Deciduous Shrubs 2 Flashcards
Japanese Red Barberry
Berberis thunbergii atropurpurea
Plant Description
Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea is one of the most widely used landscape plants today and is valued for its rich red foliage, good form and hardiness. It has a dense form with a fairly rounded natural habit, though new growth often rises rather gangly above the plant. While the regular species can grow to be a medium-sized shrub (up to 6 feet high), the majority of commercially-available cultivars are under 3 feet high at maturity.
The leaves are ovate in shape, 1 inch long, and arranged alternately on the stem. The growth is a rich red color that slowly matures to a dark green. The coloring creates a deep red effect, with dark green under-tones visible on closer inspection. Fall color is typically a mixture of orange and red and quite showy.
Tough, sharp 1/2 inch thorns form at the nodes along the stem. Thorns on older stems can be especially vicious. Light yellow flowers, 1/4 inch wide, form beneath the leaves in the early spring. They are not considered to be of much ornamental value. Oblong red fruit appears in fall and can persist through the winter, but many of the popular cultivars produce little fruit.
It is highly tolerant of most climate conditions. Though it prefers full sun, I have seen plenty thriving in nearly full shade. Once established, B. thunbergii will thrive in the heat and tolerate dry conditions for days on end. It does require good drainage, as it will not tolerate consistently wet or moist soil. It may sucker or seed itself to colonize an area, though this is not as much of a problem in Utah as elsewhere in the nation.
Landscape Use
Its hardy nature makes it a great selection for spots with poor soil such as parking lots or building foundations. It is an excellent security plant to use under windows or other security-sensitive areas in the landscape.
Points of Interest
The fruit is attractive to wildlife. Other species of Berberis are cultivated for their edible berries, though the berries are not particularly palatable.
Notable Cultivars
Concorde Very dark wine-colored leaves which are slightly rounder than the regular species. Grows slowly to only 18 to 24 inches high and wide.
Crimson Pygmy: A good, compact and tightly branched variety, growing to 2-3 feet tall. The leaf shape and color is nearly identical to the regular species.
Helmond Pillar An upright form with good dark purple foliage. 4-5 feet tall and 2 feet wide.
Kobold A dwarf (2 feet tall and wide) green-leaved dwarf cultivar noted for its excellent natural round shape.
Rosey Glow New growth appears a mottled pink and red on this red-leafed cultivar.
Variegated Tatarian Dogwood
Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’
Plant Description
A large (8-10 feet high, 5-10 feet wide), upright shrub, Variegated Tatarian Dogwood is valued for its multi-seasonal interest. Most famously, in the winter, the bare stems are bright red, which create an especially striking contrast in climates with good snowfall during the winter months. The branching typically becomes dense, but rarely overgrown and, similarly, the foliage appear dense, but still permits glimpses of the attractive branching structure.
The leaves are elliptic, with the veins in a very noticeable arcuate pattern. In the case of ‘Elegantissima’, the leaves are a grey-green with creamy white margins that undulate and form interesting patterns. The petioles of the leaf are red. In the late spring and early summer, clusters of small white blossoms occur on the top two thirds of the plant. The flowers are showy, but tend to be hidden by the white variegation that already exists on the leaves. Once the blooming is completed, clusters of 1/2 inch white fruit with bluish overtones appear. The fruit clusters are just as, if not more, attractive as the flowers. Fall color is purple-red, though it is generally unreliable.
Although Tatarian Dogwoods naturally grow in rich, moist soil, they readily acclimate themselves to nearly any soil or moisture condition. An established Tatarian Dogwood can thrive in near drought conditions. They perform best in part sun; plants in full sun may develop leaf burn on the creamy margins of the leaf.
Landscape Use
Good for use in mass plantings or in shrub borders. Effective as a screen or border, though not as dense as other options.
Points of Interest
Cornus alba suckers fairly aggressively. It is particularly susceptible to leaf spot.
Notable Cultivars
Ivory Halo: A smaller and more compact form than ‘Elegantissima’. Grows 5-6 high and wide. It is susceptible to leaf burn and leaf spot.
Redosier Dogwood
Cornus sericea
Plant Description
Similar in size and shape to Cornus albabut a bit wider (7-9 feet high, up to 10 feet wide). Also famous for its bright red winter stems, the majority of the stem will be green while the plant has its foliage, and will not develop the showy red color until the fall. The foliage tends to be a bit denser than C. alba, especially in the smaller cultivars.
The 3-5 inch long leaves are elliptic, with the veins in a arcuate pattern on the leaf. The are set into the leaf face, which makes the veins very apparent. In the late spring and early summer, clusters of small white blossoms occur on the top two thirds of the plant. The flowers are attractive, but not overly showy. Once the blooming is completed, clusters of 1/3 inch white fruit with bluish overtones appear. The fruit clusters more showy then the flowers. Fall color is purple-red, and is generally reliable.
