Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Aralia spinosa [Devil's Walkingstick] Slow growth rate, but fast on roots (forms a very coarse thicket). Sucker shoots can be a maintenance problem if tree form is desired. Sharp prickles also make maintenance difficult, and are a minor hazard to children. Otherwise, no serious problems with this plant. Very adaptable and easy to grow, tolerating most conditions except wet soil. Drought tolerant, and best in full sun. Excellent selection in a mass planting near buildings having poor soils.
Shrub Indiana Native Arctostaphylos uva-ursi [Bearberry] Hard to establish, can develop winter burn from sun and wind when cold. Does not like excessive summer heat. Can develop foliar diseases (leaf spot) when stressed. Leaves are used to make a tea in some parts of Russia, where it is known as Kutai and Caucasian Tea. The dried leaves have been used to treat diseases of the bladder and kidney, and inflammatory diseases.
Herbaceous Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Massachusetts' [Massachusetts Bearberry] 'Massachusetts' is known for having a large amount of flowers and fruits and its disease resistance to leaf gall and leaf spot. Also has smaller leaves than any other plant in the species.
Shrub Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima' [Brilliant Red Chokeberry] The Brilliant Red Chokeberry has dark green leaves that turn a stunning deep red in the fall. 'Brilliant' produces larger and more abundant flowers and a greater number of red berries than the species type. Because birds find the fruits unappealing, the berries are allowed to persist well into the winter months. This plant tends to sucker and create colonies.
Shrub Indiana Native Aronia melanocarpa [Black Chokeberry] This Indiana native shrub is similar to the Red Chokeberry in habit and form, but differs in that the Black Chokeberry is larger, has black-colored fruits, broader leaves, and generally larger flowers. Place in a higher light location for the best flower and fruit display. Best used for naturalizing, mass plantings, and wetland reclamation projects. The berries are edible, but only palatable when used in jellies and jams.
Shrub Aronia melanocarpa 'Autumn Magic' [Autumn Magic Black Chokeberry] The Autumn Magic Black Chokeberry is known for its outstanding bright purple to red to orange fall color, compact form, and large, attractive fruits. Place in a higher light location for the best flower and fruit display. Best used for naturalizing, mass plantings, and wetland reclamation projects. The berries are edible, but only palatable when used in jellies and jams.
Shrub Aronia melanocarpa 'Morton' [sold as Iroquis Beauty™] [Iroquois Beauty Black Chokeberry] Cultivar 'Morton', sold as Iroquois Beauty, is a compact shrub that reaches 5 to 6 feet. The flowering and fruiting are similar to that of the straight species, but the compact form allows this shrub to e better utilized in a mass planting. Great for rain gardens, bioswales, and lowlands that collect water in the landscape. Glossy green leaves will turn a brilliant orange-red in the fall. Its black fruit attracts wildlife, such as birds.
Tree Indiana Native Asimina triloba [Common Pawpaw] Needs filtered or full shade in its first few years, then tolerates full sun. Good specimen tree in a shady landscape. Fruits resemble a short, fat banana, at first green then turning yellowish then brown as they ripen in the fall, and taste like a combination between a banana and mango. Suckers rapidly.
Shrub Berberis × mentorensis [Mentor Barberry] An adaptable plant that does well in an urban environment. Can be coppiced with new growth developing better summer color. Can be pruned to ground every 5 to 7 years. Full sun to partial shade. Relatively trouble-free. Large thorns and spiny leaves are a maintenance problem. Collects litter around the base.
Shrub InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive Berberis thunbergii [Japanese Barberry] An adaptable plant that does well in an urban environment. Can be coppiced, with the resulting new growth developing better summer color. Can be pruned to ground every 5 to 7 years. Relatively trouble-free. Berberis thunbergii invades a variety of habitats from shaded woodlands to open fields and wetlands. Berberis thunbergii is rapidly spread by birds that eat the berries thus dispersing the seeds.
