Shrub Abelia × grandiflora [Glossy Abelia] Glossy Abelia can develop chlorosis on high pH soils. Yearly pruning is required to remove deadwood and this plant may become leggy with age if not killed back in winter.
Tree Abies concolor [White Fir] Similar to Picea pungens f. glauca in color and general form, but less positive, and so easier to use in a variety of situations. Better adapted to hot, dry summers than most other firs.
Tree Acer palmatum [Japanese Maple] A refined but striking specimen in its several forms, differing in color, texture, and habit, but all graceful. Newly expanded foliage may be damaged by sun and wind. Plant where it will receive some protection from the elements, especially winter elements. Can leaf out early and be killed back by a late freeze. Prefers some shade and good moisture.
Shrub Indiana Native Aesculus parviflora [Bottlebrush Buckeye] Can be kept at a smaller size for a time with careful pruning, but it will in time occupy much space. Tolerates some shade, and can even be attractive under large shade trees. Suckers quite freely.
Tree InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive Ailanthus altissima [Tree of Heaven] Unusual form and texture not unlike a large sumac. Highly adaptable. Tolerates salt spray. Dioecious. Coarse and inclined to drop twigs. Male flowers are malodorous; female plants make many weed seedlings. Ailanthus altissima forms dense, clonal thickets which displace native species and can rapidly invade fields, meadows, and harvested forests. This invasive tree species is extremely tolerant of poor soil conditions and can even grow in cement cracks. Ailanthus altissima is not shade tolerant, but…
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/Tree Indiana Native Aralia spinosa [Devil's Walkingstick] Slow growth rate, but fast on roots (forms a very coarse thicket). Sucker shoots can be a maintenance problem if tree form is desired. Sharp prickles also make maintenance difficult, and are a minor hazard to children. Otherwise, no serious problems with this plant. Very adaptable and easy to grow, tolerating most conditions except wet soil. Drought tolerant, and best in full sun. Excellent selection in a mass planting near buildings having poor soils.
Tree Indiana Native Castanea dentata [American Chestnut] Highly susceptible to chesnut blight, causing this tree to be nearly extinct in the wild.
Tree Indiana Native Catalpa speciosa [Northern Catalpa] Coarse winter trunks and branches are bold and striking; picturesque. Best for difficult areas. Wood is rot resistant, but is somewhat brittle so branches can fall in wind and ice storms. Too coarse of texture for most urban landscapes. Short-lived to about 50 years.
Shrub Indiana Native Ceanothus americanus [New Jersey Tea] New Jersey Tea is a native prairie plant that has thick, deep-reaching, red roots (which can even grow up to 8" in diameter), making it very drought tolerant, but also difficult to transplant. This small, compact shrub is able to fix atmospheric nitrogen and is quite adaptable, not only tolerating drought, but different soil types as well. It is even capable of growing in sandy and rocky soils. The leaves of New Jersey Tea were…
