Allegheny Blackerry

Rubus allegheniensis | Zones 4-8 | Soil: Well-Drained

The Native Blackberry (Rubus species) is a hardy, thorny shrub found throughout North America, known for its sweet, edible black or dark purple berries. Native blackberries thrive in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, fields, and disturbed areas, preferring full sun and well-drained soil. Beyond their delicious fruit, these shrubs provide important food and shelter for wildlife and are often used in restoration projects.

American Black Currant

Ribes americanum | Zones 3-6 | Soil: Widely Adaptable

American Black Currant is a Wisconsin native shrub. Small yet showy yellow-green flowers bloom in mid to late spring and then mature to a small, black berry high in antioxidants that wildlife relishes. In fall, leaves turn a beautiful peachy-red-orange color, extending the season of interest. I’ve made wine from it – the only wine I thought was better was Elderberry. 

American Hazelnut (Filbert)

Corylus americana | Zones 4-9 | Soil: Widely Adaptable

The American Filbert is a multi-stemmed shrub with a rounded top and an open, often wide-spreading base. Because of its size, it is adapts well to naturalizing and other nonformal areas. It bears annual, abundant crops of small, sweet tasting nuts. It will bear in 2-3 years after planting. The nuts are easy to crack and drop free of the husk when mature. (Plant multiple trees with the same flowering time to ensure pollination)  

American Linden (Basswood)

Tilia americana | Zones 3-8 | Soil: Widely Adaptable

American basswood is native to the Chicago area and is often used as a specimen or dense shade tree. Its heart-shaped leaves and fragrant flowers in June make it especially attractive for people, while songbirds and blue jays are attracted to its seeds and use the tree for shelter.

American Plum 

Prunus americana | Zones 3-9 | Soil: Widely Adaptable 

A thicket-forming shrub or small tree with short trunk, many spreading branches, broad crown, showy large white flowers, and red plums. American plum is a small, understory tree to 35 ft. with fragrant, white showy flowers occurring before the leaves in spring. The fruit that follows ripens to a shiny, bright red in August or September. Fall foliage ranges from electric red to pale yellow.  The plums are eaten fresh and used in preserves, and are also consumed by many kinds of birds.         

American Sycamore (Planetree)

Platanus occidentalis | Zones 4-8 | Soil: Widely Adaptable 

The American Sycamore is one of the largest hardwood trees in North America – often reaching heights of 100’ or more.  A great shade tree!  The large leaves give the tree a very full appearance.   Wild birds such as finch, chickadees, and juncos eat the seeds.      

Antonovka Apple 

Malus Antonovka | Zones 3-6 | Soil: Widely Adaptable

What are Antonovka apples, you may ask. They are a winter producing group of apple trees originally from Russia. Antonovka fruit trees are often used as a rootstock to add cold hardiness to other apple types that can be grafted in. They are also used for seedling trees in northern areas. Topped at 30” to facilitate aggressive growth.

Apricot

Prunus armeniaca | Zones 3-6 | Soil: Widely Adaptable

A hardy fast-growing tree, bearing stone fruit, closely related to the peach. The flowers are white to pink, tinged with the same dusky red that appears on the petiole.  The fruit ripens from the end of July to mid-August.  The tree has a golden orange fall color.

Arnold Hawthorn 

Crataegus mollis | Zones 3-7 | Soil: Widely Adaptable

The Arnold Hawthorn is a small tree or shrub – growing 15-30’ tall.   Beautiful clusters of white flowers in spring are followed by bright red berries in summer.   The fruit can be made into jams and jellies.  

Bald Cypress

Taxodium distichum | Zones 4-10 | Soil: Widely Adaptable

This stately conifer, native to the Midwest, is often found in groupings in parks and larger spaces, along streets, and around lakes. Unlike most cone-bearing trees, bald-cypress loses its needles each winter and grows a new set in spring. The russet-red fall color of its lacy needles is one of its outstanding characteristics. Hardy and tough, this tree will adapt to a wide range of soil types, whether wet, dry, or swampy.

