Tree Indiana Native Nyssa sylvatica [Black Gum] Especially useful in wet soils. One of the most beautiful of trees, with habit comparable to Quercus palustris, but usually more irregular, and with a greater number of more slender main limbs. Silvery-gray, picturesque branching; strong horizontal accent. Difficult to transplant due to taproot; use container-grown plants when possible, or at least plants dug with a soil ball. Shelter from wind. In the North, select native northern stock as the species has a wide geographic…
Tree Nyssa sylvatica 'Hayman Red' [sold as Red Rage®] [Red Rage Black Gum] 'Haymanred', the broadly pyramidal cultivar of the Indiana native Black Gum, is know for its rich and vibrant fall color, lustrous dark green leaves and resistance to leaf spot. Selected from southern Indiana and introduced by Mike Hayman, it is one of the best cultivars of black gum. Can be difficult to transplant due to its taproot, use container-grown plants or plants dug with a soil ball. Can be used in areas with wet soils.
Tree Nyssa sylvatica 'WFH1' [sold as Tupelo Tower™] [Tupelo Tower Black Gum] Tupelo Tower is one of the only upright, of columnar habit, unlike the straight species. Its tight habit, brilliant fall color, and urban tolerances make this cultivar highly saught after. Typically, a slightly acidic soil is needed for this species to perform well. Difficult to transplant, so best purchase as container grown. Wet soils tolerant.
Tree Indiana Native Nyssa sylvatica 'Wildfire' [Wildfire Blackgum] Especially useful in wet soils. One of the most beautiful trees, with habit comparable to Quercus palustris, but usually more irregular, and with a greater number of more slender main limbs. Silvery-grey, picturesque branching; strong horizontal accent. Difficult to transplant due to taproot; use container-grown plants when possible, or at least plants dug with a soil ball. Shelter from wind. In the North, select native northern stock as the species has a wide geographic range.…
Shrub Indiana Native Opuntia humifusa [Pricklypear] The Pricklypear is a cactus native to the eastern United States, including Indiana, and is hardy to USDA zone 4. The cactus pads can break off and root into the ground, forming colonies. It is an evergreen plant, but becomes shriveled and wilted during cold winters. Fruits are edible and are often used to make jams and candies. The pads (fleshy green segments with thorns) are also edible as a roasted vegetable. This plant has…
Shrub Indiana Native Pachysandra procumbens [Allegheny Pachysandra] A shade loving plant, the pachysandra procumbens can be a good naturalizing groundcover with greyish green leaves. The Alleghany Pachysandra is considered to be more attractive than the overused Pachysandra terminalis. It is considered deciduous in USDA Zones 5 and 6 bue semi-evergreen to evergreen in Zones 7-9.
Liana (Climbing Vine) Pachysandra terminalis [Japanese Spurge] Tolerates full shade, and requires at least partial shade. Does well under shallow-rooted trees with some irrigation. One of the most effective ground covers in resisting encroachment of weeds. Volutella leaf blight can be problem.
Herbaceous Pachysandra terminalis 'Variegata' [Variegated Japanese Spurge] Japanese spurge is a shrubby ground cover that grows best in the shade. The plant has whorled leaves and small white flowers in early spring. This cultivar has irregular white varigation along the edges of the leaves.
Herbaceous Panicum virgatum 'Cloud Nine' [Cloud Nine Switchgrass] Switch Grass is native to Missouri prairies. Has a vertical shape and remains stiff throughout the growing season. Will tolerate occasional flooding. It is rhizomatous. 'Cloud Nine' is recorded as the tallest cultivar.
Herbaceous Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' [Northwind Switchgrass] Switch Grass is native to Missouri prairies. 'Northwind' is more compact han the straight species and more vertical in comparison.