Plants

Philadelphus coronarius
[Sweet Mockorange]

Well adapted to different light (even shade) and soil conditions, especially to dry situations. Relatively trouble-free, and one of the most fragrant of the mockoranges. None of the mockoranges have much landscape interest after the season of bloom. Becomes leggy if not pruned. Pruning should be done after flowering (flower buds form on previous years wood), and to maintain fullness of form.

Tree

Pinus parviflora
[Japanese White Pine]

The species exhibits good salt tolerance. Although subject to rusts, wood rots, nematodes, and sawflies, none are serious.

Tree

Pinus thunbergii 'Thunderhead'
[Thunderhead Japanese Pine]

Compact cultivar with irregular growing habit.

Tree

Indiana Native

Platanus occidentalis
[American Sycamore]

One of the largest of shade trees, making massive, majestic specimens. Tolerant of urban conditions, but generally found in riparian areas in the wild. The mottled, multi-colored, exfoliating bark is very beautiful and makes for excellent winter interest. Needs a large volume of soil space. Anthracnose leaf and twig blight occasionally disfigure this tree, and can damage it severely. Leaves, twigs, bark, and fruit contribute to a significant litter problem. Although this species can tolerate…

Indiana Native

Shrub/Tree

Platycladus orientalis
[Oriental Arborvitae]

Best in at least fairly moist soils, and with fairly high humidity. Habit tends toward becoming thinner (open) with age. Subject to "winter-burn" near the edge of its useful range. Certain forms provide very positive accent, but can be over-used. Bagworms can also be a problem.

Tree

Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea'
[Purple Cherry Plum]

This tree is not pollution tolerant and is short-lived, often living to only about 20 years. There are numerous diseases and pests that can affect Prunus cerasifera, especially canker, fireblight, leaf spots, powdery mildew, aphids, scale, borers, and tent caterpillars. Despite its drawbacks, this tree is extraordinarily popular and has been used extensively in the landscape. The straight species Prunus cerasifera is not often seen, with purple-leaf forms, such as 'Atropurpurea' being the most predominant.…

Tree

Indiana Native

Prunus serotina
[Black Cherry]

Probably the best native-American species of cherry for landscape use, but still useful only in a few situations, especially for naturalizing. A valuable timber tree, especially for furniture. Subject to several minor pests, none usually serious in naturalized situations. Wood is slightly brittle. Eastern tent caterpillar problematic is some years.

Indiana Native

InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive

Tree

Pyrus calleryana
[Callery Pear]

Overused, weak wooded, short-lived. Flowers are malodorous and often killed by late spring freezes. Some fireblight susceptibility. Forms narrow crotch angles that can result in a larger tree literally splitting in two. Very small fruits are a litter problem when abundant. Considered invasive in many areas.

InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive

Tree

Pyrus calleryana 'Glen’s Form' [sold as Chanticleer®]
[Chanticleer Callery Pear]

Generally considered to be one of the best cultivars of P. calleryana. While still prone to limb breakage, it is stronger wooded than other variants. The Chanticleer Callery Pear is also known for its resistance to fireblight. Flowers are malodorous and often killed by late spring freezes. Very small fruits are a litter problem when abundant. Considered invasive in many areas.

Pyrus calleryana 'Glen’s Form' [sold as Chanticleer®]

Tree

Indiana Native

Quercus alba
[White Oak]

One of the most majestic trees at maturity with a picturesque framework, but requires many years to reach maturity. Long-lived, the kind of tree to use where it can be appreciated by succeeding generations. Slow growth eliminates it as a tree for quick effect. Roots are highly sensitive to disturbance, even foot traffic. Almost impossible to transplant from the wild. Often difficult to find in nurseries due to slow growth and recalcitrance to propagation by…

Indiana Native