Plants

Alnus incana ssp. rugosa

[Speckled Alder]

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

[Bearberry]

Hard to establish, can develop winter burn from sun and wind when cold. Does not like excessive summer heat. Can develop foliar diseases (leaf spot) when stressed. Leaves are used to make a tea in some parts of Russia, where it is known as Kutai and Caucasian Tea. The dried leaves have been used to treat diseases of the bladder and kidney, and inflammatory diseases.

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Massachusetts'

[Massachusetts Bearberry]

'Massachusetts' is known for having a large amount of flowers and fruits and its disease resistance to leaf gall and leaf spot. Also has smaller leaves than any other plant in the species.

Betula papyrifera

[Paper Birch]

Northwest Indiana marks the natural southern limit of its range.

Betula papyrifera 'Renci' [sold as Renaissance Reflection®]

[Renaissance Reflection Paper Birch]

Betula papyrifera 'Renci' is faster growing and more heat resistant than the straight species. This tree requires full sun and is not suitable for poor or polluted city conditions.

Betula pendula

[European White Birch]

A graceful tree with beautiful white bark and pendulous branches, the European White Birch was once a common tree in many landscapes across the United States. However, the popularity of this species has decreased rapidly due to its extreme susceptibility to the birch borer. Despite its beautiful aesthetics, other birch species, such as Betula nigra (the River Birch), are recommended for use in the landscape instead.

Caragana arborescens

[Siberian Peashrub]

The Siberian Peashrub is quite a tough and adaptable, nitrogen-fixing plant that can grow in extremely difficult conditions, but it has very limited use ornamentally. Best reserved for tough environments, such as in a windbreak, hedge, or screen.

Celtis occidentalis

[Common Hackberry]

As well adapted to Midwestern conditions as American Elm, and a reasonably good substitute in form as well. Especially useful in large-scale situations with dry soils and heavy winds. Subject to a leaf nipple gall (caused by psyllid insect Pachypsylla dismamma, one of many jumping plant lice) and witches'-broom disease (caused by Eriophyid mite), both minor in most situations in the Midwest. Especially coarse texture limits use in designed landscapes.

Cornus alba 'Jefreb' [sold as Little Rebel®]

[Little Rebel Tatarian Dogwood]

Little Rebel® has a compact form with incredible maroon fall color and bright red stems in the winter. It also stands out in the summer with bark that is smooth and stems that have a tinge of red to them.

Cornus sericea

[Redosier Dogwood]

This plant has red twigs all year round, but the color is especially prominent in winter. Grows well in a variety of situations, including wet soil. Easy to transplant. Relatively trouble-free. A three-year pruning cycle improves form, vigor, and winter stem color effect. Cutting all stems 6-12" from ground in late winter has similar effect. Best in mass plantings. Excellent for winter color. Leaf blights and twig cankers can be problematic.