Plants

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Shrub/Tree

Indiana Native

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Aralia spinosa

[Devil's Walkingstick]

Slow growth rate, but fast on roots (forms a very coarse thicket). Sucker shoots can be a maintenance problem if tree form is desired. Sharp prickles also make maintenance difficult, and are a minor hazard to children. Otherwise, no serious problems with this plant. Very adaptable and easy to grow, tolerating most conditions except wet soil. Drought tolerant, and best in full sun. Excellent selection in a mass planting near buildings having poor soils.

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Shrub

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Eleutherococcus sieboldianus

[Fiveleaf Aralia]

Tolerates a wide range of soil and environmental conditions, including dry city conditions and shade. Little seasonal interest other than foliage, but extremely durable shrub. Prickles on stems can make pruning difficult. In poor sites, renewal pruning can improve form. In rich organic soils, renewal pruning can lead to rank growth. Usually dioecious.

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Shrub

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Eleutherococcus sieboldianus 'Variegatus'

[Variegated Aralia]

This cultivar has attractive, creamy variegated foliage and is more compact than the straight species. Tolerates a wide range of soil and environmental conditions, including dry city conditions and shade. Prickles on stems can make pruning difficult. In poor sites, renewal pruning can improve form. In rich organic soils, renewal pruning can lead to rank growth. Usually dioecious.

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Liana (Climbing Vine)

 InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive

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Hedera helix

[English Ivy]

Tolerant of heavy shade to full sun except at the northern limits of its useful range, where some protection from full winter sun is necessary. Useful as a groundcover only, not as a vine, in Zone 5b, except hardiest cultivars in sheltered sites. Vigorous and can be a weed problem in certain regions of the country (like the NW US) where it can smother woodlands. Poisonous fruits, but it generally takes many years for it…

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Liana (Climbing Vine)

 InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive

Purdue Plant Doctor Available

Hedera helix 'Baltica'

[Baltica English Ivy]

'Baltica' has smaller leaves with more prominent white veination. Foliage becomes tinged with purple in the winter. Tolerant of heavy shade to full sun except at the northern limits of its useful range, where some protection from full winter sun is necessary. Vigorous and can be a weed problem in certain regions of the country (like the NW US) where it can smother woodlands. Poisonous fruits, but it generally takes many years for it to…

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Liana (Climbing Vine)

 InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive

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Hedera helix 'Thorndale'

[Thorndale English Ivy]

'Thorndale' is a very hardy cultivar that has large, glossy leaves with striking white veination. Tolerant of heavy shade to full sun except at the northern limits of its useful range, where some protection from full winter sun is necessary. Useful as a groundcover and vine. Vigorous and can be a weed problem in certain regions of the country (like the NW US) where it can smother woodlands. Poisonous fruits, but it generally takes many…

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Tree

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Kalopanax septemlobus

[Castor Aralia]

No disease or insect problems. Stout prickles could cause injury. Slight weediness via the seeds. Not common in commerce.

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