Zoneomics Logo
search icon

Belvidere City Zoning Code

APPENDIX D

DETAILED CLASSIFICATION OF PLANT SPECIES

The following is a list of plant species that fit within the various plant categories used for the landscape requirements of this Code. Species not included on this list require approval by the Zoning Administrator and determination by the Zoning Administrator of the corresponding landscaping point values, if any.

Detailed Classification of Plant Species: Climax Trees (75 landscaping points)

Botanical Name Common Name Growth Rate Form Adaptation and Remarks
Acer saccharum RF Sugar Maple S Round Rich soil; salt-sensitive; oval when young; yellow, orange or scarlet fall color.
"Green Mountain" Scorch-resistant; leathery leaves.
Carya ovata RF Shagbark Hickory Native and very adaptable, salt-sensitive, fruit-nut, lawn tree.
Ginkgo biloba Ginkgo S Pyramidal Very urban, dioecious, females produce smelly fruits, golden yellow fall color.
"Fastigiata" Sentry Ginkgo Columnar Seedless.
Juglans nigra RF Walnut
Eastern Walnut
Black Walnut
F Best in public open spaces or lawns; not to be used as a street tree; poisonous to other plants within the drip zone; susceptible to caterpillars and leaf-spot disease.
Quercus alba RF White Oak S Round Extremely sensitive to soil compaction; tolerant of urban conditions; dry soil; subject to iron chlorosis; red fall color; very difficult to transplant; excellent lawn or shade tree.
Quercus bicolor RF Swamp White Oak S Round Very tolerant of urban conditions; moist to wet, intolerant of alkaline soil; tolerates poor drainage; difficult to transplant; yellow fall color.
Quercus macrocarpa RF Bur Oak Mossycup Oak S Round Sensitive to soil compaction; tolerant of urban conditions; dry to wet soil; no fall color; very difficult to transplant.
Quercus palustris Pin Oak M Pyramidal Sensitive to soil compaction; tolerant of urban conditions; moist, acid soil; pendulous lower branches; red fall color; iron chlorosis on alkaline soil; lawn tree; cultivar "Sovereign" best for streets.
Quercus rubra RF (also known as Quercus Borealis) Northern Red Oak Red Oak M Round Sensitive to soil compaction; tolerant of urban conditions; pyramidal when young; red fall color; well-drained soil; fast-growing for oaks; excellent lawn, shade, and street tree.
KEY: S=Slow M=Medium F=Fast RF=Recommended for reforestation

 

Detailed Classification of Plant Species: Tall Deciduous Trees (30 landscaping points)

