Shrub Prunus tomentosa [Nanking Cherry] Among earliest of Prunus to flower. Subject to the troubles of other cherries (fireblight, etc.), but less so than some. Leaf spot in wet seasons. Often short-lived.
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Ptelea trifoliata [Hoptree] A widely adaptable species which performs best in well-drained soils, can be grown in full sun or even under heavy shade. This plant is susceptible to several leaf spot and even a rust disease, but none are serious. It's fruit can also be use as a substitute for hops, thus giving rise to one of its common name: the 'Hoptree'. This tree's bark can also be utilized for medical purposes, and its stems when bruised…
Tree Indiana Native Quercus alba [White Oak] One of the most majestic trees at maturity with a picturesque framework, but requires many years to reach maturity. Long-lived, the kind of tree to use where it can be appreciated by succeeding generations. Slow growth eliminates it as a tree for quick effect. Roots are highly sensitive to disturbance, even foot traffic. Almost impossible to transplant from the wild. Often difficult to find in nurseries due to slow growth and recalcitrance to propagation by…
Tree Indiana Native Quercus bicolor [Swamp White Oak] The Swamp White Oak is a sturdy, long-lived tree that is generally tolerant to average conditions and even wet soil, but requires full sun and acidic soil.
Tree Indiana Native Quercus macrocarpa [Bur Oak] More tolerant of city conditions than most oaks. Perhaps too large for a typical residential landscape when mature.
Tree Quercus macrocarpa 'JFS-KW3' [sold as Urban Pinnacle® Oak] [Urban Pinnacle Bur Oak] 'JFS-KW3' is a cultivar with smaller acorns that other bur oaks. It has glossy foliage that turns yellow in the fall and has disease resistance to both powdery mildew and anthracnose.
Tree Indiana Native Quercus rubra [Red Oak] One of the best and most reliable of oaks as a shade or street tree. More vigorous and fast-growing than most oaks. Good street tree since it performs reasonably well in small soil volumes (although it tends to branch close to ground). Oak wilt disease has been troublesome in certain areas of the Midwest. Hybridizes easily with other oaks (be careful of source).
Tree Indiana Native Quercus velutina [Black Oak] Quercus velutina is a large, deciduous oak with an irregular canopy. It is closely related to Q. rubra (Red Oak), which it is known to hybridize with. The interesting bark of the Q. velutina is nearly black and furrowed. Transplanting is made difficult by the long tap root. Not generally sold commercially.
Shrub/Tree InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive Rhamnus cathartica [Common Buckthorn] Tolerates most sites. Dioecious. Very invasive, by the seeds that birds love to eat; probably best to refrain from planting this species in the landscape. Susceptible to rusts (Puccinia coronata), that also attacks oats (in oat growing areas, buckthorn eradication is recommended). The bark, leaves, and fruit were once used in purgatives, thus one of this plant's common names, "Purging Buckthorn".
Shrub Rhododendron maximum 'Roseum' [Roseum Rosebay Rhododendron] 'Roseum' requires wind and shade protection, although it is a vigorous grower. Susceptible to a large number of pests and diseases, which can largely be prevented by good cultural practices.
