Plants

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.

Indiana Native

Shrub

Indiana Native

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.

Indiana Native

Shrub

Indiana Native

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.

Indiana Native

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 for Black Beauty

Sambucus nigra 'Eva' [Sold as Black Lace®]

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.

Indiana Native

Shrub

Indiana Native

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.

Indiana Native

Shrub

Indiana Native

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.

Indiana Native

InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive

Tree

Ulmus pumila
[Siberian Elm]

Grows under almost any conditions, especially useful in dry sites. Resists Dutch elm disease. Leaf beetles can defoliate trees. Brittle branches and subsequently messy. Avoid planting this tree in the landscape, unless there is no other choice. Considered invasive in many areas.

Shrub

Indiana Native

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.

Indiana Native