Botanical Name Common Name Growth Rate Form Adaptation and Remarks
Acer nigrum Black Maple M Oval Does well in poor, dry soils; red to bright gold fall color; excellent for lawn, shade, or street.
Acer platanoides Norway Maple M Round Shallow root system; not to be used along streets.
"Cleveland" F Oval-upright Uniform, dense foliage
"Columnare" Columnar Indistinct central leader.
"Crimson King" Keeps deep purple leaf color throughout summer; susceptible to sun scald, bark-splitting and transplant shock.
"Drummondii" Harlequin Norway Maple S Round Variegated, cream-edged leaves.
"Emerald Queen" F Oval Vigorous; crisp foliage.
"Globosum" Globe Norway Maple S Globe Useful on a standard under utility wires; 20' height.
"Greenlace" Round Deeply divided, fine-textured leaves.
"Royal Red" S Round Best for purple summer foliage.
"Shwedleri" Round New foliage reddish; bronze by summer.
"Summershade" F Rapidly growing cultivar; deep green, large, leathery leaves.
Acer rubrum RF Red Maple
Scarlet Maple
Swamp Maple
F Round Moist, acid soil; tolerates poor drainage; smooth gray bark; yellow, orange, or red fall color; salt-sensitive.
"Armstrong" Fastigiate No fall color; light gray bark.
"Autumn Flame" Early scarlet fall color.
"Bowhall" Oval Orange fall color
"Red Sunset" Late, scarlet fall color.
"Schlesingeri" Red-orange fall color.
Acer saccharinum RF Silver Maple
Soft Maple
White Maple
River Maple
F Vase Heart and fast-growing; most soil; tolerates poor drainage; fine-textured; weak-wooded (develops heart rots after fifty years, limbs may fall); yellowish or no fall color
"Blair" Very Fast Strong branch structure; storm-resistant.
"Pyramidale" Upright Silver Maple Pyramidal Improved branch structure.
"Silver Queen" Seedless Sugar Maple Round Seedless
"Wieri" Cutleaf Sugar Maple Shredded leaves; pendulous branches.
Aesculus hippocas tanum Horsechestnut M Round Urban; course; showy, white May flowers; litter problem; no fall color; difficult to transplant; pest or disease problems may limit use.
Alnus glutinosa European Alder Black Alder F Oval Rich or wet soils; produces catkins; possible winterkill.
Betula lutea RF Yellow Birch M Round Drooping branches; moist well-drained soils; yellow-orange bark; rusty yellow fall color.
Catalpa speciosa Northern Catalpa F Oval Poor, dry soil; showy, white June flowers; coarse; litter problem; no fall color.
Fagus grandifolia RF American Beech S Oval Moist, rich soil; smooth, gray bark; yellow-bronze fall color; difficult to transplant; salt-sensitive; sensitive to soil compaction.
Fagus sylvatica European Beech S Round Moist, rich soil; less difficult to transplant than American Beech; several cultivars available; excellent lawn tree.
Gleditsia triancanthos inermius Thornless Honeylocust F Vase Tolerates poor drainage; thornless, as are all of the following; pest or disease problem may limit use; salt-tolerant; yellow fall color.
"Imperial" Round Podless; low-growing; flat-topped; pest or disease problem may limit use.
"Shademaster" Irregular Podless; vase shape in age; pest or disease problem may limit use.
"Skyline" Upright Podless; tends to form central leader; good golden fall color; pest or disease problem may limit use.
"Sunburst" Irregular Podless; yellow new foliage; poor branch structure; pest or disease problem may limit use.
Gymnocladus dioica Kentucky Coffeetree M Upright Moist, rich soil; coarse and rugged; dioecious; yellowish fall color.
Juglans cinerea RF Butternut S Needs good soil and consistent moisture; fairly good shade tree; susceptible to butternut decline.
Larix decidua European Larch F Pyramidal Full sun; graceful, fine-textured; transplant in spring before buds open; yellow fall color.
"Pendula" Interesting weeping branches.
Larix kaempferi Japanese Larch F Wide-Pyramidal Similar to European Larch, more picturesque.
Larix laricina RF American Larch
Tamarack
M Narrow-Pyramidal Hardy; drought tolerant; used in shelterbelts.
Liriodendron tulipifera Tuliptree F Upright Rich, moist soil; unique leaves and interesting June flowers; yellow fall color; purchase from northern source.
Platanus occidentalis Sycamore
American Planetree
F Pryamidal Moist soil; tolerates poor drainage; mottled bark; coarse, maple-like leaves; no fall color; pest or disease problem may limit use.
Populus alba "Pyramidalis" White Poplar F Fastigate Moist soil; tolerates poor drainage; mottled bark; coarse, maple-like leaves; no fall color; pest or disease problem may limit use.
Populus deltoides RF Eastern Poplar Very fast Fastigiate Hardy, fast growing; golden yellow fall color; tolerates drought; brittle; may produce "cotton"; too large for homes.
"Robusta" Upright Seedless.
"Siouxland" Larger greener leaves; seedless; uniform in shape; hardy.
"Cottonless" Seedless; many similar species available.
Populus grandidentata RF Bigtooth Aspen F Narrow Moist, sandy, gravelly soils; not shade tolerant; yellow fall color.
Prunus serotina RF Black Cherry M Oval Dry soil; white flowers and black fruits in drooping racemes; orange fall color; pest or disease problem may limit use.
Taxodium distichum Baldcypress F Pyramidal Moist, intolerant of alkaline soil; tolerates poor drainage; sun; bronze fall color; fine texture; purchase from northern source.
Tilia americana RF American Linden
Basswood Linden Tree
Linn Tree
M Round Sensitive to soil compaction; salt-sensitive; coarse; rich soils.
Tilia cordata Littleleaf Linden S Pyramidal Urban; moist soil; fragrant flowers; poor branch structure, needs training while young; yellow fall color.
"Chancellor" Uniform, upright habit.
"Greenspire" Improved branching habit.
Tilia x euchlora "Redmond" Redmond Linden M Pyramidal Urban; dark green foliage.
KEY: S=Slow M=Medium F=Fast RF=Recommended for reforestation

 

Detailed Classification of Plant Species: Medium Deciduous Trees (15 landscaping points)

Botanical Name Common Name Growth Rate Form Adaptation and Remarks
Aesculus x carnea "Briotii" Ruby Horsechestnut S Round Rich, most soil; red flowers.
Aesculus glabra Ohio Buckeye S Round Rich, moist soil; yellow-green flowers; orange fall color.
Alnus glutinosa European Alder F Oval Wet; tolerates poor drainage; catkins; cone fruits; no fall color.
Betula nigra RF River Birch M Vase Wet to dry, intolerant of alkaline soils; tolerates poor drainage; pinkish, peeling bark.
Betula papyifera RF Paper Birch M Oval Cool, moist soil; white, peeling bark; golden yellow fall color; pest or disease problem.
Betula pendula "Gracilis" Cutleaf European Birch M Weeping Cool, moist soil; dissected leaves; yellow fall color; pests & disease.
Betula platyphylla japonica Japanese White Birch M Pyramidal White bark; some resistance to bronze birch borer.
Cercidiphyllum japonicum Katsuratree M Columnar Moist soil; dioecious; form controlled by pruning, wide spreading if multi-trunked; yellow to red fall color.
Cladrastis lutea American Yellowwood S Round Moist, rich soil; smooth, light gray bark; fragrant, white June flowers in large clusters; yellow fall color.
Magnolia acuminata Cucumbertree F Pyramidal Inconspicuous, greenish flowers; pink to red fruits; coarse foliage; no fall color.
Nyssa sylvatica Black Gum S Pyramidal Moist soil; tolerates poor drainage; dense habit; dioecious; orange to scarlet fall color; difficult to transplant.
Phellodendron amurense Amur Corktree M Round Urban; dry soil; dioecious; compound leaves; corky bark; yellow fall color.
Prunus maackii Amur Chokecherry M Round Amber exfoliating bark; does well in containers.
Prunus padus commutata Harbinger European Bird Cherry S Round Sun; early to leaf out in spring; pest or disease problem.
Prunus pennsylvanica RF Pin Cherry M Upright Poor, dry soil; sun; graceful; shortlived; suckering; red fruits; orange to red fall color.
Prunus sargentii Sargent Cherry M Upright Sun, well-drained soil; early, pink flowers; red fall color.
Salix alba tristis Golden Weeping Willow F Weeping Wet soil; tolerates poor drainage; bright yellow twigs; fine-textured; litter problem.
Ulmus parvifolia Chinese Elm M Vase Disease resistant; exfoliating bark.
KEY: S=Slow M=Medium F=Fast RF=Recommended for reforestation

