Tree Indiana Native Acer saccharum ssp. nigrum [Black Maple] The Black Maple is a close relative of the Sugar Maple. Typically, Black Maples tolerate and grow in wetter soils than the Sugar Maple, but they are equally shade tolerant. Black Maples do not tolerate salts and are therefore poor street trees. This species prefers deep, uncompacted soils.
Tree Acer triflorum [Three-Flower Maple] Acer triflorum tends to be an understory tree in its natural habitat. Its beautiful exfoliating bark reveals a rusty brown coloration, providing attractive winter interest. Its shallow root system cannot handle drought well, unless properly mulched. This maple can handle full shade but is best in part shade to full sun.
Tree Acer × 'Warrenred' [sold as Pacific Sunset®] [Pacific Sunset Maple] 'Pacific Sunset®' is an Acer truncatum X Acer platanoides hybrib. it has dark, glossy leaves in the summer and bright yellow-orange to red leaves in the fall. They are not commonly used but are known for being adaptable to a wide variety of landscpaes.
Tree Aesculus × carnea 'Briotii' [Ruby Red Horsechestnut] Has decent tolerance to drought and urban environments. Buds are not as sticky as its parent plant, Aesculus hippocastanum. Flower panicles are larger than both parent species with a rich red coloration, making it a popular tree choice in England.
Shrub Agave americana [Century Plant] Can take as few as 10 years to flower in warm climates, to 60 years in colder climates. Once it flowers, it dies and offsets around the base of the original plant eventually form a group of new plants. Suckers produced from the main plant may take only 10-15 years to flower. Beware of thick point tips on its leaves, prune off to protect children. Some susceptibility to Agape weevil, especially when weakened.
Liana (Climbing Vine) Akebia quinata [Fiveleaf Akebia] Fiveleaf Akebia is a vigorous vine that establishes quickly under many different conditions, even to the point of invading an area. Prune to keep this plant within its boundaries. Best used to climb up structures, but can also be used as a sprawling groundcover. Although generally deciduous, Akebia quinata can be evergreen in the south.
Tree Albizia julibrissin [Albizia] Albizia julibrissin is known for its attractive, "pom-pom" like flowers that begin in late spring and last through the summer. The interesting effect of the flowers is due to the the over 1" long pink stamens. This plant is not an ideal landscape choice due to its susceptibility to many pests and diseases, including vascular wilt disease (Fusarium).
Tree Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Cole’s Select' [Cole's Select Apple Serviceberry] Cole's Select Apple Serviceberry is an attractive plant with multi-seasonal interest, thick, glossy foliage, and especially outstanding red to orange fall coloration. 'Cole's Select' tends to have slightly larger flowers and stronger spreading, more horizontal branching than the species type. The beautiful white clusters of flowers give rise to sweet purple-black berries that are edible by humans and especially relished by birds. The fruits can be used in pies, jams, and jellies.
Shrub Indiana Native Amorpha fruticosa [Indigobush Amorpha] The Indigobush Amorpha is a Indiana native shrub that can be found along river banks and shallow marshes. This shrub can be planted in areas of poor soil where few other plants will survive, as well as used for erosion control. To avoid weediness, seeds can be collected shortly after flowering as it can spread readily by seeds. Common problems of Amorpha fruticosa includes rust, leaf spots, powdery mildew and twig canker. Some gall problems…
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.
