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The top-selling plants of 2021 include a list of those most used plants by our customers including municipalities, land managers, and private homeowners. This is a fun insight into the most planted trees, shrubs, evergreens, perennials, and fruit trees in 2021.
An amazing realization is that people are choosing Wisconsin native plants like they're mainstream! Of the top-selling trees, shrubs, evergreens, perennials, ornamental grasses, and fruit trees, many include natives.
Please don't misinterpret these lists as the "best" plants. The "best" plants will always be those that balance a range of variables, like soil type, light and water conditions, what's attractive to you, and consideration of ecological impact.
Data used to compile the list includes total YTD units shipped in 2021, as a summation of all sizes available within the genus.
Top 10 Selling Trees in 2021
| #10 |
|---|
**NATIVE** A reliable grower that tolerates very poor sites and loves alkaline soil. Leaves are similar to chestnut leaves and exhibit nice fall color. Wildlife seems to prefer these acorns to those of other oaks.
Mature Height: 50-60 feet
Mature Spread: 50-60 feet
Utility: Specimen Tree, Shade Tree, Fall Color
Seed Provenance: Washington, Waukesha, and Milwaukee Counties, WI. And Dupage, IL
| #9 | New Horizon Elm |
|---|
A vigorous upright tree with a full crown of dark green foliage and excellent resistance to Dutch Elm Disease. Tolerant of alkaline and clay soils. Good for use as a street tree as it is tolerant of road salt. Would make a nice shade tree as well. The leaves turn a rusty red in the fall.
Mature Height: 30-45 feet
Mature Spread: 25 feet
Utility: Shade Tree, Specimen Tree
Catalog: Single Stem Tree
| #8 |
|---|
Green, tan, and brown bark, peels to unveil a creamy color beneath. A true statement tree, this fast-growing variety is noted for its resistance to disease and frost cracking, as well as its ability to tolerate tough conditions.
Mature Height: 60 feet
Mature Spread: 45 feet
Utility: Urban Approved, Street Tree, Park Tree, Fast Growing
Catalog: Single Stem Tree
| #7 |
|---|
Grafted from a male selection, Espresso Kentucky does not produce seed pods. This is a great plant for tough sites and urban spaces. With no known insect or disease issues, this tree is not only low maintenance as well as beautiful.
Mature Height: 50 feet
Mature Spread: 35 feet
Utility: Specimen, Street Tree, Urban Approved
Catalog: Single Stem Tree
| #6 |
|---|
Birds will feed on insects when the tree is in bloom, but the real show begins in June when the fruit matures. Expect to see Orioles, Bluebirds, Cedar Waxwings, Scarlet Tanagers, Northern Flickers, and Robins feasting on the berries in midsummer.
Mature Height: 20-25 feet
Mature Spread: 20-25 feet
Utility: Spring Flower, Fall Color, Mid-Story Tree, Specimen, Urban Approved
Catalog: Single Stem, Multi-Stem, Shrub Form
| #5 |
|---|
Provides habitat and food for many bird species. Bees love the flowers for a nectar source and will use plant parts for nesting structures. Also a food source for the Henry’s Elfin Butterfly (Callophrys henrici). Flowers edible by humans too.
Mature Height: 20-30 feet
Mature Spread: 25-35 feet
Utility: Spring Flower, Street Tree, Mid-Story, Urban Approved, Specimen
Catalog: Single Stem, Multi-Stem, Shrub Form
| #4 |
|---|
Provides both food and habitat to wildlife in Wisconsin. The seeds, buds, and catkins are eaten by songbirds, grouse, pheasants, turkey, fox, and squirrel. A popular combination for uniform canopy, interesting bark, fall color, and ecological value.
Mature Height: 25-30 feet
Mature Spread: 25-30 feet
Utility: Fall Color, Mid-Story, Screening, Specimen
Catalog: Single Stem, Multi-Stem, Shrub Form
| #3 |
|---|
**NATIVE** A beautiful shade or specimen tree that is beneficial to a multitude of insects, mammals, and birds. As its name suggests, this oak inhabits moist sites around rivers and swamps and is somewhat tolerant of clay or dry soil. Oaks are very large, long-lived trees that provide resources to many.
