Cold Stream Farm Order
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birdfeedingToday we made the Cold Stream Farm order. This is one of the few remaining nurseries with affordable prices, focusing mostly on native species of trees and bushes. Most have wildlife value. Some are good for permaculture.
Cold Stream Farm
Hardy Apricot (Prunus armeniaca)
Size Price
1-2' * Spring Only * $12.17
Latin: Prunus armeniaca
Zones: 5-8
Other common names: Hardy Apricot
Mature Height: It is a small tree, 26–39 ft tall
Soil / Climate: They prefer a well-drained soil. Apricots grow well in mild climates with long summers. The tree will thrive protected from wind that still receives full sunlight.
Notes: Native to west Asia. Self pollinating, though will produce best when in presence of other species in the Prunus genus, such as wild black cherry, choke cherry, and american plum. The fruit is similar to a small peach. The flesh is usually firm and not very juicy. Its taste can range between sweet to tart. The fruits can be used for jams, jellies and dried snacks. A healthy apricot tree can live from 20 to 30 years.
Wildlife: After the matured fruit drops to the ground , large field mice, squirrels and other small rodents enjoy the nutritious flesh and seeds it contains.
Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua)
Size Price Quantity
6-12" $10.55
Latin: Liquidambar styraciflua
Zones: 5-9
Other common names: redgum, American sweetgum, sapgum, bilsted
Mature Height: Typically reaching heights of 60-80 ft (18-24 m), occasionally up to 120-150 ft (36-45 m). Some trees can live up to 400 years. The trunk is usually straight and singular, while the crown starts pyramidal when young and matures into a more rounded shape (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Soil / Climate: Thrives in medium, well-drained soils in full sun; does not tolerate shade well. Prefers rich, moist soils but adapts to various soil types except alkaline soils. Growth in winter can be variable. Native from Connecticut and southern Illinois to central Florida and northeastern Mexico (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Notes: Leaves are dark green and glossy, typically 4-7 in (10-18 cm) wide with 5-7 pointed lobes and toothed edges, resembling a star shape. Fragrant when crushed, turning varying shades of yellow to bright red in fall. In spring, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers appear in small clusters. Female flowers develop into hard, spiky gum balls, dark brown and about 1.5 in (4 cm) wide. These persist on the tree into winter, galling in late winter to early spring. Wood is used for furniture and flooring; gum resin for incense, flavoring, gum, and perfume (Missouri Botanical Garden). Twigs have a corky appearance; bark is brown-gray with a rough texture and ridges (Virginia Tech). Commonly used in landscapes as a lawn or shade tree for larger residences, parks, and campuses, recognized by its distinctive star-shaped leaves and spiked fruits. Valued for lumber, veneer, plywood, cooperage, railroad ties, fuel, and pulpwood, with gum resin resembling turpentine.
Problems: Generally free of major issues; vulnerable to borers, webworms, scale, and caterpillars. Can suffer from bleeding necrosis, leaf spots, and wood rot. In alkaline soils, iron chlorosis may occur (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Wildlife: Seeds are consumed by various bird species. Sources:
Oaks
White Oak (Quercus alba)
6-12" $10.97
Latin Name: Quercus alba
Common Names: White Oak, Fork-Leaf White Oak, Stave Oak
Zones: 3-9
Mature Height/Spread: Typically grows 50-100 feet (15-30 meters) tall, with a similar or greater width. When young, the crown is more pyramidal, but as the tree matures, it becomes broad and rounded (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Soil / Climate: Native to North America, the White Oak thrives in full sun but can tolerate moderate shade. It adapts well to various soil types but prefers deep, moist, well-drained soils. It is a slow-growing and long-lived species.
Notes: In spring, as the leaves emerge, the tree produces inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers. Male catkins are 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, while female catkins are shorter and reddish, growing in small spikes (Virginia Tech). The acorns are about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long with a scaly cap. Leaves, which appear alongside the flowers, are 4-9 inches (10-23 cm) long with 7-9 rounded lobes. Initially pinkish, the leaves mature to dark green and turn brown to dark red in the fall (Missouri Botanical Garden). The bark is whitish-gray with a scaly to blocky texture, and the twigs are smooth and reddish-brown (Virginia Tech). White Oak is an excellent choice for large areas such as golf courses, cemeteries, and parks due to its attractiveness, longevity, and desirability. The wood is versatile, used for flooring, furniture, interior finishes, and cabinetmaking. Its durability makes it suitable for wine barrels and wilderness coffee. Historically, Native Americans used acorn gruel and its mold growth for medicinal purposes, treating sores and inflammation. The White Oak is celebrated as a symbol of strength and endurance.
Problems: White Oak can be susceptible to anthracnose, oak wilt, and leaf blister. It may also be affected by pests such as leaf miners, scale, lace bugs, and oak skeletonizers (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Wildlife: The acorns, though smaller and less bitter than those of red oaks, are a valuable food source for various wildlife including turkeys, wood ducks, pheasants, grackles, jays, nuthatches, thrushes, woodpeckers, rabbits, squirrels, and deer. Leaf buds are also consumed by several bird species, and all parts of the tree are favored by deer.