Bigtooth Aspen

Populus grandidentata | Zones 3-6 | Soil: Widely Adaptable (No Clay)

The Bigtooth Aspen (Populus grandidentata) is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It’s easily identified by its large, sharply toothed leaves that tremble in the wind and its smooth, pale bark. Common in disturbed areas, it spreads quickly by root suckers and serves as an important pioneer species.   It provides food and habitat for wildlife and adds bright yellow color to the fall landscape.

Bitternut Hickory   

Carya cordiformis| Zones 4-9 | Soil: Moist, Well-Drained, Sandy

Bitternut hickory is a large, native north American tree, best reserved for larger landscapes. It has large, compound leaves, a 1 inch, four-part nut, and yellow fall color. 

** Important Note:   Can be difficult to transplant

Black Walnut

Juglans nigra | Zones 4-9 | Soil: Widely Adaptable

The black walnut is a Chicago-area native tree that provides excellent shade for large properties. It needs to be sited with care, since the tree produces a chemical that is toxic to some other plants. The fruit is a rounded, yellow-green husk, containing a nut that is a food source for squirrels.

Black Chokeberry (Aronia)

Aronia melanocarpa | Zones 3-8 | Soil: Widely Adaptable

The Black Chokeberry is a dependable landscape shrub.   Loved by rabbits and deer.  Only one plant is required for adundant fruiting.  The berries can be used for juices, jams, jellies, and wines.

Blackhaw Viburnum

Viburnum prunifolium | Zones 3-9 | Soil: Moist, Well-Drained

The Blackhaw Viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to eastern North America. It features oval, dark green leaves that turn beautiful shades of red and purple in the fall. In spring, it produces clusters of fragrant white flowers followed by blue-black berries in late summer, which attract birds and wildlife. Blackhaw Viburnum thrives in well-drained soils and full to partial sun, making it a popular choice for natural gardens and wildlife habitats.

Butternut (White Walnut)

Juglans cinerea | Zones 4-9 | Soil: Well-Drained

The Butternut tree (Juglans cinerea), also known as white walnut, is a deciduous hardwood tree native to the eastern and midwestern United States, including Wisconsin. It’s a close relative of the black walnut but is less common and currently threatened by disease across it’s entire range.

Button Bush 

Cephalanthus occidentalis | Zones 5-11 | Soil: Loamy, Well-Drained

Buttonbush is a multi-stemmed shrub which grows 6-15’ tall.   It is well-suited for wet soils.  Ducks, shorebirds, and other water birds consume the tasty seeds.  Top butterfly attractant.

Chinese Chestnut 

Castanea mollissima | Zones 4-8 | Soil: Moist, Well-Drained, Sandy, Loamy 

As the American chestnut struggles with disease, the blight-resistant Chinese chestnut is quickly gaining popularity. The sweet-tasting nuts are often roasted for holiday eating and have been made famous in turkey stuffing recipes across the country.

But this is more than a nut tree. The shade of its spreading canopy is dense, providing relief in the hot, dry climates the Chinese chestnut does well in.

Common Ninebark 

Physocarpus opulifolius | Zones 2-7 | Soil: Widely Adaptable 

Ninebark is a cold hardy, tough, native shrub for mixed borders. Pinkish-white flower clusters in late spring, persistent seed capsules and exfoliating bark adds to the seasonal interest.

Common (Bartlett) Pear  

Pyrus communis | Zones 4-6 | Soil: Widely Adaptable 

The #1 pear worldwide!  Starts bearing at a young age and is very productive. Fruit features a smooth, firm texture and a juicy, spicy taste. Harvest in late August. Topped at 30” to facilitate aggressive growth.  Contains thorns.

