Tree Fagus sylvatica var. heterophylla 'Asplenifolia' [Fern-Leaf European Beech] In a proper site, an excellent trouble-free shade tree with year-round interest. More adaptable to hot, dry conditions than our native F. grandifolia, but somewhat less hardy. F. grandifolia is preferred in Zone 4. Low branching habit is a concern for use in the tree lawn as a street tree (may require more pruning than other street trees). 'Asplenifolia' has attractive, fern-like leaves; the cultivar name was derived from the spleenwort fern genus, Asplenium.
Tree Fagus sylvatica var. heterophylla 'Laciniata' [Cut-Leaf European Beech] In a proper site, an excellent trouble-free shade tree with year-round interest. More adaptable to hot, dry conditions than our native F. grandifolia, but somewhat less hardy. F. grandifolia is preferred in Zone 4. Low branching habit is a concern for use in the tree lawn as a street tree (may require more pruning than other street trees). The cultivar 'Laciniata' has graceful, deeply-cut leaves.
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Forestiera acuminata [Swamp Privet] The Swamp Privet is a large shrub typically found near swamps, floodplains, wet woods and marshes. Purple-black fruits (drupes) ripen during late summer and is a food source for water fowl, such as ducks. Forestiera acumunata is dioecious, so one would need a male and female for the shrub to produce its fruit. Leaves are a dark green and looks evergreen from a glance, yet turns a golden yellow in fall.
Shrub Fothergilla gardenii [Dwarf Fothergilla] A very useful and adaptable small shrub that has unique, fragrant, bottle-brush flowers and spectacular fall foliage. Chlorosis develops in high pH soil.
Shrub Fouquieria splendens [Ocotillo] Habit of distinctive vertical lines providing a stark texture. Withstand long periods of drought. Leaves fall off when water is scarce, but can reappear within a few days after rain. This cycle of leaf drop and re-growth can reoccur several times a season. Foliage typically last about one month. Water twice a month to retain leaves in the summer. Otherwise, don't water. May not leaf out for a year after transplanting. Protected by Arizona native…
Shrub/Tree Frangula alnus [Glossy Buckthorn] Rhamnus frangula is very weedy (invasive in some areas) and adaptable, and generally has an unattractive, leggy habit. Birds love the fruits and spread the seeds. This species is not recommended for use in the landscape.
Shrub Frangula alnus 'Ron Williams' [sold as Fine Line®] [Fine Line Glossy Buckthorn] Though the name buckthorn is forever a synonym of invasiveness, this cultivar gives the species a round of redemption. Fine Line is a hybrid of the cultivars of R. frangula 'Aspleniifolia' and 'Columnaris', giving its distinct upright habit and the glossy dark green leaves. Though Fine Line will flower and fruit, the seed viability extremely low, removing the invasive threat.
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Frangula caroliniana [Carolina Buckthorn] Handsome shrub or small tree with dark green, 8 to 10 vein-paired leaves. Fruits are 1/3" diameter, globose and has a sweet taste to it. Changes from red to black as it matures. Fruit ripes (Red) in August and remain on the plant until October or later, by which time it turns black.
Tree Franklinia alatamaha [Franklin Tree] Franklinia is a small tree or large shrub that was originally discovered in 1773 by John Bartman (Royal Botanist for North America appointed by King George III) and his son, William. Together, they found a small group of the species growing along the Altamaha River in Georgia, and since then no other wild populations have been discovered. This is a rare plant that now appears to be extinct in the wild. All specimens of Franklinia…
Tree Indiana Native Fraxinus americana [White Ash] Not as adaptable as Green Ash but has better esthetics. Heavy crops of seeds on female trees cause litter, and these germinate freely making the tree slightly weedy. An unattractive ash flower gall (caused by mites) can develop on male flowers and persist into winter. Subject to storm damage, so plant in areas that shelter the tree from strong winds. Emerald Ash Borer is severely affecting all species of this genus. Damage can be prevented…
