Tree Indiana Native Quercus rubra [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).
Shrub Indiana Native Rhus copallinum [Flameleaf Sumac] The Flameleaf Sumac is a large shrub or small tree known for its extraordinary, "flaming" red fall color. Its form is initially compact, but then becomes quite open and irregular with age. Spreads by root suckers and forms large colonies, making it inappropriate for small areas.
Shrub Indiana Native Rhus glabra [Smooth Sumac] Large, club-like fruit clusters and rather coarse compound leaves make this a plant that can best be appreciated from a distance, and so it is at its best in large-scale plantings. Picturesque branches. Hard to kill this plant. Can be rejuvenated by cutting to ground in late winter. Plants are dioecious, so only females have the fruiting interest, but all plants are reliably colorful in fall foliage. Spreads rapidly by suckers.
Shrub Rhus typhina 'Bailtiger' [sold as Tiger Eyes®] [Cutleaf Tiger Eyes Staghorn Sumac] The Tiger Eyes cultivar makes a great landscape plant as it suckers less than the species, and for it's nice foliage.
Shrub Rosa × 'Radtko' [sold as The Double Knock Out®] [The Double Knock Out Rose] The Double Knock Out Rose is a compact, bushy plant that prolifically produces fragrant, double, cherry-red flowers from summer through fall. While this is a very low maintenance and disease resistant rose, good cultural practices are still advised. Avoid wetting the foliage when watering, place the plant in an area with good air circulation, and remove dead or diseased plant matter as soon as possible. Branches are covered with thorns, making pruning difficult.
Shrub Sambucus nigra 'Eva' [Sold as Black Lace®] [Black Lace Elderberry] More lacy, fern-textured, dark purple leaves, pale pink flowers, 6 to 8' high; origin as for Black Beauty
Tree Indiana Native Sassafras albidum [Common Sassafras] Roots sucker and form thickets, which may or may not be desirable. Sassafras tea contains safrole, a mild carcinogen banned in food products. Iron chlorosis in high pH can turn leaves yellow.