C. sericea is tolerant of many different climate conditions. It can tolerate nearly marshy conditions to essentially full drought conditions once established. It will perform well in full sun to full shade.
Landscape Use
Use in mass plantings and for hedges and screens.
Points of Interest
Cornus sericea will sucker vigorously and can take over an area in a few years time if not kept in check.
Notable Cultivars
Baileyi: A large variety with notedly bright-red stems in the winter and very light blue berries.
Flaviramea: Also known as yellow-twig dogwood because of its bright yellow stems. 6-8 feet tall and slightly wider.
Isanti: A compact form (5 feet high and wide) with good flowers and fruit.
Kelseyi: A true dwarf, grows only 1-2 feet high and slightly wider.
Cranberry Cotoneaster
Cotoneaster apiculatus
Plant Description
Cotoneaster apiculatus is a low, spreading shrub (3 feet high and 6 feet wide). The branches arc and cross over each other, creating a dense, but tangled mat that is very effective as a ground cover.
The 1/4 - 3/4 inch circular leaves are a dark green, glossy on the top and arranged alternately on the stem. The leaves tend to have a crinkled appearance, and are warped or wavy. In the late spring or early summer, small cream-colored blossoms appear in loose clusters along the stem. The blooming is not as attractive or showy as Cotoneaster dammeri.
As the name suggests, Cranberry Cotoneaster is most noted for its abundant production of small, 1/4 inch red pome fruit. The fruit beings to appear in the summer and ripens to a bright red by fall. The fruit remains showy until snow falls, at which point it will begin to wither and fall.
Landscape Use
Use as a ground cover and in mass plantings.
Points of Interest
To ease identification between C. apiculatus and C. dammeri during the winter, break a stem and smell the wood. Cranberry Cotoneaster emits a faint cherry scent.
Peking Cotoneaster or Hedge Cotoneaster
Cotoneaster lucidus (acutifolia)
Plant Description
Often confused with Cotoneaster acutifolius, I refer to both of them as one species here because they are used nearly interchangeably in the industry. It is a large shrub (6-10 feet high and wide) with a rounded habit and spreading branches. It is easily hedged and pruned, and a vigorous grower. The bark is gray-brown in color and smooth, while young stems are pubescent.
The leaves are a dark lustrous green on top and a light gray-green on the back. They are 1.5-2 inches long and ovate in shape and arranged alternately on the stem. New foliage is pubescent. In the fall the leaves turn a rich mix of orange and red. In the spring, clusters of light pink flowers form in small clusters. They are noticeable, but not considered showy. Following the blooming, 1/4 to 1/2 inch black pome fruit forms during summer and ripens in the fall. The fruit can be quite showy, especially when the plant is viewed up close.
It is a hardy and quick growing plant. It prefers well-drained soil and is tolerant of heat and drought conditions. It performs best in full to partial sun.
Landscape Use
Use as a large hedge or screen or prune to form a small hedge or other ornamental shape.
Points of Interest
Because C. lucidus has a weak root system that does not like to be disturbed it does not handle transplanting well.
Burning Bush
Euonymus alatus ‘Compactus’
Plant Description
Burning Bush is a ubiquitous plant in the modern landscape. It seems hard to find a modern garden that doesn’t have at least one, and nearly impossible to find a commercial landscape devoid of them. A sturdy and modestly attractive plant, its popularity its due almost entirely to its great bright fall color. Burning bush is very tolerant of many different climate conditions, but for best fall color it should be planted in a mostly sunny condition and pruned lightly.
While the species grows very large (up to 20 feet tall), the most commonly used and available cultivars are much smaller. Compactus can grow 5-10 feet tall, though normally it is reaches only 6-7 feet. It is easily hedged or trimmed to keep it at the desired height. It has a naturally tiered branching habit, that creates the appearance of horizontal layers in the foliage. If left unpruned this habit can become quite attractive, but is largely destroyed by pruning or hedging.
The leaves are elliptic, 2-3 inches long and arranged opposite on the stem. Fine serrations on the margin of the leaf are visible only upon close inspection. During the fall, the leaves turn a vibrant red, sometimes with hints of orange. Fall color lasts for approximately 3 weeks.
During the winter it is easy to identify Euonymus alatus due to the corky ‘wings’ that form on the stems. These protrude out from the bark to varying degrees and are especially apparent on 2-4 year old growth.
Landscape Use
Use in mass plantings, as a hedge, or as a fall color accent.
Points of Interest
Burning Bush often suffers from iron chlorosis in clay soils.
