The eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a small, deciduous tree reaching heights of 20 to 30 feet with an equal spread. It is often multi-stemmed and has heart-shaped leaves, but perhaps its most noteworthy attribute is the abundance of pinkish flowers that sprout from the branches before the leaves appear in the spring. There are,…
The oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is a deciduous, mound-forming shrub that grows to a height of 4 to 8 feet with a wider spread. This coarse, irregular plant provides all-season interest. In summer it has large panicles of white flowers that turn pinkish and eventually tan as the season extends into autumn. Plants that get…
Allegheny spurge (Pachysandra procumbens), our native pachysandra, has many exceptional features that set it apart from the more familiar Asian pachysandras. One of the main differences can be seen in the foliage: it has mottled, rounded, gray-green leaves that are held in loose whorls. The leaves are generally evergreen, but may turn purplish and may…