Tree Indiana Native Crataegus phaenopyrum [Washington Hawthorn] One of the finest small trees for winter color. The 1-3" thorns can be dangerous, especially around children. Fireblight, leaf spot, and cedar-hawthorn rust are among the worst problems, although more trouble-free than many hawthorns. Japanese beetles like to feed on hawthorns.
Tree Crataegus × 'Vaughn' [Vaughn Hawthorn] This small tree is a hybrid of Crataegus crusgalli x C. phaenopyrum. It is generally grown for its fragrant clusters of white flowers in the spring and prolifically produced red fruits that persist into winter. Due to its numerous thorns, it is best used in areas with low traffic. Highly susceptible to rust.
Tree Indiana Native Crataegus viridis [Green Hawthorn] An attractive small tree with beautiful white flower corymbs and bright red persistent fruits. Very adaptable, although leaves are often badly infected by rust so that the entire plant appears to be suffering from the measles.
Tree Crataegus viridis 'Winter King' [Winter King Green Hawthorn] An attractive, nearly thornless vase-shaped small tree with beautiful white flower corymbs and large, bright red persistent fruits. This cultivar was discovered in a fence row by Bob Simpson in Vincennes, Indiana. Very adaptable, although leaves are often badly infected by rust so that the entire plant appears to be suffering from the measles.
Shrub Eleutherococcus sieboldianus [Fiveleaf Aralia] Tolerates a wide range of soil and environmental conditions, including dry city conditions and shade. Little seasonal interest other than foliage, but extremely durable shrub. Prickles on stems can make pruning difficult. In poor sites, renewal pruning can improve form. In rich organic soils, renewal pruning can lead to rank growth. Usually dioecious.
Shrub Eleutherococcus sieboldianus 'Variegatus' [Variegated Aralia] This cultivar has attractive, creamy variegated foliage and is more compact than the straight species. Tolerates a wide range of soil and environmental conditions, including dry city conditions and shade. Prickles on stems can make pruning difficult. In poor sites, renewal pruning can improve form. In rich organic soils, renewal pruning can lead to rank growth. Usually dioecious.
Shrub/Tree Euonymus europaeus [Common Spindle Tree] Euonymus europaeus is an adaptable small tree (sometimes large shrub) that can spread and become invasive. The Common Spindle Tree's primary ornamental interest is its attractive and interesting fruits in the fall. Unfortunately, this tree can otherwise be quite unattractive, irregular, and spindley.
Shrub/Tree Euonymus planipes [Siberian Spindletree] The Siberian Spindletree is a large shrub (or sometimes small tree) that has showy 4-lobed, crimson fruits appearng in late summer followed by handsome red fall color. Plant can be affected by scale.
Shrub Forsythia × intermedia [Border Forsythia] The most showy forsythia cultivars are found in this vigorous and adaptable hybrid species. Cut stems excised in mid-winter will flower indoors due to very short chilling requirement. Hardy to USDA Zone 4 for vegetative parts and USDA 5(6) for flowers. Flower buds are killed by severe winters in zone 5, and frequently in colder zones. Plants, however, are hardy in Zone 4. Too big for most foundations and small border plantings (Don't Shear!). Remove…
Shrub Forsythia × intermedia 'Karl Sax' [Karl Sax Border Forsythia] The Karl Sax Border Forsythia is a dense shrub that bears its dark yellow flowers horizontally. Flower buds are more cold hardy than many Forsythia variants, but flower buds can be killed by severe winters in zone 5, and frequently in colder zones. Plants, however, are hardy in Zone 4. Cut stems excised in mid-winter will flower indoors due to very short chilling requirement. Too big for most foundations and small border plantings (Don't Shear!).…