Plants

Populus balsamifera

[Balsam Poplar]

Buds exude a resin (the source of "balm of Gilead") that is traditionally used as an ointment to relieve chest congestion. The resin is also flammable, so twigs are used for starting fires. The streaked brown and grey wood is used in carving and woodworking. Trees are found along forest edges, forests, meadows and fields, and shores of rivers or lakes.

Populus deltoides

[Eastern Cottonwood]

Populus deltoides is a large, fast-growing tree that is not generally advised for use in the landscape. This plant is weak-wooded, weedy, and a litter problem, dropping twigs, flowers, branches, leaves, and fruits (the cottony masses that float through the air in early summer). In the wild, it tends to grow along streams, rivers, and other moist areas. Susceptible to many pests and diseases, especially canker.

Populus grandidentata

[Bigtooth Aspen]

This tree is very fast-growing with best development in moist, fertile soils but will grow on dry, sand or gravelly soils. It is very valuable for pulp wood. Often pyramidal in youth with a central leader, developing an oval, open, irregular crown at maturity.

Populus tremuloides

[Quaking Aspen]

The common name of Populus tremuloides is derived from the tendency of the leaves to tremble (quake) in the wind, or even light breezes, due to flattened petioles. This is a fast-growing and short-lived species that regenerates from root suckers and can quickly recolonize disturbed sites. Generally, most of the specimens in a grove of P. tremuloides are clones, all originating from the same stem. This plant is dioecious, so groves are usually all male…

Prunus americana

[American Red Plum]

Common shrub or small tree, often forming large colonies along roadsides, in waste areas, and other uncultivated habitats.

Prunus pensylvanica

[Pin Cherry]

Pin or Wild Red Cherry is a slender, small shrub-like tree that is native to Indiana. Often seen as a pioneer species, Pin Cherry can be seen to develop in vacant areas. Its bark is shiny, red in color, and often aromatic when brusied or cut. P. pensylavnica produces a large amount of fruit when fully mature, which could promote weediness.

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.

Prunus serotina

[Black Cherry]

Probably the best native-American species of cherry for landscape use, but still useful only in a few situations, especially for naturalizing. A valuable timber tree, especially for furniture. Subject to several minor pests, none usually serious in naturalized situations. Wood is slightly brittle. Eastern tent caterpillar problematic is some years.

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.

Ptelea trifoliata

[Hoptree]

A widely adaptable species which performs best in well-drained soils, can be grown in full sun or even under heavy shade. This plant is susceptible to several leaf spot and even a rust disease, but none are serious. It's fruit can also be use as a substitute for hops, thus giving rise to one of its common name: the 'Hoptree'. This tree's bark can also be utilized for medical purposes, and its stems when bruised…

Quercus alba

[White Oak]

One of the most majestic trees at maturity with a picturesque framework, but requires many years to reach maturity. Long-lived, the kind of tree to use where it can be appreciated by succeeding generations. Slow growth eliminates it as a tree for quick effect. Roots are highly sensitive to disturbance, even foot traffic. Almost impossible to transplant from the wild. Often difficult to find in nurseries due to slow growth and recalcitrance to propagation by…

Quercus bicolor

[Swamp White Oak]

The Swamp White Oak is a sturdy, long-lived tree that is generally tolerant to average conditions and even wet soil, but requires full sun and acidic soil.

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.

Quercus × deamii

[Deam Oak]

The Deam Oak is a rare hybrid between the White Oak (Quercus alba) and the Chinquapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii) that can be found in mature forests. Quercus x deamii was first discovered in Wells County, Indiana, about 4 miles outside the town of Bluffton in 1904 by Bruce Williamson, a zoologist, and his father. Not sure what they had found, they took the specimen to Charles C. Deam who later sent the sample to his…

Quercus ellipsoidalis

[Northern Pin Oak]

Quercus ellipsoidalis is very closely related to Q. palustris (Pin Oak), but is better suited for the Midwest. Very similar to the Pin Oak, the Northern Pin Oak is a handsome tree with distinctive and regular branching, spreading to horizontal to drooping, from top to bottom of the tree. This effect is partly lost when lower limbs must be removed for traffic underneath. While this species is still prone to chlorosis (yellowing of leaves) in…

Quercus imbricaria

[Shingle Oak]

Somewhat tolerant of city conditions. Can be pruned into a hedge. Leaves persist into winter, after the normal leaf raking period, and then fall. Oak gall susceptible, but a minor problem.

