Tree Indiana Native Acer saccharum ssp. nigrum [Black Maple] The Black Maple is a close relative of the Sugar Maple. Typically, Black Maples tolerate and grow in wetter soils than the Sugar Maple, but they are equally shade tolerant. Black Maples do not tolerate salts and are therefore poor street trees. This species prefers deep, uncompacted soils.
Tree Acer triflorum [Three-Flower Maple] Acer triflorum tends to be an understory tree in its natural habitat. Its beautiful exfoliating bark reveals a rusty brown coloration, providing attractive winter interest. Its shallow root system cannot handle drought well, unless properly mulched. This maple can handle full shade but is best in part shade to full sun.
Tree Acer × 'Warrenred' [sold as Pacific Sunset®] [Pacific Sunset Maple] 'Pacific Sunset®' is an Acer truncatum X Acer platanoides hybrib. it has dark, glossy leaves in the summer and bright yellow-orange to red leaves in the fall. They are not commonly used but are known for being adaptable to a wide variety of landscpaes.
Herbaceous Acorus calamus 'Variegatus' [Variegated Sweet Flag] A small herbaceous perennial that does best in full sun to part shade. The variegated cultivar has leaf blades that are striped white and green.
Tree Aesculus × carnea 'Briotii' [Ruby Red Horsechestnut] Has decent tolerance to drought and urban environments. Buds are not as sticky as its parent plant, Aesculus hippocastanum. Flower panicles are larger than both parent species with a rich red coloration, making it a popular tree choice in England.
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 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.