Tree Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy' [Purple-Leaf Eastern Redbud] 'Forest Pansy' is a unique and attractive cultivar that has deep purple foliage, which generally fades to a dark, lustrous green in late summer or under drought conditions. Beautiful rose-purple flowers smother the branches in the spring. A fine small tree that is 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…
Tree Indiana Native Cladrastis kentukea [American Yellowwood] A highly ornamental native tree, even though the pendulous clusters of flowers do not appear in great numbers every year. Well-adapted to Midwest conditions. Develops a tap root. Does not flower fully each year; part of a tree may flower one year, part the next, but the effect is striking even when only certain branches bear flowers. Bees are attracted to the flowers. Flowers appear only after many years from seed. Avoid pruning in spring…
Tree Indiana Native Cornus alternifolia [Pagoda Dogwood] Broad-spreading, low branched, forming stratified tiers, very interesting branching habit. Leaf spot and twig blight/canker can be problem for older trees.
Shrub/Tree Cornus officinalis [Japanese Cornel Dogwood] The Japanese Cornel Dogwood is a large multi-stemmed shrub or small tree of oval rounded outline, usually branching to the ground. No serious disease problems, although it sometimes suckers abundantly. These suckers should be removed to control spread; this is especially important if maintaining this plant in tree form. Closely related to Cornus mas, but tends to have more attractive bark, is more open in habit, flowers one to two weeks earlier, and is slightly…
Shrub/Tree Cotinus coggygria 'Purpureus' [Purpureus Smokebush] 'Purpureus' is known for its purple-pink fruiting panicles. Can be pruned to low framework each year to promote plant coloration which occurs best on vigorous stems. Misty fruiting panicles give the species its name. The fine-textured hairs on the fruit pedicels and peduncles change colors, being best when tinted smoky purple to pink.
Shrub/Tree Cotinus × 'Grace' [Grace Smokebush] 'Grace' has become a popular cultivar with its purple emerging leaves and giant panicles of smokey, pink flowers. The "flowers" are actually misty fruiting panicles that give the species its name. The fine-textured hairs on the fruit pedicels and peduncles change colors, being best when tinted smoky pink. Can be pruned to low framework each year to promote plant coloration which occurs best on vigorous stems.
Tree Koelreuteria paniculata [Goldenraintree] Colorful small tree in bloom and interesting for its form. Tolerates heat, drought, wind, alkaline soils, and air pollution. Newly emerging leaves can be damaged by late spring freezes. Rather weak-wooded. Can be damaged or killed by –25 degrees F. Invasive in some parts of the country.
Tree Indiana Native Liquidambar styraciflua [American Sweetgum] Handsome shade tree with few troubles and outstanding seasonal interest. Widely adapted to soils and climates, as evidenced by its wide range. Fall foliage coloration varies greatly in timing and intensity among individuals. Rather difficult to transplant in large sizes. Varies widely in hardiness. Select native northern stock for use in North. Horned fruits can be a serious litter problem, dulling mower blades and injuring bare feet. Also see Liquidambar styraciflua (Shuttle Gum Group).
Tree Indiana Native Liquidambar styraciflua (Shuttle Gum Group) [American Sweetgum] This group of Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum) trees was germinated in August of 1984 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 to transplant in…
Tree Indiana Native Liriodendron tulipifera [Tuliptree] Handsome, tall shade tree with strong central leader. Performs best in good soil with adequate moisture. Variable in hardiness, depending on geographic source. Use native stock when possible. State tree of Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Slightly weak-wooded. Subject to damage in very windy sites. Subject to aphid and scale insects when weakened. Needs good drainage and a lot of soil (tree lawn may be too small). Its poorly branched fleshy root system (taproot)…
