Tree Indiana Native Quercus macrocarpa [Bur Oak] More tolerant of city conditions than most oaks. Perhaps too large for a typical residential landscape when mature.
Tree Indiana Native Quercus marilandica [Blackjack Oak] The Blackjack Oak is a small to medium sized tree with distinct, stout, irregular branches. It is very tolerant of poor, dry conditions, but does not tolerate wet conditions. This oak's common name is in reference to its dark, blackjack-like leaves.
Tree Indiana Native Quercus montana [Chestnut Oak] Naturally grows in rocky places and poor, dry sites. Dislikes poor drainage. Bark has the highest tannin content of any Quercus species.
Tree Indiana Native Quercus muehlenbergii [Chinquapin Oak] More tolerant of city conditions than most oaks.
Tree Indiana Native Quercus rubra [Red Oak] One of the best and most reliable of oaks as a shade or street tree. More vigorous and fast-growing than most oaks. Good street tree since it performs reasonably well in small soil volumes (although it tends to branch close to ground). Oak wilt disease has been troublesome in certain areas of the Midwest. Hybridizes easily with other oaks (be careful of source).
Tree Indiana Native Quercus shumardii [Shumard Oak] The Shumard Oak is a handsome tree that is drought and air pollution tolerant, and but can also be used in rain gardens. Transplanting and establishment can be difficult.
Tree Indiana Native Quercus stellata [Post Oak] A tough find in Indiana and mostly encountered in the wild throughout the southern states, the native Post Oak can be found in oak-hickory forests of southern Indiana. Open grown trees have a dense, round-topped crown with spreading branches for shade. Bark is similar to the White Oak, gray-brown in color with flat ridges, somewhat scaly, eventually ridged and furrowed. Fall color can vary, ranging from deep red to a golden brown.
Tree Indiana Native Quercus velutina [Black Oak] Quercus velutina is a large, deciduous oak with an irregular canopy. It is closely related to Q. rubra (Red Oak), which it is known to hybridize with. The interesting bark of the Q. velutina is nearly black and furrowed. Transplanting is made difficult by the long tap root. Not generally sold commercially.
Shrub Indiana Native Rhus aromatica [Fragrant Sumac] A highly variable species in both ultimate height and fall foliage color. Color probably also varies with soil type, possibly as a function of moisture content. Plants are native to dry, sandy, and rocky soils, and usually color well under these conditions. Useful for bank stabilization since it develops roots on stems touching the soil. It also suckers. Can spread too quickly for some sites (spreading rhizomes). Shear to ground to rejuvenate (try a brush-hog).
Shrub Indiana Native Rhus copallinum [Flameleaf Sumac] The Flameleaf Sumac is a large shrub or small tree known for its extraordinary, "flaming" red fall color. Its form is initially compact, but then becomes quite open and irregular with age. Spreads by root suckers and forms large colonies, making it inappropriate for small areas.
