Tree Aesculus × carnea 'Fort McNair' [Fort McNair Red Horsechestnut] Fort McNair Red Horsechestnut is less suscebtible to leaf scorch, leaf blotch and mildew than the straight species, although it can still contract the diseases. Does not perform well in dry sites; plant in moister soils for best growth and flowering. Flowers at an early age. Prickly fruits may be a problem underfoot. Fruits are poisonous (containing toxic saponins). Often develops branches having narrow crotch angles (branches that should be removed).
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Amelanchier canadensis [Shadblow Serviceberry] Amelanchier canadensis, the Shadblow Serviceberry, tends to be confused with Amelanchier arborea, the Downy Serviceberry, and Amelanchier laevis, the Allegheny Serviceberry. However, A. canadensis, compared to A. arborea and A. laevis, is generally much more shrub-like (often forming thickets), flowers a week later, and produces upright flower clusters (as opposed to the pendulous racemes of A. arborea and A. laevis). The Shadblow Serviceberry is excellent for woodland plantings, naturalizing, and along stream and pond banks.…
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Amelanchier canadensis 'Sprizam' [sold as Spring Glory®] [Spring Glory Shadblow Serviceberry] A new variety, notable for its compact, upright habit reaching only 12' tall and 8-10' wide.
Tree Indiana Native Amelanchier laevis [Allegheny Serviceberry] An excellent small tree for naturalizing and for very early, but short-lived, bloom. Fruits are edible and a prime source of food for birds. Can produce fruit by apomixis. Subject to the troubles of Rosaceous plants in general, including fire-blight and mites, which can be controlled, usually quite easily.
Shrub Indiana Native Amorpha fruticosa [Indigobush Amorpha] The Indigobush Amorpha is a Indiana native shrub that can be found along river banks and shallow marshes. This shrub can be planted in areas of poor soil where few other plants will survive, as well as used for erosion control. To avoid weediness, seeds can be collected shortly after flowering as it can spread readily by seeds. Common problems of Amorpha fruticosa includes rust, leaf spots, powdery mildew and twig canker. Some gall problems…
Shrub Indiana Native Arctostaphylos uva-ursi [Bearberry] Hard to establish, can develop winter burn from sun and wind when cold. Does not like excessive summer heat. Can develop foliar diseases (leaf spot) when stressed. Leaves are used to make a tea in some parts of Russia, where it is known as Kutai and Caucasian Tea. The dried leaves have been used to treat diseases of the bladder and kidney, and inflammatory diseases.
Shrub Indiana Native Aronia melanocarpa [Black Chokeberry] This Indiana native shrub is similar to the Red Chokeberry in habit and form, but differs in that the Black Chokeberry is larger, has black-colored fruits, broader leaves, and generally larger flowers. Place in a higher light location for the best flower and fruit display. Best used for naturalizing, mass plantings, and wetland reclamation projects. The berries are edible, but only palatable when used in jellies and jams.
Tree Indiana Native Asimina triloba [Common Pawpaw] Needs filtered or full shade in its first few years, then tolerates full sun. Good specimen tree in a shady landscape. Fruits resemble a short, fat banana, at first green then turning yellowish then brown as they ripen in the fall, and taste like a combination between a banana and mango. Suckers rapidly.
Tree Indiana Native Betula alleghaniensis [Yellow Birch] Graceful tree, interesting for its shining bark beginning yellowish or bronze and exfoliating in thin shreds, becoming reddish brown until finally forming blackish-brown plates. Especially well adapted to wet soils. Does not do well in dry situations. Less subject to the borer troubles of B. papyrifera in the Midwest.