Tree Micromeles alnifolia [Korean Mountainash] Sorbus alnifolia is an attractive small, dense tree that produces beautiful clusters of white flowers in the spring. In the wild, this plant lives in cooler, mountain climates and is not well-adapted to USDA zone 8 and south. Intolerant of city conditions. Tends to flowers heavier every other year. Susceptible to fireblight and scab, but resistant to borers that frequently attack other Sorbus. Although this plant is commonly referred to as a "mountainash", it is…
Shrub Nandina domestica [Heavenly Bamboo] The beautiful red fruits are so prolific they can even bend down branches. Tolerates full sun or shade, even fruits well in shade. Prune by cutting canes back to ground. Develops iron chlorosis on Southwestern US due to high soil pH. 'Atropurpurea Nana' stays 2' high with reddish-green color throughout summer, turning dark red in winter.
Tree Nyssa sylvatica 'Hayman Red' [sold as Red Rage®] [Red Rage Black Gum] 'Haymanred', the broadly pyramidal cultivar of the Indiana native Black Gum, is know for its rich and vibrant fall color, lustrous dark green leaves and resistance to leaf spot. Selected from southern Indiana and introduced by Mike Hayman, it is one of the best cultivars of black gum. Can be difficult to transplant due to its taproot, use container-grown plants or plants dug with a soil ball. Can be used in areas with wet soils.
Tree Nyssa sylvatica 'WFH1' [sold as Tupelo Tower™] [Tupelo Tower Black Gum] Tupelo Tower is one of the only upright, of columnar habit, unlike the straight species. Its tight habit, brilliant fall color, and urban tolerances make this cultivar highly saught after. Typically, a slightly acidic soil is needed for this species to perform well. Difficult to transplant, so best purchase as container grown. Wet soils tolerant.
Tree Indiana Native Nyssa sylvatica 'Wildfire' [Wildfire Blackgum] Especially useful in wet soils. One of the most beautiful trees, with habit comparable to Quercus palustris, but usually more irregular, and with a greater number of more slender main limbs. Silvery-grey, picturesque branching; strong horizontal accent. Difficult to transplant due to taproot; use container-grown plants when possible, or at least plants dug with a soil ball. Shelter from wind. In the North, select native northern stock as the species has a wide geographic range.…
Tree Indiana Native Oxydendrum arboreum [Sourwood] This plant gets it common and scientific name from its sour-tasting leaves. The genus name is derived from the Greek word "oxys", meaning sour, and "dendron", meaning tree. Honey produced from the pollen of Sourwood flowers is considered valuable. The attractive, slightly fragrant flowers are often prolifically produced, especially in full sun, and are effective for up to four weeks. Like all Ericaceous plants, Oxydendrum arboreum requires rich, organic, moist, well-drained, and acidic soil. This…
Tree Indiana Native Populus tremuloides [Quaking Aspen] The common name of Populus tremuloides is derived from the tendency of the leaves to tremble (quake) in the wind, or even light breezes, due to flattened petioles. This is a fast-growing and short-lived species that regenerates from root suckers and can quickly recolonize disturbed sites. Generally, most of the specimens in a grove of P. tremuloides are clones, all originating from the same stem. This plant is dioecious, so groves are usually all male…
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.