 

Detailed Classification of Plant Species: Low Deciduous Trees (10 landscaping points)

Botanical Name Common Name Growth Rate Form Adaptation and Remarks
Acer ginnala Amur Maple M Round Sun, shade; red fruit; red fall color.
Alnus rugosa Speckled Alder F Round Wet soil; tolerates poor soil; lenticeled bark.
Amelanchier arborea RF Downy Serviceberry S Upright Dry soil; shade; gray bark; white flowers; yellow to red fall color; edible fruits.
Amelanchier x grandiflora Apple Serviceberry S Spreading Semi-shade; large, white flowers, edible fruits.
Amelanchier laevis Allegany Serviceberry S Upright Moist soil; shade; white flowers; orange to red fall color, edible fruits.
Carpinus caroliniana RF American Hornbeam S Spreading Moist soil; shade; smooth, gray muscle-like trunks; orange fall color.
Cercis canadensis Eastern Redbud M Spreading Sun or shade; purplish-pink flowers; yellow fall color; purchase form northern source.
Cornus alternifolia Pagoda Dogwood M Spreading Cool, moist soil; shade; blue-black berries on red stalks; early, maroon fall color.
Crataegus crus-galli "Inermis" Thornless Cockspur Hawthorn Spreading Urban; sun; persistent, brick red fruits; orange to red fall color; no thorns.
Crataegus laevigata "Paulii" Paul's Scarlet Hawthorn S Upright Heavy soil; sun; double, scarlet flowers in late May; no fall color; pest or disease problem.
"Superba" Crimson Cloud Hawthorn Single, scarlet flowers; resistant to leaf spot.
Crataegus x lavallei Lavalle Hawthorn S Upright Urban; sun; glossy foliage; bronzy-red fall color.
Crataegus mollis Downy Hawthorn S Upright Sun; large, red, early-ripening fruit; yellow fall color; pest or disease problem.
Crataegus phaenopyrum Washington Hawthorn M Upright Urban; sun; latest blooming; small, persistent, orange-red fruits in clusters; orange fall color.
Crataegus punctata Dotted Hawthorn S Spreading Moist, heavy soil; sun; picturesque; pest or disease problem may limit use.
Crataegus x "Toba" Toba Hawthorn S Sun; double, pink, fragrant flowers; glossy leaves; red fruits; dwarf-15.
Elaeagnus angustifolia Russianolive F Round Dry, alkaline soil; sun; fragrant, inconspicuous flowers; silver-gray foliage; no fall color; pest or disease problem may limit use.
Magnolia x loebneri "Merrill" Dr. Merrill Magnolia M Pyramidal Rich soil; sun; white, many-petaled flowers; difficult to transplant.
Magnolia x soulangiana Saucer Magnolia S Round Rich soil; sun; large pink flowers; difficult to transplant.
Malus species & cultivars Flowering Crabapples All require sun and well drained soil. They all possess a high degree of resistance to the apple scab disease.
Malus "Adams" Adams Flowering Crabtree M Spreading Slightly susceptible to fire blight; rose-red flowers; ⅝" diam, persistent, deep red fruits.
Malus baccata jackii Jack Flowering Crabtree M Upright spreading Slightly susceptible to fire blight; white flowers; tiny ⅓-½" diam, dark red fruits.
Malus "Bob White" Bob White Flowering Crabtree M Rounded Moderately susceptible to fire blight; white flowers; ⅝" diam., persistent, yellow fruits.
Malus "Candied Apple" Weeping Candied Apple Flowering Crabtree Weeping Slightly susceptible to scab; pink flowers; ⅝" diam., persistent cherry-red fruits; foliage tinged with red.
Malus "Centurian" Centurian Flowering Crabtree Narrow-Upright Disease resistant; rose-red flowers; ⅝" diam., persistent, cherry-red fruits.
Malus "David" David Flowering Crabapple M Rounded Slightly susceptible to fire blight and scab; white glowers; ¼-1 ½" diam., reddish fruits for in alternate years.
Malus "Dolgo" Dolgo Flowering Crabtree M Upright-Spreading Slightly susceptible to fire blight and scab; white flowers; 1 ¼-1 ½" diam., persistent red fruits.
Malus "Donald Wyman" Donald Wyman Flowering Crabtree M Rounded Disease-resistant; white flowers; ⅜" diam.; persistent red fruits.
Malus "Dorothea" Dorothea Flowering Crabtree S Horizontal Moderately susceptible to scab; clear pink semi-double flowers; ½" diam., yellow fruits.
Malus "Gibb's Golden Gage" Gibb's Golden Gage Flowering Crabtree Rounded Disease resistant; white flowers; 1" diam., persistent, yellow fruits.
Malus "Indian Summer" Indian Summer Flowering Crabtree Rounded Disease resistant; rose-red flowers; ⅝-¾" diam., red fruits.
Malus "Mary Potter" Mary Potter Flowering Crabtree S Horizontal Moderately susceptible to fire blight and scab; white flowers; ½" diam., red fruits; 10' height.
Malus "Ormiston Roy" Ormiston Roy Flowering Crabtree M Rounded Slightly susceptible to fire blight; white flowers, ⅜" diam., persistent, yellow fruits.
Malus "Profusion" Profusion Flowering Crabtree M Rounded-Spreading Slightly susceptible to fire blight; rose-red flowers; ½" diam., deep red fruits; bronze-green foliage.
Malus "Red Jewel" Red Jewel Flowering Crabtree Horizontal Moderately susceptible to scab; white flowers; ½" diam., persistent, bright red fruits.
Malus "Robinson" Robinson Flowering Crabtree Upright-Spreading Disease resistant; rose-red flowers; ⅜" diam, persistent, bright red fruits, bronze-green foliage.
Malus "Sentinel" Sentinel Flowering Crabtree Narrow-upright Slightly susceptible to fire blight and scab; pale pink flowers; ½" diam., persistent, bright red fruits.
Malus "White Cascade" White Cascade Flowering Crabtree S Weeping Disease resistant; white flowers, ½" diam., yellowish fruits.
Ostrya virginiana RF Hophornbeam S Pyramidal Dry soil; shade; catkins; elm-like leaves; yellow fall color.
Prunus americana RF American Plum F Horizontal Dry soil; sun; suckering habit; white flowers; yellow to orange fall color.
Prunus cerasifera "Newportii" Newport Plum M Round Sun; reddish-purple summer foliage.
Prunus virginiana RF Chokecherry M Upright Dry, infertile soil; suckering habit; white flowers; yellow to orange fall color.
"Canada Red" or "Shubert" Shubert Chokecherry Sun; foliage changes from green to purple in early summer.
Pyrus calleryana and cultivars Callery Pear M Oval Sun; early, white flowers; late red fall color.
Saliz matsudana "Tortuosa" Corkscrew or Contorted Willow F Upright Wet soil; tolerates poor drainage; sun; twisted branches; pest or disease problem may limit use.
Saliz pentandra Laurel Willow M Round Wet soil; sun; foliage glossy, dark green; dense habit.
Sorbus alnifolia Korean Mountainash S Oval Cool soil; simple leaves; small flowers and fruits; orange to red fall color; pest or disease problem.
Sorbus aucuparia and cultivars European Mountainash M Oval Cool soil; orange fruits; pest or disease problem
Sorbus decora Showy Mountainash S Upright Cool Soil; large, reddish fruits; pest or disease problem.
Syringa reticulata Japanese Tree Lilac S Horizontal Sun; large, pyramidal, cream-white flower clusters in June; tan fruits.
KEY: *Wisconsin native S=Slow M=Medium F=Fast