Mature Height: 75 feet
Mature Spread: 65 feet
Utility: Shade Tree, Specimen, Restoration
Seed Provenance: Washington and Waukesha Counties, WI
| #2 |
|---|
**NATIVE** Tremendously valuable to birds, insects and mammals. It supports the larvae of the Great Ash Sphinx, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, and Viceroy butterflies as well as a whole host of other insects. High value for our native Ruffed Grouse. Give this colonizer room to spread.
Mature Height: 40-50 feet
Mature Spread: 20-30 feet
Utility: Fall Color, Fast Growing, Colonizing, Restoration
Seed Provenance: Waukesha County, WI
**NATIVE** Common Hackberry is a great addition to any bird garden because most birds love its fruit and seeds. Hackberry has a good, consistent annual production of fruit that ripen in early September.
Common Hackberry is an ideal street tree and a very popular option to contractors and municipalities. Urban pollution, temperature fluctuations, and heavy winds are not a problem for this tree. It can also be used as a specimen plant, in a tree border, or to naturalize an open space.
Mature Height: 40-60 feet
Mature Spread: 40-60 feet
Utility: Shade Tree, Street Tree, Urban Approved, Specimen
Seed Provenance: Waukesha and Milwaukee Counties, WI
Top 10 Selling Shrubs in 2021
| #10 | Common Ninebark |
|---|
**NATIVE** Underrated native shrub with four-season interest. Graceful and arching with creamy white spring flowers, orange-red summer seed capsules and yellow-orange fall color. Exfoliating bark used by birds for nesting material.
Mature Height: 8-10 feet
Mature Spread: 8-10 feet
Utility: Naturalize, Mass Planting, Hedge, Border
Seed Provenance: Waukesha County, WI
| #9 |
|---|
**NATIVE** Naturally found in streambeds and swamps, this shrub is a great choice for moist and wet soils. Can outcompete invasive wetland species due to its tendency to colonize. Berries are an excellent, high quality food for wildlife and mature in the fall, just when they need it most.
Mature Height: 8-10 feet
Mature Spread: 8 feet
Utility: Erosion Control, Hedge, Windbreak, Restoration
Seed Provenance: Waukesha County, WI
| #8 |
|---|
**NATIVE** Red twigs provide outstanding winter interest while showy blueish white berries attract over 98 species of birds including robins, bluebirds, catbirds, flickers, and cardinals, this shrub is a must-have in any setting.
Mature Height: 7-9 feet
Mature Spread: 8-10 feet
Utility: Mass Planting, Specimen, Fall Color, Shade Tree, Street Tree, Urban Approved, Specimen
Seed Provenance: Waukesha, Milwaukee, and Washington Counties, WI
| #7 | Little Quick Fire® Hydrangea |
|---|
This is a dwarf form of Quick Fire Hydrangea with a denser, fuller habit. Flowers appear a month before other hydrangeas and bloom white, turning pink-red over time. Easy to maintain, extends the time in which a hydrangea garden is in bloom, and attracts bees and butterflies.
Mature Height: 2-3 feet
Mature Spread: 3-5 feet
Utility: Compact, Dense, Specimen, Low Hedge, Borders, Cut Flower
Catalog: Typically #3 and #5 Containers
| #6 |
|---|
**NATIVE** Compact, suckering, densely branched, deciduous shrub. Small, trumpet-shaped yellow flowers in midsummer are a favorite of bees. The flowers give rise to fruits. Bronze-green foliage turns reddish-bronze in autumn. Insect and disease resistant. A great shrub for those difficult dry, shaded areas.
Mature Height: 3-4 feet
Mature Spread: 4-5 feet
Utility: Compact, Hedging, Colonizer
Seed Provenance: Brown and Washington Counties, WI
| #5 | Jewel Bushhoneysuckle |
|---|
An excellent low-growing, suckering shrub for mass planting. Extremely tough and urban tolerant. This cultivar is noted for its beautiful reddish maroon new growth. Mike Yanny, Propagator for Johnson's Nursery named the cultivar in honor of the source of the seedlings.
Mature Height: 3-5 feet
Mature Spread: 3--5 feet
Utility: Low Hedge, Specimen, Fall Color, Mass Planting, Urban Approved, Colonizer
Catalog: Typically #3 and #5 Containers
| #4 | Bobo® Hydrangea |
|---|
Loads of flowers on a tiny plant! A head-turning, dwarf panicle hydrangea fills up with large white flowers in summer. The flowers are held upright on strong stems and continue to grow and lengthen as they bloom. No flopping, unlike some panicle hydrangeas! As the blooms age, they turn pink.
