Shrub Indiana Native Ceanothus americanus [New Jersey Tea] New Jersey Tea is a native prairie plant that has thick, deep-reaching, red roots (which can even grow up to 8" in diameter), making it very drought tolerant, but also difficult to transplant. This small, compact shrub is able to fix atmospheric nitrogen and is quite adaptable, not only tolerating drought, but different soil types as well. It is even capable of growing in sandy and rocky soils. The leaves of New Jersey Tea were…
Liana (Climbing Vine) Indiana Native Celastrus scandens [American Bittersweet] Sun to partial shade (best flowers in full sun), and tolerant of soil conditions (except wet). Tends to be invasive. Birds are fond of fruits. Tends toward dioeciousness. Female plants need a male pollinator to produce more abundant fruits. Can girdle trees it grows on. Euonymus scale and two-marked treehoppers can cause damage.
Tree Indiana Native Celtis laevigata [Sugar Hackberry] The Sugar Hackberry is very similar to the Common Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) and is especially useful in large-scale situations with dry soils and heavy winds. This species gained its common name from the juicy, sweet berries it produces. Subject to a leaf nipple gall (caused by psyllid insect Pachypsylla dismamma, one of many jumping plant lice). However, the Sugar Hackberry is more resistant to witches'-broom disease (caused by Eriophyid mite) than the Common Hackberry. Especially…
Tree Indiana Native Celtis occidentalis [Common Hackberry] As well adapted to Midwestern conditions as American Elm, and a reasonably good substitute in form as well. Especially useful in large-scale situations with dry soils and heavy winds. Subject to a leaf nipple gall (caused by psyllid insect Pachypsylla dismamma, one of many jumping plant lice) and witches'-broom disease (caused by Eriophyid mite), both minor in most situations in the Midwest. Especially coarse texture limits use in designed landscapes.
Shrub Indiana Native Cephalanthus occidentalis [Common Buttonbush] Buttonbush is an Indiana native and a wet-soil tolerant shrub found near marshes, wetlands, and river banks. This is a great choice for those wet areas in the landscape or a featured shrub in your rain garden. The flowers of this shrub are globe-like in shape and bloom from June through August, attracting wildlife such as butterflies. The leaves of the Buttonbush emerge late in the Spring and might look dead until mid-May. Though this…
Tree Indiana Native Cercis canadensis [Eastern Redbud] A fine small tree that grows wild in many parts of Indiana. Relatively trouble-free and drought-resistant. Requires some protection from the sun in hotter climates, however flowering decreases with deep shade. Canker, leaf spot, and verticillium wilt can be problematic for older trees, or trees weakened by other environmental stresses. Due to genetic variability, be sure of seed source. Long tap root means that older plants transplant poorly.
Tree Cercis canadensis 'Golden Falls' [Golden Falls Eastern Redbud] Cercis canadensis Golden Falls® is smaller in size, weeping cultivar. Small pink flowers cluster in groups and emerge before the foliage in spring. In spring foliage is orange tinged and turns bright gold.
Tree Cercis canadensis 'Pink Pom Poms' [Pink Pom Poms Eastern Redbud] The Pink Pom Poms Eastern Redbud is notable for its season round interest. In the spring double flowers cluster on bear branches emerging before the foliage. The foliage are heart shaped leaves that start out green and turn bright yellow come fall. As the leaves fall they leaves behind the arching silhouette of the redbud.
Tree Cercis canadensis 'Vanilla Twist' [Vanilla Twist Weeping Redbud] The Vanilla Twist cultivar features cascading branches that bloom clusters of white flowers.
Shrub Chaenomeles × superba 'Crimson and Gold' [Crimson and Gold Flowering Quince] The Crimson and Gold Quince offers season-round interest. Also the Quince plant produces edit Pear-shaped fruit that is bitter right off the stem but can be used in sweet fall recipes. The Crimson and Gold cultivar shows of it's color with bright red flowers that bloom in Spring. In winter the fruits hold on to the thorny stems after the plant loses it's foliage.
