Shrub Calycanthus floridus [Common Sweetshrub] The Common Sweetshrub was one of the first native plants in the US used as an ornamental. Widely adapted to soil and sun or shade. Certain selections can permeate an area with fragrance. Can be forced for indoor fragrance. Not all plants have equally fragrant flowers; don't use seed propagated plants for that reason. Seeds are poisonous, causing convulsions, myocardial depression, and hypotension.
Tree Carpinus betulus 'Columnaris' [Columnar European Hornbeam] Carpinus betulus is relatively trouble-free and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and some shade. This plant is also very tolerant of heavy pruning, making it useful as a hedge. The cultivar 'Columnaris' is a narrow, columnar cultivar that is slow-growing with densely set branches and leaves.
Tree Indiana Native Carya cordiformis [Bitternut Hickory] Carya cordiformis is naturally found growing in low woodlands and along rivers, streams, and ponds. This is one of the fastest growing of the hickories. The long taproot can make this species difficult to transplant. There are no serious insect or disease threats.
Tree Indiana Native Carya ovata [Shagbark Hickory] The bark of Carya ovata gives the tree its common name and is characteristically rough and shaggy on mature trees, growing in long flat plates, making especially good winter interest. The wood of this tree is especially hard, making it useful for a variety of products. This tree develops a large taproot, making it difficult to transplant.
Tree Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea' [Golden Southern Catalpa] The Golden Southern Catalpa can tolerate full sun, but does best in part sun to part shade. This species is weak wooded and should not be placed where it is open to wind and storm damage. 'Aurea' is known for its rich yellow leaf coloration and its broad form. Its flowers are trumpet shaped and white with yellow and purple spots.
Tree Indiana Native Catalpa speciosa [Northern Catalpa] Coarse winter trunks and branches are bold and striking; picturesque. Best for difficult areas. Wood is rot resistant, but is somewhat brittle so branches can fall in wind and ice storms. Too coarse of texture for most urban landscapes. Short-lived to about 50 years.
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 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.
Tree Cercidiphyllum japonicum [Katsuratree] More hardy once established than when young. A striking specimen tree, useful for partial shade and accent. Unusually free of insect problems. Leafs out early in spring. Forms multiple trunks unless pruned. Does not transplant well. Not very drought-tolerant, particularly after transplanting.
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.
