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 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 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 Indiana Native Juglans cinerea [Butternut] Juglans cinera is a large, rounded tree similar to, but overall smaller than the Black Walnut (Juglans nigra). It is not commonly grown for ornamental purposes. The nut, once one is able to crack the hard shell, is edible, sweet, oily, and buttery. Long tap root makes transplanting difficult. This species is valued for its wood and between overharvesting and losses from Butternut Canker (Sirococcus clavigignenti-juglandacearum), this species has become rare in its native habitat.
Tree Indiana Native Juglans nigra [Black Walnut] Nuts are a serious litter problem, staining sidewalks and driveways. Juglone (found in leaf litter and possibly roots) is toxic to many plants, like tomatoes, blackberries, red pines, and many others. Black Walnut wood is valuable and has a variety of commercial uses, especially for furniture.
Shrub Indiana Native Juniperus horizontalis [Creeping Juniper] Widely adapted to soils and climates, as evidenced by its broad natural range. Tolerates slightly alkaline and heavy clay soils, but not wet soils. Young plants can be seriously injured by Phomopsis blight in some areas. Plants of all ages are susceptible to mite infestation.
Tree Indiana Native Juniperus virginiana 'Taylor' [Eastern Redcedar] Fantastic upright conical-columnar form; may have originated or been tested through Nebraska Statewide Arboretum. Widely adapted to soils and climates, as evidenced by the species' wide geographic range. Does well in alkaline soils, but not wet soils. Alternate host for cedar-apple rust disease. Plant other juniper species in areas having many apples, hawthorns, etc. Susceptible to bagworms.