Pin Oak (Quercus palustris)
6-12" * Spring Only * $10.97
Latin Name: Quercus palustris
Common Names: Pin Oak, Swamp Spanish Oak
Hardiness Zones: 4-8
Mature Height/Spread: Typically reaches 50-70 feet (15-21 meters) in height. It has a dense canopy with numerous twigs and a trunk that can grow up to 3 feet in diameter. The crown is wide and pyramidal.
Soil / Climate: Predominantly native to the eastern United States, especially wetlands. It has shallow, fibrous roots that make it easy to transplant. The Pin Oak thrives in acidic soils and prefers full sun and moist, loamy soils. It does not tolerate limestone or heavy shade well and can endure some flooding and poorly drained soil.
Notes: The Pin Oak is named for the pin-like stubs left behind when lower branches drop off. These stubs are remnants of branches that die and break away, often due to shading in the wild. It generally begins to produce acorns around 15-20 years of age. The bark is initially smooth and gray-brown, becoming ridged as the tree matures. In spring, the tree produces inconspicuous flowers; male catkins are long, slim, and greenish-yellow, while female catkins are short and reddish. Acorns are about ½ inch (1 cm) long with a small cap covering only the top. The leaves are shiny dark green, 3-6 inches (7-15 cm) long, and have 5-9 bristle-tipped lobes. In fall, they turn a dark red. The Pin Oak is a popular ornamental tree in the U.S. due to its unique branching habit and attractive shade. The small acorns, with their bitter kernels, are generally unpalatable. The wood is hard and heavy, commonly used in construction and firewood.
Problems: It can suffer from chlorosis in soils that are not sufficiently acidic. Other issues include cankers, shoestring root rot, oak wilt, powdery mildew, anthracnose, leaf spots, chestnut blight, and oak leaf blister. Additionally, it may face problems from galls, scale, oak lace bugs, caterpillars, borers, nut weevils, leaf miners, and oak skeletonizes.
Wildlife: Pin Oak acorns are a food source for various wildlife, including wild turkeys, grouse, white-tailed deer, black bears, chipmunks, and squirrels.
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)
6-12" * Spring Only * $8.54
Latin Name: Asimina triloba
Common Names: Pawpaw, Paw Paw, Melon Tree, False Banana, Michigan Banana, Custard Apple
Zones: 4-8
Mature Height/Spread: Typically reaches 15-30 feet (4-9 meters) in both height and width. It can grow as a small tree or a large shrub (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Soil / Climate: Prefers moist, slightly acidic soils and requires regular watering but is adaptable to various conditions. Pawpaw thrives in humid climates and is frost tolerant. While it can grow in full shade, it does best in full sun to partial shade (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Notes: If not pruned, root suckers can form colonies (Missouri Botanical Garden). The bark is generally smooth with a wart-like texture, appearing brown with gray patches. The twigs are smooth and brown (Virginia Tech). The leaves are large and pear-shaped, ranging from 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) long, and tend to droop slightly due to their size. They are bright medium green and turn a bright yellow in the fall (Missouri Botanical Garden). Crushed leaves emit a peppery scent. In spring, the tree produces dark purplish-brown flowers, 1-2 inches (2-5 cm) across, with six cup-shaped petals (Virginia Tech). These flowers develop into edible fruits that are oblong and yellowish-green, maturing to dark brown in early fall. The fruits, 2-6 inches (7-16 cm) long, grow in clusters of 2 to 4 and have a sweet flavor reminiscent of banana or papaya. The fruit is used in baking, ice cream, or eaten raw. Native Americans used the fruit pulp to make dye (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Pollination: Pawpaw flowers are perfect, containing both male and female parts, but they are not self-pollinating. They are protogynous, meaning the female stigma matures and becomes non-receptive before the male pollen is released. Additionally, pawpaws are self-incompatible and require cross-pollination from another unrelated tree. Bees generally avoid pawpaw flowers; instead, flies and beetles perform the pollination. For home gardeners, hand pollination is recommended using a small, soft artist’s brush to transfer pollen. Pollen is ready when the anthers are brownish, loose, and crumbly. The stigma is receptive when the pistils are green, glossy, and sticky, while the anthers are firm and greenish to light yellow (California Rare Fruit Growers, Inc).
Problems: There are no major issues with this tree, though the fruit may cause nausea in some individuals (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Wildlife: Fruits are consumed by opossums, raccoons, foxes, and squirrels, often before humans can harvest them (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
Size Price Quantity
6-12" $9.73
Latin Name: Diospyros virginiana
Common Names: Common Persimmon, American Persimmon
Zones: 4-9
Mature Height: This fast-growing tree typically reaches heights of 35 to 60 feet (10 to 18 meters) with an oval to round crown (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Soil / Climate: Native to eastern North America, the persimmon is adaptable to various climates. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade but can also grow in sandy, rocky, or infertile soils and tolerate dry conditions (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Notes: The tree produces root suckers. The leaves are ovate or elliptical, measuring 2 to 6 inches (5-15 cm) long, with a shiny dark green top and lighter underside. In fall, the leaves turn greenish-yellow or, occasionally, red. Young trees have light gray-brown bark with fissures, which darkens and becomes blocky as the tree matures (Virginia Tech). For fruit production, a male tree is required to pollinate a female tree. In late spring, aromatic greenish-yellow flowers bloom; male flowers are clustered, while female flowers are solitary. The fruits, or persimmons, are edible, growing to about 1-2 inches (2-5 cm) wide, maturing to a reddish-orange color in the fall, and can remain on the tree into winter. The sweet fruit is used in syrups, pies, and other desserts, but is too soft for shipping when ripe. The leaves can also be used to make tea (Missouri Botanical Garden). Persimmon wood, though limited in use, is employed in crafting items such as wooden flutes and spoons. The tree is among the last to leaf out in spring and flowers after the leaves have formed, minimizing the risk of blossom frost. Its fast growth makes it ideal for habitat restoration, and its fruit is traditionally used in a special steamed pudding in the Midwest.
