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…
Liana (Climbing Vine) Indiana Native Celastrus scandens [American Bittersweet] Sun to partial shade (best flowers in full sun), and tolerant of soil conditions (except wet). Tends to be invasive. Birds are fond of fruits. Tends toward dioeciousness. Female plants need a male pollinator to produce more abundant fruits. Can girdle trees it grows on. Euonymus scale and two-marked treehoppers can cause damage.
Shrub Indiana Native Cephalanthus occidentalis [Common Buttonbush] Buttonbush is an Indiana native and a wet-soil tolerant shrub found near marshes, wetlands, and river banks. This is a great choice for those wet areas in the landscape or a featured shrub in your rain garden. The flowers of this shrub are globe-like in shape and bloom from June through August, attracting wildlife such as butterflies. The leaves of the Buttonbush emerge late in the Spring and might look dead until mid-May. Though this…
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.
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.
Tree Indiana Native Cornus alternifolia [Pagoda Dogwood] Broad-spreading, low branched, forming stratified tiers, very interesting branching habit. Leaf spot and twig blight/canker can be problem for older trees.
Shrub Indiana Native Cornus amomum [Silky Dogwood] 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. Scale and leaf spot can be a problem. Can appear a bit coarse in the landscape.