 

Detailed Classification of Plant Species: Tall Evergreen Trees (40 landscaping points)

Botanical Name Common Name Growth Rate Form Adaptation and Remarks
Abies concolor White Fur M 70' Dry soil; heat; gray-green foliage.
Picea abies Norway Spruce F 75' Deep soil; dark green foliage; long cones; pendulous branchlets
Picea glauca RF White Spruce M 50' Moist soil; sun; light green needles.
Picea omorika Serbian Spruce S 50' Sun; narrow habit; pendulous branchlets.
Picea pungens glauca Blue Colorado Spruce S 60' Sun; urban; blue needles; stiff, formal habit.
Pinus cembra Swiss Stone Pine S 50' Sun; narrow habit.
Pinus nigra Austrian pine M 50' Sun; urban; stout, dark green needles, pest or disease problem.
Pinus resinosa RF Red Pine F 50' Dry soil; sun; reddish bark; yellow-green winter color.
Pinus strobus RF Eastern White Pine M 75' Moist soil; sun; picturesque; soft, green foliage, pest or disease problem.
Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine F 50' Dry soil; sun; orange bark; bluish needles.
Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas Fir M 70' Half-shade; flat, dark green needles.
Tsuga Canadensis RF Canada Hemlock M 75' Moist soil; soft, feathery foliage.
KEY: S=Slow M=Medium F=Fast RF=Recommended for reforestation

 

Detailed Classification of Plant Species: Medium Evergreen Trees (20 landscaping points)

Botanical Name Common Name Growth Rate Form Adaptation and Remarks
Thuja occidentalis RF American Arborvitae M 40' Wet soil; half-shade; light green, soft, scale-like foliage.
KEY: *Wisconsin native S=Slow M=Medium F=Fast

 

Detailed Classification of Plant Species: Low Evergreen Trees (12 landscaping points)

