Choosing Plants 2:Layout 1 8/28/08 3:28 PM Page a

A3864

Choosing the right

landscape plants
f a c t o r s t o c o n s i d e r

Laura G. Jull
Choosing Plants 2:Layout 1 8/28/08 3:28 PM Page b

contents
Climatic considerations 1

The plant’s function in

the landscape 4

Size, form, and growth

rate considerations 7

Ornamental considerations 10

Cultural considerations 14

Native habitat and

invasiveness 18

Selecting high-quality
nursery stock 19


Properly placed and
References 20
cared for landscape
For more information 20
plants can increase the
List of scientific names 20
value of real estate.

However, poor plant

choices can become a

maintenance problem and

create an unsightly

landscape. Mismatched

cultural requirements,

improper planting (too

deep), and vandalism

account for m o re t re e

and shrub deaths than

all insect and disease-

related deaths combined.

Always strive to p l a nt

the right plant in the

right place.

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What plants are adapted
to my climate? ?
Plant selection is one of the most Urban areas usually are slightly warmer
than rural areas due to the “heat island”
important decisions a gardener, landscaper, effect created by heat from sewers and
furnaces. Heat that is trapped and
or designer makes when landscaping.
sheltered by buildings and streets also
contributes to this effect. In addition,
Questions to consider are: These questions, along with the selection unique microclimates can be created at
■ What plants are adapted to my climate? criteria discussed in this publication, specific sites. For example, trees planted
should provide the basis for your close to black asphalt pavement will have
■ How is the plant to be used in the
landscape plant choices. Choosing the warmer conditions in summer and will
landscape?
proper plants for a landscape help to probably need more water than those
■ What are the space considerations of ensure the plant has the best chance for same plants planted in the middle of a
the site? healthy growth, development, and long- park area. Some areas also may be subject

Climatic
■ How big does the plant get and how term survival. to early and late frosts, particularly sites at
fast does it grow? higher elevations and those in low areas or

considerations
■ Does the plant have showy flowers and frost pockets. In light of these differences,
fruit? two very important climatic adaptability
criteria to consider when choosing plants
■ Is the foliage colorful during the
are USDA Cold Hardiness Zones and
growing season or in autumn? Climate American Horticultural Society (AHS) Heat
■ Does the plant have interesting bark or Climate is perhaps the most important Zones.
branches? factor when choosing landscape plants.
The ability of a plant to adapt to a given
■ What cultural requirements does it
climate is referred to as hardiness; it
need?
involves tolerance to both low and high
■ Is the plant susceptible to insects or temperatures. It is very important to use
diseases? species that can survive the temperature
■ Is the plant sensitive to air pollution or extremes of your location. If the plant is
deicing salts? not tolerant to your particular winter
■ What type of landscape maintenance conditions, a perennial will perform like an
am I willing to provide? annual and die over winter.

■ Are there any regulations or local

ordinances preventing me from
sunrise forsythia
planting?
■ What existing vegetation exists in the
area? Are there any invasive plants?
■ How do I know if I am purchasing high-
quality nursery stock?

Note: This publication identifies plants
by their common names; if you’re interested
in learning more about a given plant, you
may wish to refer to the list on pages 20 and
21 for the full scientific name to ensure that
you’re looking up the same plant.

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choosing the right landscape plants

Cold hardiness This subdivision is critical for estimating Heat tolerance

USDA cold hardiness zones are based on cold hardiness of some woody plants. American Horticultural Society Heat Zones
the range of average annual minimum When in doubt as to whether you are in are based on average annual days that are
winter temperatures. Lower zone numbers the “a” or “b” part of a cold hardiness zone, above 86°F. Wisconsin has four heat zones:
indicate colder climates; higher numbers it is better to err on the side of plants that zone 2 (northeastern Wisconsin along the
indicate warmer climates. Wisconsin has are hardy to the colder “a” zone. Winter Upper Peninsula of Michigan border),
three cold hardiness zones: zone 3 hardiness is crucial in plant selection, zone 3 (north central Wisconsin and Door
(northern Wisconsin), zone 4 (central and health, and survival. Lack of hardiness can County), zone 4 (most of western, central,
southwestern Wisconsin), and zone 5 lead to dieback, decline in plant health, and eastern Wisconsin), and zone 5
(southeastern Wisconsin). The hardiness death of flower buds, or damage or (extreme southern and western Wisconsin).
zones are further divided into two sub- destruction to the entire plant. For Heat zones are particularly important in
zones of either “a“ (the colder half of the example, the flower buds of border the southern and western U.S., but also are
hardiness zone) or “b” (the warmer). For forsythia are not cold hardy to zone 4b but important in the northern U.S. For
example, the hardiness zone in Portage, the flower buds of Sunrise forsythia are example, paper birch and pagoda
Wisconsin, is zone 4b while Stevens Point, cold hardy; therefore, choosing cultivars dogwood, species preferring heat zones
Wisconsin, is in zone 4a. This means that a and species that are hardy to your area is below 5, are not suitable in some parts of
zone 4 hardy plant is cold hardy to –20°F to crucial. Many horticultural reference and southern Wisconsin, especially in urban
–30°F with further division of this zone into gardening books and plant labels now list areas, and will not thrive in those locations.
zone 4a (hardy –25°F to –30°F) or zone 4b the subdivision of the zones (“a” and “b”). They are cool, woodland species native to
(hardy –20°F to –25°F). When in doubt, ask a local nursery or northern Wisconsin. They become
garden center for appropriate plants for susceptible to insects, such as bronze birch
your area or contact your local county borer (birch) or golden canker (dogwood)
Extension office for further information. when grown in the poor, dry soils and high
temperature extremes common in urban
usda cold hardiness zones and some suburban environments.
Average annual minimum
winter temperatures

3a –35° to –40°F

3b –30° to –35°F

4a –25° to –30°F

4b –20° to –25°F

–15° to –20°F

5b –10° to –15°F

american horticultural society

plant heat zone map
Average number of days
per year above 86°F

2 1–7 days

3 8–14 days

4 15–30 days

5 31–45 days

6 46–60 days

Reproduced with permission of the American Horticultural Society

7 61–90 days
(www.ahs.org).

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High temperatures are important because

they affect the supply of carbohydrates
(sugars) plants manufacture for themselves
during the day by photosynthesis. Plants
use stored carbohydrates to produce new
leaves, shoots, roots, and fruit. Sugars are
also involved in several physiological
processes, and generate important plant
pigments, such as anthocyanin (red, purple,
and blue pigments). When plants with
poor heat tolerance are grown in regions
that routinely experience high summer
eastern redbud
day and night temperatures, they often
“burn up” much of their supply of stored
carbohydrates during the evening hours. Provenance In contrast, the more northern
provenances have greater cold hardiness
These conditions occur not only in warmer (geographic seed source)
and should be chosen for use in the Upper
areas of the U.S., but can also take place in One other important adaptability criteria
to consider when choosing plants is Midwest when propagating or growing
urban environments, containers, and city
provenance. Provenance refers to the species such as eastern redbud. This may
boulevards. Plants like the purple-leaf
geographic origin of the seed. Provenance also hold true for non-native, exotic
beech offer an example. The tree has
is not an issue for vegetatively propagated species.
purple leaves during the cooler parts of
spring and early summer, but when (via cuttings, budding/grafting, tissue
excessively high temperatures occur in culture, layering) species and cultivars, but
it is very important for some native and Trees best grown from
warmer heat zones of 6 and higher, northern seed sources
respiration rates at night increase and exotic species that have a wide, native
Scientific name Common name
there are not enough carbohydrates geographic range and are primarily
propagated by seed. Acer rubrum Red maple
(sugars) left over for purple pigment to
develop. The leaves can fade to a greenish- You may not know whether a nursery or Asimina triloba Pawpaw
purple. This does not harm the plant but garden center has obtained seed-
defeats the purpose of growing this propagated plant material from a northern Betula nigra River birch
purple-leaved tree in the first place. seed source, but you can try asking. For
Carpinus caroliniana American hornbeam
Some trees will die due to excessively high example, eastern redbud is native from
or musclewood
temperatures. Heat also increases New Jersey to northern Florida, and west
susceptibility to insects and diseases, to Illinois and northern Mexico. Some Cercis canadensis Eastern redbuda
especially wood-boring insects and root growers have been known to collect seed
or buy nursery stock of eastern redbud Cornus florida Flowering dogwood
rots. In these microclimates, the stored
carbohydrates are used for nighttime trees growing in southern U.S. locations, Fagus grandifolia American beech
respiration, leaving little for defense such as Tennessee, and sell them in
northern markets. These seed-propagated, Liriodendron tulipifera Tuliptree, tulip-poplar
against pests. Generally, for most
residential locations, you do not have to southern provenances of eastern redbud
Morella (formerly Northern bayberry
worry about heat tolerance unless a are less cold hardy and require a shorter
Myrica) pensylvanica
species specifically requires a cooler or dormancy to break bud. Consequently,
shady environment with adequate plants grown from southern seed sources Nyssa sylvatica Black gum, tupelo
moisture. are prone to winter damage and may
break bud early in spring, making them Pinus ponderosa Ponderosa pine
vulnerable to frost damage. Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas-fir
var. glauca

Quercus spp. Oaks (most)

Sassafras albidum Sassafras

Taxodium distichum Baldcypress

a
Redbuds sold as “Columbus strain” or “Minnesota
strain” come from a northern provenance.

