Shrub Berberis × mentorensis [Mentor Barberry] An adaptable plant that does well in an urban environment. Can be coppiced with new growth developing better summer color. Can be pruned to ground every 5 to 7 years. Full sun to partial shade. Relatively trouble-free. Large thorns and spiny leaves are a maintenance problem. Collects litter around the base.
Shrub InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive Berberis thunbergii [Japanese Barberry] An adaptable plant that does well in an urban environment. 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. Berberis thunbergii invades a variety of habitats from shaded woodlands to open fields and wetlands. Berberis thunbergii is rapidly spread by birds that eat the berries thus dispersing the seeds.
Shrub InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive Berberis thunbergii 'Bogozam' [sold as Bonanza Gold™] [Bonanza Gold Japanese Barberry] 'Bogozam' is noted for its golden yellow leaves and compact, dwarf habit. 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.
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.
Shrub InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea 'Crimson Pygmy' [Red Dwarf Japanese Barberry] The Red Dwarf Japanese Barberry is exceedingly popular due to its dense, low growing form, brilliant foliage, and tolerance to tough urban conditions. For the best leaf coloration, place in full sun. This plant tolerates dry soils, but will suffer in wet, poorly drained soils.
Tree Betula nigra 'Cully' [sold as Heritage™] [Heritage River Birch] This vigorous cultivar makes a graceful tree, interesting for its richly colored, strongly curling bark and large, glossy leaves. It is somewhat resistant to leaf spot and is especially well adapted to wet soils. Immune to the bronze birch borer, which is a serious problem for the native Betula papyrifera in the Midwest. This species prefers full sun and is quite heat tolerant, but does not have tolerance for drought. If pruning is required, prune…
Tree Betula pendula [European White Birch] A graceful tree with beautiful white bark and pendulous branches, the European White Birch was once a common tree in many landscapes across the United States. However, the popularity of this species has decreased rapidly due to its extreme susceptibility to the birch borer. Despite its beautiful aesthetics, other birch species, such as Betula nigra (the River Birch), are recommened for use in the landscape instead.
Tree Betula pendula ssp. mandshurica [Asian White Birch] A generally better choice than the species type, Betula platyphylla var. japonica is a larger, graceful tree with thinner, spreading branches and striking pure white bark. It is especially well adapted to wet soilsand does not do well in dry situations. Less subject to the borer troubles of B. papyrifera in the Midwest, although still susceptible.
Tree Indiana Native Betula populifolia [Gray Birch] Beautiful white bark, although becomes dirty gray with age. Does well on the poorest of sterile soils, seeds, and suckers quickly. Grows on sandy, rocky and even gravelly sites. Tolerates both wet and dry conditions. Prefers full sun. Susceptible to leaf miner and cankers; more resistant to the bronze birch borer. Leaf minors especially problematic.
Tree Betula × 'Crimson Frost' [Crimson Frost Birch] This hybrid birch is very closely related to Betula platyphylla in form and care, with the exception of its striking red-purple leaves. It is a graceful tree, interesting for its pure white bark that contrasts nicely with the dark foliage. The Crimson Frost Birch is especially well adapted to wet soils, and does not do well in dry situations. Less subject to the borer troubles of B. papyrifera in the Midwest, although still susceptible.
