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…
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…
