Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Aralia spinosa [Devil's Walkingstick] Slow growth rate, but fast on roots (forms a very coarse thicket). Sucker shoots can be a maintenance problem if tree form is desired. Sharp prickles also make maintenance difficult, and are a minor hazard to children. Otherwise, no serious problems with this plant. Very adaptable and easy to grow, tolerating most conditions except wet soil. Drought tolerant, and best in full sun. Excellent selection in a mass planting near buildings having poor soils.
Shrub Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea 'Crimson Pygmy' [Red Dwarf Japanese Barberry] The Red Dwarf Japanese Barberry is exceedingly popular due to its dense, low growing form, brilliant foliage, and tolerance to tough urban conditions. For the best leaf coloration, place in full sun. This plant tolerates dry soils, but will suffer in wet, poorly drained soils.
Shrub Chaenomeles japonica [Japanese Flowering Quince] Orange-red to scarlet flowers occur in early to mid-April and are born on one-year-old wood just before the leaves fully emerge, creating an excellent dispersal of coloring throughout the shrub. Sparsely produces small, apple-like fruits, commonly called quinces, that are edible if used in preserves; harvest in October. Widely adapted to different soils and microclimates. Place in full sun location for best flower display, although it is tolerant to partial shade. Subject to occasional scale…
Shrub Chaenomeles speciosa [Common Flowering Quince] White, pink, orange, salmon, or red single or double flowers (depending on variant) occur in late April, are born on old wood just before the leaves fully emerge, and occur singly or 2-4 per cluster, creating an excellent dispersal of coloring throughout the shrub. Sparsely produces small, apple-like fruits, commonly called quinces, that are edible if used in preserves; harvest in October. Widely adapted to different soils and microclimates. Place in full sun location for…
Shrub Chaenomeles speciosa 'Rubra' [Red Flowering Quince] Strongly red single flowers occur in late April are born on old wood just before the leaves fully emerge, and occur singly or 2-4 per cluster, creating an excellent dispersal of coloring throughout the shrub. Sparsely produces small, apple-like fruits, commonly called quinces, that are edible if used in preserves; harvest in October. Widely adapted to different soils and microclimates. Place in full sun location for best flower display, although it is tolerant to partial…
Shrub Corylus avellana [European Filbert] Corylus avellana is a tough, usually a large, suckering, thicket-forming shrub, but it can also be grown as a small tree, if the suckers are controlled. The nut is edible and Corylus avellana is frequently grown for production in Europe.
Tree Indiana Native Crataegus viridis [Green Hawthorn] An attractive small tree with beautiful white flower corymbs and bright red persistent fruits. Very adaptable, although leaves are often badly infected by rust so that the entire plant appears to be suffering from the measles.
Shrub/Tree Elaeagnus angustifolia [Russian-olive] Widely adaptable and invasive plant in the Midwest. Like other members of the family, fixes atmospheric nitrogen. Can be a large shrub or small tree. Spreads by rooting suckers. Especially tolerant of extreme cold and drought, but does not tolerate extreme heat of the south. Verticillium wilt and stem canker may be a problem in some areas. Needs some pruning to keep vigorous and in good form. Berries used to make sherbet in some partsof…
Shrub Eleutherococcus sieboldianus [Fiveleaf Aralia] Tolerates a wide range of soil and environmental conditions, including dry city conditions and shade. Little seasonal interest other than foliage, but extremely durable shrub. Prickles on stems can make pruning difficult. In poor sites, renewal pruning can improve form. In rich organic soils, renewal pruning can lead to rank growth. Usually dioecious.