Tree Pinus resinosa [Red Pine] Forms a decent screen when young, especially on poor, dry soils, but soon drops lowers limbs necessitating the need of companion plants to complete the screen. Develops a shorter, thicker trunk when grown in the open. Pine bud moth (as well as other moths) can be problem if not controlled. Foliage presentation not always full or clearly esthetic. Best in groves or plantations where bark color can be admired.
Tree Pinus rigida [Pitch Pine] Pinus rigida is native to the poor, sandy upland soils of eastern North America. The falling needles, cones, branches, and sap can be problematic. This plant is not generally recommended for use in the landscape, except on very poor soils. Best grown in a solitary location, where it won't be forced to compete with nearby plants.
Tree Pinus sylvestris [Scotch Pine] Effective as a screen with pruning. Tolerant of fairly dry soils, but not a good specimen in shade or on wet soils. Sphaeropsis, nematodes, and pine wilt fungus are serious problems; not recommended by Morton Arboretum.
Shrub Pinus sylvestris 'Hillside Creeper' [Creeping Scotch Pine] 'Hillside Creeper' is a low-growing, spreading evergreen that can be used as a groundcover. Tolerant of fairly dry soils, but not a good specimen in shade or on wet soils.
Tree Pinus thunbergii [Japanese Black Pine] The Japanese Black Pine develops a picturesque, open, and irregular form with age (excellent for bonsai), but pruning can be used to develop denser branching, if desired. This species is very tolerant of salt spray and is especially useful for coastal plantings. Pinus thunbergii is quite susceptible to Pine Wilt Disease from the Pine Wood Nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), which is vectored by the Pine Sawyer Beetle. Tends to have a shorter life span when grown…
Tree Platanus × acerifolia [London Planetree] Platanus x acerifolia is quite similar to P. occidentalis, but was originally advertised as being much more pest resistant. P. x acerifolia was quickly overplanted, and it is clear that pest resistance varies among hybrids, and can be quite poor. Pests that can severely affect this species include sycamore anthracnose, cankerstain, Botryosphaeria canker, leaf spot, powdery mildew, sycamore lace bug, and American plum borer. One of the largest of shade trees, making massive, majestic specimens.…
Tree Platanus × acerifolia 'Morton Circle' [sold as EXCLAMATION!™] [Exclamation London Planetree] 'Morton Circle' is a cultivar with exfoliating tan bark exposing white underneath. It has large palmately lobed leaves, and is monoecious with different fruit size and color.
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.
