Shrub Kerria japonica 'Pleniflora' [Double Japanese Kerria] 'Pleniflora' is a very popular cultivar of Japanese Kerria with its long lasting, bright yellow, double flowers that are nearly spherical, reminiscent of "pom-poms". Fairly adaptable to soils and microclimates, including considerable shade; best out of extremely sunny exposures. Occasionally winter-injured in the north, but otherwise relatively trouble-free. Suckers and spreads slowly. Needs occasional pruning to remove dead branches and renewal pruning to maintain form.
Shrub InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive Lonicera maackii [Amur Honeysuckle] Widely adaptable to different soils and exposures. Can be trained into a small patio tree. Suckers freely, requiring pruning in intensive situations. Seeds, carried by birds, germinate freely, and weed seedlings result. High shade tolerance contributes greatly to its highly invasive character. Perhaps the worst woody weed in the Midwestern and Northwestern US.
Shrub/Tree Myrica pensylvanica [Northern Bayberry] Waxy gray berries were used by early settlers for making aromatic candles, and occasionally still are used for this purpose. Especially good plant for full sun and sandy soils, but grows well on many soils. Tolerates half shade. Relatively salt-tolerant. Forms colonies via suckers. Fixes nitrogen in the soil. Dioecious. Use female plants (when known) for fruiting, and occasional male for pollination. Difficult to transplant from field.
Shrub Indiana Native Pachysandra procumbens [Allegheny Pachysandra] A shade loving plant, the pachysandra procumbens can be a good naturalizing groundcover with greyish green leaves. The Alleghany Pachysandra is considered to be more attractive than the overused Pachysandra terminalis. It is considered deciduous in USDA Zones 5 and 6 bue semi-evergreen to evergreen in Zones 7-9.
Tree Indiana Native Populus tremuloides [Quaking Aspen] The common name of Populus tremuloides is derived from the tendency of the leaves to tremble (quake) in the wind, or even light breezes, due to flattened petioles. This is a fast-growing and short-lived species that regenerates from root suckers and can quickly recolonize disturbed sites. Generally, most of the specimens in a grove of P. tremuloides are clones, all originating from the same stem. This plant is dioecious, so groves are usually all male…
Shrub Indiana Native Prunus pumila [Sand Cherry] Prunus pumila is a creeping, low-growing small shrub naturally found in sandy locations, such as dunes, where it acts an important stabilizer. The cherry fruits are too bitter to eat fresh, but can be used in jams and jellies.
Shrub Indiana Native Rhus copallinum [Flameleaf Sumac] The Flameleaf Sumac is a large shrub or small tree known for its extraordinary, "flaming" red fall color. Its form is initially compact, but then becomes quite open and irregular with age. Spreads by root suckers and forms large colonies, making it inappropriate for small areas.
Shrub Indiana Native Rhus glabra [Smooth Sumac] Large, club-like fruit clusters and rather coarse compound leaves make this a plant that can best be appreciated from a distance, and so it is at its best in large-scale plantings. Picturesque branches. Hard to kill this plant. Can be rejuvenated by cutting to ground in late winter. Plants are dioecious, so only females have the fruiting interest, but all plants are reliably colorful in fall foliage. Spreads rapidly by suckers.
Shrub Indiana Native Robinia hispida var. fertilis [Bristly Locust] Can fix nitrogen. Especially well adapted to poor, dry, alkaline soils. Though native, can be invasive on sandy soils. Frequent pruning may be needed.
Shrub Rosa rugosa [Rugosa Rose] Widely adapted to soils and exposures, but especially good in full sun on dry soils. Relatively trouble-free among roses, even resists the common rose pathogens and phytopagous insects. The hips (rose fruits) are a rich source of vitamin C and used commercially in teas. Can get borers in canes (rarely). Good cultural practices are important for roses in order to prevent disease and other pests. Avoid wetting the foliage when watering, place the plant in…
