Re: shrubs for shade, clay and birds

I think someone already mentioned Viburnums for under your oaks.  I really
think they meet all your criteria -- shade-loving natives whose fruit feeds
the birds.  They also offer nice white flowers, and most have fall color.
I have to admit that I'm not sure how well they like clay, but viburnums
are generally unfussy about soil type.  Here are some good ones:

Viburnum acerifolium -- mapleleaf viburnum
V. dentatum -- southern arrowwood
V. lentago -- nannyberry
V. nudum -- possum haw
V. rafinesquianum -- downy arrowwood
V. trilobum -- American highbush cranberry

These are all hardy in zone 5, and I believe they are all native to Illinois.

Janet
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index