Problems: The persimmon tree generally faces few disease or pest issues, with the occasional occurrence of leaf spot being the main concern (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Wildlife: The persimmon provides nutritious food in the fall for a variety of wildlife, including deer, quail, turkey, grouse, pheasant, opossum, and raccoons.
American Plum (Prunus americana)
1-2' $9.73
Latin Name: Prunus americana
Other Common Names: American Plum, wild yellow plum, red plum, wild plum
Hardiness Zones: 3-8
Mature Size: Typically grows 15-30 ft (5-9 m) tall with a wide, spreading crown. It can be either a large shrub or a small tree (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Preferred Soil and Climate: Thrives in various soil types but prefers well-drained, dry to medium soils. Performs best in full sun or partial shade and can tolerate rocky and sandy soils. Winter-hardy but has low tolerance for full shade, drought, or fire. Highly adaptable (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Additional Notes: Can have single or multiple trunks and tends to form large colonies through suckering if not pruned. Early to mid-spring brings clusters of white flowers, each with 5 petals and about 1 in (2.5 cm) wide. The flowers emit a foul odor but develop into edible red plums, ripening in early summer. The plums are round, with bright yellow pulp, approximately 1 in (2.5 cm) wide. While the fruit can be eaten, its raw quality is not the best; it is preferred for making jellies, jams, and wine. Leaves are oblong, slightly toothed, 3-4 in (7-10 cm) long, turning red and yellow in fall. Branches are dark brownish-red and occasionally thorny (Missouri Botanical Garden). Young trees feature smooth reddish-gray bark, which becomes rough and peels as they mature (Virginia Tech). The shallow, widely spreading root system produces suckers, aiding in stabilizing stream banks and gullies. Tolerates flooding for several days. American plum is valued for both its ornamental and culinary uses (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Common Issues: Fruit is susceptible to brown rot and plum curculio. Trees may also suffer from canker, leaf spot, and black knot. Common pests include scale insects, tent caterpillars, aphids, and borers (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Wildlife: Plum fruit is favored by deer, quail, grouse, and pheasants, while both white-tailed and mule deer feed on twigs and leaves.
Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)
6-12" * Spring Only * $9.74
Latin Name: Sassafras albidum
Other Common Names: Sassafras
Hardiness Zones: 4-9
Mature Height: Typically reaches 30-60 ft. It possesses a deep taproot (Missouri Botanical Garden) and typically features a flat-topped crown (Virginia Tech University). Establishing this species can be challenging; early spring planting is recommended.
Preferred Soil and Climate: Tolerates a wide range of soil types, including dry, sandy, and clay soils. Thrives best in moist, acidic, well-drained sites. Can grow in full sun or part shade (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Additional Notes: Root suckering is common, transforming the tree into a shrub-like appearance if not managed. Young trees resemble shrubs but mature into dense, pyramidal-shaped trees. In the wild, it forms extensive colonies through root suckers. Showy yellowish-green flowers bloom in spring on branch ends, clustered together. Female trees produce bluish-black berries less than ½ inch wide, each berry atop scarlet-colored receptacles and stalks, maturing by September. Leaves exhibit three shapes: three-lobed, two-lobed (mitten-shaped), and single oval, each 4 to 7 inches (10 to 18 cm) long, bright green on both surfaces (Missouri Botanical Garden). When crushed, leaves emit a fragrant aroma and grow alternately (Virginia Tech University). Fall foliage displays vibrant red and yellow hues. Bark on young trees is smooth brownish-orange, becoming rigid as the tree matures. Wood is light and hard; all parts of the tree are aromatic. The tree’s oil has been historically valued for its distinctive fragrance and medicinal uses by Native Americans, though its use has been restricted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Common Issues: Generally free of major disease or insect problems. In alkaline soils, leaves may exhibit yellowing while the veins remain green (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Wildlife: Whitetail deer consume branches and leaves, while a variety of mammals and birds eat branches, leaves, and seeds.
Pussy Willow (Salix discolor)
1-2' $8.89
Latin Name: Salix discolor
Hardiness Zones: 4-8
Other Common Names: Pussy Willow
Mature Height: Salix discolor is a weak-wooded deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows up to 6 meters (about 20 feet) tall, with flexible, brown, single shoots. It can spread up to 3.6 meters (12 feet) wide. The roots are shallow and broad, and it may have single or multiple trunks. The circumference of a single trunk can reach up to 61.8 inches (1.5 meters) (EOL).
Soil / Climate: This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is native to the northern forests and wetlands of Canada, from British Columbia east to Newfoundland. It is also found in the northeastern contiguous United States, from Idaho south to Wyoming, and east to Maine and Maryland.
