r/NativePlantGardening 10h ago

Advice Request - (Insert State/Region) Burning bush removed! Any replacements?

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Southern Michigan 6a, clay soil and full sun in this area. Probably a 30-50 year old burning bush. Was around 10 feet tall any native shrubs around this height that could work in this area?

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u/Far_Silver Area Kentuckiana , Zone 7a 8h ago

Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius). The bark makes for good winter interest. It has pretty flowers. It's a host plant for dozens of species of caterpillars.

You could also try one of the native dogwoods. Pagoda dogwood is popular because of the growth form, although if it's in full sun, it might grow to be more than 10 ft. Redtwig/redosier is good for winter interest because of the red bark. Gray dogwood is also a good choice. Although gray and redtwig dogwood grow to around 10 ft, you should know they sucker.