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? How is the plant to be used

in the landscape?

The plant’s function

T
in the landscape
he functional use of a plant in the Street trees
landscape is a central Trees that are to be planted along a street
consideration when making plant should tolerate heat, drought, poor
choices. Plants can function in multiple drainage and aeration, soil compaction,
ways in the landscape; this can make your low fertility, high pH, deicing salts, and air
choice even more difficult. Pay attention to pollution. They should also be cold hardy
the particular features of different plants; ivory silk
to your area and resist pests. Street trees
japanese
these may give you ideas about where in often suffer greatly due to lack of water tree lilac
the landscape they might best be put to and restricted rooting area; hence,
use. Here are some guidelines. selection of an appropriate species is Screens
important for the tree’s growth and Plants can be used to eliminate an
Shade trees undesirable view, smell, block noise, or trap
survival. Maybe the best choice is not to
How dense do you want your shade to be? dust and debris from roads. They also
plant a tree, but to select herbaceous
Trees that produce dense shade, such as outline space and create outdoor spaces or
perennials or annuals.
maples and oaks, should be planted where “rooms” in the landscape and provide
there is enough space, as well as sunlight. When planting a street tree, remember to
privacy. Usually, a single species with a
These species work well on the southeast, “look up” for power lines and avoid planting
dense habit is planted in a row, preferably
southwest, and west sides of buildings and species that get large at maturity (taller
evergreens with low branches. Sometimes
homes by providing cool shade in summer, than 30 ft.) near utilities. For example,
berms (elongated mounds) are used to
which can significantly lower your cooling many maples, oaks, honeylocusts, and
screen views. The plants can be sheared
costs. Deciduous trees drop their leaves in lindens get too tall to plant near power
into a tall hedge (see next page under
autumn which allows for the low, winter lines. However, if power lines are not a
hedge), or allowed to spread naturally.
sun to shine through your windows, problem and sufficient rooting area is
Most evergreen trees such as pines, spruce,
bringing heat and light into the home. provided, many of these trees make good
fir, Douglas-fir, eastern hemlock, northern
street tree choices. Some oaks can make
white-cedar, and eastern red-cedar look
good street trees if the acorn litter in
best if allowed to grow naturally and can
autumn is not a serious issue.
Good choices serve as very effective screening plants in
for street trees the landscape.
Specimens
Scientific name Common name A specimen plant can stand alone in the
Short trees (suitable near power lines) landscape and serve as a focal point. The
plant’s ornamental
Malus spp. Flowering crabapples characteristics draw
Syringa reticulata Japanese tree lilac your attention to it. It
may have a unique
Tall trees (not suitable near power lines) form or texture, showy
foliage, flowers, fruit, or
Acer miyabei ‘Morton’ State Street®
interesting bark or
Miyabe maple
branching. A specimen
Acer x freemanii Freeman maple plant can be combined
with other plants in c
coom
mppaac ctt aam
meer
r ii c
caan
n
Ginkgo biloba Ginkgo (male cultivars) mixed shrub or c
crra
annbbe errrry
ybbu
ussh h vv ii b
buur
rnnu
umm
Gleditsia triacanthos Honeylocust (male herbaceous perennial
var. inermis cultivars) borders. Many small, ornamental trees are
specimen plants such as flowering
Quercus muehlenbergii Chinkapin oak crabapple and Japanese tree lilac.
Taxodium distichum Baldcypress

Tilia spp. Lindens

Ulmus spp. Elms (hybrids)

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Hedges, barriers,
and screens
Scientific name Common name

Screens (best if allowed to grow naturally)

Windbreaks Do not shear ornamental flowering shrubs Abies spp. Firs
Plants can serve to reduce the force of the such as forsythia, lilacs, dogwoods, or
wind. Windbreaks are often made up of spirea into formal hedges, as you will be Juniperus virginiana Eastern red-cedar
one species planted in a single row, or removing flower buds. Flower buds are
Picea spp. Spruces
multiple species planted in several rows. commonly formed in mid to late summer
Evergreens are a better choice for for the following spring season. These and Pinus spp. Pines
windbreaks as they retain their leaves in other deciduous or evergreen species can
be used as informal hedges where their Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas-fir
winter when cold winds are at their worst.
natural shape is retained and they are not var. glauca
Evergreens also serve as a screen to block
views (see above under screen). Evergreen sheared. Avoid the use of tallhedge Thuja occidentalis Arborvitae, white-cedar
windbreaks can provide cover for wildlife, buckthorn and Tatarian honeysuckle as
particularly in winter. hedge plants. Both species are highly Tsuga canadensis Eastern hemlock
invasive in woodlands, prairies, and
Hedges wetlands. Formal hedges (tolerates shearing)
A hedge is a living green fence usually Buxus spp. Boxwoods
consisting of one species, often planted Barriers
close together in a single or double row A barrier plant is typically a defensive Taxus spp. Yews
with alternate spacing. Hedges help define hedge to keep objects away and deter foot
Thuja occidentalis Arborvitae, white-cedar
or divide portions of your property or traffic. Barrier plants usually have thorns or
direct pedestrian traffic. They can be are quite twiggy, with sharp branches. Tsuga canadensis Eastern hemlock
ornamental or defensive (barrier) and can Shrub roses, barberry, and hawthorn are
be trimmed to produce a tight, formal some examples of plants that make Informal hedges (do not shear)
appearance or allowed to grow naturally, effective barriers. Cornus spp. Dogwoods
creating an informal effect. Evergreens
used as hedge plants can also serve as a Forsythia spp. Forsythias
screen. Spiraea spp. Spireas
For formal hedges, choose evergreen
Syringa spp. Lilacs
species that can tolerate shearing and
have dormant buds along the stem that Barriers
can break and re-grow. Such species
Berberis spp. Barberries
include boxwood, yews, arborvitae or
white-cedar, or eastern hemlock. Avoid use Crataegus spp. Hawthorns
of junipers, spruces, and most pines in
tightly clipped hedges as these plants Rosa spp. Shrub roses
grow mainly from the tips of branches
where the buds are formed. Yearly,
repeated trimming of these shrubs to the
same point will result in dead tissue, barrier (shrub rose)
unsightly plants, and poor performance.

informal
hedge (yew)

formal
hedge (yew)

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choosing the right landscape plants

