Shrub Indiana Native Lindera benzoin [Spicebush] The Spicebush is an excellent native shrub for naturalizing or in borders. Tolerant of full shade, although it tends to become leggy in lower light situations. Difficult to transplant; use container-grown plants. Prefers moist soils; not especially drought tolerant. Dioecious.
Tree Indiana Native Liquidambar styraciflua [American Sweetgum] Handsome shade tree with few troubles and outstanding seasonal interest. Widely adapted to soils and climates, as evidenced by its wide range. Fall foliage coloration varies greatly in timing and intensity among individuals. Rather difficult to transplant in large sizes. Varies widely in hardiness. Select native northern stock for use in North. Horned fruits can be a serious litter problem, dulling mower blades and injuring bare feet. Also see Liquidambar styraciflua (Shuttle Gum Group).
Tree Indiana Native Liriodendron tulipifera [Tuliptree] Handsome, tall shade tree with strong central leader. Performs best in good soil with adequate moisture. Variable in hardiness, depending on geographic source. Use native stock when possible. State tree of Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Slightly weak-wooded. Subject to damage in very windy sites. Subject to aphid and scale insects when weakened. Needs good drainage and a lot of soil (tree lawn may be too small). Its poorly branched fleshy root system (taproot)…
Tree Indiana Native Liriodendron tulipifera 'Little Volunteer' [Little Volunteer Tulip-tree] 'Little Volunteer' is a dwarf cultivar with smaller 4-lobed and flat-topped green leaves. It makes a wonderful street tree with its smaller size in habit, leaf, and flower. While keeping the classic yellow fall color and yellow-orange-green flower as other varieties.
Tree Indiana Native Maclura pomifera [Osage-orange] Withstands wind and dry conditions well. Used by farmers as a hedgerow for livestock fencing because of its thorniness. Highly deer resistant. Fruits are said to be an insect and rodent repellent. Extremely decay resistant wood, containing 1% by weight 2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxystilbene (a fungitoxic compound). Large fruits create litter problem; select staminate trees to avoid fruit (unless you believe the fruits are of interest). Due to invasive root system, do not plant near sewer or drainage…
Tree Indiana Native Magnolia acuminata [Cucumbertree Magnolia] This tree gets it name from the cucumber-looking fruits it bears in the fall. Full sun is best, although it has tolerance for partial shade. Because the roots are thick and fleshy and grow downward more than out, it can be moderately difficult to transplant. Generally trouble-free, but scale can be a problem on occasion. This species may not be ideal for street tree plantings because of a tendency to suffer ice damage.
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.
Tree Indiana Native Nyssa sylvatica [Black Gum] Especially useful in wet soils. One of the most beautiful of trees, with habit comparable to Quercus palustris, but usually more irregular, and with a greater number of more slender main limbs. Silvery-gray, picturesque branching; strong horizontal accent. Difficult to transplant due to taproot; use container-grown plants when possible, or at least plants dug with a soil ball. Shelter from wind. In the North, select native northern stock as the species has a wide geographic…
Tree Indiana Native Nyssa sylvatica 'Wildfire' [Wildfire Blackgum] Especially useful in wet soils. One of the most beautiful trees, with habit comparable to Quercus palustris, but usually more irregular, and with a greater number of more slender main limbs. Silvery-grey, picturesque branching; strong horizontal accent. Difficult to transplant due to taproot; use container-grown plants when possible, or at least plants dug with a soil ball. Shelter from wind. In the North, select native northern stock as the species has a wide geographic range.…
Tree Indiana Native Ostrya virginiana [American Hophornbeam] A good, trouble-free small shade tree worthy of greater use. Very graceful with many drooping branches that create a rounded habit. Best on drier slopes, and is usually found in native ecosystems. Slow growing, and difficult to transplant. Does not tolerate periodic flooding (as does Carpinus caroliniana) or salt.
