Shrub/Tree Frangula alnus [Glossy Buckthorn] Rhamnus frangula is very weedy (invasive in some areas) and adaptable, and generally has an unattractive, leggy habit. Birds love the fruits and spread the seeds. This species is not recommended for use in the landscape.
Shrub Hamamelis × intermedia 'Sunburst' [Sunburst Witchhazel] The Sunburst Witchhazel is a large, vase-shaped deciduous shrub that produces a profusion of interesting, strap-like lemon-yellow and red flowers in mid to late winter.
Shrub/Tree Hamamelis vernalis [Vernal Witchhazel] Earliest blooming shrub for the Midwest. Good as a neutral filler for the border with quiet seasonal interest. More pH tolerant than Hamamelis virginiana. Should not be pruned (tip pinching would be acceptable to direct growth). Not as showy in bloom as Hamamelis mollis, the Chinese Witchhazel, or its hybrids.
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Hamamelis virginiana [Common Witchhazel] Flowers are in evidence because of their spicy fragrance before they are visually obvious, but are fairly showy after leaf drop. Should not be pruned (tip pinching would be acceptable to direct growth).
Shrub Ilex × 'Mesdob' [sold as China Boy®] [China Boy Holly] 'China Boy' is a dense, rounded holly hybrid with lustrous evergreen foliage. This cultivar is male (produces no fruits) and is the pollinator for 'China Girl'. Winter dessication injury to leaves in exposed sites.
Shrub Ilex × meserveae [Meserve Holly] This species, like other hollies, is dioecious, so plant females for fruit and an occasional male for pollination. Winter dessication injury to leaves occurs in exposed sites.
Shrub Ilex × meserveae 'Conapry' [sold as Blue Princess®] [Blue Princess Meserve Holly] This female cultivar of the Meserve Holly is known for its hardiness, beautiful, lustrous, dark blue-green foliage, and heavily borne dark red fruits. The Meserve Holly, like other hollies, is dioecious, so plant females for fruit and an occasional male for pollination. Blue Prince ('Conablu') is considered a good male pollinator for Blue Princess. Winter dessication injury to leaves occurs in exposed sites.
Shrub Ilex × 'Mesog' [sold as China Girl®] [China Girl Holly] 'China Girl' is a dense, rounded holly hybrid with lustrous evergreen foliage. This cultivar is female and 'China Boy' is the pollinator if fruit set is desired. Winter dessication injury to leaves in exposed sites.
Tree Indiana Native Ilex opaca [American Holly] This species, like other hollies, is dioecious, so plant females for fruit and an occasional male for pollination. Winter dessication injury can occur on leaves in exposed sites. Holly leaf miners are one of the major problem pests for Ilex opaca.
Tree Ilex opaca 'Old Heavy Berry' [Old Heavy Berry American Holly] 'Old Heavy Berry' is an excellent, vigorous female cultivar with good winter hardiness and an abundance of large, bright red fruits. This species, like other hollies, is dioecious, so plant females for fruit and an occasional male for pollination. Winter dessication injury can occur on leaves in exposed sites. Holly leaf miners are one of the major problem pests for Ilex opaca.
