Plants

Quercus imbricaria
[Shingle Oak]

Somewhat tolerant of city conditions. Can be pruned into a hedge. Leaves persist into winter after the normal leaf-raking period and then fall. Oak gall is susceptible, but it is a minor problem. Unlike its relatives, the shingle oak's leaves do not feature any lobes and have a complete margin.

Indiana Native

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.

Indiana Native

Tree

Indiana Native

Quercus phellos
[Willow Oak]

Somewhat tolerant of city conditions. Oak wilt and scales, and many other oak tree pests, though none considered very serious. Low maintenance, long-lived tree. Use Northern sources in Indiana.

Indiana Native

Tree

Indiana Native

Quercus rubra
[Northern 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).

Indiana Native

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.

Indiana Native

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.

Indiana Native

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.