Tree Indiana Native Salix nigra [Black Willow] The Black Willow is a fast-growing, wet soils tolerant tree, reaching 30 to 60 feet at maturity. Can sucker profusely, so use sparingly in the landscape. In the wild, you can find Salix nigra near floodplains, streams and rivers, and marshes. The ancient Greeks knew the therapeutic values of willow (Salix) and brewed tea made from willow bark to relieve stiff joints and other bodily aches and pains. A number of insect species attack the…
Shrub Indiana Native Sambucus canadensis [American Elderberry] This plant is known most for its fruits, which have a high Vitamin C content and are attractive to both people and wildlife. The berry-like fruits are popular for making wine, juice, jellies, preserves, and pie. However, this plant is not generally advised for use in the landscape due to its excessive suckering and difficult to maintain form (can become quite unkempt). Very tolerant of various environmental conditions.
Tree Indiana Native Sassafras albidum [Common Sassafras] Roots sucker and form thickets, which may or may not be desirable. Sassafras tea contains safrole, a mild carcinogen banned in food products. Iron chlorosis in high pH can turn leaves yellow.
Shrub Indiana Native Spiraea alba [Meadowsweet] The meadowsweet is an Indiana native shrub that can be found in wet prairies, marshes, and flood plains. Its flowers appear on panicles during the later summer months and last till about September, making this shrub a great addition to the landscape as a late blooming shrub. The flowers also attract pollinators, such as bumblebees and other bee species. Wet soils are needed for this shrub and can even tolerate periods of flooding. Every three…
Tree Indiana Native Thuja occidentalis [Eastern Arborvitae] One of the best plants for screening in moist, well-aerated soils. Bagworms can be a problem. Subject to several other insect pests, all of which usually can be controlled with timely spraying. Deer may feed on foliage. Winter color can be poor.
Tree Indiana Native Tilia americana [American Linden] Very adaptable, even in alkaline soil, but does not tolerate much air pollution. Too big for most urban landscapes. Japanese beetles like feeding on it.
Tree Indiana Native Tsuga canadensis [Canadian Hemlock] One of the finest plants for evergreen hedges; even the faster growing forms can be kept to 4-8' tall without difficulty. Dwarf forms are excellent rock garden or border specimens. Foliage browns in dry soil, drying wind, and winter sun in very exposed sites. Does not tolerate long periods of drought. Can be scorched by full sun and temperatures above 95 degrees F. Many minor pest problems, with wooly aldelgids being especially serious in the…
Tree Ulmus americana [American Elm] American Elm, also known as White, Gray, Water, or Swamp Elm. Previously, a common street tree but the Dutch elm disease killed many trees. Although, with maintenance programs some trees are able to hold back the disease.
Tree Indiana Native Ulmus rubra [Slippery Elm] The Slippery Elm has a vase-shaped form, similar to that of the American Elm (Ulmus americana), but with more ascending branchlets. This tree gained its common name from the moist, slippery, red inner bark chewed by Native Americans and pioneers to quench thirst. Not considered very ornamental for the landscape, due to its coarse texture, weedy tendencies, and susceptibility to Dutch Elm Disease (although not as severe as the American Elm).
