Tree Malus domestica 'Flower of Kent' [The Flower of Kent] Also known as Isaac Newton's Apple Tree, Flower of Kent is a descendent of the original apple tree that was said to inspire Sir Isaac Newton's theory of gravity.
Tree Malus domestica 'Williams’ Pride' [Williams' Pride Apple] 'Williams' Pride' was developed as an early ripening dessert apple by cooperative breeding programs at the agricultural experiment stations of Indiana, Illinois, and New Jersey (PRI: Purdue University, Rutgers University, and University of Illinois). This vigorous tree is an annual bloomer and fruiter that produces an abundance of white flowers, which are followed by dark red apples. 'Williams' Pride' has excellent resistance against apple scab and cedar-apple rust and good to moderate resistance against fireblight…
Tree Malus × 'Ellen Gerhart' [Ellen Gerhart Flowering Crabapple] The Flowering Crabapple is a popular small ornamental tree with an extremely showy flower display in the spring. 'Ellen Gerhart' is a cultivar that has single to semi-double blossoms, but it is not suggested for use in the landscape due to its severe susceptibility to apple scab. However, it has generally good resistance to other pests and diseases that can affect crabapples, such as fireblight, Japanese beetles, leaf spot, cedar-apple rust, and powdery mildew. Fruits…
Tree Malus × 'Ralph Shay' [Ralph Shay Flowering Crabapple] The Flowering Crabapple is a popular small ornamental tree with an extremely showy flower display in the spring. This vigorous cultivar is named in honor of Purdue University plant physiologist Ralph Shay (1918-1981) who was head of the Department of Botany & Plant Pathology from 1954-1966. This tree has attractive white flowers followed by exceptionally large, long persisting, bright red fruits that can be used in jellies or preserves. 'Ralph Shay' has slight susceptibility to…
Tree Malus × 'Robinson' [Robinson Flowering Crabapple] The Flowering Crabapple is a popular small ornamental tree with an extremely showy flower display in the spring. 'Robinson' has deep pink flowers, red fruits (which may be used in jellies), and red-bronze foliage. This cultivar has some susceptibility to apple scab, but relatively good resistance to other pests and diseases that commonly affect crabapples (such as fireblight, Japanese beetles, leaf spot, cedar-apple rust, and powdery mildew). Tends to flower and fruit in alternate years.…
Tree Malus × 'Simpson 10-35' [Simpson 10-35 Flowering Crabapple] The Flowering Crabapple is a popular small ornamental tree with an extremely showy flower display in the spring. 'Simpson 10-35' is a hybrid with white flowers and edible, dark red-blushed fruits developed by Simpson Orchard Co., Inc. in Vincennes, IN. Tends to flower and fruit in alternate years. Well-drained heavy loam soils and full sun promote best growth. Can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases, such as apple scab, fireblight, Japanese beetles, leaf spot,…
Tree InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive Morus alba [White Mulberry] It will grow in nearly any situation. There are occasional problems with cankers, mites, and bacterial blights. Morus alba is very similar to the native red mulberry (Morus rubra), but may be distinguished by the leaves. Its leaves have glossy surfaces whereas the leaves of Morus rubra do not. Morus alba is found throughout the United States, where it invades old fields, urban lots, roadsides, forest edges, and other disturbed areas. It poses an ecological…
Tree Indiana Native Morus rubra [Red Mulberry] The Red Mulberry is fairly adaptable and can sometimes be a prolific self-seeder. To prevent bleeding, it should be pruned in late fall or winter. Although somewhat more sensitive to soil requirements, Morus rubra is considered to be a better choice than the related Morus alba (White Mulberry), which has a much more invasive character. Morus rubra is dioecious, so male and female flowers are borne on separate trees. Female trees, if fertilized, bear edible…
Shrub Indiana Native Opuntia humifusa [Pricklypear] The Pricklypear is a cactus native to the eastern United States, including Indiana, and is hardy to USDA zone 4. The cactus pads can break off and root into the ground, forming colonies. It is an evergreen plant, but becomes shriveled and wilted during cold winters. Fruits are edible and are often used to make jams and candies. The pads (fleshy green segments with thorns) are also edible as a roasted vegetable. This plant has…
Liana (Climbing Vine) Passiflora caerulea [Blue Passionflower] This is one of the hardiest passion flowers, dying back in colder climates, but hardy to 10 degrees F. (It is suspected that the specimen at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN (USDA zone 5a), is kept alive in the winter by the heat radiated from the greenhouses and building it is planted near.) Plant is evergreen in tropical environments. Extraordinary flowers and tasty, edible fruits (passion fruit). Prefers loose sandy or gravelly soil that…
