Shrub Indiana Native Rubus occidentalis [Black Raspberry] This thorny shrub is an Indiana native found along woodland edges. Although its natural habit is spreading, the Black Raspberry can be cut back to the ground to allow control of the spread and rejuvenation. The fruits of the Black Raspberry are sweet yet a bit tart, becoming a commercial commodity in parts of the United States. Best use in the landscape would be property boarders and erosion control. Best growth in part shade and…
Shrub Indiana Native Rubus odoratus [Flowering Raspberry] The Flowering Raspberry offers great texture into the landscape with its exfoliating bark during the winter months and its large course leaves during the summer months. Its rich, pink-purple flowers begin to bloom in early June, offering fragrance and color. The flowers and fruits often attract birds and other wildlife, including butterflies and bees.
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.
Shrub Sambucus nigra 'Eva' [Sold as Black Lace®] [Black Lace Elderberry] More lacy, fern-textured, dark purple leaves, pale pink flowers, 6 to 8' high; origin as for Black Beauty
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 Symphoricarpos albus [Common Snowberry] Useful as a bank cover or large scale groundcover. Transplants well. This plant has a beautiful fruit show and is shade tolerant, however, it is also a twiggy, "garbage can plant" (collects leaves and blowing debris); this quality (especially prominent in the fall and winter) limits its usability in the landscape.
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 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).
