In today’s episode, Nebraskan Trees and Shrubs for Bored Suburbanites, we chat with Heather Byers, owner of Great Plains Nursery, about keystone species, the best time of year to plant trees, and beautiful and native options for woody plants humans, pollinators, and yes, even squirrels can enjoy.

Host Stephanie Barelman

Stephanie Barelman is the founder of the Bellevue Native Plant Society, a midwest motivational speaker surrounding the native plants dialogue, and host of the Plant Native Nebraska Podcast.

Guest Heather Byers

Heather Byers is a native tree enthusiast and, along with her husband Brian, owner of Great Plains Nursery near Weston, NE. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2006 with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Horticulture Production and shortly after started the business with a passion for growing and planting native trees and shrubs and sharing the importance of native plants for the ecosystem.

Episode Sponsors

Today's episode is sponsored by Lauritzen Gardens:

laurtizengardens.org

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TRIGGER WARNING: We occasionally discuss plants with a more eastern or western range. But we make a point to only discuss midwestern U.S. plants. Always check BONAP or other range maps to determine the best estimates of historical nativity.

Top Trees and Shrubs at Great Plains Nursery

Most of the plants we discuss can be found online at https://greatplainsnursery.com/

Although there are differences between Eastern and Western Nebraska, Heather stresses planting trees and shrubs with high ecological value.

Her recommendations for Eastern NE:

Oaks, baby!

Did you know that oaks support 500 species of caterpillars. And consequentially, oaks support a variety of birds such as bluejays (beautiful jerks) and species of warblers. Many different kinds of oaks to choose from such as:

• Chinquapin or Dwarf Chinquapin Oak (great for smaller spaces)
• Chestnut Oak
• Hills Oak
• Red Oak
• Burr Oak

Some recommendations for Western NE:

• Burr Oak
• Hackberry
• American...