Vine
Vines climb by special adaptations such as
tendrils, tendrils with adhesive discs at the
tips, rootlets (adventitious roots), or by
twining around a structure or fence. Vines
create the “walls” and “ceilings” of the
landscape as they can be used on walls,
trellises, or allowed to grow over arbors or
pergolas. Some vines, such as Oriental
border bittersweet and English ivy, are invasive
(alpine currant) and choke out trees and other plants as
they climb over them. Avoid planting these
Borders Masses species. American bittersweet is a good
Shrub borders are often planted along the A mass planting consists of a number of alternative, native, non-invasive vine that
perimeter of a house or in landscape beds plants, either the same or a combination of can be used instead of Oriental
that define boundaries; for example, the species, planted close together that often bittersweet. Some vines have beautiful
line between your yard and your screen a view. If they are tall enough, flowers such as Kentucky wisteria and
neighbor’s. You can create a mixed border masses can provide a windbreak. Both sweet autumn clematis.
using both woody and herbaceous evergreens and flowering shrubs can be
Container plants
perennials. used in masses. Make sure you do not
Some shrubs and a few, smaller trees can
crowd the plants together as plants placed
Edging be grown outdoors in insulated containers,
too close together will shed their inner
Edging refers to planting of low-growing provided they receive enough light with
leaves and branches to compensate for
species along the margin of a landscape consistent watering, adequate drainage,
reduced light levels.
bed, helping to define a border. It can and pruning during the growing season.
comprise one or more species and the Groundcover Containers can be used in tight spaces, on
plants typically grow less than 3 feet tall. A groundcover is a flat or trailing plant that patios, decks, or in areas where a splash of
Boxwood and Crimson Pygmy Japanese spreads along the ground. It creates the color is needed. A few trees that can be
barberry are commonly used for edging. “floor” of the landscape and can help grown in containers include Cinderella®,
prevent erosion and stabilize slopes or Firebird®, and Tina crabapples.
Foundation banks. Some groundcovers can tolerate
Foundation plants can be individual plants deep shade like Japanese pachysandra,
or combinations of plants placed next to while others require full sun like junipers.
homes and buildings to soften the Groundcovers are usually evergreen, but
structure. To allow access to windows and there are some flowering groundcovers
clearance near awnings, plants selected as such as sweet woodruff and creeping
foundation plants usually grow lower than phlox.
6 feet tall. Plant taller or wide-spreading
trees and shrubs away from windows and
entranceways to allow people to pass.

foundation
(saybrook
gold juniper)

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What are the space

considerations of the site? ?
Size, form, and growth rate

W
considerations
hen making your plant
selection, it’s important to
think about how tall and
wide the plant will ultimately become and
whether it will still fit your space years later.

Size
Trees and shrubs typically are planted
when young. Take care to consider how
their growth will impact the landscape in
the future. Too often, the mature height
and width of tree and shrub branches and
roots are not taken into consideration.
Utility lines, both above and below ground,
sewers, light posts, sidewalks, roads, and
other structures should be considered as
you decide how large a tree or shrub to
plant. Power and construction companies
will be forced to prune back your plants if

?
they are too large and become an
obstruction. Also, remember vehicular and
pedestrian traffic. More maintenance
pruning will be required to prevent How big does the plant get and
obstruction of view and unsafe conditions how fast does it grow?
such as thorny or prickly foliage that
extends over the street or sidewalk, messy
fruit that creates slippery walkways, and Form Growth rate
spreading branches that prevent drivers You need to be aware of the plant’s form A plant’s genetic makeup, the length of the
from seeing traffic. and branching characteristics. (Common growing season, and the attention given to
plant forms are pictured on pages 8 and 9.) the plant’s culture will determine how
Avoid crowding plants together or
Form and branching refers to the plant’s quickly a tree or shrub grows. A fast-
planting trees too close to buildings, even
overall size, shape, and outline. For narrow growing tree may be important when
though this may be visually appealing at
spaces, choose plants that have a columnar planting for shade or screening. However,
first. You will eventually have to remove or
or fastigiate form, with larger, vase-shaped some fast-growing species have weak
relocate plants that get too big for the
or spreading trees in bigger areas. Most wood, poor branch attachment, and are
area. Large trees planted too close to a
trees are pyramidal when young and prone to storm breakage. Silver maples,
building can cause infrastructure or
become rounded or open with age. In willows, and Siberian elm are subject to
foundation damage from the roots and
general, pick trees that have a balanced this problem and need more frequent
branches and become a liability.
and attractive branch pattern. Look for pruning. Slow-growing trees and shrubs
wide crotch angles such as ginkgo and Koreanspice viburnum
between the branches and may be beneficial near streets and homes,
the main trunk of the tree because of fewer maintenance (pruning)
to avoid large limb requirements.
breakage later. Don’t forget
to consider the size of the
root system of the mature
plant. Roots often require
more space than most
people think.

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different plant forms

a r c h i n g : Branches on tree or shrub c o n i c a l : Geometric cone-shape e r e c t : Upright, with tall, straight

arch over, creating a fountain or (like an upside-down ice cream cone), stems; can also refer to columnar or
cascading look. common in evergreens. fastigiate forms. Usually used to
describe shrubs.

c l i m b i n g : Stems of a plant grow f a s t i g i a t e : Narrow, upright

upwards along a fence, trellis, wall, or branching with closely arranged
other structure; common in vines. creeping or trailing: branches. Growth is less tight than
Branches and foliage lay close to the columnar.
ground or trail over walls or boulders;
common in groundcovers.

c l u m p : Main branches or multiple

trunks of a tree arise from the base of
the plant. Common in ornamental trees d e n s e : More compact form than
that have showy bark; nurseries typical; branches and foliage are close
intentionally grow them this way. together, unable to see through. h o r i z o n t a l : Branches are parallel
to the ground, creating a wide-
spreading, flat-topped look.

d w a r f : Miniature form, much smaller

than usual; common in conifers.
i r r e g u l a r : No distinct shape, but
form can be picturesque.

c o l u m n a r : Branches are closely

arranged on the stem creating a narrow,
vertical habit. Narrower growth than
fastigiate.

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m o u n d e d : Low, rounded form, p y r a m i d a l : Somewhat triangular u p r i g h t : Branches tend to go

close to ground. in outline. Base is widest part and upwards and are often rigid.
narrows at top; formal looking.

v a s e - s h a p e d : Upper part of a
rounded or globular: tree canopy or shrub outline is shaped
o p e n : Branches are far enough apart Curved outline; top of plant resembles like a V.
to allow air and light through—you can the upper half of a circle, common in
see through it. trees.

w e e p i n g : Stems of a tree or shrub

gracefully arch or bend over toward the
ground. Often grafted.
s p r e a d i n g : Branches spread
upward and outward; common in trees
or larger shrubs.

o v a l : Egg-shaped; lower and upper

portions of plant are narrower than the
middle.

s u c k e r i n g : Multiple stems
originate below ground from the roots,
resulting in new shoots, common in
shrubs.

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? Does the plant have showy

flowers and fruit?

I
Ornamental considerations
n terms of overall ornamental impact, The duration of
it’s generally considered best to bloom varies
choose plants with year-round interest. dramatically
While a plant’s flowers are often the main with each plant.
reason why people select a particular Nevertheless,
plant, also look at features that will be most flowers
present at other times of the year. only last one to
two weeks and
Flowers for the rest of
The time, duration, color, fragrance, and the year, we
showiness of flowers are important must depend
aesthetic features. Most woody plants on other
flower in the spring, a few species flower in ornamental
the summer, and even fewer flower in the features such as
autumn or winter. You can produce a fruit, leaves, fall leonard messel magnolia
wonderful effect in the landscape when color, or bark
you choose a variety of plants with and branching, which are visually The primary consideration with flowers is:
different flowering times, so that appealing for much longer periods. Some Are they large and showy or small, and
something is nearly always in bloom. Many shrubs have longer-lasting flowers such as best seen up close? Do they really make an
flowers bloom in spring, but summersweet shrub roses, butterfly bush, potentilla, impact in the landscape? Maybe individual
clethra, hydrangeas, and clematis are Japanese spirea, and panicle hydrangea. flowers are not particularly showy but
species that flower in summer. Many shrub Remember, flower displays can be cut when many are produced or occur in
roses and common witchhazel flower into short if there is a frost, drought, excessively clusters before the leaves emerge, the
autumn. warm temperatures, high winds, or heavy impact is significant. What color are the
rains. flowers? Most are white, pink, or mauve,
It is also a great idea to place plants with with yellow and orange being uncommon
Flowering plants fragrant flowers near entranceways and flower colors in temperate woody plants.
windows. Some in this category include Plants with yellow flowers include
Scientific name Common name
shrub roses, lilacs, magnolias, and the forsythias, corneliancherry dogwood, and
Fragrant autumn blooming vine, sweet autumn Butterflies magnolia. Make sure the flower
Clematis terniflora Sweet autumn clematis clematis. Fragrance is related to color does not clash with the building or
temperature and humidity; high house color or with another plant in bloom
Magnolia spp. Magnolias temperatures and humidity increase at the same time.

