornbeam] A good, trouble-free small shade tree worthy of greater use. Very graceful with many drooping branches that create a rounded habit. Best on drier slopes, and is usually found in native ecosystems. Slow growing, and difficult to transplant. Does not tolerate periodic flooding (as does Carpinus caroliniana) or salt.
Tree Parkinsonia × [Hybrid Palo Verde] Semi-evergreen leaves, and smooth line green trunks and branches year round. Palo Verde means "green stick" in Spanish, and the green bark carries on photosynthesis. Survives in the desert on natural rainfall once established. Few problems. Needs some minor clean up maintenance of flowers and leaves. Prune when young to develop multi-stems and show off the beautiful bark. 'Desert Museum' is a V-shaped thornless hybrid having genetic characteristics indicating complex hybridization between three species, Parkinsonia…
Liana (Climbing Vine) Parthenocissus tricuspidata [Boston Ivy] One of the strongest-climbing vines, give solid support for attachment of the adhesive discs on tendrils. Not a vine for trellises or fences. Very tolerant of urban soils. Not a good groundcover.
Shrub Philadelphus inodorus [Scentless Mock Orange] This shrub only has interent when it is flowering; even then, this specific speciman is not as great as it is not fragrant, unlike its relative, P. coronarius.
Shrub Physocarpus opulifolius 'Monlo' [sold as Diabolo®] [Diablo Eastern Ninebark] Renew by cutting to the ground in late winter. Very course in texture in the winter with its multi-layered exfoliating bark (which gives it the common name of "ninebark"). 'Monlo', generally sold under the name Diablo, has reddish-purple leaves that sometimes fade to green in hotter climates.