Tree Indiana Native Crataegus phaenopyrum [Washington Hawthorn] One of the finest small trees for winter color. The 1-3" thorns can be dangerous, especially around children. Fireblight, leaf spot, and cedar-hawthorn rust are among the worst problems, although more trouble-free than many hawthorns. Japanese beetles like to feed on hawthorns.
Tree Crataegus × mordenensis [Morden Hawthorn] This uncommon plant resulted from a cross between Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet' and C. succulenta'. It has attractive clusters of double flowers and is highly resistant to hawthorn rust.
Shrub Indiana Native Dasiphora fruticosa [Bush Cinquefoil] Extreme hardiness and long season of bloom make this a favorite in severe climates. Low stature and tolerance of poor, dry soils give it added usefulness in other areas also. Can develop a ragged, unkept habit over time. Remove 1/3 of canes each year (3-year pruning cycle), and consider renewal pruning to a very low framework every 3-5 years if needed.
Tree Indiana Native Diospyros virginiana [Common Persimmon] Most are usually dioecious and have a deep tap root which makes large plants difficult to transplant. Flowers attract bees while the fruit attracts birds and many mammals. The fruit is astringent when green, sweet and edible when ripe. Fruits, twigs, and leaves can be a littler problem.
Shrub Indiana Native Euonymus americanus [American Euonymus] The American Euonymus is a small, suckering shrub that is native to the eastern portions for the United States, west to Texas. Normally, the American Euonymus can be found in woodlands and can tolerate deep shade and a wide range of soil types. Its flowers are unsual for Euonymus because of its five-petaled flowers instead of the usual four for most other euonymus species. Other common names, such as Strawberry-bush or Hearts-a-Burstin, are derived from…
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Euonymus atropurpureus [Eastern Wahoo] The Easter Wahoo is an Indiana native shrub/small tree that can be found in open woods or along forest edges and is grown for its attractive red fruits and great fall color. Due to its irregular habit, the Eastern Wahoo can be an issue in the formal landscape, but regular pruning can fix this issue. Far less invasive than the infamous Euonymus alatus (Winged Euonymus or Burning Bush). Flowers are small, rich purple that bloom…
Shrub/Tree Euonymus europaeus [Common Spindle Tree] Euonymus europaeus is an adaptable small tree (sometimes large shrub) that can spread and become invasive. The Common Spindle Tree's primary ornamental interest is its attractive and interesting fruits in the fall. Unfortunately, this tree can otherwise be quite unattractive, irregular, and spindley.
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.