Mature Height: 3 feet
Mature Spread: 3-4 feet
Utility: Compact, Dense, Specimen, Low Hedge, Borders, Cut Flower
Catalog: Typically #3 and #5 Containers
| #3 |
|---|
**NATIVE** Also known as American Hazelnut. The nuts are valuable to wildlife. This is a versatile understory shrub with great fall color. It will grow in dry, moist, clay, and sandy soils. Can handle acidic or alkaline conditions provided the soil is well-draining.
Mature Height: 8-10 feet
Mature Spread: 8-10 feet
Utility: Naturalize for Wildlife, Screen, Hedge, Understory Shrub, Fall Color
Seed Provenance: Waukesha and Washington Counties, WI
| #2 | Annabelle Hydrangea |
|---|
Historically the most popular hydrangea, it’s noted for its large mop-head flowers that bloom from late spring through early fall. Stunning pure white flowers are much larger than other varieties – up to 12 inches across! Strong, straight stems hold the huge flower heads up well, despite heavy rain. This full, lush shrub needs plenty of room to show off its spectacular beauty.
Mature Height: 4 feet
Mature Spread: 4-5 feet
Utility: Fast Growing, Cut Flower
Catalog: Typically #2 and #5 Containers
| #1 | Gro-low Sumac |
|---|
A tough, fast-growing groundcover for slopes or banks, and areas with poor, dry soil. The glossy, green foliage displays an excellent red fall color and is fragrant when brushed against or leaves are crushed. Works well in border plantings, backed by taller shrubs and perennials.
Mature Height: 2-3 feet
Mature Spread: 6-8 feet
Utility: Low Growing, Fast Growing, Urban Approved, Fall Color
Catalog: Typically #2 and #3 Containers
Top 10 Selling Evergreens & Conifers in 2021
| #10 | Green Giant Western Arborvitae |
|---|
A vigorously growing, long-lived evergreen hybrid with rich green color. They can be trimmed to a hedge as young trees, planted singly, or as a green screen or windbreak. They are somewhat deer resistant.
Mature Height: 60 feet
Mature Spread: 12-20 feet
Utility: Barrier, Hedge, Windbreak, Screen
Catalog: Field Grown B&B Only
| #9 |
|---|
An excellent option wherever a narrow evergreen is desired. Works well for hedges, topiary forms, or any place where a columnar evergreen would be desired due to space limitations. Planted in a row, they can easily be pruned to make a very dense hedge. This evergreen is long-lived and slow-growing.
Mature Height: 14 feet
Mature Spread: 6 feet
Utility: Hedges, Landscape, Screening
Catalog: Typically #3 and #5 Containers, Field Grown B&B
| #8 | Densi Yew |
|---|
A dense, shrubby form evergreen with dark green foliage. Yews are versatile as they will grow reliably in full sun and full shade. Compared to the other in the genus, Densi is a larger version of Taunton and Hicks and has a more columnar habit.
Mature Height: 3-6 feet
Mature Spread: 4-8 feet
Utility: Hedging, Foundation
Catalog: Typically #5 and #7 Containers, Field Grown B&B
| #7 | Black Hills Spruce |
|---|
A highly desirable, naturally symmetrical cone-shape with a denser, more compact habit than the White Spruce, making it very resistant to winter injury. New bright green foliage matures to blue-green. Provides winter cover, nesting sites, and forage for wildlife. Fantastic as a landscape accent, or in groupings as a windbreak or screen.
Mature Height: 20-40 feet
Mature Spread: 15-25 feet
Utility: Screening, Specimen
Catalog: Field Grown B&B Only
| #6 |
|---|
**NATIVE** As a deciduous conifer, Tamaracks turn a beautiful yellow fall color, then lose its needles for winter. Lowland Tamarack stands are habitat to Ospreys and the Great Gray Owl farther north. Most birds like grouse, sparrows, and warblers use Tamarack for food and shelter.
Mature Height: 30-50 feet
Mature Spread: 10-15 feet
Utility: Fast Growing, Fall Color, Specimen, Restoration
Our Seed Provenance: Door County, WI
| #5 |
|---|
Norway Spruce provide cover to many avian species including hawks, owls, and other birds of prey who roost in the upper parts of the tree. In a woodland setting, they provide habitat to fur-bearing species like the threatened American Marten.
