Sumac - Smooth
The Smooth Sumac, Rhus glabra, is a shade-intolerant pioneer on heavily disturbed sites, and is particularly common along road and railroad rights-of-way. Usually in clumps of several to many individuals in a clone, rarely more than 25 stems in one clone. Sumac will often be found within the first year following fire. Smooth sumac is a short-lived pioneer, which reproduces clonally via root suckers. Seed production is moderately abundant, and seeds are dispersed by birds. Growth is rapid. Lifespan is about 20-30 years, though clones can persist for centuries. Fruit is important as winter bird food. This is an important deer browse species. It is suited to group plantings in small to large yards. It is especially useful in attracting birds to naturalized yards. ... get more information
Holly - Red Sprite Red Sprite Winterberry, Ilex verticillata 'Red Sprite', is a dense compact plant that produces multitudes of bright red, one half inch fruits that persist throughout the winter. The deep green foliage turns purple-bronze in fall. Winterberries are the "queens" of the fruiting shrub world when ranked for ornamental value. The fruiting branches are great for decoration in the garden or in the house. You'll need both male and female plants to produce fruits and Red Sprite requires Ilex 'Jim Dandy' for pollination and berry production. A wonderful shrub for winter interest, the Red Spire Winterberry shrub reaches 2-3 feet in height and width.