Botanical Name Common Name Growth Rate Form Adaptation and Remarks
Juniperus chinnensis "Keteleeri" Keteleer Juniper S 20' Dry soil; sun; green foliage; large fruits.
Juniperus chinnensis "Mountbatten Mountbatten Juniper S 20' Dry soil; sun; narrow, columnar form; large fruits.
Juniperus virginiana RF Eastern Red Cedar S 20' Dry soil; sun; brownish winter color.
"Burkii" Burke Eastern Red Cedar Fine-textured, gray-green foliage.
"Canaertii" Canaert Eastern Red Cedar Dark green, tufted foliage.
"Glauca" Silver Eastern Red Cedar Silver-gray foliage; informal habit.
"Hillii" Hill Dundee Eastern Red Cedar Gray-green foliage turns purple in winter, no fruits.
Picea glauca RF "Densata" Black Hills Spruce S 20' Dry soil; sun; narrow, dense habit.
Taxus cuspidata Japanese Yew S 20' Shade; urban, deep green needles; often sold as Taxus cuspidata "Capitata"
Thuja occidentalis RF "Fastigiata" Pyramidal Arborvitae M 25' Narrow columnar form.
Thuja occidentalis RF "Techny" Techny Arborvitae S 20' Deep green foliage, year round.
KEY: S=Slow M=Medium F=Fast RF=Recommended for reforestation

 

Detailed Classification of Plant Species: Tall Deciduous Shrubs (5 landscaping points)

Botanical Name Common Name Form Adaptation and Remarks
Amelanchier sp. (See also low trees) Serviceberry Upright Shade; alkaline soil; white flowers; edible purple fruits; smooth, gray bark; yellow to orange fall color; fireblight a problem.
Caragana arborescens Siberian Peashrub Erect, Oval Dry, alkaline soils; yellow flowers; green twig.
Chionanthus virginicus Fringetree Spreading Moist soil; shade; white flowers; blue fruits; coarse.
Cornus alternifolia Pagoda Dogwood Spreading Moist soil; shade; white flowers; blue fruits; horizontal branches; early, maroon fall color.
Cornus mas Corneliancherry Dogwood Oval Shade; urban; yellow flowers in April; flower buds may be injured or killed during some winters; edible red fruits.
Cornus racemosa Gray Dogwood Erect Dry or wet soils; shade; white flowers; white fruits; purple fall color.
Cornus sericea Redosier Dogwood Spreading Wet, moist soils; tolerates poor drainage; white flowers; white fruits; red twigs; often sold a C. stolonifera.
Cornus sericea baileyi Bailey Redosier Dogwood Erect
Cotoneaster multiflora Manyflowered Cotoneaster Mounded Sun; well-drained soil; white flowers; red fruits; very wide-spreading; pests/diseases.
Elaeagnus umbellata Autumnolive Spreading Poor, dry soil; sun; fragrant flowers; edible, red fruits; twiggy.
Euonymus alata Winged Euonymus Spreading Sun or shade; well-drained soil; corky, winged twigs; pink to rose fall color.
Euonymus atropurpurea Eastern Wahoo Tree-like Moist soil; shade; tiny, purplish flowers; orange to purple fall color.
Euonymus europaea Spindletree of European Euonymus Tree-like Dry-soil; urban; striped bark; persistent pink fruit; orange to purple fall color.
"Aldenhamensis" Aldenham European Euonymus Bright pink fruit; shrubby form
"Redcap" Redcap European Euonymus Bright red fruit.
Exochorda racemosa Pearlbush Leggy Sun; pearl-like flower buds; tan fruit capsules.
Hamamelis virginiana Common Witchhazel Spreading Shade; yellow October flowers.
Hydrangea paniculata "Grandiflora" Peegee Hydrangea Upright Moist soil; white to pink flowers in August; persistent, tan flower clusters.
Kolkwitzia amabilis Beautybush Upright Alkaline soil; sun; pink flowers in June; shredded bark; leggy.
Ligustrum amurense Amur Privet Erect Dry soil; white flowers; black fruits; hedge plant
Ligustrum vulgare "Cheyenne" Cheyenne Privet Erect Dry soil; urban; white flowers; black fruits; hedge plant.
Lonicera x bella "Candida" White Belle Honeysuckle Upright-mounded Dry soil; white flowers; red fruits; may become weedy, pest problem.
Lonicera tatarica zabelii Zabel Honeysuckle Rounded Dry soil; urban; red flowers; dense, red fruits; may become weedy, pest or disease problem, may be sold as L. korolkowii zabelii.
Magnolia stellata Star Magnolia Rounded Rich soil; white flowers; orange fruits; finest textured magnolia.
Physocarpus opulifolius Eastern Ninebark Vase Dry soil; semi-shade; white flowers; red, capsular fruit; shredded bark; course.
Prunus tomentosa Manchu Cherry Rounded Dry soil; sun; white flowers; edible, red fruits.
Prunus triloba Double Flowering Plum Rounded Sun; double, pink flowers; no fruit.
Rhamnus frangula "Columnaris" Tallhedge Glossy Buckthorn Columnar Moist soil; shade; red to black fruits; holds leaves late.
Rhus glabra Smooth Sumac Suckering Dry soil; sun; persistent red fruits; smooth stems; scarlet fall color.
Rhus typhina Staghorn Sumac Suckering Dry soil; sun; persistent red fruits; felty stems; orange to red fall color.
Rhus typhina "Dissecta" Shredleaf Staghorn Sumac Picturesque Dry soil; sun; red fruits; dissected leaves, orange to red in fall.
Salix caprea Goat Willow or French Pussy Willow Oval Wet or dry soil; sun; large silver catkins in early spring.
Shepherdia argentea Buffaloberry Irregular Dry soil; sun; yellowish flowers; dioecious; edible red fruits; silvery foliage.
Staphylea trifolia American Bladdernut Upright Moist soil; shade; whitish flowers; green to brown, bladder-like fruits; white-striped bark.
Syringa x chinensis Chinese Lilac Vase Dry, alkaline soil; purple-lilac flowers; fine texture.
Syringa x hyacinthiflora cvs. Hyacinth Lilacs Upright Sun; white, pink, lilac, purple flowers; early blooming.
Syringa x prestoniae cvs. Preston Lilacs Rounded Sun; pink to purple flowers; late-blooming; coarse textured.
Syringa reticulata Japanese Tree Lilac Tree-like Sun; white flowers in June; tan fruits; cherry-like bark; often sold as S. amurensis japonica.
Syringa vulgaris cvs Common Lilac Upright Well-drained soil; sun; white, pink, lilac, purple, fragrant flowers; pest or disease problem may limit use.
Tamarix ramosissima Tamarisk Irregular Dry soil; sun; tiny, pink flowers; very fine texture; often sold as T. pentandra.
Viburnum dentatum Arrowwood Viburnum Vase Moist soil; shade; white flowers in June; blue fruits; maroon fall color.
Viburnum lantana Wayfaringtree Viburnum Upright Dry soil; shade; white flowers; red to black fruits; late maroon fall color.
Viburnum lentago Nannyberry Viburnum Upright Moist or dry soil; sun or shade; white flowers; black fruits; leggy; maroon fall color; pest or disease problem.
Viburnum prunifolium Blackhaw Viburnum Spreading Dry soil; shade; white flowers; black fruits; single or multi-trunked; maroon fall color.
Viburnum sieboldii Siebold Vibernum Tree-like Rich soil; white flowers; red to black fruits; large, coarse leaves.
Vibernum trilobum American Cranberrybush Vibernum Upright Moist soil; shade; lacy, white flowers; persistent, edible fruits.

