Herbaceous Liriope spicata [Creeping Liriope] Liriope specata, or Creeping Liriope is a grass like perennial that has glossy dark green leaves. In late summer the plant produces spikes of pale lavender to white flowers. In the fall, the plant produces dark berries on the flower spikes.
Tree Indiana Native Maclura pomifera [Osage-orange] Withstands wind and dry conditions well. Used by farmers as a hedgerow for livestock fencing because of its thorniness. Highly deer resistant. Fruits are said to be an insect and rodent repellent. Extremely decay resistant wood, containing 1% by weight 2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxystilbene (a fungitoxic compound). Large fruits create litter problem; select staminate trees to avoid fruit (unless you believe the fruits are of interest). Due to invasive root system, do not plant near sewer or drainage…
Shrub Mahonia aquifolium [Oregon Grapeholly] Widely adapted to soil type and environment, except high pH soils that will cause chlorosis. Quite susceptible to winter-burn. Do not plant in sites exposed to strong winds or afternoon sun in winter. Can get leggy with age. Fruits are edible and can be used in jellies.
Fern Matteuccia struthiopteris subsp. pensylvanica [Ostrich Fern] The Ostritch fern is native to North America, Europe, and northern Asia. They usually stay around 2 to 3 feet tall, but could reach 6 feet under the correct conditions. The frons arise in mid-summer and persist through the winter.
Tree Indiana Native Morus rubra [Red Mulberry] The Red Mulberry is fairly adaptable and can sometimes be a prolific self-seeder. To prevent bleeding, it should be pruned in late fall or winter. Although somewhat more sensitive to soil requirements, Morus rubra is considered to be a better choice than the related Morus alba (White Mulberry), which has a much more invasive character. Morus rubra is dioecious, so male and female flowers are borne on separate trees. Female trees, if fertilized, bear edible…
Herbaceous Nepeta racemosa 'Walker’s Low' [Walker's Low Catmint] This catmint is a low growing perennial that is easily grown. It is different in most that the seeds are sterile. It's typically used in rock gardens and is a good plant for edging.
Tree Indiana Native Ostrya virginiana [American Hophornbeam] A good, trouble-free small shade tree worthy of greater use. Very graceful with many drooping branches that create a rounded habit. Best on drier slopes, and is usually found in native ecosystems. Slow growing, and difficult to transplant. Does not tolerate periodic flooding (as does Carpinus caroliniana) or salt.
Shrub Indiana Native Pachysandra procumbens [Allegheny Pachysandra] A shade loving plant, the pachysandra procumbens can be a good naturalizing groundcover with greyish green leaves. The Alleghany Pachysandra is considered to be more attractive than the overused Pachysandra terminalis. It is considered deciduous in USDA Zones 5 and 6 bue semi-evergreen to evergreen in Zones 7-9.
Herbaceous Panicum virgatum 'Rotstrahlbusch' [Rotstrahlbusch Switchgrass] 'Rotstrahlbusch' is used for the burgundy-red color it has in the fall. Similar vertical clump to 'Northwind'.
Liana (Climbing Vine) Indiana Native Parthenocissus quinquefolia [Virginia Creeper] One of the strongest-climbing vines, given solid support for attachment of the adhesive discs on tendrils (not root). Not a vine for trellises or fences. Tolerates any soil, and sun or shade. Limited value as groundcover.
Indiana Native