Mature Height: 50-70 feet
Mature Spread: 25-30 feet
Utility: Fast Growing, Screening, Urban Approved, Specimen
Catalog: Typically #5 Containers, Field Grown B&B
| #4 | Eastern White Pine |
|---|
**NATIVE** In youth, the Eastern White Pine is a pyramid of soft, rich green to bluish-green foliage. With age, the crown opens and features strong horizontal branching. One of our most beautiful native pines. It was a major timber tree in Wisconsin during settlement of the northern areas and continues to be highly valued for its wood.
Mature Height: 50-80 feet
Mature Spread: 20-40 feet
Utility: Screening, Specimen, Restoration
Catalog: #5 Container, Mature Field Grown B&B
| #3 | Techny Arborvitae |
|---|
A long-lived evergreen with very dense foliage often planted in a row or used as a green screen or windbreak. Needs very little maintenance and is tolerant of many soil conditions. Can be pruned back if obstructing driveways or sidewalks. Sheds two-year-old leaves every fall, creating its own mulch.
Mature Height: 25-30 feet
Mature Spread: 10-15 feet
Utility: Border, Hedge, Windbreak
Catalog: Typically #10 and #15 Containers, and Field Grown B&B
| #2 |
|---|
The fastest growing upright juniper we’ve evaluated. Blue-green, star-like juvenile foliage gives the tree a delicate, almost sparkling texture. Berries provide food for birds, including Cedar Waxwings and Cardinals. Especially popular during the migration period and winter months.
Mature Height: 17 feet
Mature Spread: 7-9 feet
Utility: Specimen, Screening, Deer Resistance, Urban Approved
Catalog: Typically #3, #15, and #25 Containers, Field Grown B&B
A narrow, pyramidal evergreen with dense, emerald green foliage that holds its color throughout winter. Thrives in heat and humidity and tolerates dry spells once established. One of the most popular and effective shrubs for screening or tall hedge use. An ideal specimen for topiary.
Mature Height: 20-25 feet
Mature Spread: 3-5 feet
Utility: Columnar Screening, Specimen
Catalog: Field Grown B&B Only
Top 10 Selling Broadleaf Evergreens in 2021
| #10 | Golden Sword Yucca |
|---|
Golden-yellow sword-shaped leaves edged in soft green with tall spikes of ivory-white, bell-shaped flowers. Mature specimens can have a rather dramatic effect on a garden. Due to their deep taproot, they are not easily transplanted once established.
Mature Height: 3 feet
Mature Spread: 2 feet
Utility: Border, Container, Mass Planting, Poolside, Coastal
Catalog: #3 Containers
| #9 | Karen Rhododendron |
|---|
An attractive low rounded form providing a wonderful display of lavender-pink flowers in early spring. Evergreen foliage takes on copper tones in the fall. Although said to be cold hardy to -25 degrees it would benefit from being planted in an area sheltered from the worst of the winter winds. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
Mature Height: 3-4 feet
Mature Spread: 3-4 feet
Utility: Hedge, Screen, Foundation Plantings
Catalog: #2 Containers
| #8 | Scallywag™ Holly |
|---|
A sport of Little Rascal® with a more upright habit, Scallywag retains the dense, rounded form of its parent plant. Foliage darkens to purple-burgundy in fall and winter. Male selection, will not produce berries.
Mature Height: 4 feet
Mature Spread: 3 feet
Utility: Hedge, Screen
Catalog: #3 Containers
| #7 | Olga Mezitt Rhododendron |
|---|
A profusion of vibrant pink flowers in small trusses are produced in mid-to-late spring, right after 'P.J.M.' Rhododendron blooms. The aromatic, glossy foliage turns a rich mahogany color in late fall, holding through the winter.
Mature Height: 4-5 feet
Mature Spread: 4-6 feet
Utility: Hedge, Screen
Catalog: #5 and #7 Containers
| #6 | Berri-Magic® Royalty Holly |
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Red berries are assured each fall because Berri-Magic Royalty is actually a Blue Princess holly planted in the same container with a Blue Prince as a male pollinator. Glossy, green foliage on dense, compact rounded plants.
