Plants

Rubus occidentalis

[Black Raspberry]

This thorny shrub is an Indiana native found along woodland edges. Although its natural habit is spreading, the Black Raspberry can be cut back to the ground to allow control of the spread and rejuvenation. The fruits of the Black Raspberry are sweet yet a bit tart, becoming a commercial commodity in parts of the United States. Best use in the landscape would be property boarders and erosion control. Best growth in part shade and…

Rubus odoratus

[Flowering Raspberry]

The Flowering Raspberry offers great texture into the landscape with its exfoliating bark during the winter months and its large course leaves during the summer months. Its rich, pink-purple flowers begin to bloom in early June, offering fragrance and color. The flowers and fruits often attract birds and other wildlife, including butterflies and bees.

Sambucus canadensis

[American Elderberry]

This plant is known most for its fruits, which have a high Vitamin C content and are attractive to both people and wildlife. The berry-like fruits are popular for making wine, juice, jellies, preserves, and pie. However, this plant is not generally advised for use in the landscape due to its excessive suckering and difficult to maintain form (can become quite unkempt). Very tolerant of various environmental conditions.

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 for Black Beauty

Staphylea colchica

[Colchris Bladdernut]

The Colchris Bladdernut is a medium sized shrub, native to the Eurasian Caucasus mountain system, in eastern Europe. Its flowers are white, bell-shaped, and very fragrant, reminding one of orange-blossoms. Its fruit gives this plant its common name, appearing as an inflated capsule. This shrub tends to sucker once established.

Styrax japonicus

[Japanese Snowbell]

Relatively trouble-free. Can be susceptible to Ambrosia beetle and canker. Partial shade best in Zones 7 and 8 due to heat intolerance.

Symphoricarpos × chenaultii

[Chenault Coralberry]

A more refined plant than the parent S. orbiculatus, perhaps more showy in flower and fruit and more useful in the shrub border. Useful as a bank cover or large scale groundcover. Transplants well. This plant has a beautiful fruit show and is shade tolerant, however, it is also a twiggy, "garbage can plant" (collects leaves and blowing debris); this quality (especially prominent in the fall and winter) limits its usability in the landscape.

Symphoricarpos × chenaultii 'Hancock'

[Dwarf Chenault Coralberry]

'Hancock' is a low-growing, wide spreading dwarf cultivar of the Chenault Coralberry that is useful as a groundcover and for erosion control. Transplants well. This plant has a beautiful fruit show and is shade tolerant, however, it is also a "garbage can plant" (collects leaves and blowing debris). 'Hancock' appears to have less of a problem with this than the species type, though.

Symphoricarpos orbiculatus

[Coralberry]

Vaccinium angustifolium

[Lowbush Blueberry]

The Lowbush Blueberry requires acidic soils with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Iron chlorosis can be a problem in higher pH soils. Mulch around roots to maintain high organic matter. For higher blossom and berry output, grow in full sun. Berries are sweet and edible.