Rosa spp. Shrub roses fragrance while cooler temperatures or

rain affect it negatively.
Syringa spp. Lilacs

Tilia spp. Lindens

Viburnum carlesii Koreanspice viburnum

Long-lasting
Buddleja davidii Butterfly bush

Hamamelis virginiana Common witchhazel

Hydrangea paniculata Panicle hydrangea

Potentilla fruticosa Potentilla

Rosa spp. Shrub roses

Spiraea japonica Japanese spirea

— 10 — unique panicle
hydrangea
Choosing Plants 2:Layout 1 8/28/08 3:29 PM Page 11

Selecting for fruit

Scientific name Common name
Showy
Aronia spp. Chokeberries

Celastrus scandens American bittersweet

Ilex verticillata Winterberry

Viburnum spp. Viburnums (some)

serviceberry
Attractive to wildlife
How visible are the fruit? Red is one of the Amelanchier spp. Serviceberries
Fruit
Fruit often last longer than flowers and are best colors to draw attention because it
Carya spp. Hickories
a particularly important ornamental attracts not only people but also birds
consideration. Fruiting mostly occurs in looking for food. Other colors that occur in Corylus spp. Hazelnuts
late summer to autumn. The ornamental fruit are white, yellow, orange, blue, black,
Crataegus spp. Hawthorns
characteristics of fruit can be positive or purple, pink, and bicolor. Are fruit borne
negative and are influenced by numerous singly or in clusters, which tend to be Fagus spp. Beeches
factors. Some fruits are quite unsightly and showier? Does the foliage hide the fruit?
Does it drop early? Some shrubs have Malus spp. Flowering crabapples
create a tremendous litter problem; for
example, black walnut, female thornless outstanding displays of fruit such as red
Quercus spp. Oaks
honeylocust, and Hopa crabapple. Others, and black chokeberries, some viburnums,
such as female ginkgo trees, have a very winterberry, and the vine, American Viburnum spp. Viburnums (some)
foul odor. The brightly colored fruit of bittersweet.
some ornamental crabapples such as Red Edible
The edibility of fruit is an important
Jewel®, Harvest Gold®, and Firebird® are consideration when choosing plants for Amelanchier spp. Serviceberries
important for winter interest, but it is best public areas. Poisonous plants, such as
Cornus mas Corneliancherry
to find varieties, such as the ones listed, horsechestnuts and buckeyes, snowberry,
dogwood
with small, persistent fruit that won’t make burningbush, and the vine, American
a mess on sidewalks. With many plants, the bittersweet, are not appropriate for Corylus spp. Hazelnuts
fruit is a positive ornamental feature and playgrounds or places with children close
factors such as color, showiness, and by, while plants that produce edible fruit Poisonous
attraction for wildlife should also be such as serviceberry, corneliancherry Aesculus spp. Horsechestnuts
considered. dogwood, and hazelnuts make wonderful and buckeyes
Many people enjoy watching wildlife that additions to your yard.
feeds on fruit. Plants with fleshy fruit that Celastrus scandens American bittersweet
A final consideration regarding fruit is the
attract wildlife include crabapples, plant’s pollination requirements. You may Euonymus alatus Burningbush
hawthorns, serviceberry, and most need pollination by another cultivar of the
viburnums. Dry nut fruit can also attract same species to get good fruit set, as is the Symphoricarpos albus Snowberry
birds and other mammals. Species that case with viburnums. Or the plant may be
Taxus spp. Yews
produce nut fruit are usually large trees dioecious, meaning it has separate male
such as oaks, beeches, and hickories. There and female flowers located on two
are also a few shrubs that produce nut fruit different plants. Dioecious plants require a thornless honeylocust, and Kentucky
such as hazelnuts. However, fruit male and female plant located close to coffeetree female trees produce messy
sometimes attracts unwanted visitors, such each other to produce fruit. Examples fruit, while the cultivars Autumn Gold,
as deer, that not only feed on the available include winterberry, and northern Skycole (Skyline®),
fruit but on other plants as well— bayberry. You may and Espresso are
defoliating, damaging, or destroying them. not want to grow the oak fruitless, male
For more information on deer-resistant female fruit of a cultivars of ginkgo,
plants, see the UW-Extension publication particular dioecious thornless
Plants Not Favored by Deer (A3727). species due to its honeylocust, and
smell or litter mess. Kentucky coffeetree,
Planting a male respectively.
cultivar can
overcome these
problems. Ginkgo,

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? Is the foliage colorful during

the growing season or in autumn?

Foliage as Carol Mackie

The foliage of ornamental plants exhibits Daphne,
many characteristics to consider when variegated
making choices for a landscape. Most Tatarian dogwood,
leaves are green, but there are different and Japanese
shades such as blue-green, or forest green. dappled willow
As leaves emerge, they may be a different have variegated
color than the mature leaves. Some plants leaves; that is, sugar maple
have purple leaves throughout the leaves with two
growing season and include Black Lace™ different colors
What about fall color? Fall color is an
elderberry, Crimson King and Royal Red such as white and green or yellow and
important consideration given its
Norway maples, and Diabolo® and Summer green. Variegated leaves provide a nice
spectacular contribution to the landscape.
Wine® eastern ninebark. A few species such splash of color and serve as a focal point in
Some plants have poor or nonexistent fall
the landscape.
color (yellowish-brown), while others are
plants with interesting Don’t forget evergreens—they are not just vibrant yellow, orange, red, or purple. Trees
foliage green. Some evergreens, such as Rainbow’s with outstanding fall color include Autumn
End dwarf spruce, produce yellow new Blaze® Freeman maple, sugar maple,
Scientific name Common name
growth in spring before they turn green. ginkgo, and apple serviceberry. There are
Yellow to gold Some evergreens stay yellow throughout many different shrubs with excellent fall
Chamaecyparis pisifera Golden Mop threadleaf the year, such as Golden Mop threadleaf color including red chokeberry, fothergillas,
‘Golden Mop’ falsecypress falsecypress and Gold Coast® juniper. and sumacs. Virginia creeper and Boston
Others have blue needles all year, such as ivy are vines with spectacular fall color. For
Juniperus x pfitzeriana Gold Coast® juniper concolor or white fir, or blue spruce. Still more information on plants with showy fall
‘Aurea Improved’ others have a mixture of blue and green color, see UW-Extension publication
Picea glauca Rainbow’s End needles such as Swiss stone pine or Selecting Woody Landscape Plants for Fall
‘Rainbow’s End’ dwarf spruce Sander’s Blue dwarf spruce. Color: An Illustrated Guide (A3837).
What is the texture of the foliage? Coarse-
Thuja occidentalis Sunkist, Yellow Ribbon
textured, large foliage on trees allows little
‘Sunkist’, ‘Yellow Ribbon’ arborvitae
light to penetrate, which inhibits turf
growth underneath. Fine-textured foliage
Blue
(smaller or lacy leaves) on trees allows for
Abies concolor Concolor, white fir filtered light shade. Thornless honeylocust,
Kentucky coffeetree, and katsuratree
Picea glauca Sander’s Blue
provide filtered shade, allowing turfgrass
‘Sander’s Blue’ dwarf spruce
to grow better than if grown under trees
Purple with dense shade. Foliage may also be
glossy, dull, smooth, fuzzy, prickly, rough,
Acer platanoides ‘Crimson Crimson King, Royal
wrinkled, or feathery. Contrast between the
King’, ‘Royal Red’ Red Norway maples sander’s
foliage and the flowers, fruit, bark, or stems blue dwarf
Physocarpus opulifolius Diabolo®, Summer Wine® is often one of a plant’s best features. spruce
‘Monlo’, ‘Seward’ eastern ninebark Foliage, like some flowers, may be
™
aromatic, especially when rubbed or
Sambucus nigra ‘Eva’ Black Lace elderberry
pruned. Everyone is familiar with fragrant,
culinary herbs, such as rosemary, basil, or
Variegated
thyme, but there are some woody plants
Cornus alba Variegated Tatarian with aromatic foliage such as Russian-sage,
‘Argenteo-marginata’ dogwood northern bayberry, arborvitae or eastern
Daphne x burkwoodii Carol Mackie Daphne white-cedar or fir. You may only need to
‘Carol Mackie’ brush against these shrubs to notice their
aroma, and they are particularly effective
Salix integra Japanese dappled when planted near walkways, decks, or
‘Hakuro Nishiki’ willow patios.

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? Does the plant have interesting

bark or branches?

