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 viridis 'Winter King' [Winter King Green Hawthorn] An attractive, nearly thornless vase-shaped small tree with beautiful white flower corymbs and large, bright red persistent fruits. This cultivar was discovered in a fence row by Bob Simpson in Vincennes, Indiana. Very adaptable, although leaves are often badly infected by rust so that the entire plant appears to be suffering from the measles.
Tree Crataegus × lavalleei [Lavalle Hawthorn] The Lavalle Hawthorn is a small, rounded tree that resulted from a cross of Crataegus mexicana and C. crusgalli. Quite resistant to rust and less thorny than its Cockspur Hawthorn parent.
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.
Tree Crataegus × 'Vaughn' [Vaughn Hawthorn] This small tree is a hybrid of Crataegus crusgalli x C. phaenopyrum. It is generally grown for its fragrant clusters of white flowers in the spring and prolifically produced red fruits that persist into winter. Due to its numerous thorns, it is best used in areas with low traffic. Highly susceptible to rust.
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.
Tree Diospyros virginiana 'Meader' [Meader Persimmon] Most usually dioecious. Flowers attract bees. 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. Deep tap root makes large plants difficult to transplant. Can be poisonous to horses. ‘Meader’ is a self-fertile cultivar usually producing fruit after 2-3 years.
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…
Tree Indiana Native Fagus grandifolia [American Beech] In a proper site, an excellent trouble-free shade tree with year-round interest. Less adaptable to hot, dry conditions than the exotic F. sylvatica, but somewhat more cold hardy. F. grandifolia is preferred in Zone 4. Like F. sylvatica, this tree is so shallow rooted and casts such heavy shade that grass does not grow well beneath it. Low branching habit is a concern for use in the tree lawn as a street tree (may require…
Tree Fagus sylvatica [European Beech] In a proper site, an excellent trouble-free shade tree with year-round interest. More adaptable to hot, dry conditions than our native F. grandifolia, but somewhat less hardy. F. grandifolia is preferred in Zone 4. Like F. grandifolia, this tree is so shallow rooted and casts such heavy shade that grass does not grow well beneath it. Low branching habit is a concern for use in the tree lawn as a street tree (may require more…
