Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Frangula caroliniana [Carolina Buckthorn] Handsome shrub or small tree with dark green, 8 to 10 vein-paired leaves. Fruits are 1/3" diameter, globose and has a sweet taste to it. Changes from red to black as it matures. Fruit ripes (Red) in August and remain on the plant until October or later, by which time it turns black.
Tree Indiana Native Gleditsia triacanthos f. inermis [Thornless Common Honeylocust] This large tree has finely compound leaves that provide a pleasant, dappled shade in the summer. The thornless forma inermis is only sold in commerce, as the profuse thorns of the species type can be a liability. Mimosa webworm and locust mite are serious pests in the Midwest, and are becoming more serious (especially in areas tending toward monoculture). Can be controlled with spraying.
Tree Indiana Native Gymnocladus dioicus [Kentucky Coffeetree] Gymnocladus dioicus is a large deciduous tree with strong winter character from the branches and bark. Drops pods (female trees) and twigs, frequently causing litter problem, thus eliminating the straight species as a good street tree. Seeds were once used by US settlers as a coffee substitute, however pulp and seeds are toxic when not properly and completely roasted.
Shrub Indiana Native Hydrangea arborescens [Smooth Hydrangea] The Smooth Hydrangea is an Indiana native found along woodlands and waterways with rocky soils. The flowers of Hydrangea arborescens can be large and heavy, bending stems to the ground. Best used in a shady area or along foundations of buildings for some support. This plant often gets cut back hard to the ground in late winter to maintain a neat look and to promote vigorous flowering the following summer. Hydrangea arborescens is a fast…
Shrub Indiana Native Ilex glabra [Inkberry] This species, like other hollies, is dioecious, so plant females for fruit and an occasional male for pollination. Withstands severe pruning. Winter desiccation injury to leaves occurs in exposed sites, with severe yellowing when temperatures drop below -20 degrees F. Avoid high pH soils.
Shrub Indiana Native Ilex verticillata [Common Winterberry] Excellent show of bright red berries in winter and fruiting color is best in full sun. This species, like other hollies, is dioecious, so plant females for fruit and an occasional male for pollination. Adaptable to wet soils, but tolerates more normal conditions also. Native habitats are swampy areas. Tends to sucker and can be quite twiggy. Leaf spot and mildew can be serious problems. Develops chlorosis on alkaline soils.
Shrub Indiana Native Itea virginica [Virginia Sweetspire] Quite drought and pH tolerant although best situated in moist areas with some acidity. Flowers best in full sun, but is shade tolerant. Pruning sometimes needed to maintain form, primarily for removal of wayward branches. Avoid pruning in late fall or winter as flowers form on previous season's wood. Can be subject to flea beetle and leaf spot.
Tree Indiana Native Juglans cinerea [Butternut] Juglans cinera is a large, rounded tree similar to, but overall smaller than the Black Walnut (Juglans nigra). It is not commonly grown for ornamental purposes. The nut, once one is able to crack the hard shell, is edible, sweet, oily, and buttery. Long tap root makes transplanting difficult. This species is valued for its wood and between overharvesting and losses from Butternut Canker (Sirococcus clavigignenti-juglandacearum), this species has become rare in its native habitat.
Tree Indiana Native Juglans nigra [Black Walnut] Nuts are a serious litter problem, staining sidewalks and driveways. Juglone (found in leaf litter and possibly roots) is toxic to many plants, like tomatoes, blackberries, red pines, and many others. Black Walnut wood is valuable and has a variety of commercial uses, especially for furniture.
Tree Indiana Native Liriodendron tulipifera [Tuliptree] Handsome, tall shade tree with strong central leader. Performs best in good soil with adequate moisture. Variable in hardiness, depending on geographic source. Use native stock when possible. State tree of Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Slightly weak-wooded. Subject to damage in very windy sites. Subject to aphid and scale insects when weakened. Needs good drainage and a lot of soil (tree lawn may be too small). Its poorly branched fleshy root system (taproot)…