Quercus lyrata

[Overcup Oak]

The Overcup Oak is a medium-sized oak with an oval crown and lower branches that sweep upward. This species thrives in lowlands and bottomlands and can tolerate extended flooding. The common name is derived from its acorn, which can be nearly 3/4 "cupped" by the cap. Acorns generally aren't produced until the tree is around 25-30 years old.

Quercus macrocarpa

[Bur Oak]

More tolerant of city conditions than most oaks. Perhaps too large for a typical residential landscape when mature.

Quercus marilandica

[Blackjack Oak]

The Blackjack Oak is a small to medium sized tree with distinct, stout, irregular branches. It is very tolerant of poor, dry conditions, but does not tolerate wet conditions. This oak's common name is in reference to its dark, blackjack-like leaves.

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.

Quercus montana

[Chestnut Oak]

Naturally grows in rocky places and poor, dry sites. Dislikes poor drainage. Bark has the highest tannin content of any Quercus species.

Quercus muehlenbergii

[Chinquapin Oak]

More tolerant of city conditions than most oaks.

Quercus pagoda

[Cherrybark Oak]

Generally only hardy up to zone 6, this oak is larger than the closely related Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcata) and prefers wetter sites. It is native to southeastern regions of the United States and naturally grows as far north as southern Indiana and Illinois.

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.

Quercus phellos

[Willow Oak]

Somewhat tolerant of city conditions. Oak wilt and scales, and many other oak tree pests, though none considered very serious. Low maintenance, long-lived tree. Use Northern sources in Indiana.

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).

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.

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.

Quercus velutina

[Black Oak]

Quercus velutina is a large, deciduous oak with an irregular canopy. It is closely related to Q. rubra (Red Oak), which it is known to hybridize with. The interesting bark of the Q. velutina is nearly black and furrowed. Transplanting is made difficult by the long tap root. Not generally sold commercially.

Rhus aromatica

[Fragrant Sumac]

A highly variable species in both ultimate height and fall foliage color. Color probably also varies with soil type, possibly as a function of moisture content. Plants are native to dry, sandy, and rocky soils, and usually color 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).

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.

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.

Ribes americanum

[American Black Currant]

American Black Currant is a shade and wet soil tolerant shrub species often found in our Indiana woodlands. Small greenish-white flowers bloom in May which leads to dark red to black fruits that ripen in late August/September. When placed in full sun, a brilliant reddish orange fall color is produced but often golden yellow in the fall. The edible fruits are used in jams and jellies and are desirable food source for wildlife. An alternative…

Robinia hispida var. fertilis

[Bristly Locust]

Can fix nitrogen. Especially well adapted to poor, dry, alkaline soils. Though native, can be invasive on sandy soils. Frequent pruning may be needed.

Robinia pseudoacacia

[Black Locust]

Widely variable in form, the most picturesque are straight-trunked with branches abruptly fanning out at the top. Fixes N2. Locust borers are troublesome and difficult to control, but many trees live with them successfully for many years. Leaf minors and permanently wet soils can be problems.

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.

Salix exigua

[Coyote Willow]

Salix exigua is frost tolerant and dioecious. Spreads by small seeds through the wind or water and has an extensive root system caused by abundant suckering.  It is great in moist soils or stream bottoms to help prevent soil erosion.

Salix humilis

[Prairie Willow]

Prairie Willow is more drought tolerant than other willows. Rabbits and deer eat the twigs. The nectar is used by bees to provide high quality honey.

Salix nigra

[Black Willow]

The Black Willow is a fast-growing, wet soils tolerant tree, reaching 30 to 60 feet at maturity. Can sucker profusely, so use sparingly in the landscape. In the wild, you can find Salix nigra near floodplains, streams and rivers, and marshes. The ancient Greeks knew the therapeutic values of willow (Salix) and brewed tea made from willow bark to relieve stiff joints and other bodily aches and pains. A number of insect species attack the…

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.