 

Detailed Classification of Plant Species: Medium Deciduous Shrubs (3 landscaping points)

Botanical Name Common Name Form Adaptation and Remarks
Aronia arbutifolia Red Chokeberry Erect Wet soil; shade; tolerates poor drainage; white flowers; red fruits; red fall color.
Cornus alba "Argenteomarginata" Creamedge Dogwood Mounded Moist soil; white flowers; white fruit; variegated foliage.
Corylus americana American Filbert or Hazelnut Rounded Dry soil; shade; catkins in March; orange fall color.
Cotoneaster divaricatus Spreading Cotoneaster Mounded Dry alkaline soil; red fruits; fine texture; late maroon fall color; not fully hardy in zone indicated—needs a special site or ideal conditions.
Cotoneaster lucidus Hedge Cotoneaster Upright Dry soil; shade; black fruits; orange to maroon fall color; good hedge plant; C. acutifolius is similar.
Euonymus alatus "Compacta" Dwarf Winged Euonymus Spreading Sun or shade; pink and orange fruits; red fall color.
Forsynthia x intermedia cvs. Border Forsythia Vase Sun; urban; large, pale to yellow flowers; flower buds may be injured or killed at temperatures lower than - 14°F.
Forsythia ovata Early Forsythia Mounded Sun; urban; smaller, earlier, yellow flowers; flower buds may be injured or killed at temperatures lower than - 25°F.
Forsythia suspensa Weeping Forsythia Mounded Sun; urban; yellow flowers; slender, drooping twigs; flower buds may be injured or killed at temperatures lower than - 15°F.
Ilex verticillata Winterberry Upright Wet, acid soil; tolerates poor drainage; dioecious; red fruits.
Ligustrum obtusifolium regelianum Regel's Border Privet Spreading Dry soil; shade; white flowers; blue-black fruits; late, purple fall color.
Malus sargentii "Tina" Sargent Crabapple Spreading Disease resistant; 5' mature height.
Myrica pensylvanica Bayberry Upright Dry soil; sun; gray, fragrant fruits; dioecious; semi-evergreen; suckering.
Philadelphus x virginalis "Glacier" Glacier Mockorange Rounded Sun; double, white, fragrant flowers.
Prunus x cistena Purple-leaved Sand Cherry Rounded Dry soil; sun; white flowers; purple foliage all season.
Rhodotypos scandens Jetbead Spreading Dry soil; shade; white flowers; sparse red fruits; fine texture.
Rosa hugonis Father Hugo Rose Vase Poor soil; sun; yellow flowers; sparse red fruits; fine texture.
Rosa rugosa cvs. Rugosa Rose Rounded Dry soil; sun; white, yellow, pink, or red flowers; large edible red fruits; fall color; wrinkled leaves; tolerant of salt.
Rosa setigera Prairie Rose Sprawling-mounded Sun; pink flowers in July; red fruits; orange fall color; can be used as a climber.
Spiraea prunifolia Bridalwreath Spirea Upright Sun; double, white flowers; orange to red fall color.
Spiraea thunbergii Thunberg Spirea Vase Sun; white flowers; yellow to orange fall color; fine-textured.
Spiraea x vanhouttei Vanhoutte Spirea Vase Sun; white flowers; arching branches.
Syringa meyeri "Palibin" Palibin Lilac Rounded Sun; purple flowers; dense; fine-textured; good informal hedge plant often sold as S. palibiniana.
Viburnum carlesii Koreanspice Viburnum Rounded Shade; urban; pink to white, fragrant flowers; blue-black fruits; red fail color.
Viburnum cassinoides Witherod Viburnum Rounded Wet, acid soil; tolerates poor drainage; white flowers; pink to red to blue fruits; red fall color.
Weigela florida Old-fashioned Weigela Spreading Well-drained soil; pink, funnel-shaped flowers.
Weigela x 'Vanicekii' Vanicek Weigela Spreading Well-drained soil; red flowers.