Mature Height: 6-8 feet
Mature Spread: 6-8 feet
Utility: Hedge, Screen
Catalog: #5 Containers
| #5 | Chicagoland Green® Boxwood |
|---|
Similar to ‘Green Mound’ Boxwood. Has a nice, dense, broad oval form. Left in its natural form it makes an attractive foundation plant. Also often used in borders and hedges. Tolerates shearing very well. Its green foliage maintains excellent color throughout the year.
Mature Height: 3 feet
Mature Spread: 5 feet
Utility: Low Hedge, Foundation
Catalog: Field-Grown B&B
| #4 | P.J.M. Rhododendron |
|---|
An attractive wide rounded form producing a wonderful display of vivid, bright lavender-pink flowers in mid-to-late April. Glossy evergreen foliage turns to a rich dark mahogany in winter. Blooms at an early age. A very hardy and adaptable rhododendron for the upper Midwest.
Mature Height: 4-5 feet
Mature Spread: 3-6 feet
Utility: Hedge, Foundation
Catalog: #5 Containers
| #3 |
|---|
Hedges of boxwoods are excellent for small native birds, like finches, chickadees, and sparrows. Smaller birds can hide from predators in the tightly-clustered branches. Versatile because they grow in full sun to full shade sites. While Boxwood have bad press due to Boxwood Blight, we are seeing success with Boxwood Cleanliness Protocols.
Mature Height: 5 feet
Mature Spread: 3 feet
Utility: Hedging, Foundation, Specimen, Urban Approved
Catalog: Typically #3 and #5 Containers, Field Grown B&B
| #2 |
|---|
This dwarf globe-shaped broadleaf evergreen is great for tight spaces. Its compact size allows for use where other common Boxwood varieties like Green Velvet may outgrow in time. When used in a hedge, many small native birds find shelter from predators, like finches, chickadees and sparrows.
Mature Height: 2 feet
Mature Spread: 2 feet
Utility: Hedging, Foundation, Specimen, Urban Approved
Catalog: #5 Containers, Field Grown B&B
With its close-clustered, dense branching structure, many small native birds like finches, chickadees, and sparrows find shelter from predators.
This broadleaf evergreen is versatile in poor to rich soil conditions, as well as full sun to slightly shady locations. A key plant in any historical or formal landscape!
Mature Height: 3-4 feet
Mature Spread: 4-5 feet
Utility: Hedge, Foundation, Urban Approved
Catalog: Typically #5 Containers, Field Grown B&B
Top 10 Selling Perennials in 2021
| #10 |
|---|
A sport of “Summer Beauty,” this allium consistently sets its flowers just above its compact, aromatic foliage. Blooms later in the season from June through October. Attracts pollinators but deer and rabbits avoid its aromatic foliage.
Mature Height: 8-12 inches
Mature Spread: 18-24 inches
Utility: Pollinator Garden, Cottage Garden, Cutting Garden, Container Garden
Catalog: #1 Containers
| #9 | May Night Salvia |
|---|
Produces a profusion of splendid violet-blue flower spikes above low clumps of aromatic gray-green foliage from late May to early August. May cut back after flowering to get a rebloom. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Makes a long-lasting cut flower.
Mature Height: 18-24 inches
Mature Spread: 24-36 inches
Utility: Compact, Aromatic, Long Bloom, Pollinator City, Courtyard, Cottage Garden, Meadow, Prairie
Catalog: #1 Containers
| #8 | Walker's Low Catmint |
|---|
Low-growing, compact mounds of aromatic, soft gray-green foliage are covered with clusters of lavender-blue flowers from late spring through early summer. Lovely when cascading off walls or container edges. Use to create a showy, waterwise, small-scale groundcover, or as a lovely rock garden accent. An outstanding 2007 Perennial Plant Association's Plant of the Year.
Mature Height: 18-24 inches
Mature Spread: 18 inches
Utility: Compact, Aromatic, Long Bloom, Pollinator Garden
Catalog: #1 Containers
| #7 | Magnus Purple Coneflower |
|---|
A former Perennial Plant of the Year, large, bold, daisy-like flowers feature stiff rose-pink petals from July through August. Tolerant of many conditions. The decorative seed heads offer fall and winter interest and are particularly attractive to Goldfinch.