Notes: Salix discolor has a rapid growth period in early spring (USDA) and requires low maintenance. It is often used as screens or specimen plants. The alternate leaves are oval, 3–14 cm long and 1-3.5 cm wide, green above and downy grey-white beneath. In fall, the leaves typically turn yellowish-green. The leaf margins are usually serrated or minutely lobed (EOL). It blooms for about two weeks in early to mid-spring, producing soft, silky, silvery catkins before the new leaves emerge. The fruit is a small capsule, 7–12 mm long, containing numerous tiny seeds surrounded by cottony down. In late winter, it develops gray catkins that are used ornamentally (Missouri Botanical Garden). The bark near the base is somewhat cracked and ridged, gray-brown in color, while the upper branches are smooth and reddish-brown (Illinois Wildflowers). Like other willows, it was historically used by Native Americans for its medicinal properties. Today, it is primarily used for home decorations.
Problems: Salix discolor is susceptible to various insect pests such as aphids, scale insects, and caterpillars, as well as diseases like leaf spots and blights (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Sandbar Willow (Salix interior)
1-2' rooted cutting * Spring Only * $8.89
Latin: Salix interior
Zones: 2-8
Other common names: Sandbar Willow
Mature Height: Deciduous shrub growing to 6-10 feet tall.
Soil / Climate:
Notes: Fast growing. Valuable native species for preventing soil erosion.
Flowering White Dogwood (Cornus Florida)
1-2' $8.54
Latin: Cornus florida
Zones: 5-9
Other common names: flowering dogwood, dogwood, American dogwood
Mature Height: 15-40 ft spreads 12-20 ft. Medium growth rate of 13-24″ per year.
Soil / Climate: likes moist, rich soils. Can tolerate sun or shade. Can be susceptable to frost damage in the northern half of Michigan’s lower peninsula.
Notes: Often used as an ornamental. Dark green wedge shaped leaves that turn rose, to scarlet and violet in autumn. Flowers are small yellowing clusters surrounded by white petals. Berries are scarlet colored.
Wildlife: Very wide range of wildlife rely on the fruit. Birds include turkey, ruffed grouse, bobwhite, a variety of woodpeckers, and many others.
Allegheny Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis)
1-2' $10.55
Latin: Amelanchier laevis
Other common names:
Mature Height: 30 ft.
Soil / Climate:
Notes:
Wildlife: Fruit is eaten by ruffed grouse, dove, several varieties of woodpeckers, and many more birds.
Saskatoon Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia)
1-2' $10.55
Latin: Amelanchier alnifolia
Other common names: juneberry, western shadbush, Saskatoon Serviceberry, Pigeon berry
Mature Height: 10-20 ft.
Soil / Climate: Saskatoon is native to North America and adaptable to most soil types but prefers moist soils in swamps and thickets.
Notes: Leaves are 1.5 – 2.5 inches, oblong-elliptic in shape, and finely toothed. Autumn colors are deep orange to red. Flowers are white with 2″ to 4″ long petals, and bloom in dense groups in early spring for a short time. Fruit is dark purple, 1/3 inch in diameter, and is often used in pies, jellies, wines and cider.
Vernal Witch-hazel (Hamamelis vernalis)
1-2' $13.46
Latin Name: Hamamelis vernalis
Common Name: Vernal Witch Hazel
Zone: 4-8
Mature Height: Vernal Witch Hazel has a rounded, bushy shape, with its spread typically matching its height, ranging from 8 to 12 feet. This size makes it ideal for use as a shrub or small tree in landscape designs. It is considered a slow to moderate grower, with an average growth rate of about 6 to 12 inches per year under optimal conditions.
Soil/ Climate: Vernal Witch Hazel prefers moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral but is adaptable to various soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It thrives in temperate climates and is more resilient to cold winters than other species. This plant grows best in areas with moderate to high humidity and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, though it performs best when shielded from the harshest afternoon sun.
Notes: Vernal Witch Hazel is particularly recognized for its early bloom, typically occurring from late winter to early spring (usually between February and March), making it one of the first shrubs to flower each year. It produces fragrant, yellow to orange, ribbon-like flowers that appear before the leaves unfold, offering vibrant color during the late winter months. This species is frequently used in ornamental landscaping, especially for naturalizing shaded areas or woodland edges. Vernal Witch Hazel is one of the hardiest witch hazels, with greater resistance to pests and diseases compared to other varieties. Its medicinal properties are similar to those of other witch hazels, with extracts commonly used in skincare products.
Problems: While Vernal Witch Hazel is generally pest-resistant, it may occasionally attract aphids, scale insects, or caterpillars. It is typically resistant to common witch hazel diseases like witch hazel rust, but it can still be susceptible to fungal issues such as powdery mildew, particularly in humid conditions. Like other witch hazels, it requires well-drained soil to avoid root rot, so it’s important to avoid planting in areas with poor drainage or compacted soils. Vernal Witch Hazel is also sensitive to severe drought and may have difficulty thriving in excessively dry conditions, especially during its flowering period.
Wildlife: The early-blooming flowers of Vernal Witch Hazel attract a range of pollinators, especially bees, which are drawn to its sweet fragrance during late winter and early spring when few other plants are in bloom. After flowering, the plant’s seed capsules provide food for various bird species, particularly in the fall and winter. Additionally, the dense, multi-stemmed growth of Vernal Witch Hazel offers shelter for small wildlife and birds, making it especially beneficial in naturalized landscapes.
