Tree Indiana Native Pinus resinosa [Red Pine] Forms a decent screen when young, especially on poor, dry soils, but soon drops lowers limbs necessitating the need of companion plants to complete the screen. Develops a shorter, thicker trunk when grown in the open. Pine bud moth (as well as other moths) can be problem if not controlled. Foliage presentation not always full or clearly esthetic. Best in groves or plantations where bark color can be admired.
Tree Pinus rigida [Pitch Pine] Pinus rigida is native to the poor, sandy upland soils of eastern North America. The falling needles, cones, branches, and sap can be problematic. This plant is not generally recommended for use in the landscape, except on very poor soils. Best grown in a solitary location, where it won't be forced to compete with nearby plants.
Tree Indiana Native Pinus strobus [Eastern White Pine] More graceful than most pines, both as a young and an old specimen. Excellent neutral screening plant, it can be kept full by occasional pruning. Among best pines for resistance to moth borers. Transplants easily with a bit of shade tolerance. Somewhat less adapted to severe exposures and very dry soils than Pinus resinosa or Pinus nigra. Very sensitive to air pollution and road salt. Susceptible to White Pine Blister Rust. Decaying needles acidify soil…
Tree Pinus strobus 'Contorta' [Contorted Eastern White Pine] 'Contorta' has a loose, irregular, upright form and twisted needles, branchlets, and branches. The Eastern White Pine is among the best pines for resistance to moth borers. Transplants easily with a bit of shade tolerance. Somewhat less adapted to severe exposures and very dry soils than Pinus resinosa or Pinus nigra. Very sensitive to air pollution and road salt. Susceptible to White Pine Blister Rust. Decaying needles acidify soil beneath (to about pH 4.5), which…
Tree Pinus sylvestris [Scotch Pine] Effective as a screen with pruning. Tolerant of fairly dry soils, but not a good specimen in shade or on wet soils. Sphaeropsis, nematodes, and pine wilt fungus are serious problems; not recommended by Morton Arboretum.
Tree Platanus × acerifolia [London Planetree] Platanus x acerifolia is quite similar to P. occidentalis, but was originally advertised as being much more pest resistant. P. x acerifolia was quickly overplanted, and it is clear that pest resistance varies among hybrids, and can be quite poor. Pests that can severely affect this species include sycamore anthracnose, cankerstain, Botryosphaeria canker, leaf spot, powdery mildew, sycamore lace bug, and American plum borer. One of the largest of shade trees, making massive, majestic specimens.…
Tree Platanus × acerifolia 'Morton Circle' [sold as EXCLAMATION!™] [Exclamation London Planetree] 'Morton Circle' is a cultivar with exfoliating tan bark exposing white underneath. It has large palmately lobed leaves, and is monoecious with different fruit size and color.
Tree Indiana Native Platanus occidentalis [American Sycamore] One of the largest of shade trees, making massive, majestic specimens. Tolerant of urban conditions, but generally found in riparian areas in the wild. The mottled, multi-colored, exfoliating bark is very beautiful and makes for excellent winter interest. Needs a large volume of soil space. Anthracnose leaf and twig blight occasionally disfigure this tree, and can damage it severely. Leaves, twigs, bark, and fruit contribute to a significant litter problem. Although this species can tolerate…
Tree Indiana Native Populus balsamifera [Balsam Poplar] Buds exude a resin (the source of "balm of Gilead") that is traditionally used as an ointment to relieve chest congestion. The resin is also flammable, so twigs are used for starting fires. The streaked brown and grey wood is used in carving and woodworking. Trees are found along forest edges, forests, meadows and fields, and shores of rivers or lakes.
