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 Nyssa sylvatica 'David Odom' [sold as Afterburner® Tupelo] [Afterburner® Tupelo] Female trees must have a male pollinator to set fruit, difficult to transplant due to taproot.
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.
Tree Indiana Native Quercus michauxii [Swamp Chestnut Oak] Similar to Quercus montana but obtains a larger ultimate size and is found in moister soils. Common in low areas, river bottoms, swamp borders and ravines. It gained its common name of "Basket Oak" from the baskets created from its wood, and the common name "Cow Oak" from the sweet, edible acorns relished by cows.
Tree Indiana Native Quercus palustris [Pin Oak] Handsome tree, distinctive for its regular branching, spreading to horizontal to pendulous, from top to bottom of the tree. This effect is partly lost when lower limbs must be removed for traffic underneath. Requires an acidic soil and is subject to severe iron chlorosis on calcareous soils. This can be corrected but it means additional maintenance.
