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…
Tree Indiana Native Populus balsamifera [Balsam Poplar] Buds exude a resin (the source of "balm of Gilead") that is traditionally used as an ointment to relieve chest congestion. The resin is also flammable, so twigs are used for starting fires. The streaked brown and grey wood is used in carving and woodworking. Trees are found along forest edges, forests, meadows and fields, and shores of rivers or lakes.
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.
Tree Populus × 'Red Caudina' [Red Caudina Poplar] This fast-growing 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, the parents of this hybrid tend to grow along streams, rivers, and other moist areas. Susceptible to many pests and diseases, especially canker. 'Red Caudina' is a narrow, all male cultivar that does not produce the problematic cottony fruits. It has red veination and…
Tree Indiana Native Populus tremuloides [Quaking Aspen] The common name of Populus tremuloides is derived from the tendency of the leaves to tremble (quake) in the wind, or even light breezes, due to flattened petioles. This is a fast-growing and short-lived species that regenerates from root suckers and can quickly recolonize disturbed sites. Generally, most of the specimens in a grove of P. tremuloides are clones, all originating from the same stem. This plant is dioecious, so groves are usually all male…
Tree Populus tremuloides 'NE Arb' [sold as Prairie Gold®] [Prairie Gold Quaking Aspen] Prairie Gold® Quaking Aspen is more tolerant to urban conditions including heat, drought, and humidity. The Aspen's name is derived from its golden yellow fall color. Native from Labrador to Alaska, south to Pennsylvania, Missouri, northern Mexico and lower California.
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Prunus americana [American Red Plum] Common shrub or small tree, often forming large colonies along roadsides, in waste areas, and other uncultivated habitats.
Tree Prunus × incam 'Okame' [Okame Cherry] 'Okame' is a small cherry tree that performs well in the landscape and provides multi-season interest with beautiful, pink flowers very early in the spring, handsome dark green summer foliage, excellent orange, red, and bronze fall color, and shining, reddish bark in the winter.
Shrub Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken' [Otto Luyken Cherry Laurel] 'Otto Luyken' is a broad, compact evergreen shrub that produces numerous small, fragrant, white flowers in upright clusters in mid to late spring. This plant is shade tolerant, pH adaptable, and salt spray tolerant, but requires good drainage. Do not over fertilize.
Tree Indiana Native Prunus pensylvanica [Pin Cherry] Pin or Wild Red Cherry is a slender, small shrub-like tree that is native to Indiana. Often seen as a pioneer species, Pin Cherry can be seen to develop in vacant areas. Its bark is shiny, red in color, and often aromatic when brusied or cut. P. pensylavnica produces a large amount of fruit when fully mature, which could promote weediness.
