It's March, and time to think about what we want to plant to replace the 3 Sumac Lo-Gro (that I hate & have just about cut down). They are along the front of a short side walk on the west side of the house. The pic shows 2 of the Sumacs last Spring before my campaign to eliminate them, there is a third one to the left out of frame. My dream shrub:
Enjoys full to partial sun (depending on season)
Likes limey clay soil
Is native to the area (Northern Illinois)
Blooms with white, fragrant flowers in early Spring
Bears edible fruit
Either is low (3') or can be kept low with pruning
Spread 4' or can be pruned to that size
Looks good year 'round
Tolerates salt from sidewalk (though will be edged)
Tolerates some wind
Likes good snow cover
*sigh* Some I have looked at are a small Viburnum cultivar, Black Chokeberry such as 'Morton'/'Iroquois Beauty', Running Serviceberry, Jersey Tea, Inland Jersey Tea. Obviously, easy care would be great, but I don't mind babying a small shrub to adulthood or yearly pruning/renewing.
Thoughts? Suggestions?
