Chicago Hardy Fig
Sorbus amurensis – Amur Mountain Ash
20-30’h x 15-25’w Hardy to USDA zone 3
Clusters of showy white flowers in mid-spring are followed by bright red-orange berries that persist through winter and are enjoyed by birds. Attractive dark green pinnate foliage turns purple, red and orange in fall. Plant in full to partial sun. Avoid planting in a heavily watered lawn. Water once a week, deeply. Native to Korea, China, Russia.
Ficus carica ‘Chicago Hardy’ – Chicago Hardy Fig
10-15’ h & w Hardy to USDA zone 5
If you plant in a warm sunny spot (like in front of a south-facing foundation or masonry wall) you can enjoy growing these delicious figs! The plant is heat-tolerant and self-pollinating. Small fruits start out green, turning purple-brown when ripe. The tree will die back most years, but will fruit on new wood the next season. Can also be grown in a large pot and brought inside for winter. Enjoys loamy soil, moderate water. Native to the Mediterranean region.
False Indigo
Crataegus crus-galli v. inermis – Thornless Cockspur Hawthorn
12+’h x 12+’w Hardy to USDA Zone 3
A small, graceful tree with glossy dark green foliage. Clusters of white flowers in late May are beautifully displayed above very horizontal (thornless!) branches, and are followed by ½” bright red fruits ripening in late September. Fall color is usually a lovely orange-red. An attractive small specimen tree. Grows in most soil types, including clay.
Prunus x virginiana ‘Canada Red’ – Canada Red Cherry
20-30’h x 15-20’w Hardy to zone 2 (9,000’ elevation)
This hybrid between P. virginiana and P. padus makes a fast-growing plant used as a tree or large shrub. New foliage emerges in spring bright green, then turns burgundy red. Mid-spring clusters of fragrant white flowers mature to small dark purple fruits, much loved by bees, birds and wildlife, and great for jam, jelly or syrup. Grows in most soil types including clay. Seems to be more tolerant of drought than the native chokecherry.
Amorpha fruticosa – False Indigo Bush
6-12’ high x 5-12’w Hardy to Zone 4, 6,000’ elevation
In June, distinctive, long, dense spikes of tiny, scented burgundy flowers with contrasting orange stamens, are displayed on arching ‘fronds’ clothed in fine-textured pinnate green foliage. This nitrogen-fixing Colorado and regional native provides light shade, and partners well with other native shrubs and trees in a Western-style landscape. Attracts many butterfly and bee species. Will grow in poor, dry to moist soils.