Cold Stream Farm
Hardy Apricot (Prunus armeniaca)
Size Price
1-2' * Spring Only * $12.17
Latin: Prunus armeniaca
Zones: 5-8
Other common names: Hardy Apricot
Mature Height: It is a small tree, 26–39 ft tall
Soil / Climate: They prefer a well-drained soil. Apricots grow well in mild climates with long summers. The tree will thrive protected from wind that still receives full sunlight.
Notes: Native to west Asia. Self pollinating, though will produce best when in presence of other species in the Prunus genus, such as wild black cherry, choke cherry, and american plum. The fruit is similar to a small peach. The flesh is usually firm and not very juicy. Its taste can range between sweet to tart. The fruits can be used for jams, jellies and dried snacks. A healthy apricot tree can live from 20 to 30 years.
Wildlife: After the matured fruit drops to the ground , large field mice, squirrels and other small rodents enjoy the nutritious flesh and seeds it contains.
Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua)
Size Price Quantity
6-12" $10.55
Latin: Liquidambar styraciflua
Zones: 5-9
Other common names: redgum, American sweetgum, sapgum, bilsted
Mature Height: Typically reaching heights of 60-80 ft (18-24 m), occasionally up to 120-150 ft (36-45 m). Some trees can live up to 400 years. The trunk is usually straight and singular, while the crown starts pyramidal when young and matures into a more rounded shape (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Soil / Climate: Thrives in medium, well-drained soils in full sun; does not tolerate shade well. Prefers rich, moist soils but adapts to various soil types except alkaline soils. Growth in winter can be variable. Native from Connecticut and southern Illinois to central Florida and northeastern Mexico (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Notes: Leaves are dark green and glossy, typically 4-7 in (10-18 cm) wide with 5-7 pointed lobes and toothed edges, resembling a star shape. Fragrant when crushed, turning varying shades of yellow to bright red in fall. In spring, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers appear in small clusters. Female flowers develop into hard, spiky gum balls, dark brown and about 1.5 in (4 cm) wide. These persist on the tree into winter, galling in late winter to early spring. Wood is used for furniture and flooring; gum resin for incense, flavoring, gum, and perfume (Missouri Botanical Garden). Twigs have a corky appearance; bark is brown-gray with a rough texture and ridges (Virginia Tech). Commonly used in landscapes as a lawn or shade tree for larger residences, parks, and campuses, recognized by its distinctive star-shaped leaves and spiked fruits. Valued for lumber, veneer, plywood, cooperage, railroad ties, fuel, and pulpwood, with gum resin resembling turpentine.
Problems: Generally free of major issues; vulnerable to borers, webworms, scale, and caterpillars. Can suffer from bleeding necrosis, leaf spots, and wood rot. In alkaline soils, iron chlorosis may occur (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Wildlife: Seeds are consumed by various bird species. Sources:
Oaks
White Oak (Quercus alba)
6-12" $10.97
Latin Name: Quercus alba
Common Names: White Oak, Fork-Leaf White Oak, Stave Oak
Zones: 3-9
Mature Height/Spread: Typically grows 50-100 feet (15-30 meters) tall, with a similar or greater width. When young, the crown is more pyramidal, but as the tree matures, it becomes broad and rounded (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Soil / Climate: Native to North America, the White Oak thrives in full sun but can tolerate moderate shade. It adapts well to various soil types but prefers deep, moist, well-drained soils. It is a slow-growing and long-lived species.
Notes: In spring, as the leaves emerge, the tree produces inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers. Male catkins are 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, while female catkins are shorter and reddish, growing in small spikes (Virginia Tech). The acorns are about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long with a scaly cap. Leaves, which appear alongside the flowers, are 4-9 inches (10-23 cm) long with 7-9 rounded lobes. Initially pinkish, the leaves mature to dark green and turn brown to dark red in the fall (Missouri Botanical Garden). The bark is whitish-gray with a scaly to blocky texture, and the twigs are smooth and reddish-brown (Virginia Tech). White Oak is an excellent choice for large areas such as golf courses, cemeteries, and parks due to its attractiveness, longevity, and desirability. The wood is versatile, used for flooring, furniture, interior finishes, and cabinetmaking. Its durability makes it suitable for wine barrels and wilderness coffee. Historically, Native Americans used acorn gruel and its mold growth for medicinal purposes, treating sores and inflammation. The White Oak is celebrated as a symbol of strength and endurance.
Problems: White Oak can be susceptible to anthracnose, oak wilt, and leaf blister. It may also be affected by pests such as leaf miners, scale, lace bugs, and oak skeletonizers (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Wildlife: The acorns, though smaller and less bitter than those of red oaks, are a valuable food source for various wildlife including turkeys, wood ducks, pheasants, grackles, jays, nuthatches, thrushes, woodpeckers, rabbits, squirrels, and deer. Leaf buds are also consumed by several bird species, and all parts of the tree are favored by deer.
Pin Oak (Quercus palustris)
6-12" * Spring Only * $10.97
Latin Name: Quercus palustris
Common Names: Pin Oak, Swamp Spanish Oak
Hardiness Zones: 4-8
Mature Height/Spread: Typically reaches 50-70 feet (15-21 meters) in height. It has a dense canopy with numerous twigs and a trunk that can grow up to 3 feet in diameter. The crown is wide and pyramidal.
