Tree Pinus thunbergii [Japanese Black Pine] The Japanese Black Pine develops a picturesque, open, and irregular form with age (excellent for bonsai), but pruning can be used to develop denser branching, if desired. This species is very tolerant of salt spray and is especially useful for coastal plantings. Pinus thunbergii is quite susceptible to Pine Wilt Disease from the Pine Wood Nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), which is vectored by the Pine Sawyer Beetle. Tends to have a shorter life span when grown…
Tree Platanus × acerifolia [London Planetree] Platanus x acerifolia is quite similar to P. occidentalis, but was originally advertised as being much more pest resistant. P. x acerifolia was quickly overplanted, and it is clear that pest resistance varies among hybrids, and can be quite poor. Pests that can severely affect this species include sycamore anthracnose, cankerstain, Botryosphaeria canker, leaf spot, powdery mildew, sycamore lace bug, and American plum borer. One of the largest of shade trees, making massive, majestic specimens.…
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 Populus × 'Red Caudina' [Red Caudina Poplar] This fast-growing 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, the parents of this hybrid tend to grow along streams, rivers, and other moist areas. Susceptible to many pests and diseases, especially canker. 'Red Caudina' is a narrow, all male cultivar that does not produce the problematic cottony fruits. It has red veination and…
Tree Populus tremuloides 'NE Arb' [sold as Prairie Gold®] [Prairie Gold Quaking Aspen] Prairie Gold® Quaking Aspen is more tolerant to urban conditions including heat, drought, and humidity. The Aspen's name is derived from its golden yellow fall color. Native from Labrador to Alaska, south to Pennsylvania, Missouri, northern Mexico and lower California.
Tree Prunus × incam 'Okame' [Okame Cherry] 'Okame' is a small cherry tree that performs well in the landscape and provides multi-season interest with beautiful, pink flowers very early in the spring, handsome dark green summer foliage, excellent orange, red, and bronze fall color, and shining, reddish bark in the winter.
Shrub Indiana Native Prunus pumila [Sand Cherry] Prunus pumila is a creeping, low-growing small shrub naturally found in sandy locations, such as dunes, where it acts an important stabilizer. The cherry fruits are too bitter to eat fresh, but can be used in jams and jellies.
Shrub Prunus tomentosa [Nanking Cherry] Among earliest of Prunus to flower. Subject to the troubles of other cherries (fireblight, etc.), but less so than some. Leaf spot in wet seasons. Often short-lived.
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Prunus virginiana [Common Chokecherry] The Common Chokecherry can be a suckering small tree or large shrub that produces fragrant white racemes followed by small, purple-black cherries. These fruits can be used for pies, jellies, and jams (do not eat fresh). Suckers must be immediately removed to control growth.
