Tree Fraxinus sp. [Ash] Fraxinus (Ash) is a genus of about 65 species of deciduous trees native to the northern hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia. Until recently, plants of this genus had been very popular for use in the landscape, and commercially, as timber trees, given their very hard wood. Unfortunately, this genus is now being severely affected the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Damage can be prevented with the appropriate pesticide, but the treatment cost will eventually…
Tree Indiana Native Gleditsia triacanthos f. inermis [Thornless Common Honeylocust] This large tree has finely compound leaves that provide a pleasant, dappled shade in the summer. The thornless forma inermis is only sold in commerce, as the profuse thorns of the species type can be a liability. Mimosa webworm and locust mite are serious pests in the Midwest, and are becoming more serious (especially in areas tending toward monoculture). Can be controlled with spraying.
Tree Halesia carolina [Carolina Silverbell] This small tree is interesting in bloom and rather neutral otherwise, but relatively trouble free and useful in many situations as a neutral background plant, or for its flowers. Best grown as a single stem and allowed to branch low (20-30"). Does not transplant well (a particular problem with field-grown plants).
Tree Halesia carolina 'Arnold Pink' [Pink Carolina Silverbell] This small tree is interesting when in bloom with pink bell-shaped flowers that are larger than the straight species, but this plant is rather neutral otherwise. However, it is relatively trouble free and useful in many situations as a neutral background plant, or for its flowers. Best grown as a single stem and allowed to branch low (20-30"). Does not transplant well (a particular problem with field-grown plants).
Tree Halesia carolina 'Rosea' [Pink Mountain Silverbell] The Pink Mountain Silverbell is interesting in bloom (pale pink flowers), rather neutral otherwise, but relatively trouble free and useful in many situations as a neutral background plant, or for its flowers. Flowers and fruits are larger than the related species H. carolina. Best grown as a single stem and allowed to branch low (20-30"). Does not transplant well (a particular problem with field-grown plants).
Shrub Hamamelis × intermedia 'Sunburst' [Sunburst Witchhazel] The Sunburst Witchhazel is a large, vase-shaped deciduous shrub that produces a profusion of interesting, strap-like lemon-yellow and red flowers in mid to late winter.
Shrub/Tree Hamamelis vernalis [Vernal Witchhazel] Earliest blooming shrub for the Midwest. Good as a neutral filler for the border with quiet seasonal interest. More pH tolerant than Hamamelis virginiana. Should not be pruned (tip pinching would be acceptable to direct growth). Not as showy in bloom as Hamamelis mollis, the Chinese Witchhazel, or its hybrids.
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Hamamelis virginiana [Common Witchhazel] Flowers are in evidence because of their spicy fragrance before they are visually obvious, but are fairly showy after leaf drop. Should not be pruned (tip pinching would be acceptable to direct growth).
Liana (Climbing Vine) InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive Hedera helix [English Ivy] Tolerant of heavy shade to full sun except at the northern limits of its useful range, where some protection from full winter sun is necessary. Useful as a groundcover only, not as a vine, in Zone 5b, except hardiest cultivars in sheltered sites. Vigorous and can be a weed problem in certain regions of the country (like the NW US) where it can smother woodlands. Poisonous fruits, but it generally takes many years for it…
Liana (Climbing Vine) InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive Hedera helix 'Baltica' [Baltica English Ivy] 'Baltica' has smaller leaves with more prominent white veination. Foliage becomes tinged with purple in the winter. Tolerant of heavy shade to full sun except at the northern limits of its useful range, where some protection from full winter sun is necessary. Vigorous and can be a weed problem in certain regions of the country (like the NW US) where it can smother woodlands. Poisonous fruits, but it generally takes many years for it to…
