Many of the Plant Materials Program's best known plants are grasses;
however, the program has selected several outstanding woody plants over
the years. 'Indigo' silky dogwood is a top shrub performer from an
original collection made in Clinton County, Michigan. The plant was selected
for its utility in farmstead windbreaks, particularly single row windbreaks
in fields with center pivot irrigation systems because it is low enough not
to interfere with the irrigation spray bar that passes overhead. Its dense
branches block blowing snow during the winter months. The stems, leaves, and
blue fruit of 'Indigo' are good food for wildlife (deer, game birds, and
songbirds). 'Indigo' is also versatile enough to work in streambank stabilization
and ornamental landscape plantings. Made available in 1982 by the Rose Lake,
Michigan Plant Materials Center and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources,
'Indigo' is adapted to moist, organic soil throughout much of the eastern US.
It has been used on 960 conservation acres for a total ecological benefit of
$4.7 million.
About Us
Back to Top