Bark and branching A few shrubs and trees have thorns, spines,
plants with excellent
Many plants have interesting, ornamental or prickles that act as a barrier, preventing fall color
bark. The textures and colors contribute unwanted visitors from getting in or out of
Scientific name Common name
considerable visual appeal and, in some the landscape. Examples include Japanese
plants, are the primary attraction. barberry, shrub roses, flowering quince, Acer x freemanii Autumn Blaze®
Deciduous plants are devoid of leaves for and hawthorns. Use caution when planting ‘Jeffersred’ Freeman maple
5–6 months during the dormant season, so these species near entranceways, patios, or
Acer saccharum Sugar maple
features such as the bark and branches are decks where sharp projections may injure
particularly important for creating winter people as they pass by. Amelanchier x grandiflora Apple serviceberry
interest. Trees with very showy bark
Aronia arbutifolia Red chokeberry
include three-flowered maple, paper birch,
and Amur chokecherry. Fothergilla spp. Fothergillas
Branches can also be ornamental, offering
Ginkgo biloba Ginkgo
varied colors and textures. Shrubs that
have colorful twigs, especially in winter, Hamamelis virginiana Common witchhazel
include cultivars of red- and yellow-twig
Nyssa sylvatica Black gum, tupelo
dogwoods, coral bark willow, and the vine,
climbing hydrangea. Some plants’ twig Rhus spp. Sumacs
color is not colorful, but their unique
winged or twisted branching provides
interest in winter. Some plants in this
category include burningbush or winged Plants with interesting
euonymus, Harry Lauder’s walkingstick, bark or branches
and curly willow. Scientific name Common name

Showy bark
Acer triflorum Three-flowered maple
winter king
hawthorn Betula papyrifera Paper birch

Crataegus viridis Winter King hawthorn

‘Winter King’

Prunus maackii Amur chokecherry

Colorful twigs
Cornus stolonifera Redtwig and
yellowtwig dogwoods

Hydrangea petiolaris Climbing hydrangea

(vine)

Salix alba ‘Britzensis’ Coral bark willow

Unique branching pattern

Euonymus alatus Burningbush,
winged euonymus

Corylus avellana Harry Lauder’s

‘Contorta’ walkingstick

Salix matsudana Curly willow

‘Tortuosa’

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? What cultural requirements

does it need?

S
Cultural considerations
oil, moisture, sunlight, wind, pest Soil texture is the percentage of
susceptibility, air pollution, sand, silt, and clay in a soil. Soil texture is
deicing salt and urban tolerance, very difficult to change. Soil texture
maintenance considerations, and black influences soil fertility, drainage, and
walnut toxicity are all critically important aeration of soils. In general, a heavy clay
but often overlooked during plant soil has poor aeration and drainage, but
selection. If cultural conditions are less can be high in fertility. Sandy soil
than optimum for a particular species, it is typically has good aeration and drainage,
best to select either another site or species but poor structure, fertility, and water chlorosis on
better suited to that specific location. retention. Loamy soil, which has a pin oak
Matching your plant choices to their balanced blend of sand, silt, and clay, has
cultural requirements helps to ensure the good structure, fertility, aeration, Loss of soil structure, caused by
plant has the best chance for healthy drainage, and water retention. compaction, reduces water infiltration and
growth, development, and long-term Unfortunately, this situation rarely occurs drainage, decreases aeration levels
survival. in urban and suburban soils. required for root growth, and makes it
Soil Do not attempt to improve a heavy clay more difficult for roots to penetrate the
Soil adaptability factors to consider include soil by adding sand; the result will be ground. Poor aeration and drainage in soils
texture, structure and compaction, pH and “cement.” Instead, add organic material, is evident where there is standing water,
fertility, and temperature. Choose plants such as sphagnum peat, leaf compost, pine slow drainage, and a hard soil surface that
that are tolerant, especially to your soil bark, or other organic compost. Many resembles baked clay. Soil compaction is a
texture and pH. A soil test taken before plants tolerate some amount of clay in the major cause of tree decline, poor growth,
you choose your plants will determine soil, but there are few plant choices for dry, and eventual plant death in urban and
your soil texture, pH, and fertility levels and sandy soils. Some species that can adapt to suburban areas.
help in making appropriate plant these conditions are northern bayberry, In urban conditions, it is vitally important
selections. common hackberry, shagbark hickory, to choose plants that tolerate compacted
creeping juniper, black oak, red pine, soils, or to improve the soil structure. If the
rugosa rose, and yucca. soil is heavily compacted and/or poorly
P l a n t s f o r d r y,
Soil structure and drained (standing water for more than an
sandy soils
compaction is a great concern in hour following rainfall), consider improving
Scientific name Common name landscape plantings, particularly in urban drainage before planting by adding loose
Carya ovata Shagbark hickory and suburban environments. Soil structure organic matter (peat moss, composted leaf
refers to the soil’s ability to form mulch, pine bark, or compost) to raise the
Celtis occidentalis Common hackberry aggregates (solid particles) of different planting area. This helps roots become
Juniperus horizontalis Creeping juniper sizes, both large and small. These established in well-oxygenated soils.
aggregates form under natural conditions Rototillers can be used to loosen up the
Juniperus virginiana Eastern red-cedar over long periods of time. Disturbing or soil prior to planting, but do not rototill soil
manipulating the soil reduces or even directly under established trees; doing so
Morella (formerly Myrica) Northern bayberry
destroys the soil’s structure. Construction is will cut the roots into pieces and lead to
pensylvanica
a common cause of soil destruction when tree decline. Do not apply topsoil or
Pinus resinosa Red pine topsoil is removed and compacted, leaving organic matter directly into the planting
high-clay subsoil behind. Compaction may area, as this will create an interface
Quercus velutina Black oak also be caused by excessive foot and car between the poorly drained soil and the
Rosa rugosa Rugosa rose traffic. well-drained material you added, creating
a “bathtub” effect where water stays in the
Yucca spp. Yuccas
hole and does not drain out into the
existing soil. There are some plants that
can tolerate heavily compacted soils such
as common hackberry, hybrid elms,
Kentucky coffeetree, and gray dogwood.

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Plants that tolerate

moisture extremes
Scientific name Common name

Tolerates dry soils (once established)

Soil pH and fertility are also Soil temperature influences root
Cornus racemosa Gray dogwood
important considerations when choosing growth and the rate of chemical and
landscape plants. The pH of a soil is based biological processes. Temperature Cotoneaster spp. Cotoneasters
on a range of 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very extremes can dry out and freeze roots. In
alkaline) with a neutral pH of 7.0. Most paved or restricted rooting areas or areas Juniperus spp. Junipers
woody plants prefer slightly acidic soil with surrounded by concrete or pavement Quercus macrocarpa Bur oak
a pH of 5.5–6.5. You can increase the pH by (parking lots, sidewalk cutouts, and
addition of lime, though this is rarely containers), soil temperatures may be Tolerates wet soils
needed in urban or suburban areas in colder in the winter and warmer in the
Cornus stolonifera Redtwig and
southern Wisconsin. You can lower the pH summer than those in nearby lawn areas.
yellowtwig dogwoods
by adding elemental sulfur and organic Adding mulch to the top of the planting
matter, but this is a slow process, as natural area will help cool soils in summer, insulate Quercus bicolor Swamp white oak
bacteria will need to convert this insoluble roots in winter, and retain moisture
sulphur to a form plants can use. throughout the year. Apply mulch 2–4 Salix spp. Willows

