Shrub Indiana Native Salix exigua [Coyote Willow] Salix exigua is frost tolerant and dioecious. Spreads by small seeds through the wind or water and has an extensive root system caused by abundant suckering. It is great in moist soils or stream bottoms to help prevent soil erosion.
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Salix humilis [Prairie Willow] Prairie Willow is more drought tolerant than other willows. Rabbits and deer eat the twigs. The nectar is used by bees to provide high quality honey.
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.
Shrub Indiana Native Sambucus canadensis [American Elderberry] This plant is known most for its fruits, which have a high Vitamin C content and are attractive to both people and wildlife. The berry-like fruits are popular for making wine, juice, jellies, preserves, and pie. However, this plant is not generally advised for use in the landscape due to its excessive suckering and difficult to maintain form (can become quite unkempt). Very tolerant of various environmental conditions.
Shrub Sambucus nigra 'Eva' [Sold as Black Lace®] [Black Lace Elderberry] More lacy, fern-textured, dark purple leaves, pale pink flowers, 6 to 8' high; origin as for Black Beauty
Tree Indiana Native Sassafras albidum [Common Sassafras] Roots sucker and form thickets, which may or may not be desirable. Sassafras tea contains safrole, a mild carcinogen banned in food products. Iron chlorosis in high pH can turn leaves yellow.
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.
Tree Sophora japonica 'Regent' [Regent Japanese Pagoda Tree] 'Regent' is a cultivar with a fast growth rate, more mass to its oval-round crown, and has deep green glossy leaves. although, It can take up several years before it flowers for the first time.
Shrub Sorbaria sorbifolia [Ural Falsespirea] Coarse texture and unusual spirea-like flowers give this plant unique summer interest. Best in large-scale situations. Spreads vigorously by suckering if not contained. Intensive root pruning can be used to control spread. Does not do the best in dry soils but does tolerate them. Does poorly in heavy wind. Flowers turn brown with senescence and esthetic is slightly improved by their removal. To some, a bit too coarse in winter habit.