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.

Spiraea alba

[Meadowsweet]

The meadowsweet is an Indiana native shrub that can be found in wet prairies, marshes, and flood plains. Its flowers appear on panicles during the later summer months and last till about September, making this shrub a great addition to the landscape as a late blooming shrub. The flowers also attract pollinators, such as bumblebees and other bee species. Wet soils are needed for this shrub and can even tolerate periods of flooding. Every three…

Staphylea trifolia

[American Bladdernut]

An upright, heavily branched, suckering shrub; sometimes wide-spreading, as a small tree. Used in naturalizing; best reserved for parks and other low maintenance areas; rather nice for foliage effect.

Symphoricarpos albus

[Common Snowberry]

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 orbiculatus

[Coralberry]

Taxodium distichum

[Common Baldcypress]

Nice planted in groupings around water. Develops cypress knees (possibly for gas exchange), but generally only near water.

Taxus canadensis

[Canada Yew]

Thuja occidentalis

[Eastern Arborvitae]

One of the best plants for screening in moist, well-aerated soils. Bagworms can be a problem. Subject to several other insect pests, all of which usually can be controlled with timely spraying. Deer may feed on foliage. Winter color can be poor.

Tilia americana

[American Linden]

Very adaptable, even in alkaline soil, but does not tolerate much air pollution. Too big for most urban landscapes. Japanese beetles like feeding on it.

Tsuga canadensis

[Canadian Hemlock]

One of the finest plants for evergreen hedges; even the faster growing forms can be kept to 4-8' tall without difficulty. Dwarf forms are excellent rock garden or border specimens. Foliage browns in dry soil, drying wind, and winter sun in very exposed sites. Does not tolerate long periods of drought. Can be scorched by full sun and temperatures above 95 degrees F. Many minor pest problems, with wooly aldelgids being especially serious in the…

Ulmus alata

[Winged Elm]

Ulmus rubra

[Slippery Elm]

The Slippery Elm has a vase-shaped form, similar to that of the American Elm (Ulmus americana), but with more ascending branchlets. This tree gained its common name from the moist, slippery, red inner bark chewed by Native Americans and pioneers to quench thirst. Not considered very ornamental for the landscape, due to its coarse texture, weedy tendencies, and susceptibility to Dutch Elm Disease (although not as severe as the American Elm).

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.

Viburnum acerifolium

[Mapleleaf Viburnum]

The Mapleleafe Viburnum is a shade and drought tolerant plant that is excellent for naturalizing. Tolerant to the poison excreted by Black Walnuts.

Viburnum dentatum

[Arrowwood Viburnum]

Can look ragged in dry soil. Flowers malodorous to some. Attractive to birds. Name derived from Native American use of strong sucker shoots for arrow shafts. The most durable of viburnums. Serves as a nice neutral background shrub.

Viburnum lentago

[Nannyberry Viburnum]

The Nannybery can be grown as a large, suckering shrub or small tree and is noted for its white flower cymes and edible berries. The flower buds for the following year are formed in the summer, so if pruning is desired, it should be completed immediately after flowering.

Viburnum molle

[Kentucky Viburnum]

The Kentucky Viburnum is uncommon in commerce, and is closely related to Viburnum dentatum (Arrowwood Viburnum). Interesting and attractive exfoliating bark. Flowers malodorous to some. Attractive to birds. Durable viburnum. Serves as a nice neutral background shrub; also good for naturalizing.

Viburnum prunifolium

[Blackhaw Viburnum]

Widely tolerant of different soils and exposures. Transplants well. Relatively trouble-free. Can be pruned to form a nice hedge. Scale and borers are occasional problems. The edible fruits are sweet and can be eaten fresh, or used in jams and preserves.

Viburnum trilobum

[American Cranberrybush Viburnum]

Widely tolerant of soils and microclimates. May be troubled by aphids. Drought resistance is not good. Fruits are used in preserves.

Viburnum trilobum 'Bailey Compact'

[Bailey's Compact American Cranberrybush Viburnum]

Widely tolerant of soils and microclimates. May be troubled by aphids. Drought resistance is not good. Fruits are used in preserves.

Zanthoxylum americanum

[Prickly Ash]