Mature Height: 36-48 inches
Mature Spread: 18 inches
Utility: Cottage garden, Pollinator Garden, Cutting Garden, Border
Catalog: #1 Containers
| #6 |
|---|
A hybrid allium of unknown parentage, selected for its tidy foliage and round, rose-purple flowers that bloom July through August. Flowers are attractive to wildlife and pollinators, and seeds are attractive to songbirds. Consider giving a nod to the native Nodding Pink Onion in future years.
Mature Height: 12-18 inches
Mature Spread: 12-18 inches
Utility: Rock Gardens, Border Front, Cottage Garden, Pollinator Garden, Container Garden, Cutting Garden
Catalog: #1 Containers
| #5 |
|---|
**NATIVE** Most common for being the host plant for Monarch butterflies. The flowers are of high value to native pollinators and hummingbirds. A larval host plant to the Monarch, Grey Hairstreak, and Queen butterflies, they are greatly important to our native bees and honeybees.
Mature Height: 2-3 feet
Mature Spread: 9-18 inches
Utility: Butterfly Gardens, Native Gardens, Natural Prairies, Dry Sites, Massing, Specimen, Border, Restoration
Catalog: #1 Containers
| #4 |
|---|
Rounded clear pink pom-poms bloom during the hottest time of year, attracting many hungry pollinators. Drought tolerant and long-lived, they do well in any well-drained condition. Avoided by deer and rabbits.
Mature Height: 18 inches
Mature Spread: 12-18 inches
Utility: Rock Gardens, Border Front, Cottage Garden, Pollinator Garden, Container Garden, Cutting Garden
Catalog: #1 Containers
| #3 |
|---|
More drought tolerant than other plant options, and a worthwhile option when planting in tough, partially shaded areas. The prolific blooming period (early summer through fall) is great for a consistent mass of violet-blue flowers. The aromatic foliage resists deer and rabbit browsing.
Mature Height: 15-18 inches
Mature Spread: 18-24 inches
Utility: Mass Planting, Borders, Groundcover
Catalog: #1 Containers
| #2 |
|---|
**2021 Plant of the Year Award**
Incomparable for attracting pollinators. A powerhouse perennial. The tiny white flowers attract beneficial insects – honeybees in particular – by the hundreds!
Mature Height: 12-18 inches
Mature Spread: 18-24 inches
Utility: Mass Plantings, Bee/Pollinator Gardens, Aromatic, Fall Pollinator
Catalog: #1 Containers
A reblooming, dwarf miniature daylily with beautiful 2 3/4″ canary-yellow flowers and lightly ruffled petals. The canary yellow flowers will attract hummingbirds and butterflies, although this plant is not of significant importance to any particular animal species. A tried and true compact variety, they tolerate a range of soil and environmental conditions making them a workhorse in any landscape.
Mature Height: 12-18 inches
Mature Spread: 16-24 inches
Utility: Border, Mass Plantings, Rock Gardens
Catalog: #1 Containers
Top 10 Selling Grasses in 2021
| #10 | Autumn Moor Grass |
|---|
A cool-season grass admired for its upright tufted mound of bright yellow-green foliage. This tough, but beautiful grass produces attractive silvery-white, narrow, 4-6" long flower spikes held above the foliage in the fall. Tolerates root competition from woody plants.
Mature Height: 12-18 inches
Mature Spread: 12-18 inches
Utility: Border, Barrier, Fall Garden
Catalog: #1 Containers
| #9 | Fall Blooming Feather Reed Grass |
|---|
A clumping, upright-arching, warm-season grass with rich green foliage that turns bright yellow with the approach of fall. In late summer very soft-textured, green blushed rose-purple flower spikes appear, rising 1-2 feet above the foliage. As the fuzzy plumes mature they fade to silver-gray and remain open and feathery through winter.
Mature Height: 3-5 feet
Mature Spread: 2 feet
Utility: Border, Barrier, Vertical Accent
Catalog: #1 and #3 Containers
| #8 | Northwind Switch Grass |
|---|
A very hardy grass that thrives anywhere there is full sun. Interesting blue-green foliage is extremely stiff and upright turning a wonderful golden-yellow in fall. Attractive narrow plumes are held incredibly erect above the foliage in late summer.
Mature Height: 5-6 feet
Mature Spread: 3-4 feet
Utility: Barrier, Border, Planters or Containers, Vertical Accent, Mass Planting, Borders
Catalog: #1 and #3 Containers
| #7 | Shenandoah Switch Grass |
|---|
Beautiful upright, clump-forming, warm-season grass. In mid-summer, the dark green foliage takes on dark red tones becoming more pronounced until it becomes a striking deep burgundy in fall. Airy clouds of pinkish flowers rise 1-2 feet above the foliage in late summer.