Nutrient availability is often directly related inches deep and avoid mulch touching the Taxodium distichum Baldcypress
to soil pH. Species such as pin oak, red trunk or branches. With regard to
maple, river birch, and rugosa rose become containers, they must have drainage and
very chlorotic in southeastern Wisconsin be large enough to accommodate the root Other considerations include how much
because the pH is too high (alkaline) and system and insulated to help the plant rainfall the site typically receives. When are
iron, or manganese in the case of red survive cold winters. Roots die at the dry months and do they occur during
maple, is unavailable for root uptake. significantly warmer temperatures than the growing season? If so, a lack of rainfall
Chlorosis symptoms occur on leaves when the tops of plants. will significantly affect plant growth and
the plants are grown at high pH and development of leaves, flowers, and fruit.
Moisture Excessive rain can flood areas, decreasing
manifest themselves with yellowing leaves
Soil moisture conditions are strongly available soil oxygen—a requirement for
with the main veins in the leaf remaining
influenced by the previous factors of soil all plants. During winter, snow and ice can
dark green. Choose plants that are tolerant
texture, structure, temperature, and others weigh branches down and cause limbs to
to high pH soils if your soil is alkaline. For
such as precipitation patterns and soil break. These are serious factors to consider
more information on chlorosis and how to
interfaces. Most woody plants need about when choosing landscape plants.
lower your soil pH, see the UW-Extension
1 inch of water a week and will need
publication Oak and Other Trees Disorder:
supplemental irrigation when sufficient Sunlight
Chlorosis (A2638).
rainfall does not occur. Low soil moisture Since plants require sunlight for growth,
Some species, such as rhododendrons and often occurs in sandy soils, during drought, exposure to the sun is a basic
azaleas, not only require a slightly acidic to where there are high soil surface environmental consideration when
acidic pH, but also fertile soils that are high temperatures, or when there is high selecting plants. Most plants prefer full sun
in organic matter and nutrients. Soil deicing salt content in the soil. If your soil to light shade for proper growth and
fertility can be improved by adding moisture characteristics are poor (too wet flowering while some tolerate dense shade
organic matter such as compost or leaf or too dry) and cannot be improved, be and are often found as understory plants
mold, or by using slow or quick-release sure to choose plants that tolerate those in woodlands. Plants requiring full sun
fertilizers. A good rule of thumb is that conditions. conditions will need at least 6 hours of
before you plant anything, make sure you direct sunlight per day; partial shade
In general, plants like moist, well-drained
get a soil test to determine pH and tolerant plants require 2–5 hours of direct
soils, but some are drought-tolerant and a
nutrient levels. You may already have sunlight per day, particularly in the
few tolerate wet soils. Some plants that are
sufficient phosphorus and potassium in mornings, whereas shade-loving plants
drought-tolerant (once established)
your soil and addition of more will not be need less than 2 hours of direct sunlight
include bur oak, junipers, cotoneasters, and
beneficial to plants. each day, filtered sunlight, or no direct sun.
gray dogwood. Willows, baldcypress,
swamp white oak, and red- or yellow-twig Some plants that tolerate partial to full
dogwoods are some of the plants that shade include Annabelle hydrangea, Carol
tolerate wet soils. Many of the plants that Mackie daphne, witchhazels, yews, and
tolerate wet soil also tolerate poorly eastern hemlock.
drained, compacted soils.

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? Is the plant sensitive to air

pollution or deicing salts?

Consider the duration and directness of Avoid using

sunlight. Do buildings or other trees shade structurally
the site? The type of shade in a landscape weak tree
can change over time, becoming denser as species like
trees and shrubs mature and fill in spaces. willows,
Light patterns can also change with the poplars, and
seasons and can affect growth patterns. An silver maple, annabelle
hydrangea
area that is in full sun in summer when the that are prone
sun is high in the sky may have partial to storm
shade in spring and fall when the sun is at damage.
a lower angle. Visiting the site at different These species can cause significant Air pollution
times of the day and season will help you damage during storms if planted near Air quality is an important factor for a
determine the light patterns and choose a homes or other structures. Use trees that sensitive plant’s growth and survival. Plants
species appropriate to those conditions. have strong wood and branch are subject to site, size, and traffic patterns
attachments with wide crotch angles (the (for example, exhaust fumes) of urban
angle distance between the branch and areas and local industries, such as power
Shade-loving plants the main trunk of the tree) such as oaks plants. In addition, plants are affected by
and hickories. A planting area that is large the area’s climate, wind and weather
Scientific name Common name
enough will be needed to support a patterns. Are large hills nearby? Areas
Daphne x burkwoodii Carol Mackie daphne strong, extensive root system. directly east of hills or valleys between hills
‘Carol Mackie’ can lead to inversion layers and trapping
Pest susceptibility
Hamamelis spp. Witchhazels of polluted air and smog levels that are
Whether or not a plant is pest-prone or
dangerous not only to humans, but also to
pest-resistant is important. Some species,
Hydrangea arborescens Annabelle hydrangea plants. Air pollution can damage plant
such as shrub roses, flowering crabapples,
‘Annabelle’ tissues and reduce photosynthesis. Some
and hybrid elms, have disease-resistant
species tolerate specific pollutants better
Taxus spp. Yews varieties or cultivars that should be used
than others.
instead of the disease-prone types. Much
Tsuga canadensis Eastern hemlock A few plants sensitive to air pollution
of the damage caused by insects and
diseases is only cosmetic or non-life include sugar and red maples,
threatening. However, repeated defoliation mountainash, pagoda dogwood, American
Wind or damage over the course of several years linden or basswood, eastern white pine,
Constant winds increase a plant’s need for weakens a plant, making it more and Norway spruce. These plants typically
water because of greater transpiration and susceptible to severe attack by another perform better in rural or suburban
evaporation. Buildings in urban areas can pest or pathogen and may lead to the communities with good air circulation, but
create a wind-tunnel effect and increase plant’s death. they perform poorly in downtown, highly
the wind speed in those locations. Sites urbanized areas.
Both native and exotic species are
exposed to strong western or
susceptible to insects and diseases. Choose
southwestern winds should not only have
plants that are either resistant or not
adequate soil volume and moisture, but
susceptible to various insects and/or
also contain plants suited to this
pathogens. Avoid planting evergreens
environment that are not prone to winter
such as Colorado blue spruce, Austrian and fire blight
burn injury. Excessive winter sun and wind
Scots pines, and Rocky Mountain juniper, on crabapple
can burn broad-leaved and narrow-leaved
as they are all highly susceptible to insects
evergreens—in particular rhododendrons,
and diseases.
yews, and eastern hemlock.

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What type of landscape maintenance

am I willing to provide? ?
Salt tolerance Maintenance Black walnut toxicity
Tolerance to road deicing salt, especially to considerations Black walnut and butternut trees and, to a
sodium chloride (NaCl), is very important Trees and shrubs require proper much lesser extent hickories, produce a
for plants near streets or sidewalks that are maintenance and pruning, especially in the toxin called juglone in all parts of the tree,
heavily salted in winter. Salt damage may first 5–10 years. This will allow proper but especially in the buds, nut hulls, and
be incurred from aerial salt spray, which is height, spacing, and clearance of larger roots. This toxin prevents many other
common near roads with fast moving branches that grow over sidewalks or plants from growing under or near these
traffic. This salt is deposited on foliage and streets. You will need to water often trees. Plants susceptible to juglone will be
can cause significant damage to buds and (especially during hot, dry weather) until stunted and can wilt and/or die. These
leaves. the plant is established which may take up include tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant,
to 3 years. In general, slower growing trees peppers, and ornamentals such as lilacs,
Salt may also accumulate in the soil as
and shrubs require less pruning and tend rhododendrons and azaleas, flowering
snow melts, especially near roads or
to live longer with fewer structural crabapples, and peonies. The toxic effects
sidewalks. Excessive soil salt can have a
problems. of a mature black walnut tree can extend
major effect on a plant’s water and
nutrient uptake. Some plants tolerant to Be sure to consider the longevity of plants far away from the tree trunk, with the
deicing salts include Kentucky coffeetree, you may select. Some popular plants, such greatest toxicity occurring within the tree’s
Japanese tree lilac, chokeberries, and as white-barked birches, purpleleaf drip line.
sumacs. For more information on salt sandcherry, Newport plum, and Colorado If you must plant in the vicinity of a black
injury and plants tolerant to deicing salts, blue spruce, are short-lived in the urban walnut, it is essential to choose plants that
see the UW-Extension publication Deicing landscape. You may choose to plant a are resistant. Even after a black walnut tree
Salt Injury in the Landscape and Salt- particular tree or shrub, but if it is pest- and is removed, juglone will not be eliminated
Tolerant Landscape Plants (A3869). disease-prone, it may die in a few years because the toxin is in the tree’s roots. It
from infestation or infection. Some will take many years for the roots to decay
Urban tolerance municipalities may prohibit planting of and toxin levels to diminish. Do not use
Urban tolerance refers to a plant’s certain plant species that are known to be wood chips or bark pieces from a walnut
tolerance to the cultural considerations a litter nuisance, hazard to people, tree as mulch. For more information on
discussed above. Plants that tolerate an encourage insects, or harbor diseases. black walnut toxicity and plants tolerant or
urban environment have the ability to Check with your city or municipality for susceptible to juglone see Black Walnut
withstand harsh conditions such as information. Proper site and plant selection Toxicity (XHT1017, www.uwex.edu/ces/
extremes in temperature (both air and can reduce costs due to maintenance, wihort/GardenFacts.html).
soil), extremes in moisture levels (both wet removal, infrastructure damage, and
and dry), soil compaction, poor drainage liability.

