Tree Amelanchier laevis 'Cumulus' [Cumulus Allegheny Serviceberry] Amelanchier laevis 'Cumulus' is a single-stemmed, strongly upright small tree, excellent as a small street tree and for very early, but short-lived, blooms. This tree is sometimes grafted, so rootstock suckers can be a problem. Fruits are edible and a prime source of food for birds. Subject to the troubles of Rosaceous plants in general, including fire-blight and mites, which can be controlled, usually quite easily.
Tree Amelanchier laevis 'Rogers' [sold as Lustre®] [Lustre Allegheny Serviceberry] Lustre Allegheny Serviceberry is a medium size tree and is a good choice for attracting birds as the berries are edible and tasty.
Shrub Indiana Native Amorpha fruticosa [Indigobush Amorpha] The Indigobush Amorpha is a Indiana native shrub that can be found along river banks and shallow marshes. This shrub can be planted in areas of poor soil where few other plants will survive, as well as used for erosion control. To avoid weediness, seeds can be collected shortly after flowering as it can spread readily by seeds. Common problems of Amorpha fruticosa includes rust, leaf spots, powdery mildew and twig canker. Some gall problems…
Liana InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive Ampelopsis glandulosa var. heterophylla [Porcelain Ampelopsis] Best fruiting in full sun. Restricting root growth can enhance fruit production. Japanese beetles love them. Can be invasive. Rampant growth.
Herbaceous Andropogon gerardii 'Karl’s Cousin' [Karl's Cousin Big Blue Stem] This grass is a self seeder and has a large root system. Very drought tolerant once established and is very easily maintained.
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Aralia spinosa [Devil's Walkingstick] Slow growth rate, but fast on roots (forms a very coarse thicket). Sucker shoots can be a maintenance problem if tree form is desired. Sharp prickles also make maintenance difficult, and are a minor hazard to children. Otherwise, no serious problems with this plant. Very adaptable and easy to grow, tolerating most conditions except wet soil. Drought tolerant, and best in full sun. Excellent selection in a mass planting near buildings having poor soils.
Shrub Indiana Native Aronia arbutifolia [Red Chokeberry] Red Chokeberry is often a multi-stem shrub that's native to Indiana as well as Eastern North America to Minnesota and south as far as Texas. This shrub bears white to slightly pinkish flowers with prominent anthers that gives it a unique look. Red berries form in September to often December. Best grown in mass plantings or for a naturalizing species in the landscape. Though the berries are bitter to taste, they are often used in…
Shrub Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima' [Brilliant Red Chokeberry] The Brilliant Red Chokeberry has dark green leaves that turn a stunning deep red in the fall. 'Brilliant' produces larger and more abundant flowers and a greater number of red berries than the species type. Because birds find the fruits unappealing, the berries are allowed to persist well into the winter months. This plant tends to sucker and create colonies.
Shrub Aronia arbutifolia 'Erecta' [Erecta Red Chokeberry] 'Erecta' has a more upright form than the species and does not bear as colorful of fruit
Shrub Aronia melanocarpa 'Morton' [sold as Iroquis Beauty™] [Iroquois Beauty Black Chokeberry] Cultivar 'Morton', sold as Iroquois Beauty, is a compact shrub that reaches 5 to 6 feet. The flowering and fruiting are similar to that of the straight species, but the compact form allows this shrub to e better utilized in a mass planting. Great for rain gardens, bioswales, and lowlands that collect water in the landscape. Glossy green leaves will turn a brilliant orange-red in the fall. Its black fruit attracts wildlife, such as birds.
