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 Aesculus × carnea 'Fort McNair' [Fort McNair Red Horsechestnut] Fort McNair Red Horsechestnut is less suscebtible to leaf scorch, leaf blotch and mildew than the straight species, although it can still contract the diseases. Does not perform well in dry sites; plant in moister soils for best growth and flowering. Flowers at an early age. 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).
Shrub Agave americana [Century Plant] Can take as few as 10 years to flower in warm climates, to 60 years in colder climates. Once it flowers, it dies and offsets around the base of the original plant eventually form a group of new plants. Suckers produced from the main plant may take only 10-15 years to flower. Beware of thick point tips on its leaves, prune off to protect children. Some susceptibility to Agape weevil, especially when weakened.
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…
Tree Albizia julibrissin [Albizia] Albizia julibrissin is known for its attractive, "pom-pom" like flowers that begin in late spring and last through the summer. The interesting effect of the flowers is due to the the over 1" long pink stamens. This plant is not an ideal landscape choice due to its susceptibility to many pests and diseases, including vascular wilt disease (Fusarium).
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Amelanchier canadensis [Shadblow Serviceberry] Amelanchier canadensis, the Shadblow Serviceberry, tends to be confused with Amelanchier arborea, the Downy Serviceberry, and Amelanchier laevis, the Allegheny Serviceberry. However, A. canadensis, compared to A. arborea and A. laevis, is generally much more shrub-like (often forming thickets), flowers a week later, and produces upright flower clusters (as opposed to the pendulous racemes of A. arborea and A. laevis). The Shadblow Serviceberry is excellent for woodland plantings, naturalizing, and along stream and pond banks.…
Shrub/Tree Amelanchier canadensis 'Glenn Form' [sold as Rainbow Pillar®] [Rainbow Pillar Shadblow Serviceberry] This cultivar of the Shadblow Serviceberry is known for its bright, multi-colored fall foliage that can be a combination of reds, oranges, and yellows. Spectacular, yet short lived, white flowers bloom in early spring. Given its upright, dense habit, it is best used as a screen or hedge. Mildew resistant.
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Amelanchier canadensis 'Sprizam' [sold as Spring Glory®] [Spring Glory Shadblow Serviceberry] A new variety, notable for its compact, upright habit reaching only 12' tall and 8-10' wide.
Tree Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Cole’s Select' [Cole's Select Apple Serviceberry] Cole's Select Apple Serviceberry is an attractive plant with multi-seasonal interest, thick, glossy foliage, and especially outstanding red to orange fall coloration. 'Cole's Select' tends to have slightly larger flowers and stronger spreading, more horizontal branching than the species type. The beautiful white clusters of flowers give rise to sweet purple-black berries that are edible by humans and especially relished by birds. The fruits can be used in pies, jams, and jellies.
Tree Indiana Native Amelanchier laevis [Allegheny Serviceberry] An excellent small tree for naturalizing and for very early, but short-lived, bloom. Fruits are edible and a prime source of food for birds. Can produce fruit by apomixis. Subject to the troubles of Rosaceous plants in general, including fire-blight and mites, which can be controlled, usually quite easily.