Soil / Climate: Predominantly native to the eastern United States, especially wetlands. It has shallow, fibrous roots that make it easy to transplant. The Pin Oak thrives in acidic soils and prefers full sun and moist, loamy soils. It does not tolerate limestone or heavy shade well and can endure some flooding and poorly drained soil.
Notes: The Pin Oak is named for the pin-like stubs left behind when lower branches drop off. These stubs are remnants of branches that die and break away, often due to shading in the wild. It generally begins to produce acorns around 15-20 years of age. The bark is initially smooth and gray-brown, becoming ridged as the tree matures. In spring, the tree produces inconspicuous flowers; male catkins are long, slim, and greenish-yellow, while female catkins are short and reddish. Acorns are about ½ inch (1 cm) long with a small cap covering only the top. The leaves are shiny dark green, 3-6 inches (7-15 cm) long, and have 5-9 bristle-tipped lobes. In fall, they turn a dark red. The Pin Oak is a popular ornamental tree in the U.S. due to its unique branching habit and attractive shade. The small acorns, with their bitter kernels, are generally unpalatable. The wood is hard and heavy, commonly used in construction and firewood.
Problems: It can suffer from chlorosis in soils that are not sufficiently acidic. Other issues include cankers, shoestring root rot, oak wilt, powdery mildew, anthracnose, leaf spots, chestnut blight, and oak leaf blister. Additionally, it may face problems from galls, scale, oak lace bugs, caterpillars, borers, nut weevils, leaf miners, and oak skeletonizes.
Wildlife: Pin Oak acorns are a food source for various wildlife, including wild turkeys, grouse, white-tailed deer, black bears, chipmunks, and squirrels.
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)
6-12" * Spring Only * $8.54
Latin Name: Asimina triloba
Common Names: Pawpaw, Paw Paw, Melon Tree, False Banana, Michigan Banana, Custard Apple
Zones: 4-8
Mature Height/Spread: Typically reaches 15-30 feet (4-9 meters) in both height and width. It can grow as a small tree or a large shrub (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Soil / Climate: Prefers moist, slightly acidic soils and requires regular watering but is adaptable to various conditions. Pawpaw thrives in humid climates and is frost tolerant. While it can grow in full shade, it does best in full sun to partial shade (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Notes: If not pruned, root suckers can form colonies (Missouri Botanical Garden). The bark is generally smooth with a wart-like texture, appearing brown with gray patches. The twigs are smooth and brown (Virginia Tech). The leaves are large and pear-shaped, ranging from 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) long, and tend to droop slightly due to their size. They are bright medium green and turn a bright yellow in the fall (Missouri Botanical Garden). Crushed leaves emit a peppery scent. In spring, the tree produces dark purplish-brown flowers, 1-2 inches (2-5 cm) across, with six cup-shaped petals (Virginia Tech). These flowers develop into edible fruits that are oblong and yellowish-green, maturing to dark brown in early fall. The fruits, 2-6 inches (7-16 cm) long, grow in clusters of 2 to 4 and have a sweet flavor reminiscent of banana or papaya. The fruit is used in baking, ice cream, or eaten raw. Native Americans used the fruit pulp to make dye (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Pollination: Pawpaw flowers are perfect, containing both male and female parts, but they are not self-pollinating. They are protogynous, meaning the female stigma matures and becomes non-receptive before the male pollen is released. Additionally, pawpaws are self-incompatible and require cross-pollination from another unrelated tree. Bees generally avoid pawpaw flowers; instead, flies and beetles perform the pollination. For home gardeners, hand pollination is recommended using a small, soft artist’s brush to transfer pollen. Pollen is ready when the anthers are brownish, loose, and crumbly. The stigma is receptive when the pistils are green, glossy, and sticky, while the anthers are firm and greenish to light yellow (California Rare Fruit Growers, Inc).
Problems: There are no major issues with this tree, though the fruit may cause nausea in some individuals (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Wildlife: Fruits are consumed by opossums, raccoons, foxes, and squirrels, often before humans can harvest them (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
Size Price Quantity
6-12" $9.73
Latin Name: Diospyros virginiana
Common Names: Common Persimmon, American Persimmon
Zones: 4-9
Mature Height: This fast-growing tree typically reaches heights of 35 to 60 feet (10 to 18 meters) with an oval to round crown (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Soil / Climate: Native to eastern North America, the persimmon is adaptable to various climates. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade but can also grow in sandy, rocky, or infertile soils and tolerate dry conditions (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Notes: The tree produces root suckers. The leaves are ovate or elliptical, measuring 2 to 6 inches (5-15 cm) long, with a shiny dark green top and lighter underside. In fall, the leaves turn greenish-yellow or, occasionally, red. Young trees have light gray-brown bark with fissures, which darkens and becomes blocky as the tree matures (Virginia Tech). For fruit production, a male tree is required to pollinate a female tree. In late spring, aromatic greenish-yellow flowers bloom; male flowers are clustered, while female flowers are solitary. The fruits, or persimmons, are edible, growing to about 1-2 inches (2-5 cm) wide, maturing to a reddish-orange color in the fall, and can remain on the tree into winter. The sweet fruit is used in syrups, pies, and other desserts, but is too soft for shipping when ripe. The leaves can also be used to make tea (Missouri Botanical Garden). Persimmon wood, though limited in use, is employed in crafting items such as wooden flutes and spoons. The tree is among the last to leaf out in spring and flowers after the leaves have formed, minimizing the risk of blossom frost. Its fast growth makes it ideal for habitat restoration, and its fruit is traditionally used in a special steamed pudding in the Midwest.
