Tree Indiana Native Pinus virginiana [Virginia Pine] Native to some of the eastern part of the United States, Virginia pine is found in two southeastern Indiana counties along the Ohio river.
Tree Indiana Native Platanus occidentalis [American Sycamore] One of the largest of shade trees, making massive, majestic specimens. Tolerant of urban conditions, but generally found in riparian areas in the wild. The mottled, multi-colored, exfoliating bark is very beautiful and makes for excellent winter interest. Needs a large volume of soil space. Anthracnose leaf and twig blight occasionally disfigure this tree, and can damage it severely. Leaves, twigs, bark, and fruit contribute to a significant litter problem. Although this species can tolerate…
Tree Indiana Native 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.
Tree Indiana Native 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.
Tree Indiana Native 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.
Tree Indiana Native 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…
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Prunus americana [American Red Plum] Common shrub or small tree, often forming large colonies along roadsides, in waste areas, and other uncultivated habitats.
Tree Indiana Native 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.
Shrub Indiana Native 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.
Tree Indiana Native 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.