?
and aeration, pH extremes, low fertility,
deicing salts, air pollution, high winds from
air tunnels created between buildings, and
restricted areas to develop roots and Are there any regulations or local
shoots due to overhead and/or ordinances preventing me from planting?
underground utilities. All these factors can
significantly stress plants and increase
their susceptibility to insects and diseases.
Urban tolerance varies from plant to plant,
but it can be enhanced with proper
cultural practices, soil amendment, and
species selection. Choose plants that are
known to tolerate urban conditions if you
live in a highly urbanized area. Some native
species are appropriate for these extremes,
while others are not. Urban soils are
anything but native.

black walnut

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? What existing vegetation exists in the area?

Are there any invasive plants?

Native habitat and invasiveness

Native or exotic Invasiveness
A selection factor that you may wish to Exotic species have brought with them the
consider is the native origin of a potential issue of ecological invasiveness. How
plant choice. Is a particular species native invasive in the wild is this species? Avoid
to your area? Planting exclusively native exotic species that are very invasive such
species in the landscape can be beautiful as autumn-olive, black locust, buckthorns
in a home garden, but in harsh urban (common and tallhedge glossy),
conditions, many native plants perish due honeysuckles (Amur, Bell’s, Morrow’s,
to poor soils, drainage problems, deicing Tatarian, Freedom, and Honeyrose), tallhedge
salts, drought, and heat. Many exotic multiflora rose, Oriental bittersweet, glossy buckthorn
(invasive)
species can be used in most residential Russian-olive, Siberian elm, and white
landscapes, and very few of them are truly mulberry. These plants can take over
invasive. Some are considerably more forested areas, replacing native species
tolerant to urban conditions compared to and causing ecological damage. Even
native plants. some native species could be considered
aggressive because they reseed readily
and/or spread quickly, such as
boxelder and gray dogwood,
the latter if it is growing in
prairies.
Avoid planting potentially
invasive species such as Amur
maple, burningbush, English
ivy, European cranberrybush
viburnum, Japanese barberry,
Norway maple, vinca, and
wintercreeper euonymus near
natural or wooded areas. These
species can readily spread in
the wild through reseeding
native and/or suckering growth.
paper birch

invasive buckthorn
in forest understory

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How do I know if I am purchasing

high-quality nursery stock? ?

W
Selecting high-quality nursery stock
hen selecting nursery
plants, make sure you pay
particular attention to the
factors below. Avoid buying stock that
looks questionable, even though it may be
cheap. By properly selecting quality
nursery stock in the beginning, you will
have a head start on establishing a healthy
landscape. Buy landscape plants from a
nursery or garden center with a good
reputation and people you trust. Chances
are that an experienced, reputable nursery
or garden center will have grown and
maintained the plants properly and the
plants will reliably establish in your garden
if they are planted and maintained
correctly.

Foliage
A healthy, well-balanced crown should be
visible. Foliage should be free of insects
and diseases and turgid (not wilting). The
leaves should be a healthy green color
unless you are working with a yellow, blue, balled and
purple, or variegated-leaf cultivar. Avoid burlapped trees
plants with scorched or brown leaf
margins; this indicates water stress.
Roots If buying a balled and burlapped tree,
Trunk, bark, and Roots are the most important part of a make sure the trunk is centered in the root
branches ball and firmly attached without a loose or
plant, but they are often overlooked.
For trees, a straight, single, central leader is damaged root ball. All plants should have a
Examine the root system, if possible, on a
preferred, unless the plant is normally sold root ball that is adequate for the size of the
container-grown plant before you
as a multi-stem or clump form tree. The crown or caliper of the trunk as specified
purchase it. Plants should be well-rooted
trunk should be free of insect holes, by the American Standard for Nursery
and firmly established in the container.
damage, cracks, and sunken or swollen Stock. A reputable nursery will have this
Healthy, white, fibrous roots with evenly
areas. It should have good taper and flare information. The root ball should be moist
distributed lateral roots should be
appropriately at the base. The branches at time of purchase and not dry. Avoid
apparent. Avoid buying trees or shrubs
should be evenly distributed in the crown plants with weedy root balls, as you will
with circling or matted roots. Circling roots
preferably with a wide angle of have to remove the weeds before planting
in a container will need to be cut or
attachment between the trunk and the to avoid introducing them into your yard.
stretched out before planting in the soil to
branch. The branches should show good Balled and burlapped root balls should be
prevent future girdling roots (roots that
vigor and growth. Avoid buying trees with covered with natural burlap, not synthetic.
encircle the trunk and kill the plant).
lots of suckers (shoots) at the base or
If purchasing bare-root stock, make sure
watersprouts in the crown (shoots that do
the roots have been kept moist with
not bear flowers or fruit and are growing
packing material or burlap, are adequately
straight up and not outward). Underneath,
spaced around the plant, and have no
the top layer of bark on the branches
circling or kinked roots.
should be green. Brittle branches that
break off easily are a sign of a dead or
dying tree or shrub.

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Choosing Plants 2:Layout 1 8/28/08 3:30 PM Page 20

Scientific names of plants

References
Arborvitae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thuja occidentalis
Arborvitae ‘Sunkist’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thuja occidentalis ‘Sunkist’
Arborvitae ‘Yellow Ribbon’ . . . . . . . . . . . . Thuja occidentalis ‘Yellow Ribbon’
Dirr, M.A. 1997. Dirr’s Hardy Trees and Autumn-olive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elaeagnus umbellata
Shrubs: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. Azaleas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rhododendron spp.
Timber Press, Portland, OR. Baldcypress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Taxodium distichum
Barberry, Japanese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berberis thunbergii
Rose, N., D. Selinger, and J. Whitman. 2001.
Barberry, Japanese, Crimson Pygmy. . . . Berberis thunbergii
Growing Shrubs and Small Trees in Cold ‘Crimson Pygmy’
Climates, Contemporary Books, Basswood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tilia americana

For more
Lincolnwood, IL. Bayberry, Northern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Morella (formerly Myrica)
pensylvanica

information
Beech, American . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fagus grandifolia
Beech, Purple-leaf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fagus sylvatica f. purpurea
Birch, Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Betula papyrifera
Birch, River. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Betula nigra
To learn more about gardening in Birches, White-barked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Betula papyrifera,
B. populifolia, B. pendula
Wisconsin based on the latest university
Bittersweet, American . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Celastrus scandens
research, visit the web sites of the
Bittersweet, Oriental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Celastrus orbiculatus
UW–Madison Horticulture Team Black Gum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nyssa sylvatica
(www.uwex.edu/ces/wihort/) and Boxelder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acer negundo
UW–Extension Publications Boxwoods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buxus spp.
(learningstore.uwex.edu). Buckeyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aesculus spp.
Buckthorn, Common . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rhamnus catharticus
The following publications are available Buckthorn, Tallhedge Glossy . . . . . . . . . . . Rhamnus frangula ‘Columnaris’
from UW–Extension Publications: Burningbush. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Euonymus alatus
Guide to Selecting Landscape Plants for Butterfly Bush. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buddleja davidii
Wisconsin (A2865). Describes the mature Butternut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Juglans cinerea
Chokeberry, Black . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aronia melanocarpa
height, shape, and preferred growing
Chokeberry, Red . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aronia arbutifolia
conditions for hundreds of trees, shrubs, Chokecherry, Amur. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prunus maackii
and vines. Clematis, Sweet Autumn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clematis terniflora
Plants Not Favored by Deer (A3727). A Clethra, Summersweet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clethra alnifolia
Coffeetree, Kentucky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gymnocladus dioica
lengthy list of plants deer tend to avoid.
Cotoneasters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cotoneaster spp.
Selecting Woody Landscape Plants for Fall Crabapples, Flowering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Malus spp.
Color: An Illustrated Guide (A3837). Crabapple, Cinderella® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Malus ‘Cinzam’
Brighten your autumn by including Crabapple, Firebird® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Malus sargentii ‘Select A’
plants with stunning fall color in your Crabapple, Harvest Gold® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Malus ‘Hargozam’
Crabapple, Hopa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Malus ‘Hopa’
landscape.
Crabapple, Red Jewel® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Malus ‘Jewelcole’
Deicing Salt Injury in the Landscape and Crabapple, Tina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Malus sargentii ‘Tina’
Salt-Tolerant Landscape Plants (A3869). Creeper, Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Identify and prevent salt injury. Includes Currant, Alpine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ribes alpinum
Daphne, Carol Mackie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daphne x burkwoodii
an extensive list of salt-tolerant plants.
‘Carol Mackie’
Dogwood, Corneliancherry . . . . . . . . . . . . Cornus mas
Dogwood, Flowering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cornus florida
Dogwood, Gray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cornus racemosa
Dogwood, Pagoda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cornus alternifolia
Dogwood, Redtwig and Yellowtwig . . . . Cornus stolonifera
Dogwood, Variegated Tatarian . . . . . . . . . Cornus alba
‘Argenteo-marginata’
Douglas-fir. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca
Elderberry, Black Lace™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sambucus nigra ‘Eva’
Elm, Siberian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ulmus pumila
Euonymus, Winged. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Euonymus alatus
Euonymus, Wintercreeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . Euonymus fortunei
Falsecypress, Threadleaf, Golden Mop . Chamaecyparis pisifera
‘Golden Mop’