Problems: The persimmon tree generally faces few disease or pest issues, with the occasional occurrence of leaf spot being the main concern (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Wildlife: The persimmon provides nutritious food in the fall for a variety of wildlife, including deer, quail, turkey, grouse, pheasant, opossum, and raccoons.
American Plum (Prunus americana)
1-2' $9.73
Latin Name: Prunus americana
Other Common Names: American Plum, wild yellow plum, red plum, wild plum
Hardiness Zones: 3-8
Mature Size: Typically grows 15-30 ft (5-9 m) tall with a wide, spreading crown. It can be either a large shrub or a small tree (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Preferred Soil and Climate: Thrives in various soil types but prefers well-drained, dry to medium soils. Performs best in full sun or partial shade and can tolerate rocky and sandy soils. Winter-hardy but has low tolerance for full shade, drought, or fire. Highly adaptable (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Additional Notes: Can have single or multiple trunks and tends to form large colonies through suckering if not pruned. Early to mid-spring brings clusters of white flowers, each with 5 petals and about 1 in (2.5 cm) wide. The flowers emit a foul odor but develop into edible red plums, ripening in early summer. The plums are round, with bright yellow pulp, approximately 1 in (2.5 cm) wide. While the fruit can be eaten, its raw quality is not the best; it is preferred for making jellies, jams, and wine. Leaves are oblong, slightly toothed, 3-4 in (7-10 cm) long, turning red and yellow in fall. Branches are dark brownish-red and occasionally thorny (Missouri Botanical Garden). Young trees feature smooth reddish-gray bark, which becomes rough and peels as they mature (Virginia Tech). The shallow, widely spreading root system produces suckers, aiding in stabilizing stream banks and gullies. Tolerates flooding for several days. American plum is valued for both its ornamental and culinary uses (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Common Issues: Fruit is susceptible to brown rot and plum curculio. Trees may also suffer from canker, leaf spot, and black knot. Common pests include scale insects, tent caterpillars, aphids, and borers (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Wildlife: Plum fruit is favored by deer, quail, grouse, and pheasants, while both white-tailed and mule deer feed on twigs and leaves.
Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)
6-12" * Spring Only * $9.74
Latin Name: Sassafras albidum
Other Common Names: Sassafras
Hardiness Zones: 4-9
Mature Height: Typically reaches 30-60 ft. It possesses a deep taproot (Missouri Botanical Garden) and typically features a flat-topped crown (Virginia Tech University). Establishing this species can be challenging; early spring planting is recommended.
Preferred Soil and Climate: Tolerates a wide range of soil types, including dry, sandy, and clay soils. Thrives best in moist, acidic, well-drained sites. Can grow in full sun or part shade (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Additional Notes: Root suckering is common, transforming the tree into a shrub-like appearance if not managed. Young trees resemble shrubs but mature into dense, pyramidal-shaped trees. In the wild, it forms extensive colonies through root suckers. Showy yellowish-green flowers bloom in spring on branch ends, clustered together. Female trees produce bluish-black berries less than ½ inch wide, each berry atop scarlet-colored receptacles and stalks, maturing by September. Leaves exhibit three shapes: three-lobed, two-lobed (mitten-shaped), and single oval, each 4 to 7 inches (10 to 18 cm) long, bright green on both surfaces (Missouri Botanical Garden). When crushed, leaves emit a fragrant aroma and grow alternately (Virginia Tech University). Fall foliage displays vibrant red and yellow hues. Bark on young trees is smooth brownish-orange, becoming rigid as the tree matures. Wood is light and hard; all parts of the tree are aromatic. The tree’s oil has been historically valued for its distinctive fragrance and medicinal uses by Native Americans, though its use has been restricted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Common Issues: Generally free of major disease or insect problems. In alkaline soils, leaves may exhibit yellowing while the veins remain green (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Wildlife: Whitetail deer consume branches and leaves, while a variety of mammals and birds eat branches, leaves, and seeds.
Pussy Willow (Salix discolor)
1-2' $8.89
Latin Name: Salix discolor
Hardiness Zones: 4-8
Other Common Names: Pussy Willow
Mature Height: Salix discolor is a weak-wooded deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows up to 6 meters (about 20 feet) tall, with flexible, brown, single shoots. It can spread up to 3.6 meters (12 feet) wide. The roots are shallow and broad, and it may have single or multiple trunks. The circumference of a single trunk can reach up to 61.8 inches (1.5 meters) (EOL).
Soil / Climate: This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is native to the northern forests and wetlands of Canada, from British Columbia east to Newfoundland. It is also found in the northeastern contiguous United States, from Idaho south to Wyoming, and east to Maine and Maryland.
