Tree Indiana Native Pinus strobus [Eastern White Pine] More graceful than most pines, both as a young and an old specimen. Excellent neutral screening plant, it can be kept full by occasional pruning. Among best pines for resistance to moth borers. Transplants easily with a bit of shade tolerance. Somewhat less adapted to severe exposures and very dry soils than Pinus resinosa or Pinus nigra. Very sensitive to air pollution and road salt. Susceptible to White Pine Blister Rust. Decaying needles acidify soil…
Tree Indiana Native Populus balsamifera [Balsam Poplar] Buds exude a resin (the source of "balm of Gilead") that is traditionally used as an ointment to relieve chest congestion. The resin is also flammable, so twigs are used for starting fires. The streaked brown and grey wood is used in carving and woodworking. Trees are found along forest edges, forests, meadows and fields, and shores of rivers or lakes.
Tree Indiana Native Populus grandidentata [Bigtooth Aspen] This tree is very fast-growing with best development in moist, fertile soils but will grow on dry, sand or gravelly soils. It is very valuable for pulp wood. Often pyramidal in youth with a central leader, developing an oval, open, irregular crown at maturity.
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Prunus americana [American Red Plum] Common shrub or small tree, often forming large colonies along roadsides, in waste areas, and other uncultivated habitats.
Shrub Indiana Native Prunus pumila [Sand Cherry] Prunus pumila is a creeping, low-growing small shrub naturally found in sandy locations, such as dunes, where it acts an important stabilizer. The cherry fruits are too bitter to eat fresh, but can be used in jams and jellies.
Tree Indiana Native Prunus serotina [Black Cherry] Probably the best native-American species of cherry for landscape use, but still useful only in a few situations, especially for naturalizing. A valuable timber tree, especially for furniture. Subject to several minor pests, none usually serious in naturalized situations. Wood is slightly brittle. Eastern tent caterpillar problematic is some years.
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Ptelea trifoliata [Hoptree] A widely adaptable species which performs best in well-drained soils, can be grown in full sun or even under heavy shade. This plant is susceptible to several leaf spot and even a rust disease, but none are serious. It's fruit can also be use as a substitute for hops, thus giving rise to one of its common name: the 'Hoptree'. This tree's bark can also be utilized for medical purposes, and its stems when bruised…
Tree Indiana Native Quercus bicolor [Swamp White Oak] The Swamp White Oak is a sturdy, long-lived tree that is generally tolerant to average conditions and even wet soil, but requires full sun and acidic soil.
Tree Indiana Native Quercus coccinea [Scarlet Oak] Excellent scarlet fall foliage, comparable if not often better than the Pin Oak. Does not suffer iron chlorosis as bad as Pin Oak, being more tolerant of alkaline soils. Some report difficulty in transplanting.
Tree Indiana Native Quercus ellipsoidalis [Northern Pin Oak] Quercus ellipsoidalis is very closely related to Q. palustris (Pin Oak), but is better suited for the Midwest. Very similar to the Pin Oak, the Northern Pin Oak is a handsome tree with distinctive and regular branching, spreading to horizontal to drooping, from top to bottom of the tree. This effect is partly lost when lower limbs must be removed for traffic underneath. While this species is still prone to chlorosis (yellowing of leaves) in…
