Tree Indiana Native Quercus coccinea [Scarlet Oak] Excellent scarlet fall foliage, comparable if not often better than the Pin Oak. Does not suffer iron chlorosis as bad as Pin Oak, being more tolerant of alkaline soils. Some report difficulty in transplanting.
Tree Indiana Native Quercus michauxii [Swamp Chestnut Oak] Similar to Quercus montana but obtains a larger ultimate size and is found in moister soils. Common in low areas, river bottoms, swamp borders and ravines. It gained its common name of "Basket Oak" from the baskets created from its wood, and the common name "Cow Oak" from the sweet, edible acorns relished by cows.
Tree Quercus nuttallii [Nuttall Oak] New growth is reddish purple with red fall color. A fast grower that prefers zones 7, 8, and 9.
Tree Indiana Native Quercus palustris [Pin Oak] Handsome tree, distinctive for its regular branching, spreading to horizontal to pendulous, from top to bottom of the tree. This effect is partly lost when lower limbs must be removed for traffic underneath. Requires an acidic soil and is subject to severe iron chlorosis on calcareous soils. This can be corrected but it means additional maintenance.
Tree Quercus palustris 'Crownright' [Crownright Pin Oak] Handsome tree with a more upright habit that lacks the pendulous character of the lower branches seen in the species type. Requires an acidic soil and is subject to severe iron chlorosis on calcareous soils. This can be corrected but it means additional maintenance.
Tree Quercus palustris 'Emerald Pillar' [sold as Green Pillar®] [Green Pillar Pin Oak] This cultivar is a columnar habit, great for those smaller spaces. Its fall color is a vibrant red, which leads many to believe that the Scarlet Oak, (Quercus cocinea) is in the genetics of this cultivar. Green Pillar Pin Oak is grafted onto root stock, so graft incompatibility may be an issue in the future. Requires an acidic soil and is subject to severe iron chlorosis on calcareous soils. This can be corrected but it…
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).
Tree Indiana Native Quercus shumardii [Shumard Oak] The Shumard Oak is a handsome tree that is drought and air pollution tolerant, and but can also be used in rain gardens. Transplanting and establishment can be difficult.
Tree Indiana Native Quercus stellata [Post Oak] A tough find in Indiana and mostly encountered in the wild throughout the southern states, the native Post Oak can be found in oak-hickory forests of southern Indiana. Open grown trees have a dense, round-topped crown with spreading branches for shade. Bark is similar to the White Oak, gray-brown in color with flat ridges, somewhat scaly, eventually ridged and furrowed. Fall color can vary, ranging from deep red to a golden brown.
Shrub Rhus aromatica 'Gro-low' [Low Growing Fragrant Sumac] 'Gro-low', as the name implies, is a very low-growing (and popular) female cultivar. Rhus aromatica is native to dry, sandy, and rocky soils, and usually colors well under these conditions. Useful for bank stabilization since it develops roots on stems touching the soil. It also suckers. Can spread too quickly for some sites (spreading rhizomes). Shear to ground to rejuvenate (try a brush-hog).