Although it possesses fantastic fall color, it is undeniably overused.
Privet
Ligustrum Vulgare
Plant Description
This large deciduous shrub (12-15 feet high and 10-12 feet wide) is an excellent choice for screens and hedges. Its form is a rounded and upright, with dense dense branching and foliage at maturity. It performs best in full sun to partial sun and will tolerate drought conditions well once it is established.
The glabrous leaves are lanceolate shaped, dark green,1-2 inches long and arranged oppositely on the stem. They are retained on the stems deep into fall, at which point they darken and drop. Flowers appear on 1-3 inch long panicles in early summer. They are a pale white color and have a creamy smell. Following the flowering, 1/3 inch purple-black berries appear in clusters that persists through winter.
Although Dirr has little good to say about European Privet, it is an attractive plant for the intermountain region because of its broad adaptability to different soil and moisture types, as well as its cold-hardiness. The cultivars listed below are still readily available in commerce and remain quite popular.
Landscape Use
Excellent for a hedge or screen.
Points of Interest
It is susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spot. Twig blight is a problem elsewhere in the country but is only a minor nuisance here thanks to our dry climate.
Notable Cultivars
Lodense: Lodense Privet - A compact form of the species ideal for low hedges. The leaves are slightly smaller than the larger shrub forms of the species. Grows 4 feet high and wide.
Cheyenne: Cheyenne Privet - The upright shape makes Cheyenne perfect for large hedges. The leaves are a bit longer than those on Lodense. Grows 12-15 feet high and 5 feet wide.
Golden Privet
Ligustrum x vicaryi
Plant Description
This large deciduous shrub grows 10-12 feet high and wide. Its most most attractive feature is its lustrous golden leaves. The form is naturally rounded and needs little pruning to maintain a good shape. The foliage is dense, all the way to the ground, making it perfect for a screen. It is a fairly quick grower that hedges well, though it is rarely used in this manner, and can provide an interesting accent in the garden.
The 2-3 inch long laneolate-elliptic leaves are arranged oppositely on the stem. Leaves towards the ends of the stem have the rich yellow color, while those deeper in the canopy fade to a lime green. For the best colors the plant should be planted in full sun.
5-6 inch long panicles of creamy tubular flowers appear in the early summer. They have creamy fragrance, the attractiveness of which is debatable as many people enjoy the fragrance while others detest it.
Landscape Use
Use as a a screen or naturalized hedge, or as a focal point in a shrub border.
Points of Interest
I have seen it used as a formal hedge and the effect was outstanding, though it is not commonly used as such. Pruning must be done regularly to avoid taking off too much new growth or the yellow color will be lost
Tallhedge Buckthorn
Rhamnus frangula ‘Columnaris’
Plant Description
Rhamnus frangula ‘Columnaris’, or Tallhedge Buckthorn, is one of the best vertical accent plants available when it is well maintained. Conversely, if it is neglected and left unpruned it becomes a rather unkempt and unsightly tangle of dead wood. Regular pruning of dead wood to encourage new growth is needed to keep this plant looking its best. It grows 10-15 feet high and 5 feet wide.
Young stems are a reddish-brown, with mature stems having a brown to gray color. It grows best in well-drained soil, though it is adequately tolerant of most soil types. Plant in full to partial sun. The leaves are dark green leaves are ovate, 1-3 inches long and slightly narrower, with the veins clearly visible. They are arranged alternately on the stem. In the fall they turn a yellow color.
Very small pale-green flowers in spring turn into drupes, 1/2 inch in diameter. The fruit emerges red before it slowly turns to black. The fruit ripens at different times, and one shrub will simultaneously have fruit at many stages of development on it. The fruit is readily consumed by birds, who then spread the seeds. This has made Tallhedge Buckthorn somewhat of a nuisance, especially in more fertile and temperate climates.
Landscape Use
As a vertical accent or a hedge.
Points of Interest
Tallhedge Buckthorn is susceptible to leaf spot.
Notable Cultivars
Ron Williams (Fine Line): Thin lacy foliage creates a light and airy look. Smaller and more compact than ‘Columnaris’. 4-5 feet high, 18 inches wide.
Staghorn Sumac
Rhus typhina or glabra
Plant Description
Rhus typhina is an extremely fast growing large shrub or small tree. Because of its suckering habit, it forms dense colonies of plants that will continue to spread as long as space is availabe. It is extremely drought tolerant and hardy, adapting to many different soil and moisture conditions. It grows best in full sun, but will readily make itself at home in a shady location as well.