Cottonwood (Male) 

Populus | Zones 2-9 | Soil: Widely Adaptable (no clay)

Cottonwood is a rapid growing tree and becomes very large with age. Sexes are separate. Male catkins show colorful red stamens in the spring. Tree form is upright spreading with an oval to rounded crown. The glossy medium green leaves are 3-5″ long and equally wide. Fall color is yellow. Because of the tree’s large size and tendency for branches to break in wind and ice storms, Cottonwood is usually not recommended for residential landscapes or other small properties. It is a good tree for highway and park plantings where little maintenance is possible.

Cranberrybush (Highbush Cranberry)   

Viburnum trilobum | Zones 2-7 | Soil: Widely Adaptable

Excellent fall foliage color which may be yellow, red, orange or burgundy is just one of the many attributes of this large and attractive native shrub. Showy, snow-white, flat-topped flowers are 3"-4 1/2" in diameter that bloom in mid to late May. Beginning in September, bright red fruits serve as food for birds and wildlife. Grows 8'-12' high with an equal spread. Prefers good, well-drained, moist soil and partial shade to full sun.

This is NOT a true Cranberry (it’s a member of the Honeysuckle family).

Domestic (Common) Apple

Malus domestica | Zones 4-6 | Soil: Widely Adaptable

The Domestic Apple has excellent wildlife value.  In the spring, fragrant apple blossoms will please local bee populations as they collect nectar and pollen. The insects attracted to the trees will surely bring in a variety of birds. In the fall and winter, deer and other mammals will certainly appreciate the much needed food source. Topped at 30” to facilitate aggressive growth. 

Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle

Diervilla lonicera  | Zones 3-7 | Soil: Widely Adaptable

The Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera) is a low-growing, deciduous shrub native to eastern North America. It typically reaches 2 to 3 feet in height and features bright yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in summer, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. This hardy shrub thrives in well-drained soils and full to partial sun.  Its dense growth provides good habitat for wildlife, and its leaves turn attractive shades of orange and red in the fall.

Eastern Redbud

Cercis canadensis | Zones 4-9 | Soil: Widely Adaptable

Rosy pink flowers appear in April. Reddish-purple leaves change to dark green, then to yellow. Forms a spreading, graceful crown. Full sun or light shade. Partial shade preferred in windy, dry areas. Grows to 20' to 30', 30' spread.

Elderberry (Black American)

Sambucus canadensis | Zones 3-9 | Soil: Widely Adaptable 

Fast growing shrub with whitish flowers in late spring early summer. Bears a purple-black fruit in August. Makes excellent wine and jam.  This species flowers in June to July depending on the part of the country in which it is found. Bees, wasps, and beetles are strongly attracted to the flowers. Fruits ripen in August to September and are eaten by many species of birds and mammals.

Golden Currant

Ribes aureum | Zones 4-8 | Soil: Widely Adaptable

Golden Currant is a winter-hardy, drought-tolerant, multi-stemmed shrub with clusters of fragrant, edible yellow flowers in Spring, followed by juicy sweet-tart berries in Summer.   This plant can also be used as an outside row in windbreaks. 

Green Alder

Alnus viridis | Zones 3-7 | Soil: Moist, Well-Drained

The Green Alder (Alnus viridis) is a small, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub or small tree in the birch family (Betulaceae). It's native to northern North America, Europe, and Asia, and in the U.S., it occurs mostly in cold, mountainous, or boreal regions—including northern Wisconsin.

Hackberry

Celtis occidentalis | Zones 3-9 | Soil: Widely Adaptable

The hackberry, while often forgotten by casual consumers, is commonly heralded by tree experts as “one tough tree.” Found on a wide range of soils east of the Rockies from southern Canada to Florida, these trees thrive in a broad span of temperatures and on sites that vary from 14 to 60" of annual rainfall. They can even stand up to strong winds and tolerate air pollution.

All of this hardiness adds up to a good landscape choice, particularly if you’re looking for an energy-conserving shade tree that doesn’t require watering.