Mature Height: 4-5 feet
Mature Spread: 2-3 feet
Utility: Fall Garden, Vertical Accent
Catalog: #1 and #3 Containers
| #6 |
|---|
**NATIVE** A clump-forming, warm-season grass that produces leaves that range through a variety of blue and green hues. In fall the foliage changes to a flaming orange or striking red, topped by fluffy silver seed stalks. It has high ecological value and low maintenance needs. One of the dominant grasses in a prairie.
Mature Height: 24-36 inches
Mature Spread: 12-18 inches
Utility: Rain Garden, Naturalize, Erosion Control
Seed Provenance: Waukesha County, WI
| #5 | Tara Prairie Dropseed Grass |
|---|
Superb selection with compact, vase-shaped habit. Displays lovely seed heads above slender stems. Autumn foliage is an upright spray of gold and orange. Significantly more dense and upright in form than the straight species.
Mature Height: 18 inches
Mature Spread: 18-24 inches
Utility: Border, Mass Planting, Fall Garden
Catalog: #1 Containers
| #4 |
|---|
An arching, upright, cool-season grass that produces beautifully white variegated leaves. In midsummer, delightful feathery reddish-brown flower spikes emerge maturing to golden-brown. An excellent specimen for spaces needing vertical interest.
Mature Height: 3-4 feet
Mature Spread: 2 feet
Utility: Vertical Accent, Border
Catalog: #1 and #3 Containers
| #3 |
|---|
**NATIVE** This sedge is a great choice for someone with a shady yard. Also called ‘Oak Sedge,’ it is commonly found growing in the understory of the forest forming a lush, undulating carpet. This is a wonderful substitute for a lawn in shady areas where traditional grass struggles. Planted among perennials it can act as a living green mulch to cover bare soil, fill in gaps, and suppress weeds.
Mature Height: 6-12 inches
Mature Spread: 12-15 inches
Utility: Groundcover, Weed Suppression
Catalog: #1 Containers
| #2 |
|---|
**NATIVE** A warm-season, clump-forming native prairie grass that forms cascading tufts of emerald-green foliage with airy, popcorn scented seed heads. Excellent heat and drought tolerance for tough, dry sites. Used by our native bees and other insects for nesting structure. The seeds are also a food source for native birds.
Mature Height: 24 inches
Mature Spread: 18 inches
Utility: Mass Planting, Borders, Native Garden, Pollinator Garden, Restoration
Seed Provenance: Waukesha County, WI
A versatile cool-season, clump-forming grass with lustrous deep green upright foliage. In fall, green leaves turn golden and feature feathery plumes followed by striking, wheat-colored seed heads that remain attractive into winter. A stunning vertical accent in any garden. Karl Foerster tolerates the heavy clay soils of Southeast Wisconsin and performs well in most sites including those with poor conditions. As it does not self-seed, it may be left for winter interest and to provide nesting and cover for birds.
Mature Height: 3-5 feet
Mature Spread: 2 feet
Utility: Vertical Accent, Urban Approved, Fall Garden
Catalog: Typically #1 and #3 Containers
Top 10 Selling Fruit Trees in 2021
| #10 |
|---|
A very cold hardy variety that is a prolific producer of small, crispy pears (3-3.5" fruits) that are good for fresh eating only. Best picked and consumed at the green/ripe stage when the fruit is crispy and not fully ripe. Must be cross-pollinated with a different pear variety in order to produce fruit.
Mature Height: 15-20 feet
Mature Spread: 15-20 feet
Pollination: Must cross-pollinate with another pear variety to produce fruit
Catalog: #5 and #10 Containers
| #9 |
|---|
Developed by the University of Minnesota and released in 1934, fruits are medium-sized, green, and often develop a slight red blush. While most pears need to be picked at the green/ripe stage and then slow ripened off the tree, Parker seems to be okay when picked fully tree-ripened. Ripens in September in SE Wisconsin.
