MVP – Most Valuable Plants of the Year

Every year the statewide arboretum selects the plants of the year under Great plants for the Great Plains.  They have been chosen for their beautiful characteristics as well as their ability to thrive in the tough seasonal climate of the Midwest.  They select one plant from each of the following categories: tree, conifer, shrub, perennial and grass.  Each year our attention is drawn to these plants that usually are under-appreciated, not well known or used infrequently.

Let’s open up the window and take a look at the celebrities for this year, all of which are new to our area so there is limited availability if you decide to look for them.

Deciduous tree: Black Oak (Quercus velutina)

1. Blackened aged bark & great stature
2. 50-70 ft H x 50-70 ft W
3. Acorns produced every 2-3 yrs at maturity (20 yrs old)
4. Prefers moist well drained soil, tolerates less
5. Native to eastern United States

Coniferous tree: Red Pine (Pinus resinosa)

1. Reddish orange bark & fast grower with strong root system
2. 60-80 ft H x 30-40 ft W
3. Prefers sandy, well drained soil and full sun.
4. Good for snow breaks, low susceptibility to pine wilt
5. Costly preventable treatment available
6. Native to Great lakes region.

Shrub:  Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

1. Deciduous shrub with pom-pom shaped flowers
2. Flowers have styles sticking out to give it a pin cushion look.
3. 5-12 ft H, Can be pruned hard to maintain size.
4. Prefers moist, marshy areas. Full to part shade.
5. Attracts bees and butterflies. Has very few disease or pest enemies.

Perennial:  Carolina Lupine (Thermopsis villosa)

1. Tall spike-like stalk wild flower blooming July
2. 3-4 ft H
3. Prefers dry to medium, well drained soil and full sun.
4. Drought tolerant
5. Native to South eastern United States.

Grass:  Great Sacaton grass (Sporobolus wrightii)

1. Tall, airy plumes
2. 8-10 ft H x 6 ft W
3. Prefers sandy to clay soil and full sun.
4. Perfect for screens. Deer and drought resistant.
5. Native to South western United States.