Tree Diospyros virginiana 'Meader' [Meader Persimmon] Most usually dioecious. Flowers attract bees. Fruit attracts birds and many mammals. The fruit is astringent when green, sweet and edible when ripe. Fruits, twigs, and leaves can be a littler problem. Deep tap root makes large plants difficult to transplant. Can be poisonous to horses. ‘Meader’ is a self-fertile cultivar usually producing fruit after 2-3 years.
Tree Ginkgo biloba [Ginkgo] The Ginkgo is a long-lived deciduous conifer and gymnosperm. It is frequently termed a "living fossil," as it is the only surviving member of a group of ancient plants with fossils dating back to 270 million years ago. This plant is dioecious, and the so-called fruits (which are actually naked seeds with a soft seed coat) are borne on female trees, are green or tan-orange, and have an offensive odor when ripe and decaying. Fruits…
Tree Ginkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold' [Autumn Gold Ginkgo] The Ginkgo is a long-lived deciduous conifer and gymnosperm. It is frequently termed a "living fossil," as it is the only surviving member of a group of ancient plants with fossils dating back to 270 million years ago. 'Autumn Gold' is an all male, and therefore, fruitless cultivar that has outstanding golden yellow foliage in the fall. Picturesque, open branches.
Tree Ginkgo biloba 'Magyar' [Magyar Ginkgo] The Ginkgo is a long-lived deciduous conifer and gymnosperm. It is frequently termed a "living fossil," as it is the only surviving member of a group of ancient plants with fossils dating back to 270 million years ago. 'Magyar' is an all male, and therefore, fruitless cultivar that has a narrow, strongly upright habit.
Tree Ginkgo biloba 'PNI 2720' [sold as Princeton Sentry®] [Princeton Sentry Ginkgo] The Ginkgo is a long-lived deciduous conifer and gymnosperm. It is frequently termed a "living fossil," as it is the only surviving member of a group of ancient plants with fossils dating back to 270 million years ago. The Princeton Sentry Ginkgo is an all male, and therefore, fruitless cultivar that has a nearly colomnuar, narrow, upright habit.
Tree Indiana Native Gymnocladus dioicus [Kentucky Coffeetree] Gymnocladus dioicus is a large deciduous tree with strong winter character from the branches and bark. Drops pods (female trees) and twigs, frequently causing litter problem, thus eliminating the straight species as a good street tree. Seeds were once used by US settlers as a coffee substitute, however pulp and seeds are toxic when not properly and completely roasted.
Tree Gymnocladus dioicus 'Espresso' [Espresso Kentucky Coffeetree] Gymnocladus dioicus 'Espresso' is a large, male, fruitless deciduous tree with strong winter character with its vase-like habit and rough bark.
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.
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…