Mature Height: 15 feet
Mature Spread: 15 feet
Pollination: Must cross-pollinate with a different (non-triploid) pear variety to produce fruit
Catalog: Typically #5 Containers, Field Grown B&B
| #8 |
|---|
So prolific in fruiting that planting a second tree would be absurd. An heirloom plum variety that's extremely cold-hardy. A European-type prune plum that produces small to medium fruits that have blue skin, sweet yellow/green flesh, and are round in shape. Excellent for all plum products like canning, plum pie, plum Upside-Down cake, plum jam, and simply fresh eating. Ripens late August to early September in SE Wisconsin.
Mature Height: 12 feet
Mature Spread: 10 feet
Pollination: Self-Pollinating
Catalog: Typically #5 Containers
| #7 |
|---|
Developed in 1898 at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, NY, Cortland ripens in late September/early October in SE Wisconsin. Often those that ripen in full sun will have a purple blush on the top side of the fruit. Excellent for fresh eating and cooking, with a juicy, moderately sweet taste. Can be refrigerated until around Thanksgiving.
Mature Height: 15 feet
Mature Spread: 15 feet
Pollination: Must cross-pollinate with crabapple or different apple variety to produce fruit
Catalog: Typically #5 and #10 Containers, Field Grown B&B
| #6 |
|---|
Developed and introduced by the University of North Carolina in 1989, Contender was selected for the late bloom time that makes it more resistant to spring frosts as well as for its excellent fruit size and flavor. Contender is very cold-hardy and has performed well in many colder areas of the U.S. where most peach varieties do not survive. This variety was awarded the 2014 American Society for Horticulture Science Outstanding Fruit Cultivar Award.
Mature Height: 15 feet
Mature Spread: 15 feet
Pollination: Self-Pollinating
Catalog: Typically #10 Containers
| #5 |
|---|
Discovered as a chance seedling by John McIntosh in the early 19th century, this apple is truly an heirloom still popular today. While excellent for eating and cooking, it is not a crispy apple. It excels as applesauce that cooks up quickly. Ripens in mid-late September in SE Wisconsin.
Mature Height: 15 feet
Mature Spread: 15 feet
Pollination: Must cross-pollinate with crabapple or different apple variety to produce fruit
Catalog: Typically #5 and #10 Containers, Field Grown B&B
| #4 |
|---|
A dwarf tart cherry introduced by the University of MN in 1950. The shorter height makes it much easier to prune and pick the fruit for the home grower. Relished by birds and wildlife. Produces enough cherries for every conceivable purpose with plenty to give away to lucky friends and family.
Mature Height: 12 feet
Mature Spread: 10 feet
Pollination: Self-Pollinating
Catalog: Typically #5 Containers
| #3 |
|---|
A delicious, dark red, sweet cherry that can be eaten fresh or used for baking and cooking. This tree is self-pollinating making it an excellent variety for the home grower. Results will be best when planting in a protected site and only planting in areas of zone 5 within the state of Wisconsin.
Mature Height: 20 feet
Mature Spread: 15 feet
Pollination: Self-Pollinating
Catalog: Typically #5 and #10 Containers
| #2 |
|---|
An extremely cold hardy peach bred for northern climates, fruit is typically ready for picking in mid-August in Southeast Wisconsin. The fruit is soft, sweet, and very juicy. The tree is showy in spring featuring lovely pink flowers. Very popular as it grows quickly, a benefit as peaches, in general, tend to be short-lived.
Mature Height: 15 feet
Mature Spread: 15 feet
Pollination: Self-Pollinating
Catalog: Typically #7 and #10 Containers, Field Grown B&B
Developed by Dr. David Bedford at the University of Minnesota in 1960, and released to the public in 1991. Aptly named for its sweet and extremely juicy fruit that is often described as “explosively crisp.” This variety stays crisp for a very long time in cold storage and is known for its excellent keeping qualities. A premium quality apple for fresh use and is the often "go-to" for cross-pollinating with other apple varieties.
Like most Apples, We offer this variety on M7 rootstock which is semi-dwarf and free-standing. However, Honeycrisp may also be available as an Espalier form tree. No matter which form, annual pruning is needed to promote better light and airflow through the canopy for the best colored and flavored fruits. Find more information on Training & Pruning Fruit Trees.
Mature Height: 15 feet
Mature Spread: 15 feet
Pollination: Must be cross-pollinated with a crabapple or different apple variety to produce fruit
Catalog: Typically #5 and #10 Containers (Single Stem), Espalier, Field Grown B&B
