Tree Indiana Native Magnolia tripetala [Umbrella Magnolia] Full sun or light partial shade. Tropical appearance. Flowers are creamy white with an unpleasant smell. The cone-like rosy red fruit matures in September-October. Endangered in Indiana. Large leaves can be injured by hail or wind. Perhaps too coarse for most landscape situations.
Shrub/Tree Magnolia virginiana [Sweetbay Magnolia] Nice flower fragrance, but never overwhelming. Does well in wet soils, unlike other magnolias. Requires acid soil, some moisture, and tolerates some shade. Chlorosis can sometimes be a problem, especially prevalent on alkaline soils.
Shrub Mahonia aquifolium [Oregon Grapeholly] Widely adapted to soil type and environment, except high pH soils that will cause chlorosis. Quite susceptible to winter-burn. Do not plant in sites exposed to strong winds or afternoon sun in winter. Can get leggy with age. Fruits are edible and can be used in jellies.
Liana (Climbing Vine) Mandevilla × amoena [Mandevilla Vine] The Mandevilla Vine is a vigorous plant that climbs by twining. Can be grown in containers and as a houseplant. 'Alice du Pont' is more common in commerce than the species type.
Fern Matteuccia struthiopteris subsp. pensylvanica [Ostrich Fern] The Ostritch fern is native to North America, Europe, and northern Asia. They usually stay around 2 to 3 feet tall, but could reach 6 feet under the correct conditions. The frons arise in mid-summer and persist through the winter.
Shrub Microbiota decussata [Russian Arborvitae] The Russian Arborvitae is a low spreading, groundcover conifer that was discovered in Russia in 1921. It is generally easy to grow and can be a good substitute for Juniper in part shade situations, although it is best in full sun. This plant is not tolerant of extreme heat. Seeds of this plant can remain in a dormant state for up to 28 months.
Shrub Microbiota decussata 'Prides' [sold as Celtic Pride™] [Celtic Pride Russian Arborvitae] The Russian Arborvitae is a low spreading, groundcover conifer that was discovered in Russia in 1921. It is generally easy to grow and can be a good substitute for Juniper in part shade situations, although it is best in full sun. 'Prides', often sold under the name Celtic Pride is known for its excellent disease resistance and tolerance to difficult conditions. Seeds of this plant can remain in a dormant state for up to 28…
Tree InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive Morus alba [White Mulberry] It will grow in nearly any situation. There are occasional problems with cankers, mites, and bacterial blights. Morus alba is very similar to the native red mulberry (Morus rubra), but may be distinguished by the leaves. Its leaves have glossy surfaces whereas the leaves of Morus rubra do not. Morus alba is found throughout the United States, where it invades old fields, urban lots, roadsides, forest edges, and other disturbed areas. It poses an ecological…
Tree Indiana Native Morus rubra [Red Mulberry] The Red Mulberry is fairly adaptable and can sometimes be a prolific self-seeder. To prevent bleeding, it should be pruned in late fall or winter. Although somewhat more sensitive to soil requirements, Morus rubra is considered to be a better choice than the related Morus alba (White Mulberry), which has a much more invasive character. Morus rubra is dioecious, so male and female flowers are borne on separate trees. Female trees, if fertilized, bear edible…
Shrub Nandina domestica [Heavenly Bamboo] The beautiful red fruits are so prolific they can even bend down branches. Tolerates full sun or shade, even fruits well in shade. Prune by cutting canes back to ground. Develops iron chlorosis on Southwestern US due to high soil pH. 'Atropurpurea Nana' stays 2' high with reddish-green color throughout summer, turning dark red in winter.