Plants

Crataegus × lavalleei

[Lavalle Hawthorn]

The Lavalle Hawthorn is a small, rounded tree that resulted from a cross of Crataegus mexicana and C. crusgalli. Quite resistant to rust and less thorny than its Cockspur Hawthorn parent.

Deutzia gracilis 'Nikko'

[Dwarf Slender Deutzia]

'Nikko' is a compact, dense, and rounded shrub. Nice in flower as they can cover the plant, and relatively pest free. Branches often killed by cold temperatures in Northern range (or just die back), and then it's often best to cut it back to 6". Renewal pruning every few years can maintain vigor and form. Prune to maintain form by removing old stems, and do so after flowering to encourage best flower show the following…

Dirca palustris

[Leatherwood]

Dirca palustris is a small, dense, quite rounded, Indiana native shrub with excellent yellow fall coloration. Although it is generally uncommon in the wild, Leatherwood can be found growing naturally and thriving along the ravines of Turkey Run State Park in Marshall, IN. This plant requires rich, moist, acidic soils and should be protected from intense sun. Leatherwood fruits, bark, and roots are poisonous.

Euonymus alatus 'Compactus'

[Dwarf Winged Euonymus]

The dense and lower-growing 'Compactus' is one of the most common Winged Euonymus cultivars. Widely tolerant of most soil and microclimatic conditions, but develops good fall foliage color only when exposed to considerable direct sun. Tolerates heavy pruning. Can be troubled by scale insects, although not so frequently as the evergreen euonymus. Fruits are toxic. Avoid very dry or wet sites. Can be invasive, seeding into woodlots.

Euonymus atropurpureus

[Eastern Wahoo]

The Easter Wahoo is an Indiana native shrub/small tree that can be found in open woods or along forest edges and is grown for its attractive red fruits and great fall color. Due to its irregular habit, the Eastern Wahoo can be an issue in the formal landscape, but regular pruning can fix this issue. Far less invasive than the infamous Euonymus alatus (Winged Euonymus or Burning Bush). Flowers are small, rich purple that bloom…

Euonymus sachalinensis

[Siberian Spindletree]

The Siberian Spindletree is a large shrub (or sometimes small tree) that has showy 4-lobed, crimson fruits appearng in late summer followed by handsome red fall color. Plant can be affected by scale.

Fothergilla gardenii

[Dwarf Fothergilla]

A very useful and adaptable small shrub that has unique, fragrant, bottle-brush flowers and spectacular fall foliage. Chlorosis develops in high pH soil.

Fothergilla gardenii 'Jane Platt'

[Jane Platt Dwarf Fothergilla]

A very useful and adaptable small shrub that has unique, fragrant, bottle-brush flowers and spectacular fall foliage. Compared to the species type, 'Jane Platt' has slightly larger flower spikes and more cascading branches, but reportedly the fall color is not quite as brilliant. Chlorosis develops in high pH soil.

Fothergilla × intermedia 'Blue Shadow'

[Blue Shadow Fothergilla]

Franklinia alatamaha

[Franklin Tree]

Franklinia is a small tree or large shrub that was originally discovered in 1773 by John Bartman (Royal Botanist for North America appointed by King George III) and his son, William. Together, they found a small group of the species growing along the Altamaha River in Georgia, and since then no other wild populations have been discovered. This is a rare plant that now appears to be extinct in the wild. All specimens of Franklinia…