 

Detailed Classification of Plant Species: Low Deciduous Shrubs (1 landscaping point)

Botanical Name Common Name Form Adaptation and Remarks
Acanthopanax sieboldianus Fiveleaf Aralia Upright Dry soil; shade; urban; leaves palmately compound; thorny.
Amelanchier stolonifera Running Serviceberry Suckering Dry soil; shade; white flowers; edible fruits; orange fall color.
Aronia melanocarpa Black Chokeberry Suckering Wet soil; shade; white flowers; black fruits; red fall color.
Berberis thunbergii Japanese Barberry Mounded Dry soil; shade; red fruits; orange fall color; thorns; good hedge plant.
"Atropurpurea" Redleaf Japanese Barberry Sun; red summer foliage.
"Crimson Pygmy" Crimson Japanese Barberry Low-mound Sun; red summer foliage; 2' tall.
Buxus microphylla koreana Korean Littleaf Box Rounded Shade; broadleaf evergreen; good hedge plant.
Chaenomeles japonica alpina Dwarf Japanese Floweringquince Spreading Dry soil; urban; orange flowers; yellow, edible fruits; dense; 1' tall; flower buds may be injured or killed during some winters.
Cotoneaster apiculatus Cranberry Cotoneaster Mounded Dry soil; red fruits; red fall color.
Deutzia x lemoinei "Compacta" Compact Lemoine Deutzia Rounded Well-drained soil; white flowers.
Diervilla lonicera Dwarf Bushhoneysuckle Mounded Dry soil; shade; yellow flowers; good bank cover.
Forsythia viridissima "Bronxensis" Bronx Forsythia Low-mound Sun; small yellow flowers; fine texture; purple fall color.
Hydrangea arborescens "Annabelle" Annabelle Hydrangea Mounded Moist soil; shade; white, clustered flowers; dense; blooms on new wood.
Hydrangea arborescens "Grandiflora" Snowhill Hydrangea Mounded Smaller flower clusters and less dense than Hydrangea arborescens "Annabelle."
Hypericum kalmianum Kalm's St. Johnswort Rounded Dry soil; sun; yellow flowers; shiny brown twigs.
Lonicera x xylosteoides "Clavey's Dwarf" Clavey's Dwarf Honeysuckle Rounded Dense growth; good hedge or screening plant.
Lonicera xylosteum "Nanum" Emerald Mound Honeysuckle Mounded Lower growing than proceeding; 2'-3'.
Mahonia aquifolium "Mayhan" Mayhan Oregongrape Suckering Shade; urban; yellow flowers; blue fruits; holly-like evergreen foliage; not fully hardy in zone - need special site or ideal conditions.
Philadelphus coronarius "Aureus" Golden Mockorange Rounded Sun; white flowers; yellow summer foliage.
Philadelphus x lemoinei "Mont Blanc" Mont Blanc Mockorange Mounded Sun; single; white, fragrant flowers; dense.
Physocarpus opulifolius "Nanus" Dwarf Common Ninebark Rounded Dry soil; shade; creamy-white flowers; red capsular fruits; shredded bark.
Potentilla fruticosa cvs. Bush Cinquefoil Mounded Dry soil; sun; yellow and white flowers summer.
Prunus glandulosa "Sinensis" Pink Dwarf Floweringalmond Rounded Sun; light soil; double, pink flowers; no fruits; narrow leaves.
Rhododendron x kosteranum Mollis Hybrid Azaleas Spreading Moist, acid soil; pink flowers; red fall color.
Rhododendron x "PJM Hybrid" PJM Hybrid Rhododendron Rounded Moist, acid soil; shade; lavender flowers; evergreen leaves turn purple in autumn.
Rhus aromatica Fragrant Sumac Mounded Dry soil; sun; red fruits; fragrant foliage; turns orange-maroon in fall.
"Gro-Low" Gro-low Fragrant Sumac Uniform 2 ½' height; glossy leaves.
Ribes alpinum Alpine Currant Rounded Shade; urban; good hedge plant.
Rosa virginiana Virginia Rose Suckering Dry soil; pink flowers; red fruits; red stems; good bank cover.
Salix repens argentea Silver Creeping Willow Spreading Moist soil; sun; silvery foliage.
Spiraea x arguta "Compacta" Compact Garland Spirea Mounded Sun; white flowers; fine texture.
Spiraea x billiardii Billiard Spirea Upright Sun; pink flowers, in July and August.
Spiraea x bumalda "Anthony Waterer" Anthony Waterer Spirea Rounded Dry soil; sun; raspberry red flowers; unattractive fruits.
Spiraea x bumalda "Froebelii" Froebel Spirea Rounded Dry soil; sun; raspberry red flowers; orange to maroon fall color.
Spiraea japonica alpina Daphne Spirea Low-mound Sun; pale pink flowers in July; 10" height.
Spiraea nipponica "Snowmound" Snowmound Spirea Mounded Sun; white flowers; blue-green foliage; possible disease problem.
Symphoricarpos rivularis Snowberry Vase Dry soil; shade; tiny pink flowers; showy white fruits; often sold as S. albus laevigatus.
Symphoricarpos orbiculatus Indiancurrant Coralberry Suckering Dry soil; shade; pink fruits; good bank cover.
Viburnum opulus "Compactum" Compact European Cranberrybush Viburnum Rounded Shade; white flowers; persistent, red fruit; dense habit.
Viburnum opulus "Nanum" Dwarf European Cranberrybush Viburnum Globe Shade; no flowers or fruits; twiggy.

