Common barberry or European barberry, Berberis vulgaris, is a non-native invasive woody shrub.  Intentionally brought to North America by early settlers in the 1600s, it has escaped cultivation and is widely distributed in the northern U.S.  Common barberry is also an alternative host for the disease, black stem rust, a severe pest of grains.  As a result, large scale eradication efforts began in the 1900's to remove this reservoir of disease.  However, populations still exist in the Great Lakes states, including Ohio, and the northeastern United...

Grab your hot cocoa, roast some chestnuts, and join us in Chadwick Arboretum for this virtual presentation.  Since Covid 19 has forced us to virtual programming, and the solstice will be soon, and the Solstice Walk is a popular evening event, we are changing it up a little to allow more people the opportunity to learn about the solstice, stars, and the labyrinth at Chadwick Arboretum. 

This week we look at what some very durable choices for street trees. These include Kentucky Coffee Tree, Honeylocust and Golden Rain Tree. The latter two may have been overused for this application in the past several decades but are still good trees when used in combination with other Genus and species to increase diversity.

Earlier today, I woke up and looked out a window to see a foggy start to the day. At first glance, I however overlooked the frost that was also present. As it became lighter and the morning continued, the frost lessened and by noon the beauty disappeared, although the fog is still hanging around.   

Eucommia (Hardy Rubber Tree), Ginkgo (Ginkgo), Maclura (Osage Orange) This week we look at what some would deem ‘Odd’ for street trees but can be good choices for harsh conditions. The key is to pick the right plant cultivar, or you may be headed for trouble.

Phragmites is a non-native perennial grass this is commonly referred to as common reed. The wetland grass thrives in its name sake - wetlands or low areas - but can also establish itself in other areas. It is commonly found along roadsides in ditches, in retention ponds and bioswales, along the edges of ponds, rivers and lakes, and will completely infiltrate a wetland, quickly becoming a monoculture - single species. It is considered invasive as it outcompetes all other plants and displaces wildlife as it becomes the top-plant, at least in numbers, in a given area.

Birch trees have long been cherished for their bark color and texture. But they can also be cherished for their versatility and adaptability to harsh conditions.

Check out the last installment of the 2020 Turfgrass Times. On this edition includes:  Dr. David Gardner; Dr. Ed Nangle; Joe Rimelspach; Dr. Pamela Sherratt; and Dr. Dave Shetlar (aka the Bug Doc). 

While the leaves of viburnum (Viburnum spp.) shrubs have fallen, if the viburnum leaf beetle (Pyrrhalta viburni) was present earlier this year, the eggs laid on the shrubs newest growth will be evident. This non-native invasive species feeds a larvae and adult, skeletonizing viburnum leaves. When population level of the insect increase, defoliation of the shrub becomes more obvious. The insect will feed on naturally growing viburnums, as well as those planted in landscapes, in commercial plantings and at gardens and arboretums. 

Emerald Ash Borer University (EABU) will be presenting a virtual session on Thursday, November 19 at 11 am EST - Invasive Jumping Worms: The Impact of a New Soil Invader. This session, like all EABU sessions, will be recorded and the link will be posted on the regional Emerald Ash Borer website at http://www.emeraldashborer.info/