Notes: Salix discolor has a rapid growth period in early spring (USDA) and requires low maintenance. It is often used as screens or specimen plants. The alternate leaves are oval, 3–14 cm long and 1-3.5 cm wide, green above and downy grey-white beneath. In fall, the leaves typically turn yellowish-green. The leaf margins are usually serrated or minutely lobed (EOL). It blooms for about two weeks in early to mid-spring, producing soft, silky, silvery catkins before the new leaves emerge. The fruit is a small capsule, 7–12 mm long, containing numerous tiny seeds surrounded by cottony down. In late winter, it develops gray catkins that are used ornamentally (Missouri Botanical Garden). The bark near the base is somewhat cracked and ridged, gray-brown in color, while the upper branches are smooth and reddish-brown (Illinois Wildflowers). Like other willows, it was historically used by Native Americans for its medicinal properties. Today, it is primarily used for home decorations.
Problems: Salix discolor is susceptible to various insect pests such as aphids, scale insects, and caterpillars, as well as diseases like leaf spots and blights (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Sandbar Willow (Salix interior)
1-2' rooted cutting * Spring Only * $8.89
Latin: Salix interior
Zones: 2-8
Other common names: Sandbar Willow
Mature Height: Deciduous shrub growing to 6-10 feet tall.
Soil / Climate:
Notes: Fast growing. Valuable native species for preventing soil erosion.
Flowering White Dogwood (Cornus Florida)
1-2' $8.54
Latin: Cornus florida
Zones: 5-9
Other common names: flowering dogwood, dogwood, American dogwood
Mature Height: 15-40 ft spreads 12-20 ft. Medium growth rate of 13-24″ per year.
Soil / Climate: likes moist, rich soils. Can tolerate sun or shade. Can be susceptable to frost damage in the northern half of Michigan’s lower peninsula.
Notes: Often used as an ornamental. Dark green wedge shaped leaves that turn rose, to scarlet and violet in autumn. Flowers are small yellowing clusters surrounded by white petals. Berries are scarlet colored.
Wildlife: Very wide range of wildlife rely on the fruit. Birds include turkey, ruffed grouse, bobwhite, a variety of woodpeckers, and many others.
Allegheny Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis)
1-2' $10.55
Latin: Amelanchier laevis
Other common names:
Mature Height: 30 ft.
Soil / Climate:
Notes:
Wildlife: Fruit is eaten by ruffed grouse, dove, several varieties of woodpeckers, and many more birds.
Saskatoon Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia)
1-2' $10.55
Latin: Amelanchier alnifolia
Other common names: juneberry, western shadbush, Saskatoon Serviceberry, Pigeon berry
Mature Height: 10-20 ft.
Soil / Climate: Saskatoon is native to North America and adaptable to most soil types but prefers moist soils in swamps and thickets.
Notes: Leaves are 1.5 – 2.5 inches, oblong-elliptic in shape, and finely toothed. Autumn colors are deep orange to red. Flowers are white with 2″ to 4″ long petals, and bloom in dense groups in early spring for a short time. Fruit is dark purple, 1/3 inch in diameter, and is often used in pies, jellies, wines and cider.
Vernal Witch-hazel (Hamamelis vernalis)
1-2' $13.46
Latin Name: Hamamelis vernalis
Common Name: Vernal Witch Hazel
Zone: 4-8
Mature Height: Vernal Witch Hazel has a rounded, bushy shape, with its spread typically matching its height, ranging from 8 to 12 feet. This size makes it ideal for use as a shrub or small tree in landscape designs. It is considered a slow to moderate grower, with an average growth rate of about 6 to 12 inches per year under optimal conditions.
Soil/ Climate: Vernal Witch Hazel prefers moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral but is adaptable to various soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It thrives in temperate climates and is more resilient to cold winters than other species. This plant grows best in areas with moderate to high humidity and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, though it performs best when shielded from the harshest afternoon sun.
Notes: Vernal Witch Hazel is particularly recognized for its early bloom, typically occurring from late winter to early spring (usually between February and March), making it one of the first shrubs to flower each year. It produces fragrant, yellow to orange, ribbon-like flowers that appear before the leaves unfold, offering vibrant color during the late winter months. This species is frequently used in ornamental landscaping, especially for naturalizing shaded areas or woodland edges. Vernal Witch Hazel is one of the hardiest witch hazels, with greater resistance to pests and diseases compared to other varieties. Its medicinal properties are similar to those of other witch hazels, with extracts commonly used in skincare products.
Problems: While Vernal Witch Hazel is generally pest-resistant, it may occasionally attract aphids, scale insects, or caterpillars. It is typically resistant to common witch hazel diseases like witch hazel rust, but it can still be susceptible to fungal issues such as powdery mildew, particularly in humid conditions. Like other witch hazels, it requires well-drained soil to avoid root rot, so it’s important to avoid planting in areas with poor drainage or compacted soils. Vernal Witch Hazel is also sensitive to severe drought and may have difficulty thriving in excessively dry conditions, especially during its flowering period.
Wildlife: The early-blooming flowers of Vernal Witch Hazel attract a range of pollinators, especially bees, which are drawn to its sweet fragrance during late winter and early spring when few other plants are in bloom. After flowering, the plant’s seed capsules provide food for various bird species, particularly in the fall and winter. Additionally, the dense, multi-stemmed growth of Vernal Witch Hazel offers shelter for small wildlife and birds, making it especially beneficial in naturalized landscapes.
