Rhus typhina or staghorn sumac, definitely belongs in this category. You've probably seen this plant on the sides of highways or growing in craggy areas where few other plants succeed. The plant is called staghorn sumac because of the fuzzy stems -- they almost resemble the hairy antlers of a stag.
Below is another Rhus, Rhus glabra or smooth sumac.
Like most Rhus species, the plant has a characteristic red seed head, which as you can see, is quite beautiful.
Finally, a third Rhus, Rhus aromatica or fragrant sumac. I love this plant. It's tough, has great fall color and it emits a spicy aroma when the leaves are crushed. Of course, it's important to know the difference between this plant and it's more aggressive cousin, Rhus dermatitis, or poison oak.
I've spoken about Cotinus coggygria two times in the past. It's a plant I don't really love, since it seems so alien in almost any landscape. However, the small whips of this tree (or is it a shrub? It seems to occupy the no-man's land between these two categories...) that dotted the High Line seemed right.
And it's hard to deny the brilliance of its autumn color.
2 comments:
The fall coloring looks nice. I wonder if they'll leave the grasses and other plants standing all winter or if they'll be trimming some of it back.
I'd hope they leave it until at least late February or March. It seems part of the point in having a Piet Oudolf planting plan. I'm also curious at how the planting ages and what species will outcompete others.
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