Tree Acer tataricum ssp. ginnala 'Flame' [Flame Amur Maple] Extremely hardy small tree with interesting foliage (elongated center lobe) and colorful fruits. Widely adapted and trouble-free. Prefers sun but tolerates some shade. Good for growth in large planters. Among first trees to leaf out. Withstands heavy pruning. Can be damaged by ice stroms. Verticillium susceptible, but rare.
Tree Acer × freemanii 'Armstrong' [Armstrong Red Maple] The Armstrong Red Maple is a cross between Acer rubrum and Acer saccharinum and is known for its columnar habit and brilliant red to red-orange fall coloration. This species has the durability of the Silver Maple and can tolerate urban conditions. The root system is less aggressive, though, so it can be planted as a street tree.
Liana Actinidia arguta [Bower Actinidia] Requires a strong support. Dioecious. Flesh, seed, and fuzzless skin of fruit is edible, and has high vitamin C content. Rampant growth needs pruning. Japanese beetles have some attraction to the foliage.
Tree Indiana Native Aesculus glabra [Ohio Buckeye] Widely adapted to soils and environments; however, very dry conditions must be avoided. Drought causes early leaf drop. Leaf blotch and leaf scorch often disfigure foliage, especially on dry soil. Spiny fruits in autumn can be troublesome underfoot, and eliminates species type as a good street tree. Fruits are toxic, containing 3-5% saponins.
Tree Aesculus hippocastanum 'Baumannii' [Baumann Common Horsechestnut] 'Baumannii' is known for its large panicles of double flowers. The flowers are sterile, so none of the large, littering, poisonous fruit of the species type are produced, increasing this tree's usability. Widely adapted to soils and environments; however, very dry conditions must be avoided. Leaf blotch often disfigures foliage.
Shrub Indiana Native Aronia melanocarpa [Black Chokeberry] This Indiana native shrub is similar to the Red Chokeberry in habit and form, but differs in that the Black Chokeberry is larger, has black-colored fruits, broader leaves, and generally larger flowers. Place in a higher light location for the best flower and fruit display. Best used for naturalizing, mass plantings, and wetland reclamation projects. The berries are edible, but only palatable when used in jellies and jams.
Shrub Aronia melanocarpa 'Autumn Magic' [Autumn Magic Black Chokeberry] The Autumn Magic Black Chokeberry is known for its outstanding bright purple to red to orange fall color, compact form, and large, attractive fruits. Place in a higher light location for the best flower and fruit display. Best used for naturalizing, mass plantings, and wetland reclamation projects. The berries are edible, but only palatable when used in jellies and jams.
Tree Indiana Native Betula alleghaniensis [Yellow Birch] Graceful tree, interesting for its shining bark beginning yellowish or bronze and exfoliating in thin shreds, becoming reddish brown until finally forming blackish-brown plates. Especially well adapted to wet soils. Does not do well in dry situations. Less subject to the borer troubles of B. papyrifera in the Midwest.
Tree Indiana Native Betula nigra [River Birch] Graceful tree, interesting for its curling bark, and especially well adapted to wet soils. Immune to the bronze birch borer, which is a serious problem for the native Betula papyrifera in the Midwest. This species prefers full sun and is quite heat tolerant, but does not have tolerance for drought. If pruning is required, prune in summer or during the dormant season.
Tree Betula 'Penci 2' [sold as Royal Frost®] [Royal Frost Birch] A hybrid between Betula populifolia 'Whitespire' and Betula 'Crimson Frost', popular for its colorful foliage that is red/purple spring and summer and yellow/orange in the fall, and its interesting bark characteristics.