Tree Aesculus hippocastanum [Common Horsechestnut] Widely adapted to soils and environments; however, very dry conditions must be avoided. Leaf blotch often disfigures foliage. Spiny fruits in autumn can be troublesome underfoot, and eliminates species type as a good street tree. Fruits are toxic containing 3-5% saponins.
Tree Aesculus hippocastanum 'Baumannii' [Baumann Common Horsechestnut] 'Baumannii' is known for its large panicles of double flowers. The flowers are sterile, so none of the large, littering, poisonous fruit of the species type are produced, increasing this tree's usability. Widely adapted to soils and environments; however, very dry conditions must be avoided. Leaf blotch often disfigures foliage.
Shrub Indiana Native Aesculus parviflora [Bottlebrush Buckeye] Can be kept at a smaller size for a time with careful pruning, but it will in time occupy much space. Tolerates some shade, and can even be attractive under large shade trees. Suckers quite freely.
Shrub/Tree Aesculus pavia [Red Buckeye] The Red Buckeye can be a small tree or clump-forming, multi-stemmed shrub. The lustrous, deep green foliage is attractive, but tends to decline by August. Susceptible to leaf blotch, but less susceptible to mildew than Aesculus hippocastanum.
Shrub Agave americana [Century Plant] Can take as few as 10 years to flower in warm climates, to 60 years in colder climates. Once it flowers, it dies and offsets around the base of the original plant eventually form a group of new plants. Suckers produced from the main plant may take only 10-15 years to flower. Beware of thick point tips on its leaves, prune off to protect children. Some susceptibility to Agape weevil, especially when weakened.
Tree InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive Ailanthus altissima [Tree of Heaven] Unusual form and texture not unlike a large sumac. Highly adaptable. Tolerates salt spray. Dioecious. Coarse and inclined to drop twigs. Male flowers are malodorous; female plants make many weed seedlings. Ailanthus altissima forms dense, clonal thickets which displace native species and can rapidly invade fields, meadows, and harvested forests. This invasive tree species is extremely tolerant of poor soil conditions and can even grow in cement cracks. Ailanthus altissima is not shade tolerant, but…
Liana (Climbing Vine) Akebia quinata [Fiveleaf Akebia] Fiveleaf Akebia is a vigorous vine that establishes quickly under many different conditions, even to the point of invading an area. Prune to keep this plant within its boundaries. Best used to climb up structures, but can also be used as a sprawling groundcover. Although generally deciduous, Akebia quinata can be evergreen in the south.
Tree Albizia julibrissin [Albizia] Albizia julibrissin is known for its attractive, "pom-pom" like flowers that begin in late spring and last through the summer. The interesting effect of the flowers is due to the the over 1" long pink stamens. This plant is not an ideal landscape choice due to its susceptibility to many pests and diseases, including vascular wilt disease (Fusarium).
Liana (Climbing Vine) Allamanda cathartica [Golden Trumpet] Can be grown as a small shrub if pruned regularly. Quite tolerant of many soil types. Full sun needed for maximum flower show. All Allamandas are poisonous. Caterpillars and mites can be problematic. Not salt tolerant. 'Hendersonii' is most often planted, while 'Yellow Butterflies' is compact with many large yellow flowers.
Tree Indiana Native Amelanchier arborea [Downy Serviceberry] Would grow well on a streambank. Susceptible to rust, leaf blight, powdery mildew, fruit rot, leaf minor, borers, and scale. Rarely requires pruning.
