Plants

Liquidambar styraciflua (Shuttle Gum Group)
[American Sweetgum]

This group of Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum) trees was germinated in August of 1984 after a mission aboard the space shuttle Discovery. Purdue astronaut Charles Walker of Bedford, Indiana, brought back 200 tiny trees; these recognize Purdue's many astronauts. Sweetgums are handsome shade trees with few troubles and outstanding seasonal interest. Widely adapted to soils and climates, as evidenced by their wide range. Fall foliage coloration varies greatly in timing and intensity among individuals. Rather difficult…

Indiana Native

Liquidambar styraciflua (Shuttle Gum Group)

Tree

Malus × 'Adirondack'
[Adirondack Flowering Crabapple]

The Flowering Crabapple is a popular small ornamental tree with an extremely showy flower display in the spring. This variant has a vase-shaped (somewhat columnar) habit, extremely upright branching, and high resistance to apple scab, fireblight, cedar-apple rust, and powdery mildew. Tends to flower and fruit in alternate years. Well-drained heavy loam soils and full sun promote best growth.

Tree

Malus × 'Snowdrift'
[Snowdrift Flowering Crabapple]

The Flowering Crabapple is a popular small ornamental tree with an extremely showy flower display in the spring. 'Snowdrift' is a vigorous selection that is covered with numerous white blossoms in the spring, which are then followed by attractive orange-red crabapple fruits. Susceptible to apple scab and fire blight. Well-drained heavy loam soils and full sun promote best growth. May look ragged by the end of the summer.

Shrub/Tree

Myrica pensylvanica
[Northern Bayberry]

Waxy gray berries were used by early settlers for making aromatic candles, and occasionally still are used for this purpose. Especially good plant for full sun and sandy soils, but grows well on many soils. Tolerates half shade. Relatively salt-tolerant. Forms colonies via suckers. Fixes nitrogen in the soil. Dioecious. Use female plants (when known) for fruiting, and occasional male for pollination. Difficult to transplant from field.

Tree

Indiana Native

Oxydendrum arboreum
[Sourwood]

This plant gets it common and scientific name from its sour-tasting leaves. The genus name is derived from the Greek word "oxys", meaning sour, and "dendron", meaning tree. Honey produced from the pollen of Sourwood flowers is considered valuable. The attractive, slightly fragrant flowers are often prolifically produced, especially in full sun, and are effective for up to four weeks. Like all Ericaceous plants, Oxydendrum arboreum requires rich, organic, moist, well-drained, and acidic soil. This…

Indiana Native

Shrub

Pyracantha coccinea 'Lalandei'
[Lalandei Scarlet Firethorn]

A favorite for espalier training, because of the adaptable branching habit, showy fruits, and vigourous growth. Adapted to a variety of soils and environments but is susceptible to scab. 'Lalandei' is the most popular Scarlet Firethorn cultivar in northern areas, although it may winter burn.

InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive

Shrub/Tree

Rhamnus cathartica
[Common Buckthorn]

Tolerates most sites. Dioecious. Very invasive, by the seeds that birds love to eat; probably best to refrain from planting this species in the landscape. Susceptible to rusts (Puccinia coronata), that also attacks oats (in oat growing areas, buckthorn eradication is recommended). The bark, leaves, and fruit were once used in purgatives, thus one of this plant's common names, "Purging Buckthorn".

Shrub

Rhododendron maximum 'Roseum'
[Roseum Rosebay Rhododendron]

'Roseum' requires wind and shade protection, although it is a vigorous grower. Susceptible to a large number of pests and diseases, which can largely be prevented by good cultural practices.

Shrub

Rhodotypos scandens
[Black Jetbead]

Relatively trouble-free. Tolerant of a variety of soils and environments, particularly dryness and shade. Commonly becomes straggly if growing in a site that is too dry or too wet.