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.
Shrub Pinus sylvestris 'Hillside Creeper' [Creeping Scotch Pine] 'Hillside Creeper' is a low-growing, spreading evergreen that can be used as a groundcover. Tolerant of fairly dry soils, but not a good specimen in shade or on wet soils.
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.
Tree Indiana Native Populus deltoides [Eastern Cottonwood] Populus deltoides is a large, fast-growing tree that is not generally advised for use in the landscape. This plant is weak-wooded, weedy, and a litter problem, dropping twigs, flowers, branches, leaves, and fruits (the cottony masses that float through the air in early summer). In the wild, it tends to grow along streams, rivers, and other moist areas. Susceptible to many pests and diseases, especially canker.
Tree Indiana Native Populus grandidentata [Bigtooth Aspen] This tree is very fast-growing with best development in moist, fertile soils but will grow on dry, sand or gravelly soils. It is very valuable for pulp wood. Often pyramidal in youth with a central leader, developing an oval, open, irregular crown at maturity.
Tree Populus × 'Red Caudina' [Red Caudina Poplar] This fast-growing plant is weak-wooded, weedy, and a litter problem, dropping twigs, flowers, branches, leaves, and fruits (the cottony masses that float through the air in early summer). In the wild, the parents of this hybrid tend to grow along streams, rivers, and other moist areas. Susceptible to many pests and diseases, especially canker. 'Red Caudina' is a narrow, all male cultivar that does not produce the problematic cottony fruits. It has red veination and…
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Prunus americana [American Red Plum] Common shrub or small tree, often forming large colonies along roadsides, in waste areas, and other uncultivated habitats.
Tree Prunus padus [European Bird Cherry] The European Birdcherry is a rounded, low branching tree that produces long, drooping clusters of fragrant white flowers in the spring after the leaves have emerged (leafs out early). Black knot, leaf spot, and canker can potentially be a problem.
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.
Tree Indiana Native Prunus serotina [Black Cherry] Probably the best native-American species of cherry for landscape use, but still useful only in a few situations, especially for naturalizing. A valuable timber tree, especially for furniture. Subject to several minor pests, none usually serious in naturalized situations. Wood is slightly brittle. Eastern tent caterpillar problematic is some years.
