Tree Indiana Native Quercus velutina [Black Oak] Quercus velutina is a large, deciduous oak with an irregular canopy. It is closely related to Q. rubra (Red Oak), which it is known to hybridize with. The interesting bark of the Q. velutina is nearly black and furrowed. Transplanting is made difficult by the long tap root. Not generally sold commercially.
Tree Quercus × warei 'Long' [sold as Regal Prince®] [Regal Prince Oak] The Regal Prince Oak is notable for its resistance to powdery mildew and borers, strong vertical, columnar form, and tolerance to wind and ice. Holds its dense, fastigiate form into old age.
Liana Reynoutria compacta [Japanese Knotweed] Handsome groundcover with summer color. Adaptable to poor, dry soils. Just a root cutting stuck in poor soil will lead to an aggressive spreading groundcover. Spreads by underground stems; can be very invasive. Fall color not attractive (best to mow it down in the fall).
Shrub/Tree InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive Rhamnus cathartica [Common Buckthorn] Tolerates most sites. Dioecious. Very invasive, by the seeds that birds love to eat; probably best to refrain from planting this species in the landscape. Susceptible to rusts (Puccinia coronata), that also attacks oats (in oat growing areas, buckthorn eradication is recommended). The bark, leaves, and fruit were once used in purgatives, thus one of this plant's common names, "Purging Buckthorn".
Shrub Rhodotypos scandens [Black Jetbead] Relatively trouble-free. Tolerant of a variety of soils and environments, particularly dryness and shade. Commonly becomes straggly if growing in a site that is too dry or too wet.
Shrub Indiana Native Rhus aromatica [Fragrant Sumac] A highly variable species in both ultimate height and fall foliage color. Color probably also varies with soil type, possibly as a function of moisture content. Plants are native to dry, sandy, and rocky soils, and usually color well under these conditions. Useful for bank stabilization since it develops roots on stems touching the soil. It also suckers. Can spread too quickly for some sites (spreading rhizomes). Shear to ground to rejuvenate (try a brush-hog).
Shrub Rhus aromatica 'Gro-low' [Low Growing Fragrant Sumac] 'Gro-low', as the name implies, is a very low-growing (and popular) female cultivar. Rhus aromatica is native to dry, sandy, and rocky soils, and usually colors well under these conditions. Useful for bank stabilization since it develops roots on stems touching the soil. It also suckers. Can spread too quickly for some sites (spreading rhizomes). Shear to ground to rejuvenate (try a brush-hog).
Shrub Indiana Native Rhus copallinum [Flameleaf Sumac] The Flameleaf Sumac is a large shrub or small tree known for its extraordinary, "flaming" red fall color. Its form is initially compact, but then becomes quite open and irregular with age. Spreads by root suckers and forms large colonies, making it inappropriate for small areas.
Shrub Indiana Native Rhus glabra [Smooth Sumac] Large, club-like fruit clusters and rather coarse compound leaves make this a plant that can best be appreciated from a distance, and so it is at its best in large-scale plantings. Picturesque branches. Hard to kill this plant. Can be rejuvenated by cutting to ground in late winter. Plants are dioecious, so only females have the fruiting interest, but all plants are reliably colorful in fall foliage. Spreads rapidly by suckers.
Shrub Rhus typhina 'Bailtiger' [sold as Tiger Eyes®] [Cutleaf Tiger Eyes Staghorn Sumac] The Tiger Eyes cultivar makes a great landscape plant as it suckers less than the species, and for it's nice foliage.
