Shrub Indiana Native Rubus occidentalis [Black Raspberry] This thorny shrub is an Indiana native found along woodland edges. Although its natural habit is spreading, the Black Raspberry can be cut back to the ground to allow control of the spread and rejuvenation. The fruits of the Black Raspberry are sweet yet a bit tart, becoming a commercial commodity in parts of the United States. Best use in the landscape would be property boarders and erosion control. Best growth in part shade and…
Shrub Indiana Native Rubus odoratus [Flowering Raspberry] The Flowering Raspberry offers great texture into the landscape with its exfoliating bark during the winter months and its large course leaves during the summer months. Its rich, pink-purple flowers begin to bloom in early June, offering fragrance and color. The flowers and fruits often attract birds and other wildlife, including butterflies and bees.
Tree Indiana Native Salix nigra [Black Willow] The Black Willow is a fast-growing, wet soils tolerant tree, reaching 30 to 60 feet at maturity. Can sucker profusely, so use sparingly in the landscape. In the wild, you can find Salix nigra near floodplains, streams and rivers, and marshes. The ancient Greeks knew the therapeutic values of willow (Salix) and brewed tea made from willow bark to relieve stiff joints and other bodily aches and pains. A number of insect species attack the…
Shrub Salix purpurea 'Canyon Blue' [Canyon Blue Purpleosier Willow] Canyon Blue Purpleosier Willow is very similar to the compact cultivar Nana in its habit and shape. What stands out is its deeper bluish leave color. This is a great choice for wet areas, soil stability, and in rain gardens. Unlike most willows (Salix ssp.), the Purpleosier tends to stay a compacted shrub and will sucker less than others in this genus.
Shrub Salix purpurea 'Nana' [Dwarf Purpleosier Willow] Salix purpurea 'Nana' is a dioecious, compact, rounded shrub well-suited for wet areas, rain gardens, and bank stablizition. Tolerates heavy pruning.
Herbaceous Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues' [The Blues Little Bluestem] Little bluestem is native to prairies and fields from Quebec to Alberta and from Arizona to Florida. Ornamental grass good for low maintenance.
Shrub Indiana Native Spiraea alba [Meadowsweet] The meadowsweet is an Indiana native shrub that can be found in wet prairies, marshes, and flood plains. Its flowers appear on panicles during the later summer months and last till about September, making this shrub a great addition to the landscape as a late blooming shrub. The flowers also attract pollinators, such as bumblebees and other bee species. Wet soils are needed for this shrub and can even tolerate periods of flooding. Every three…
Shrub Spiraea × bumalda [Bumald Spirea] Flowers heavily in June (on new growth) and then continues intermittently through August. Annual pruning results in better foliage and flower effect. Tolerant of widely different soils and exposures, but tends to do best in full sun with adequate moisture and a pH of 6.0-7.5. Avoid very wet sites.
Shrub Spiraea × vanhouttei [Vanhoutte Spirea] The Vanhoutte Spirea is a tough shrub with a beautiful, fountain-like habit. In late spring, the long, gracefully arching branches are covered in numerous white flowers. Moderately drought tolerant. May be affected by leaf spot.
Shrub Indiana Native Symphoricarpos albus [Common Snowberry] Useful as a bank cover or large scale groundcover. Transplants well. This plant has a beautiful fruit show and is shade tolerant, however, it is also a twiggy, "garbage can plant" (collects leaves and blowing debris); this quality (especially prominent in the fall and winter) limits its usability in the landscape.
