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…
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Prunus americana [American Red Plum] Common shrub or small tree, often forming large colonies along roadsides, in waste areas, and other uncultivated habitats.
Tree Prunus cerasifera [Cherry Plum] This tree is not pollution tolerant and is short-lived, often living to only about 20 years. There are numerous diseases and pests that can affect Prunus cerasifera, especially canker, fireblight, leaf spots, powdery mildew, aphids, scale, borers, and tent caterpillars. Despite its drawbacks, this tree is extraordinarily popular and has been used extensively in the landscape. The straight species Prunus cerasifera is not often seen, with purple-leaf forms being the most predominant.
Tree Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea' [Purple Cherry Plum] This tree is not pollution tolerant and is short-lived, often living to only about 20 years. There are numerous diseases and pests that can affect Prunus cerasifera, especially canker, fireblight, leaf spots, powdery mildew, aphids, scale, borers, and tent caterpillars. Despite its drawbacks, this tree is extraordinarily popular and has been used extensively in the landscape. The straight species Prunus cerasifera is not often seen, with purple-leaf forms, such as 'Atropurpurea' being the most predominant.…
Tree Prunus × 'Newport' [Newport Cherry Plum] This tree is not pollution tolerant and is short-lived, often living to only about 20 years. There are numerous diseases and pests that can affect Prunus cerasifera, especially canker, fireblight, leaf spots, powdery mildew, aphids, scale, borers, and tent caterpillars. Despite its drawbacks, this tree is extraordinarily popular and has been used extensively in the landscape. The straight species Prunus cerasifera is not often seen, with purple-leaf forms, such as 'Newport' being the most predominant.…
Shrub Indiana Native Prunus pumila [Sand Cherry] Prunus pumila is a creeping, low-growing small shrub naturally found in sandy locations, such as dunes, where it acts an important stabilizer. The cherry fruits are too bitter to eat fresh, but can be used in jams and jellies.
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Prunus virginiana [Common Chokecherry] The Common Chokecherry can be a suckering small tree or large shrub that produces fragrant white racemes followed by small, purple-black cherries. These fruits can be used for pies, jellies, and jams (do not eat fresh). Suckers must be immediately removed to control growth.
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.
