Shrub Indiana Native Ilex verticillata [Common Winterberry] Excellent show of bright red berries in winter and fruiting color is best in full sun. This species, like other hollies, is dioecious, so plant females for fruit and an occasional male for pollination. Adaptable to wet soils, but tolerates more normal conditions also. Native habitats are swampy areas. Tends to sucker and can be quite twiggy. Leaf spot and mildew can be serious problems. Develops chlorosis on alkaline soils.
Shrub Ilex verticillata 'Berry Heavy' [Berry Heavy Common Winterberry] Bright red fruits abundantly set; 6 to 8' high; 'Jim Dandy' is recommended as the male pollinator; Spring Meadow introduction.
Shrub Indiana Native Itea virginica [Virginia Sweetspire] Quite drought and pH tolerant although best situated in moist areas with some acidity. Flowers best in full sun, but is shade tolerant. Pruning sometimes needed to maintain form, primarily for removal of wayward branches. Avoid pruning in late fall or winter as flowers form on previous season's wood. Can be subject to flea beetle and leaf spot.
Tree Magnolia virginiana 'Northern Belle' [Northern Belle Sweetbay Magnolia] The most cold-hardy evergreen magnolia. Large white blossoms that open with the scent of vanilla. This is great around woodlands and near water, where it still grows in very wet soil. Can take full sun or partial shade. Pests and diseases are almost never a problem and has some resistance to drought.
Tree Indiana Native Malus ionensis [Prairie Crabapple] Apples are not quite edible when raw due to the high amounts of pectin causing a bitter taste. Although the high amount of pectin makes the fruit good for jellies or jams.
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 Platanus occidentalis [American Sycamore] One of the largest of shade trees, making massive, majestic specimens. Tolerant of urban conditions, but generally found in riparian areas in the wild. The mottled, multi-colored, exfoliating bark is very beautiful and makes for excellent winter interest. Needs a large volume of soil space. Anthracnose leaf and twig blight occasionally disfigure this tree, and can damage it severely. Leaves, twigs, bark, and fruit contribute to a significant litter problem. Although this species can tolerate…
Tree Indiana Native Populus deltoides [Eastern Cottonwood] Populus deltoides is a large, fast-growing tree that is not generally advised for use in the landscape. This plant is weak-wooded, weedy, and a litter problem, dropping twigs, flowers, branches, leaves, and fruits (the cottony masses that float through the air in early summer). In the wild, it tends to grow along streams, rivers, and other moist areas. Susceptible to many pests and diseases, especially canker.
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 lyrata [Overcup Oak] The Overcup Oak is a medium-sized oak with an oval crown and lower branches that sweep upward. This species thrives in lowlands and bottomlands and can tolerate extended flooding. The common name is derived from its acorn, which can be nearly 3/4 "cupped" by the cap. Acorns generally aren't produced until the tree is around 25-30 years old.
