Shrub Abelia × grandiflora [Glossy Abelia] Glossy Abelia can develop chlorosis on high pH soils. Yearly pruning is required to remove deadwood and this plant may become leggy with age if not killed back in winter.
Shrub Abeliophyllum distichum [Korean Abelialeaf] Koran Abelialeaf is a multi-stemmed shrub with a rounded habit with often a vibrant flower show in mid-March to early April. Native to Korea, this shrub provides color to the early spring landscape while most plants are still dormant. Flower are white to faintly tinged-pink, 4-petaled, 3/8 to 5/8" in diameter, fragrant, borne on 1/2 to 1 1/2" inflorescences. Stems are 4-sided.
Shrub Indiana Native Aesculus parviflora [Bottlebrush Buckeye] Can be kept at a smaller size for a time with careful pruning, but it will in time occupy much space. Tolerates some shade, and can even be attractive under large shade trees. Suckers quite freely.
Shrub/Tree Aesculus pavia [Red Buckeye] The Red Buckeye can be a small tree or clump-forming, multi-stemmed shrub. The lustrous, deep green foliage is attractive, but tends to decline by August. Susceptible to leaf blotch, but less susceptible to mildew than Aesculus hippocastanum.
Tree Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Cole’s Select' [Cole's Select Apple Serviceberry] Cole's Select Apple Serviceberry is an attractive plant with multi-seasonal interest, thick, glossy foliage, and especially outstanding red to orange fall coloration. 'Cole's Select' tends to have slightly larger flowers and stronger spreading, more horizontal branching than the species type. The beautiful white clusters of flowers give rise to sweet purple-black berries that are edible by humans and especially relished by birds. The fruits can be used in pies, jams, and jellies.
Tree Amelanchier laevis 'Cumulus' [Cumulus Allegheny Serviceberry] Amelanchier laevis 'Cumulus' is a single-stemmed, strongly upright small tree, excellent as a small street tree and for very early, but short-lived, blooms. This tree is sometimes grafted, so rootstock suckers can be a problem. Fruits are edible and a prime source of food for birds. Subject to the troubles of Rosaceous plants in general, including fire-blight and mites, which can be controlled, usually quite easily.
Herbaceous Andropogon gerardii 'Karl’s Cousin' [Karl's Cousin Big Blue Stem] This grass is a self seeder and has a large root system. Very drought tolerant once established and is very easily maintained.
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Aralia spinosa [Devil's Walkingstick] Slow growth rate, but fast on roots (forms a very coarse thicket). Sucker shoots can be a maintenance problem if tree form is desired. Sharp prickles also make maintenance difficult, and are a minor hazard to children. Otherwise, no serious problems with this plant. Very adaptable and easy to grow, tolerating most conditions except wet soil. Drought tolerant, and best in full sun. Excellent selection in a mass planting near buildings having poor soils.
Shrub Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima' [Brilliant Red Chokeberry] The Brilliant Red Chokeberry has dark green leaves that turn a stunning deep red in the fall. 'Brilliant' produces larger and more abundant flowers and a greater number of red berries than the species type. Because birds find the fruits unappealing, the berries are allowed to persist well into the winter months. This plant tends to sucker and create colonies.
Shrub Aronia arbutifolia 'Erecta' [Erecta Red Chokeberry] 'Erecta' has a more upright form than the species and does not bear as colorful of fruit