Hop Tree

Ptelea trifoliata | Zones 4-9 | Soil: Widely Adaptable

The Hop Tree (Ptelea trifoliata), also known as Wafer Ash or Common Hop Tree, is a small deciduous tree or large shrub native to much of eastern and central North America — including Wisconsin.   It is NOT related to true hops and is the preferred host plant for the giant swallowtail butterfly.

Ironwood (Hornbeam) 

Ostrya virginiana | Zones 3-9 | Soil: Moist, Well-Drained

Ironwood is a tough understory tree with gray bark.  The common name is derived from the hardness of the wood and the hoppy fruit of the tree.  Does not tolerate road salt.

Kentucky Coffeetree

Gymnocladus dioicus | Zones 3-8 | Soil: Widely Adaptable

The Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) is a large, unique deciduous tree native to the central and eastern United States, including southern Wisconsin. It's valued for its bold form, striking winter silhouette, and adaptability.

Littleleaf Linden

Tilia cordata | Zones 3-7 | Soil: Moist, Well-Drained

The Littleleaf Linden is a medium-sized broadleaf deciduous tree. Many consider it to be the best of all the Lindens.  The tree has a medium growth rate. It does not tolerate wet conditions, severe drought, pollution, or salt spray. It can tolerate heavy pruning and is alkaline soil tolerant.  Flowers bloom from June to early July, and their rich nectar attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. 

Mountain Ash (Rowan)

Sorbus americana | Zones 3-5 | Soil: Widely Adaptable

This small native tree's dark green leaves turn yellow, orange and reddish-purple in the fall. Showy white spring flowers are followed by large clusters of flame-red, berry-like fruit loved by birds. Likes acidic soil with good drainage, full sun to light shade. Grows to 10'–30'.

This is NOT a true ash (it’s a member of the rose family), so it’s immune to the Emerald Ash Borer.

Musclewood

Carpinus caroliniana | Zones 3-9 | Soil: Widely Adaptable

Musclewood (Carpinus caroliniana), also known as American hornbeam, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It gets its name from its smooth, gray bark that looks like rippling muscles or sinews. The tree typically grows 20 to 40 feet tall and has serrated, ovate leaves that turn vibrant yellow, orange, or red in the fall. Musclewood thrives in moist, well-drained soils, often along streams and in forests, and produces small nutlets in clusters. It’s valued for its dense, hard wood and its ornamental appeal in natural landscapes.

Myrobalan (Cherry) Plum

Prunus cerasifera | Zones 4-6 | Soil: Widely Adaptable

Ornamental plum grown for its attractive purple foliage. It is a shrubby twiggy tree with a rounded crown and spreading branches often vase-shaped with dense foliage.  It is adaptable to many soil conditions but needs full sun.  Plant as a specimen, in a border or a small group as a screen or hedge.  Topped at 30” to facilitate aggressive growth.

Nannyberry

Viburnum lentago | Zones 2-8 | Soil: Widely Adaptable 

Nannyberry is grown as a large shrub or a small tree reaching 15 to 20 feet high, known for its dark, lustrous green leaves which turn maroon-red in the fall. This Midwest native is typically found in woodlands and wood edges, a great plant for naturalizing.

Northern Catalpa

Catalpa speciosa | Zones 4-8 | Soil: Widely Adaptable

Catalpa is a Midwest native tree that grows 40 to 60 feet tall, with a narrow, open, irregularly rounded crown and spreading branches. It has large, heart-shaped leaves and large clusters of fragrant, white flowers. The long, interesting seed pods persist through the winter. Northern catalpa is very adaptable to adverse conditions, but has weak wood and branch structure.

Ohio Buckeye

Aesculus glabra | Zones 4-7 | Soil: Well-Drained

The Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra) is a medium-sized deciduous tree known for its distinctive palmate leaves, spring flowers, and the “buckeye” nuts it produces. It is native to the Midwest, including southern Wisconsin.