Young stems are very pubescent, while the older stems are a light gray and hairless. The leaves are pinnately compound, arranged alternately on the stem, and can be up to 2 feet long. The leaflets are 2-4 inches long, lanceolate in shape with serrated edges. Sumac is famous for its fall color, one of its few redeeming qualities, which is a mixture of bright oranges and reds that is simply stunning.
Cream-colored flowers form in panicles in late spring, and are relatively showy. Large clusters of drupes form by summer time on female plants in a conical shape. The fruit is red and covered in little hairs, from whence the species earned the common name of Staghorn Sumac. The red fruit contrasts well against the green of the leaves and creates a good visual impact.
Landscape Use
Great for extremely harsh places, such as south or western-facing walls where there is a great deal of reflective heat. Use in mass plantings. If you are willing to continually remove the suckers, Rhus typhina will form an interesting multi-trunked tree suitable as a focal point. This species is very invasive, so plan accordingly.
Points of Interest
Although susceptible to several different pests and diseases, Staghorn Sumac is so hardy and vigorous that most ailments have only a limited impact.
Notable Cultivars
Bailtiger (Tiger Eyes): Multi-colored cut leaves leaves set this variety apart from the species. New leaves are a lime green and then turn to yellow and the margin of the leaf often has red highlights. Excellent fall color. Reported to sucker less than the regular species.
Alpine Currant
Ribes alpinum
Plant Description
Alpine Currant is an attractive, deciduous and dioecious, medium sized shrub that produces inedible fruit. It grows 3-6 feet tall with a slightly smaller spread, producing a good, upright-rounded form at maturity. The stems are held stiffly upright and grows quite dense. It is a very hardy plant that is happy in nearly any situations and even very abused plants will quickly recover if given a little attention.
Ribes alpinum leafs out early in the spring, with 1-2 inch long leaves that have three lobes and a serrated margin. The leaves are bright green, slightly pubescent and arranged alternately on the stems. In the fall the leaves turn a mild yellow color.
Inconspicuous, small yellow-green flowers appear in spring in 2 inch long racemes. Following the flowering, fruit quickly forms on the shrub, ripening into a 1/3 inch wide currant. Immature fruit is a translucent yellow, while mature fruit is a bright red. Fruit is only produced on female shrubs.
Landscape Use
Use as informal hedges or as filler plants in shrub borders.
Points of Interest
It is susceptible to leaf spot and aphids, though neither are considered a major problem. Only female shrubs produce berries.
Notable Cultivars
Green Mound: Slightly smaller (3-4 feet high and 2-3 feet wide) than the species, its form is more dense and spreading.
Dwarf Arctic Willow
Salix purpurea ‘Nana’
Plant Description
Salix purpurea ‘Nana’ is a medium sized shrub (6 feet tall and wide) with a rounded form and airy texture. It is quick to establish and has a fast growth rate, quickly filling out in a couple years.
The stems are thin and pliable, with younger stems having a very noticeable reddish-purple hew that stands out against the foliage. Mature stems are a grey-green. It needs regular water, but will tolerate some drought once established. The lanceolate leaves are 2-4 inches long and very narrow. They are an attractive blue-green that contrasts well against the new reddish-purple growth.
Landscape Use
Use in mass plantings or as a color or texture accent in a bed or border.
Notable Cultivars
S. integra ‘Hakuro Nishiki’: New growth emerges pink, fades to white and then a dappled white and green. Performs best in part-shade. 4-5 feet high and wide.
S. caprea ‘Pendula’: A weeping form of pussy willow often used as a focal point in planting beds. Soft silvery catkins cover the tree in early spring, later replaced by green leaves.
American Elderberry
Sambucus canadensis
Plant Description
Sambucus canadensis is a medium to large deciduous shrub (5-12 feet tall and wide); individual cultivars are much more consistent in their size. It prefers moist soil and performs best in the Intermountain region when it is in partial to full shade. The stems are a yellowish-gray and have a significant number of lenticels.
Flowers appear in large, flat cymes that can be up to 6-10 inch and are white in color. They are quite showy when in bloom during the early Summer. The flowers give way to large clusters of drupe fruit in the early fall. The fruit is a purple-black color, 1/4 inch in diameter and edible. If it is not harvested it will typically be picked clean by birds in pretty short order.
Landscape Use
Use as a flowering shrub or in a naturalized garden. They purple leaved varieties can be used as a accent plant.
Points of Interest
Elderberry will sucker profusely, especially when it is in moist conditions. They suffer from powdery mildew and leaf spot.
Notable Cultivars
Aurea: A large yellow-leafed variety with bright red fruit. 8-10 feet high and wide.
S. nigra ‘Eva’ or Black Lace: A large (10 feet high and wide) purple-leafed variety with lace-like foliage and large corymbs of pink-tinged white blossoms.
