Plants

Euonymus fortunei 'Vegetus'

[Vegetus Wintercreeper Euonymus]

This cultivar has a more shrub-like habit than the species type, but can be moderately effective as a groundcover or wall climber. Also much heavier fruiting than the straight species; the fruiting display can be quite attractive, if fruits are borne in high enough numbers. Very susceptible to Euonymus Scale.

Filipendula purpurea 'Elegans' [sold as Japanese Meadowsweet]

[Japanese Meadowsweet]

Fraxinus profunda

[Pumpkin Ash]

Emerald Ash Borer is severely affecting all species of this genus. Damage can be prevented with the appropriate pesticide, but the treatment cost will eventually exceed replacement cost. See the Purdue Landscape Report article: Should ash trees still be protected from emerald ash borer? for more information

Gleditsia aquatica

[Water Locust]

This native Indiana tree species is found in three southwestern counties near the lower Wabash River. It is often found in wet or ponded locations where there is standing water or high water tables. Not recommended for the landscape as it has large, multi-pronged thorns.  Like its cousin, the honey locust, it has compound leaves, but can be differentiated by its location, much smaller seed pods, and flattened thorns along the branches.

Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Summer Sun' [sold as Summer Sun Rough Sunflower]

[Summer Sun False Sunflower]

Hypericum calycinum

[Creeping St. John's Wort]

Relatively trouble-free. Tolerates dry conditions well (even drier shade). Generally, tops are killed back in severe winters near its limit of hardiness. Mowing to the ground each spring improves aesthetics of the following regrowth. Slow to leaf out in spring. Can be invasive via spreading stolons. Poisonous to animals.

Kalopanax septemlobus

[Castor Aralia]

No disease or insect problems. Stout prickles could cause injury. Slight weediness via the seeds. Not common in commerce.

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.

Lavandula angustifolia

[Common Lavender]

Beautiful, fragrant purple flowers and foliage. Great plant for fine texture in the front landscape borders. Pruning to the ground every 3 to 4 years keeps the foliage full to the ground and produces uniform, fresh new growth.

Ligustrum obtusifolium

[Border Privet]

Performs well as an informal hedge, but perhaps too coarse to be a good formal clipped hedge. Extremely tolerant of different soils and climates. Can be coppiced to rejuvenate. Can be invasive by seed.