Persimmon

Diospyros virginiana | Zones 5-9 | Soil: Well-Drained 

Deer browse the leaves and twigs of the common persimmon, the tree’s greatest benefit to deer and other wildlife comes from its orange, oval fruit. This colorful fruit is about the diameter of a quarter and is high in carbohydrates, starches, iron, potassium, sugar, and vitamin C. The fruit ripens on the tree after the first frost, so in the fall, it is a high energy source for deer that helps them build body reserves for the winter.  Note:   This is a zone 5 tree. It is not recommended for Central WI or north.  

Pawpaw

Asimina triloba | Zones 5-8 | Soil: Moist, Well-Drained 

The Pawpaw tree (Asimina triloba) is a small, deciduous tree native to the eastern United States, known for producing the largest edible fruit native to North America. In spring, it bears maroon-colored flowers, followed by greenish-yellow fruits that ripen in late summer. The fruit has a creamy texture and a tropical flavor, often compared to banana, mango, and melon. In addition to its unique fruit, the Pawpaw tree is valued for its large, tropical-looking leaves and resistance to pests and diseases.  Note:   This is Zone 5. It is not recommended for Zones 4 or colder

Quaking Aspen (Popple)  

Populus tremuloides | Zones 1-7 | Soil: Widely Adaptable 

Known for climate and soil adaptability, with gains of up to 5 feet per year, the Quaking Aspen Tree makes a statement. Especially since it boasts gorgeous fall color you'll love. And the Quaking Aspen is well-known for thriving in cold climates and poor soil.  

Red Chokeberry

Aronia arbutifolia | Zones 4-9 | Soil: Widely Adaptable 

Red Chokeberry is a multi-stemmed shrub with year-round interest which grows between 6-12′ tall. It grows clusters of small white flowers in spring, giving way to bright red berries in the fall, which persist into early winter. Red Chokeberry is very adaptable when it comes to soil types. It can handle shade as well as boggy conditions. All in all, a reliable and hardy shrub which can add vibrant color and beauty to any landscape.

Red Elderberry

Sambucus racemosa | Zones 3-7 | Soil: Widely Adaptable 

The Red Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa), also known as red-berried elder, is a native deciduous shrub found across much of North America, including parts of northern and central Wisconsin.

 It’s related to the American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) but has some key differences in its appearance, habitat, and berry use.  Does require another variety of Elderberry in the area for best pollination. Consider our Black American Elderberry as a pollinator.

Red Mulberry

Morus rubra | Zones 5-9 | Soil: Widely Adaptable 

The uncommon red mulberry is a native woodland tree often reaching 40 to 60 feet tall. The dark green leaves turn a golden yellow and often remain late into autumn. The deep purple fruits of the female tree are sweet and relished by wildlife but can be quite messy.  Note:   The Red Mulberry is native to WI and the upper Midwest.  The White Mulberry is invasive and is restricted for sale in WI and most neighboring states.  We do not / will not carry the White Mulberry.  

Smooth Sumac   

Rhus glabra | Zones 3-8 | Soil: Dry, Rocky, or Gravelly

The colony-forming smooth sumac is a short 10-20’ shrub.    Yellow-green flowers are followed by bright red berries in clusters that persist all though-out winter.   The Smooth Sumac is the only shrub species native to all of the lower 48 states.

Shagbark Hickory 

Carya ovata | Zones 4-8 | Soil: Moist, Well-Drained, Sandy

This Midwest native is named for its bark, which peels away in large pieces giving the tree a “shaggy” experience. As a member of the Walnut family, the Shagbark Hickory produces edible nuts.  

** Important Note:   Can be difficult to transplant

Silver Buffaloberry 

Shepherdia argentea  | Zones 3-9 | Soil: Widely Adaptable

Silver Buffaloberry is known for its distinctive silvery foliage and tart, bright red berries.  These berries are not usually eaten, but are made into jams/jellies and wine.

Buffaloberry is a dioecious species, meaning female flowers and male flowers grow on separate plants. To get berries on a female plant, a male plant must be near.  It is nearly impossible to sex a Buffaloberry at a young age, but law of averages says if you plant at least 10 you’ll get somewhat of a mix.

