Tree Indiana Native Acer saccharum [Sugar Maple] Widely adapted to climate, but best in at least reasonably fertile soil. One of the best shade tree species over a wide area, but for best results select plants known for adaptability to the local region. Quite shade tolerant. Low maintenance in a good site. 50 gal. sap or more needed to make 1 gal. syrup. Not so drought-tolerant as silver maple, but reasonably so. Does poorly in compacted soils, and doesn't like salt spray.…
Tree Acer saccharum 'JFS-KW8' [Sold as Autumn Fest®] [Autumn Fest Sugar Maple] Selected for upright habit with good central leader, vigorous growth, and bright bright red fall color.
Tree Indiana Native Aesculus glabra [Ohio Buckeye] Widely adapted to soils and environments; however, very dry conditions must be avoided. Drought causes early leaf drop. Leaf blotch and leaf scorch often disfigure foliage, especially in dry soil. Spiny fruits in autumn can be troublesome underfoot, and eliminates species type as a good street tree. Fruits are toxic, containing 3-5% saponins.
Tree Aesculus hippocastanum [Common Horsechestnut] Widely adapted to soils and environments; however, very dry conditions must be avoided. Leaf blotch often disfigures foliage. Spiny fruits in autumn can be troublesome underfoot, and eliminates species type as a good street tree. Fruits are toxic containing 3-5% saponins.
Shrub Indiana Native Aesculus parviflora [Bottlebrush Buckeye] Can be kept at a smaller size for a time with careful pruning, but it will in time occupy much space. Tolerates some shade, and can even be attractive under large shade trees. Suckers quite freely.
Tree Aesculus × carnea [Red Horsechestnut] More drought resistant and more resistant to blotch and mildew than A. hippocastanum. Comes true to type from seed. Flowers at early age. Does not perform well in dry sites. Prickly fruits may be a problem underfoot. Fruits are poisonous (containing toxic saponins). Often develops branches having narrow crotch angles (branches that should be removed).
Tree InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive Ailanthus altissima [Tree of Heaven] Unusual form and texture not unlike a large sumac. Highly adaptable. Tolerates salt spray. Dioecious. Coarse and inclined to drop twigs. Male flowers are malodorous; female plants make many weed seedlings. Ailanthus altissima forms dense, clonal thickets which displace native species and can rapidly invade fields, meadows, and harvested forests. This invasive tree species is extremely tolerant of poor soil conditions and can even grow in cement cracks. Ailanthus altissima is not shade tolerant, but…
Liana (Climbing Vine) InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive Ampelopsis glandulosa var. heterophylla [Porcelain Ampelopsis] Best fruiting in full sun. Restricting root growth can enhance fruit production. Japanese beetles love them. Can be invasive. Rampant growth.
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Aralia spinosa [Devil's Walkingstick] Slow growth rate, but fast on roots (forms a very coarse thicket). Sucker shoots can be a maintenance problem if tree form is desired. Sharp prickles also make maintenance difficult, and are a minor hazard to children. Otherwise, no serious problems with this plant. Very adaptable and easy to grow, tolerating most conditions except wet soil. Drought tolerant, and best in full sun. Excellent selection in a mass planting near buildings having poor soils.
Shrub Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima' [Brilliant Red Chokeberry] The Brilliant Red Chokeberry has dark green leaves that turn a stunning deep red in the fall. 'Brilliant' produces larger and more abundant flowers and a greater number of red berries than the species type. Because birds find the fruits unappealing, the berries are allowed to persist well into the winter months. This plant tends to sucker and create colonies.
