Tree Chionanthus virginicus [White Fringetree] Dioecious with male plants showier in flower than females; plant a female if fruits are desired. Plants of known sex are not usually available unless selected in the flowering size. One of the last plants to leaf out in the spring.
Tree Indiana Native Cornus alternifolia [Pagoda Dogwood] Broad-spreading, low branched, forming stratified tiers, very interesting branching habit. Leaf spot and twig blight/canker can be problem for older trees.
Tree Cornus kousa [Kousa Dogwood] A striking specimen tree flowering later than the Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) and differing in having pointed bracts. Variable in bract size and shape, and in habit. Better adapted in cultivation than C. florida in much of the Midwest. For best flowering, place in full sun. Quite resistant to anthracnose. Needs watering during severe droughts. Can get borers but less susceptible to them than C. florida.
Tree Cornus kousa 'Satomi' [Pink Kousa Dogwood] A striking specimen tree flowering later than the Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) and differing in having pointed bracts. 'Satomi' is an upright cultivar known for its strong horizontal branching and rose-pink bracts, which vary in intensity, depending on environmental and cultural conditions. For best flowering, place in full sun. Better adapted in cultivation than C. florida in much of the Midwest. Quite resistant to anthracnose. Needs watering during severe droughts. Can get borers but less…
Tree Cornus kousa var. chinensis [Chinese Kousa Dogwood] A striking specimen tree flowering later than the Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) and differing in having pointed bracts. The variety chinesis has larger flower bracts (up to 2.5" long) than the straight species. Better adapted in cultivation than C. florida in much of the Midwest. For best flowering, place in full sun. Quite resistant to anthracnose. Needs watering during severe droughts. Can get borers but less susceptible to them than C. florida.
Tree Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'Milky Way' [Milky Way Chinese Kousa Dogwood] A striking specimen tree flowering later than the Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) and differing in having pointed bracts. The variety chinesis has larger flower bracts (up to 2.5" long) than the straight species, and 'Milky Way' has an especially abundant flower and fruit set. Better adapted in cultivation than C. florida in much of the Midwest. For best flowering, place in full sun. Quite resistant to anthracnose. Needs watering during severe droughts. Can get borers…
Shrub Cornus sanguinea 'Cato' [sold as Arctic Sun™] [Arctic Sun Bloodtwig Dogwood] The Arctic Sun Dogwood is a compact, suckering shrub that is notable for its yellow winter twigs that are tipped in orange-red and golden fall foliage. Grows well in a variety of situations, including alkaline soil. Easy to transplant. Relatively trouble-free. A three-year pruning cycle improves form, vigor, and winter stem color effect. Cutting all stems 6-12" from ground in late winter has similar effect. Best in mass plantings. Excellent for winter color.
Shrub Cotoneaster apiculatus [Cranberry Cotoneaster] An excellent groundcover for full sun in almost any soil, except that weeds encroach easily for the first few years. Use effective mulch. Subject to damage from fireblight occasionally, and from mites, especially in dry situations. Not tolerant of wet sites. Collects litter and leaves (in the fall), which are difficult to rake out.
Tree Indiana Native Crataegus crus-galli [Cockspur Hawthorn] The strong horizontal branching is good for softening vertical lines of buildings. The 2-3" thorns can be dangerous, especially around children. Although attractive, some find the small, white flowers malodorous. Fireblight, leaf spot, and cedar-hawthorn rust are among the worst problems to affect this species. Japanese beetles like to feed on hawthorns.
Tree Indiana Native Crataegus mollis [Downy Hawthorn] Quite susceptible to cedar-hawthorn rust, with leaves heavily spotted with orange in some years. Rust limits usage in many areas. Large fruit pose a maintenance issue when they drop.
