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 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.
Tree Indiana Native Robinia pseudoacacia [Black Locust] Widely variable in form, the most picturesque are straight-trunked with branches abruptly fanning out at the top. Fixes N2. Locust borers are troublesome and difficult to control, but many trees live with them successfully for many years. Leaf minors and permanently wet soils can be problems.
Tree Stewartia pseudocamellia [Japanese Stewartia] In the wild, this specimen can grow up to 60' high, much larger than the mature landscape tree which ranges from 20-40' high. The outstanding, multi-colored bark is rich and flaking, ranging from soft grays and browns to orangish brown. There are no serious pests or diseases for this specimen.
Tree Styrax japonicus [Japanese Snowbell] Relatively trouble-free. Can be susceptible to Ambrosia beetle and canker. Partial shade best in Zones 7 and 8 due to heat intolerance.
Tree Syringa reticulata [Japanese Tree Lilac] A very hardy and showy tree. Attractive, cherry-like mahogany-colored bark, distinctly different from all other lilacs. Widely adapted to soils and environments. Cut to ground to rejuvenate completely. Mildew resistant. Subject to infestations of borers and scale insects, but these are not usually serious enough to discourage its use where some maintenance is available. Alternate year flowering on different parts of the tree can sometimes occur, a problem that can be assuaged by deadheading (use…
Tree Syringa reticulata 'Ivory Silk' [Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac] The Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac is a very hardy and showy tree, great choice for a specimen tree. Attractive, cherry-like mahogany-colored bark, which is distinctly different from all other lilacs. Widely adapted to soils and environments, Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac can be a great choice for those difficult areas in the landscape. Cut to ground to rejuvenate completely. Some consider the beautiful creamy white flowers to be malodorous, like a privet.
Tree Indiana Native Taxodium distichum [Common Baldcypress] Nice planted in groupings around water. Develops cypress knees (possibly for gas exchange), but generally only near water.
Tree Taxodium distichum 'Michelson' [sold as Shawnee Brave®] [Shawnee Brave Baldcypress] Nice planted in groupings around water. Develops cypress knees (possibly for gas exchange), but generally only near water. Mite resistant foliage.
Tree Taxodium distichum var. imbricarium [Pondcypress] Can tolerate wet and dry soils. Does not tend to develop "cypress knees" like the Common Baldcypress.