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Choosing Plants 2:Layout 1 8/28/08 3:30 PM Page 21

Fir, Concolor or White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Abies concolor

Forsythia, Border . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Forsythia x intermedia
Forsythia, Sunrise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Forsythia ‘Sunrise’
Fothergillas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fothergilla spp.
Ginkgo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ginkgo biloba
Hackberry, Common . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Celtis occidentalis
Hawthorn, Winter King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crataegus viridis ‘Winter King’
Hazelnuts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corylus spp.
Hemlock, Eastern or Canadian . . . . . . . . . Tsuga canadensis
Hickory, Shagbark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carya ovata
Honeylocust, Thornless, Skyline® . . . . . . . Gleditsia triacanthos var.
inermis ‘Skycole’
Honeysuckle, Amur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lonicera maackii
Honeysuckle, Bell’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lonicera x bella
Honeysuckle, Freedom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lonicera ‘Freedom’
Honeysuckle, Honeyrose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lonicera ‘Honeyrose’ Pine, Austrian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinus nigra
Honeysuckle, Morrow’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lonicera morrowii Pine, Eastern White. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinus strobus
Honeysuckle, Tatarian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lonicera tatarica Pine, Ponderosa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinus ponderosa
Hornbeam, American . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carpinus caroliniana Pine, Red. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinus resinosa
Horsechestnuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aesculus spp. Pine, Scots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinus sylvestris
Hydrangea, Annabelle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hydrangea arborescens Pine, Swiss Stone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinus cembra
‘Annabelle’ Phlox, Creeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phlox subulata
Hydrangea, Climbing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hydrangea petiolaris Plum, Newport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prunus ‘Newport’
Hydrangea, Panicle, Unique. . . . . . . . . . . . Hydrangea paniculata ‘Unique’ Poplars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Populus spp.
Ivy, Boston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parthenocissus tricuspidata Potentilla . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Potentilla fruticosa
Ivy, English. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hedera helix Quince, Flowering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chaenomeles speciosa
Juniper, Creeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Juniperus horizontalis Red-cedar, Eastern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Juniperus virginiana
Juniper, Gold Coast® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Juniperus x pfitzeriana Redbud, Eastern. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cercis canadensis
‘Aurea Improved’ Rhododendrons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rhododendron spp.
Juniper, Rocky Mountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Juniperus scopulorum Rose, Multiflora . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosa multiflora
Juniper, Saybrook Gold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Juniperus x pfitzeriana Rose, Rugosa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosa rugosa
‘Saybrook Gold’ Rose, Shrub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosa spp.
Katsuratree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cercidiphyllum japonicum Russian-olive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elaeagnus angustifolia
Lilac, Japanese Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Syringa reticulata Russian-sage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perovskia atriplicifolia
Linden, American . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tilia americana Sandcherry, Purpleleaf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prunus x cistena
Locust, Black . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robinia pseudoacacia Sassafras. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sassafras albidum
Magnolia, Butterflies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Magnolia ‘Butterflies’ Serviceberry, Apple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amelanchier x grandiflora
Magnolia, Leonard Messel . . . . . . . . . . . . . Magnolia x loebneri Snowberry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Symphoricarpos albus
‘Leonard Messel’ Spirea, Japanese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spiraea japonica
Maple, Amur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala Spruce, Colorado Blue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Picea pungens var. glauca
Maple, Freeman, Autumn Blaze® . . . . . . . Acer x freemanii ‘Jeffersred’ Spruce, Norway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Picea abies
Maple, Miyabe, State Street® . . . . . . . . . . . Acer miyabei ‘Morton’ Spruce, Rainbow’s End Dwarf . . . . . . . . . . Picea glauca ‘Rainbow’s End’
Maple, Norway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acer platanoides Spruce, Sander’s Blue Dwarf . . . . . . . . . . . Picea glauca ‘Sander’s Blue’
Maple, Norway, Crimson King. . . . . . . . . . Acer platanoides ‘Crimson King’ Sumacs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rhus spp.
Maple, Norway, Royal Red . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acer platanoides ‘Royal Red’ Tuliptree or Tulip-poplar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Liriodendron tulipifera
Maple, Red. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acer rubrum Tupelo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nyssa sylvatica
Maple, Silver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acer saccharinum Viburnum, American Cranberrybush, . . Viburnum trilobum
Maple, Sugar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acer saccharum Compact ‘Compactum’
Maple, Three-flowered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acer triflorum Viburnum, European Cranberrybush. . . Viburnum opulus
Mountainash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sorbus spp. Viburnum, Koreanspice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Viburnum carlesii
Mulberry, White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Morus alba Vinca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vinca minor
Musclewood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carpinus caroliniana Walkingstick, Harry Lauder’s . . . . . . . . . . . Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’
Ninebark, Eastern, Diabolo® . . . . . . . . . . . . Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Monlo’ Walnut, Black . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Juglans nigra
Ninebark, Eastern, Summer Wine® . . . . . Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Seward’ White-cedar, Eastern or Northern . . . . . . Thuja occidentalis
Oak, Black. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quercus velutina Willow, Coral Bark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Salix alba ‘Britzensis’
Oak, Bur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quercus macrocarpa Willow, Curly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’
Oak, Chinkapin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quercus muehlenbergii Willow, Japanese Dappled . . . . . . . . . . . . . Salix integra ‘Hakuro Nishiki’
Oak, Pin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quercus palustris Winterberry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ilex verticillata
Oak, Swamp White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quercus bicolor Wisteria, Kentucky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wisteria macrostachys
Pachysandra, Japanese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pachysandra terminalis Witchhazel, Common . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hamamelis virginiana
Pawpaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asimina triloba Woodruff, Sweet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Galium odoratum
Peonies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paeonia spp. Yews. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Taxus spp.

— 21 —
Yuccas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yucca spp.
Choosing Plants:Layout 1 8/29/08 9:27 AM Page 22

Copyright © 2008 by the Board of

Regents of the University of Wisconsin
System. All rights reserved. Send inquiries
about copyright permission to Extension
Publishing, Rm. 231, 432 N. Lake Street,
Madison, Wisconsin 53706.
Author: Laura Jull is associate professor
of horticulture, College of Agricultural
and Life Sciences, University of
Wisconsin–Madison and University of
Wisconsin–Extension, Cooperative
Extension. Produced by Cooperative
Extension Publishing: Meg Gores and
Linda Deith, editors; Susan Anderson,
designer.
Photo credits: Linda Deith—cover;
iStockphoto.com—inside front cover,
hydrangeas (p. 16), balled and burlapped
trees (p. 19); Susan Mahr—garden path
(p.21); Laura Jull and Ed Hasselkus—
all other images.
Reviewers: Jeff Iles, woody plant
Extension specialist, Department of
Horticulture, Iowa State University, Ames,
Iowa, and Teryl Roper, former fruit crop
Extension specialist, Department of
Horticulture, University of Wisconsin–
Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative
Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30,
1914, in cooperation with the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, University of
Wisconsin–Extension, Cooperative
Extension.
To see more publications or to order
copies of this publication, visit our web
site at learningstore.uwex.edu or call
toll-free: 877-WIS-PUBS (947-7827).

Choosing the Right Landscape Plants:

Factors to Consider (A3864)
I-08-2008-3M