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…
Tree Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea' [Purple-Leaf 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…
Tree Fagus sylvatica 'Red Obelisk' [Red Obelisk European Beech] The Red Obelisk European Beech has a gorgeous columnar form and this tree is notable season round. The foliage is crimson red with light red-white tips. The stem is smooth and light gray.
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Forestiera acuminata [Swamp Privet] The Swamp Privet is a large shrub typically found near swamps, floodplains, wet woods and marshes. Purple-black fruits (drupes) ripen during late summer and is a food source for water fowl, such as ducks. Forestiera acumunata is dioecious, so one would need a male and female for the shrub to produce its fruit. Leaves are a dark green and looks evergreen from a glance, yet turns a golden yellow in fall.
Tree Indiana Native Fraxinus americana [White Ash] Not as adaptable as Green Ash but has better esthetics. Heavy crops of seeds on female trees cause litter, and these germinate freely making the tree slightly weedy. An unattractive ash flower gall (caused by mites) can develop on male flowers and persist into winter. Subject to storm damage, so plant in areas that shelter the tree from strong winds. Emerald Ash Borer is severely affecting all species of this genus. Damage can be prevented…
Tree Ginkgo biloba [Ginkgo] The Ginkgo is a long-lived deciduous conifer and gymnosperm. It is frequently termed a "living fossil," as it is the only surviving member of a group of ancient plants with fossils dating back to 270 million years ago. This plant is dioecious, and the so-called fruits (which are actually naked seeds with a soft seed coat) are borne on female trees, are green or tan-orange, and have an offensive odor when ripe and decaying. Fruits…
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 Halesia carolina 'Arnold Pink' [Pink Carolina Silverbell] This small tree is interesting when in bloom with pink bell-shaped flowers that are larger than the straight species, but this plant is rather neutral otherwise. However, it is relatively trouble free and useful in many situations as a neutral background plant, or for its flowers. Best grown as a single stem and allowed to branch low (20-30"). Does not transplant well (a particular problem with field-grown plants).
Tree Indiana Native Ilex opaca [American Holly] This species, like other hollies, is dioecious, so plant females for fruit and an occasional male for pollination. Winter dessication injury can occur on leaves in exposed sites. Holly leaf miners are one of the major problem pests for Ilex opaca.
Tree Ilex opaca 'Old Heavy Berry' [Old Heavy Berry American Holly] 'Old Heavy Berry' is an excellent, vigorous female cultivar with good winter hardiness and an abundance of large, bright red fruits. This species, like other hollies, is dioecious, so plant females for fruit and an occasional male for pollination. Winter dessication injury can occur on leaves in exposed sites. Holly leaf miners are one of the major problem pests for Ilex opaca.
