Shrub Indiana Native Rhus glabra [Smooth Sumac] Large, club-like fruit clusters and rather coarse compound leaves make this a plant that can best be appreciated from a distance, and so it is at its best in large-scale plantings. Picturesque branches. Hard to kill this plant. Can be rejuvenated by cutting to ground in late winter. Plants are dioecious, so only females have the fruiting interest, but all plants are reliably colorful in fall foliage. Spreads rapidly by suckers.
Shrub Ribes alpinum [Alpine Currant] Dioecious (male clones used mostly because these are thought to be rust resistant). Quite resistant to white pine blister rust, whereas other Ribes are not. Many insects and diseases. Flowers not showy and fruits not edible.
Shrub Indiana Native Robinia hispida var. fertilis [Bristly Locust] Can fix nitrogen. Especially well adapted to poor, dry, alkaline soils. Though native, can be invasive on sandy soils. Frequent pruning may be needed.
Tree Indiana Native 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.
Shrub/Tree Salix caprea [Pussy Willow] Salix caprea is one of several species commonly referred to as "Pussy Willows". The common name is derived from the silky soft male catkins (species is dioecious). Tolerates heavy pruning and can be cut to the ground every 3-5 years to maintain size. The wood of this plant is weak and easily damaged. This species is susceptible to many pests and diseases.
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Salix humilis [Prairie Willow] Prairie Willow is more drought tolerant than other willows. Rabbits and deer eat the twigs. The nectar is used by bees to provide high quality honey.
Shrub Salix purpurea 'Canyon Blue' [Canyon Blue Purpleosier Willow] Canyon Blue Purpleosier Willow is very similar to the compact cultivar Nana in its habit and shape. What stands out is its deeper bluish leave color. This is a great choice for wet areas, soil stability, and in rain gardens. Unlike most willows (Salix ssp.), the Purpleosier tends to stay a compacted shrub and will sucker less than others in this genus.
Shrub Salix purpurea 'Nana' [Dwarf Purpleosier Willow] Salix purpurea 'Nana' is a dioecious, compact, rounded shrub well-suited for wet areas, rain gardens, and bank stablizition. Tolerates heavy pruning.
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.
Shrub Sorbaria sorbifolia [Ural Falsespirea] Coarse texture and unusual spirea-like flowers give this plant unique summer interest. Best in large-scale situations. Spreads vigorously by suckering if not contained. Intensive root pruning can be used to control spread. Does not do the best in dry soils but does tolerate them. Does poorly in heavy wind. Flowers turn brown with senescence and esthetic is slightly improved by their removal. To some, a bit too coarse in winter habit.
