Plants

Tree

Indiana Native

Quercus phellos
[Willow Oak]

Somewhat tolerant of city conditions. Oak wilt and scales, and many other oak tree pests, though none considered very serious. Low maintenance, long-lived tree. Use Northern sources in Indiana.

Indiana Native

Tree

Indiana Native

Quercus rubra
[Northern Red Oak]

One of the best and most reliable of oaks as a shade or street tree. More vigorous and fast-growing than most oaks. Good street tree since it performs reasonably well in small soil volumes (although it tends to branch close to ground). Oak wilt disease has been troublesome in certain areas of the Midwest. Hybridizes easily with other oaks (be careful of source).

Indiana Native

Tree

Indiana Native

Quercus shumardii
[Shumard Oak]

The Shumard Oak is a handsome tree that is drought and air pollution tolerant, and but can also be used in rain gardens. Transplanting and establishment can be difficult.

Indiana Native

Tree

Quercus × warei 'Long' [sold as Regal Prince®]
[Regal Prince Oak]

The Regal Prince Oak is notable for its resistance to powdery mildew and borers, strong vertical, columnar form, and tolerance to wind and ice. Holds its dense, fastigiate form into old age.

InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive

Quercus × warei 'Long' [sold as Regal Prince®]

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.