 

Detailed Classification of Plant Species: Tall to Medium Evergreen Shrubs (5 landscaping points)

Botanical Name Common Name Growth Rate Form Adaptation and Remarks
Juniperus chinensis
"Ames" Ames Juniper 9' Broad pyramid Sun; bluish green foliage.
"Blaauw" Blaauw Juniper 4' Upright-vase Sun; grayish blue foliage.
"Herzii" Herz Blue Juniper 15' Ascending-Spreading Sun; silvery blue foliage.
"Maney" Maney Juniper 6' Upright, bushy Sun; bluish green foliage.
"Old Gold" Old Gold Juniper 4' Spreading Sun; green with gold tips.
"Pfitzerana" Pfitzer Juniper 6' Wide-spreading Sun; green foliage; no fruits.
"Pfitzerana Glauca" Blue Pfitzer Juniper 5' Spreading Sun; blue-gray foliage.
Juniperus communis depressa Oldfield Common Juniper 4' Spreading Dry soil; sun; light green; brownish in winter.
Juniperus sabina "Von Ehren" Von Ehren Savin Juniper 4' Spreading Dry soil; sun; light green; brownish in winter.
Juniperus squamata "Meyeri" Meyer Singleseed Juniper 5' Picturesque Sun; blue foliage.
Picea glauca RF "Conica" Dwarf Alberta Spruce 7' Pyramidal Shelter from winter sun; light green foliage.
Pinus mugo Mugo Pine 4' Mounded Dry soil; sun; green foliage.
Taxus cuspidata "Expansa" Spreading Japanese Yew 6' Spreading Shade; urban; dark green foliage; needs ideal conditions.
Taxus cuspidata "Nana" Dwarf Japanese Yew 4' Mounded Shade; urban very dark green foliage; needs ideal conditions.
Taxus x hunnewelliana Hunnewell Yew 6' Spreading Shade; green
Taxus x media cvs. Anglojapanese Yew 1-10' Round or upright Shade; very dark green; needs ideal conditions.
Thuja occidentalis RF "Robusta" Ware American Arborvitae 8' Broad Pyramid Wet soil; half-shade; dark green foliage. Often sold as T.o. "Wareana"
Thuja occidentalis RF "Woodwardii" Woodward Globe American Arborvitae 6' Globe Wet soil; half-shade; bright green.
KEY: RF=Recommended for reforestation

 

Detailed Classification of Plant Species: Prohibited Species

Botanical Name Common Name Growth Rate Form Adaptation and Remarks
Acer negundo Boxelder Weed tree.
Buckthorn Invasive
Crown Vetch Invasive ground cover; aggressive.
Celtis occidentalis RF * Common Hackberry M Vase Tolerates alkaline soils; "pebbled" bark; yellowish fall color; pest or disease problem may limit use.
Crataegus crus-galli Cockspur Hawthorn S Spreading Urban; sun; persistent, brick red fruits; orange to red fall color; evil thorns.
Gleditsia triacanthos Common Honeylocust F Vase Urban; tolerates poor drainage; salt tolerant; dioecious, females produce pods; fine-textured foliage; wicked thorns; yellow fall color; pest or disease problems may limit use.
Lonicera x bella Belle Honeysuckle Dry soil, white flowers; red fruits; may become weedy, pest problem.
Lonicera tatarica Tatarian Honeysuckle Dry soil; urban, pink to white flowers; dense, red fruits; may become weedy, pest or disease problem.
Lonicera morrowi Morrow Honeysuckle Urban, dense, white flowers, pest and disease problem, weedy.
Purple Loosestrife Perennial, common marsh plant, may choke out native plants.
Rhamnus cathartica Common Buckthorn Becomes weak.
Rhamnus frangula Glossy Buckthorn Becomes weak.
KEY:  S=Slow   M=Medium   F=Fast   RF=Recommended for reforestation

 

* The Common Hackberry may be allowed within a lot's interior landscaping. However, the Common Hackberry shall not be located adjacent to parking areas, sidewalks or paths.

The following sources were used in compiling the preceding lists of plant species:

Department of Natural Resources. Forest Trees of Wisconsin: How to Know Them. Madison, Wisconsin: Department of Natural Resources, 1987.

Hasselkus, E.R. A Guide to Selecting Landscape Plants for Wisconsin. Madison, Wisconsin: College of Agricultural and Life Sciences University of Wisconsin - Extension, Cooperative Extension Programs, 1982.

Hightshoe, Gary L. Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines for Urban and Rural America: A Planting Design Manual for Environmental Designers. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1988.

Iowa State University. Landscape Plants for Iowa. Ames, Iowa: Iowa State University Cooperative Extension Service, May 1984.

(Ord. No. 801G, § 3, 3-6-06; Ord. No. 957G, § 1, 4-7-08; Ord. No. 24H, § 11, 9-8-09)