Tree Indiana Native Quercus rubra [Red Oak] One of the best and most reliable of oaks as a shade or street tree. More vigorous and fast-growing than most oaks. Good street tree since it performs reasonably well in small soil volumes (although it tends to branch close to ground). Oak wilt disease has been troublesome in certain areas of the Midwest. Hybridizes easily with other oaks (be careful of source).
Tree Indiana Native Quercus velutina [Black Oak] Quercus velutina is a large, deciduous oak with an irregular canopy. It is closely related to Q. rubra (Red Oak), which it is known to hybridize with. The interesting bark of the Q. velutina is nearly black and furrowed. Transplanting is made difficult by the long tap root. Not generally sold commercially.
Shrub Rhododendron catawbiense 'Chionoides' [Chionoides Rhododendron] White flowers have the yellow centers and make numerous dome shaped trusses. The broad, dense plant is easy to grow and has attractive, narrow foliage.
Shrub Indiana Native Ribes americanum [American Black Currant] American Black Currant is a shade and wet soil tolerant shrub species often found in our Indiana woodlands. Small greenish-white flowers bloom in May which leads to dark red to black fruits that ripen in late August/September. When placed in full sun, a brilliant reddish orange fall color is produced but often golden yellow in the fall. The edible fruits are used in jams and jellies and are desirable food source for wildlife. An alternative…
Shrub Indiana Native Robinia hispida var. fertilis [Bristly Locust] Can fix nitrogen. Especially well adapted to poor, dry, alkaline soils. Though native, can be invasive on sandy soils. Frequent pruning may be needed.
Tree Indiana Native Robinia pseudoacacia [Black Locust] Widely variable in form, the most picturesque are straight-trunked with branches abruptly fanning out at the top. Fixes N2. Locust borers are troublesome and difficult to control, but many trees live with them successfully for many years. Leaf minors and permanently wet soils can be problems.
Shrub Rosa × 'Radwhite' [sold as White Knock Out®] [White Knock Out Rose] The White Knock Out Rose is a compact shrub with matte green foliage, making the creamy white flowers stand out against the dark leaves.
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Salix humilis [Prairie Willow] Prairie Willow is more drought tolerant than other willows. Rabbits and deer eat the twigs. The nectar is used by bees to provide high quality honey.
Tree Indiana Native Sassafras albidum [Common Sassafras] Roots sucker and form thickets, which may or may not be desirable. Sassafras tea contains safrole, a mild carcinogen banned in food products. Iron chlorosis in high pH can turn leaves yellow.
Shrub Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess' [Little Princess Spirea] Grows larger and faster than species
