Shrub Buxus sinica var. insularis 'Wintergreen' [Wintergreen Korean Littleleaf Boxwood] The Wintergreen Korean Littleleaf Boxwood is quite hardy (to zone 4) and grows best when placed in areas of moderate shade that are away from strong winter sun and wind. It has shallow roots and prefers moist, cool soils. This shrub flowers in April; flowers can attract bees due to the fragrance but are not showy.
Shrub Buxus sp. [Boxwood] Boxwoods do best when planted away from strong winter sun and wind and prefers moderate shade. Winter desiccation injury (browning) in full sun is a real concern, but this plant often recovers in spring with new growth. The Boxwood's shallow roots prefer moistness and coolness.
Shrub Calycanthus floridus [Common Sweetshrub] The Common Sweetshrub was one of the first native plants in the US used as an ornamental. Widely adapted to soil and sun or shade. Certain selections can permeate an area with fragrance. Can be forced for indoor fragrance. Not all plants have equally fragrant flowers; don't use seed propagated plants for that reason. Seeds are poisonous, causing convulsions, myocardial depression, and hypotension.
Tree Indiana Native Carya cordiformis [Bitternut Hickory] Carya cordiformis is naturally found growing in low woodlands and along rivers, streams, and ponds. This is one of the fastest growing of the hickories. The long taproot can make this species difficult to transplant. There are no serious insect or disease threats.
Tree Indiana Native Carya glabra [Pignut Hickory] With its straight trunk and strong, hard wood, the Pignut Hickory is most commonly grown for the lumber industry and is not generally used as an ornamental tree. In the wild, it tends to grow on ridges and hillsides in dry to moist soils. This large tree needs a great deal of room to grow and transplants poorly due to its large taproot. The nuts are generally too bitter for humans to eat, but are…
Tree Indiana Native Carya ovata [Shagbark Hickory] The bark of Carya ovata gives the tree its common name and is characteristically rough and shaggy on mature trees, growing in long flat plates, making especially good winter interest. The wood of this tree is especially hard, making it useful for a variety of products. This tree develops a large taproot, making it difficult to transplant.
Shrub Caryopteris × clandonensis [Bluebeard] Is often killed to ground in winter, returning to flower in the same year. Functions much like an herbaceous perennial, primarily for flowering interest, blooming on new growth. This hybrid is much hardier than C. incana and much more showy than C. mongholica. Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. Attractive plant to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Occasionally kills out completely at the northern edge of its useful range, with tops regularly killed back to…
Shrub Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Blue Mist' [Blue Mist Bluebeard] This cultivar blooms in clusters during late summer with vibrant blue flowers. Is often killed to ground in winter, returning to flower in the same year. Functions much like an herbaceous perennial, primarily for flowering interest, blooming on new growth. This hybrid is much hardier than C. incana and much more showy than C. mongholica. Attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Occasionally kills out completely at the northern edge of its useful range, with tops…
Tree Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea' [Golden Southern Catalpa] The Golden Southern Catalpa can tolerate full sun, but does best in part sun to part shade. This species is weak wooded and should not be placed where it is open to wind and storm damage. 'Aurea' is known for its rich yellow leaf coloration and its broad form. Its flowers are trumpet shaped and white with yellow and purple spots.
Tree Catalpa ovata [Chinese Catalpa] The Chinese Catalpa is smaller than other Catalpa species, generally only reaching 30 feet. It produces attractive yellow-white flowers in the spring, but they are not as ornamental as those of other Catalpa species. Its coarse winter trunk and branches are bold and striking; picturesque, but can be too coarse for many urban landscapes. Best for difficult areas. Wood is rot resistant, but is somewhat brittle so branches can fall in wind and ice storms.…
