Tree Indiana Native Carpinus caroliniana [American Hornbeam] A clean, trouble-free small tree, useful in intensive situations such as patios and malls, and equally interesting in naturalized plantings. Useful as a large hedge if coppiced when young. Performs well in heavy shade and tolerates periodic flooding. Difficult to transplant. Move balled-and-burlapped for best results. Sometimes called Blue Beech and Ironwood (although these are best not used).
Tree Indiana Native Carya cordiformis [Bitternut Hickory] Carya cordiformis is naturally found growing in low woodlands and along rivers, streams, and ponds. This is one of the fastest growing of the hickories. The long taproot can make this species difficult to transplant. There are no serious insect or disease threats.
Tree Indiana Native Carya glabra [Pignut Hickory] With its straight trunk and strong, hard wood, the Pignut Hickory is most commonly grown for the lumber industry and is not generally used as an ornamental tree. In the wild, it tends to grow on ridges and hillsides in dry to moist soils. This large tree needs a great deal of room to grow and transplants poorly due to its large taproot. The nuts are generally too bitter for humans to eat, but are…
Tree Indiana Native Carya illinoinensis [Pecan] The Pecan is a tall, straight-trunked tree and is the largest of the hickories. It is well-known for its sweet, edible nuts and because of this, it is an important horticultural crop in the south, where it produces fruit most abundantly. However, it is not generally recommended for use in the landscape, due to its pest susceptibility and litter problem. With its large taproot, it can also be quite difficult to transplant.
Tree Indiana Native Carya laciniosa [Shellbark Hickory] This high branching tree has a straight, slender trunk, narrowing crown, and small spreading branches with the lower branches drooping and upper branches ascending. The nut that is produced is sweet and edible. The Shellbark Hickory is similar to C. ovata (Shagbark Hickory) in many respects, except it does not grow as large and tends to grow near lowlands or bottomlands where there is more moisture in the soil. The wood from this tree provides…
Tree Indiana Native Carya ovata [Shagbark Hickory] The bark of Carya ovata gives the tree its common name and is characteristically rough and shaggy on mature trees, growing in long flat plates, making especially good winter interest. The wood of this tree is especially hard, making it useful for a variety of products. This tree develops a large taproot, making it difficult to transplant.
Tree Indiana Native Carya tomentosa [Mockernut Hickory] This tree is found on ridges, dry hills, and slopes but grows best in moist, well-drained soil. The fall color is deep golden yellow to golden brown and persists. Fruit is round to elliptical with a thick husk splitting at the base and contains an edible seed.
Tree Indiana Native Celtis laevigata [Sugar Hackberry] The Sugar Hackberry is very similar to the Common Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) and is especially useful in large-scale situations with dry soils and heavy winds. This species gained its common name from the juicy, sweet berries it produces. Subject to a leaf nipple gall (caused by psyllid insect Pachypsylla dismamma, one of many jumping plant lice). However, the Sugar Hackberry is more resistant to witches'-broom disease (caused by Eriophyid mite) than the Common Hackberry. Especially…
Tree Indiana Native Celtis occidentalis [Common Hackberry] As well adapted to Midwestern conditions as American Elm, and a reasonably good substitute in form as well. Especially useful in large-scale situations with dry soils and heavy winds. Subject to a leaf nipple gall (caused by psyllid insect Pachypsylla dismamma, one of many jumping plant lice) and witches'-broom disease (caused by Eriophyid mite), both minor in most situations in the Midwest. Especially coarse texture limits use in designed landscapes.
Tree Indiana Native Cercis canadensis [Eastern Redbud] A fine small tree that grows wild in many parts of Indiana. Relatively trouble-free and drought-resistant. Requires some protection from the sun in hotter climates, however flowering decreases with deep shade. Canker, leaf spot, and verticillium wilt can be problematic for older trees, or trees weakened by other environmental stresses. Due to genetic variability, be sure of seed source. Long tap root means that older plants transplant poorly.
