Tree Pinus ponderosa [Ponderosa Pine] Pinus ponderosa is a very tolerant tree, adaptable to a wide range of conditions, except for shade and poor drainage. Older trees often lack lower limbs. It is dominant in western North America, where it can reach up to 230 feet tall, and is an extremely important timber tree.
Tree Indiana Native Pinus resinosa [Red Pine] Forms a decent screen when young, especially on poor, dry soils, but soon drops lowers limbs necessitating the need of companion plants to complete the screen. Develops a shorter, thicker trunk when grown in the open. Pine bud moth (as well as other moths) can be problem if not controlled. Foliage presentation not always full or clearly esthetic. Best in groves or plantations where bark color can be admired.
Tree Indiana Native Pinus strobus [Eastern White Pine] More graceful than most pines, both as a young and an old specimen. Excellent neutral screening plant, it can be kept full by occasional pruning. Among best pines for resistance to moth borers. Transplants easily with a bit of shade tolerance. Somewhat less adapted to severe exposures and very dry soils than Pinus resinosa or Pinus nigra. Very sensitive to air pollution and road salt. Susceptible to White Pine Blister Rust. Decaying needles acidify soil…
Tree Pinus strobus 'Contorta' [Contorted Eastern White Pine] 'Contorta' has a loose, irregular, upright form and twisted needles, branchlets, and branches. The Eastern White Pine is among the best pines for resistance to moth borers. Transplants easily with a bit of shade tolerance. Somewhat less adapted to severe exposures and very dry soils than Pinus resinosa or Pinus nigra. Very sensitive to air pollution and road salt. Susceptible to White Pine Blister Rust. Decaying needles acidify soil beneath (to about pH 4.5), which…
Tree Pinus strobus 'Fastigiata' [Columnar Eastern White Pine] 'Fastigiata' is a strongly narrow, upright cultivar. Excellent neutral screening plant, it can be kept full by occasional pruning. Among best pines for resistance to moth borers. Transplants easily with a bit of shade tolerance. Somewhat less adapted to severe exposures and very dry soils than Pinus resinosa or Pinus nigra. Very sensitive to air pollution and road salt. Susceptible to White Pine Blister Rust. Decaying needles acidify soil beneath (to about pH 4.5), which…
Tree Pinus strobus 'Pendula' [Weeping Eastern White Pine] 'Pendula' is weeping, semi-dwarf cultivar with long, pendulous branches. The ultimate form of this cultivar depends on how it is pruned and trained. More graceful than most pines, both as a young and an old specimen. Excellent neutral screening plant, it can be kept full by occasional pruning. Among best pines for resistance to moth borers. Transplants easily with a bit of shade tolerance. Somewhat less adapted to severe exposures and very dry soils than…
Tree Platanus × acerifolia [London Planetree] Platanus x acerifolia is quite similar to P. occidentalis, but was originally advertised as being much more pest resistant. P. x acerifolia was quickly overplanted, and it is clear that pest resistance varies among hybrids, and can be quite poor. Pests that can severely affect this species include sycamore anthracnose, cankerstain, Botryosphaeria canker, leaf spot, powdery mildew, sycamore lace bug, and American plum borer. One of the largest of shade trees, making massive, majestic specimens.…
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…
Shrub/Tree Platycladus orientalis [Oriental Arborvitae] Best in at least fairly moist soils, and with fairly high humidity. Habit tends toward becoming thinner (open) with age. Subject to "winter-burn" near the edge of its useful range. Certain forms provide very positive accent, but can be over-used. Bagworms can also be a problem.
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.