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 Celtis occidentalis 'Prairie Pride' [Prairie Pride 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. 'Prairie Pride' has glossy, thick, leathery leaves and is less of a litter problem than the species type due to its lower fruit production. Subject to a leaf nipple gall (caused by psyllid insect Pachypsylla dismamma, one of many jumping plant lice), but is not subject…
Tree Cercis canadensis 'RNI-RCC3' [sold as Midnight Express™ Redbud] [Midnight Express™ Redbud] The Midnight Express® redbud is known for its noteworthy flowers. They are small clusters pink pea-shaped flowers that bloom in spring.
Tree Chionanthus retusus [Chinese Fringetree] The Chinese Fringetree can be a large, multi-stemmed shrub or a small single- or multi-trunked tree. In late spring to early summer, Chionanthus retusus produces a beautiful show of pure, white, fringe-like flowers that are borne in clusters on branch ends. For optimal flowering, place in a full sun location. This species is dioecious and female plants produce very ornamental blue fruits that are attractive to wildlife. Plants of known sex are not usually available…
Tree Chionanthus virginicus [White Fringetree] Dioecious with male plants showier in flower than females; plant a female if fruits are desired. Plants of known sex are not usually available unless selected in the flowering size. One of the last plants to leaf out in the spring.
Tree Indiana Native Cladrastis kentukea [American Yellowwood] A highly ornamental native tree, even though the pendulous clusters of flowers do not appear in great numbers every year. Well-adapted to Midwest conditions. Develops a tap root. Does not flower fully each year; part of a tree may flower one year, part the next, but the effect is striking even when only certain branches bear flowers. Bees are attracted to the flowers. Flowers appear only after many years from seed. Avoid pruning in spring…
Shrub Cornus alba [Tatarian Dogwood] Grows well in a variety of situations, including wet soil. Easy to transplant. Relatively trouble-free. A three-year pruning cycle improves form, vigor, and winter stem color effect. Cutting all stems 6-12" from ground in late winter has similar effect. Best in mass plantings. Excellent for winter color. Leaf blight can be a problem.
Shrub Cornus alba 'Kesselringii' [Kesselring Tatarian Dogwood] This cultivar is known for its deep purple twigs in winter and rich reddish-purple foliage in fall. Grows well in a variety of situations, including wet soil. Easy to transplant. A three-year pruning cycle improves form, vigor, and winter stem color effect. Cutting all stems 6-12" from ground in late winter has similar effect. Best in mass plantings. Excellent for winter color. Canker can be a problem.
Shrub Cornus alba 'Regnzam' [sold as Red Gnome™] [Dwarf Red Twig Tatarian Dogwood] 'Regnzam' is a compact cultivar, also known for its bright red stems and fall foliage. Grows well in a variety of situations, including wet soil. Easy to transplant. Relatively trouble-free. A three-year pruning cycle improves form, vigor, and winter stem color effect. Cutting all stems 6-12" from ground in late winter has similar effect. Best in mass plantings. Excellent for winter color. Leaf blight can be a problem.