Snowberry 

Symphoricarpos albus | Zones 3-7 | Soil: Moist, Well-Drained

The snowberry shrub is a hardy, deciduous plant known for its distinctive white berries and adaptability in various landscapes.  It grows in an upright, bushy form, and tends to form dense thickets.   It attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies to it’s flowers.

Speckled Alder  

Alnus incana | Zones 2-6 | Soil: Widely Adaptable (including very wet)

The Speckled Alder is a species of multi-stemmed, shrubby trees in the birch family.   It widely ranges across the cooler parts of the northern hemisphere.  This is a valuable species to plant along banks for erosion control.   Thickets provide cover for deer and other animals.   Prime Woodcock and Grouse habitat.

Spicebush (Northern) 

Lindera benzoin | Zones 4-9 | Soil: Widely Adaptable (including wet)

Northern Spicebush is a single or double-stemmed deciduous shrub.  Dense clusters of tiny, pale yellow flowers bloom before the leaves emerge along the twigs. Flowers occur in clusters and are followed by glossy red fruit. Both the fruit and foliage are aromatic. Leaves turn a colorful golden-yellow in fall.  In the North this plant is thought of as the “forsythia of the wilds” because its early spring flowering gives a subtle yellow tinge to many lowland woods where it is common.

Staghorn Sumac   

Rhus typhina | Zones 4-8 | Soil: Dry, Rocky, or Gravelly

Staghorn sumac is often used in mass plantings, for naturalizing, or on steep slopes. Its open habit and hairy stems resemble horns on a male deer, giving staghorn sumac its name.   It is one of the last plants to leaf out in the spring with bright green leaves that change to an attractive yellow, orange, and scarlet in fall. Among the most recognizable characteristics are large, upright clusters of fuzzy red fruits that appear above the branches in late summer on female plants. They are highly appealing to birds.  

Thimbleberry   

Rubus parviflorus | Zones 3-7 | Soil: Well-Drained

Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus) is a native North American shrub in the rose family (Rosaceae), prized for its soft, velvety leaves and delicate, raspberry-like fruits. It grows in forests, along roadsides, and in clearings—especially in the western U.S. and Canada.   Excellent for jams and jellies!

Thornless Honeylocust

Gleditsia triacanthos inermis | Zones 4-10 | Soil: Widely Adaptable 

The Thornless Honeylocust is a large, highly adaptable, hardy, pest, and disease-free option.  Other shade trees have huge foliage that leave a big mess to clean up in autumn. The Honeylocust's leaves are small and delicate.  But though the leaves may be small, they still dazzle during fall. 

Tupelo (Black Gum)

Nyssa sylvatica | Zones 4-9 | Soil: Widely Adaptable 

The Tupelo (Nyssa species), often called black tupelo or black gum, is a medium to large deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It is known for its glossy green leaves that turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and purple in the fall, creating stunning autumn color. Tupelos thrive in moist, well-drained soils, often found in swamps and bottomlands, and produce small blue-black fruits that attract birds and wildlife.

Winterberry 

Ilex verticilata| Zones 3-9 | Soil: Widely Adaptable 

A slower growing shrub with bright red fruit which ripens in late August and will hang on into January -  making for fantastic winter color. Adaptable to wet conditions and is native in swampy areas. Widely used in wreath decorating.

Winterberry is a dioecious species, meaning female flowers and male flowers grow on separate plants. To get berries on a female plant, a male plant must be near.  It is nearly impossible to sex a Winterberry at a young age, but law of averages says if you plant at least 10 you’ll get somewhat of a mix.

Witchhazel

Hamamelis virginiana | Zones 3-9 | Soil: Well-Drained 

Common Witchhazel is a large shrub that naturally grows along woodland edges.  The fruit matures a year after flowering and is a top attractant to birds and other animals.   Witchhazel is best known for its fringed yellow flowers which appear in late fall and stay on the branches long after the leaves have dropped.