Tree Indiana Native Quercus montana [Chestnut Oak] Naturally grows in rocky places and poor, dry sites. Dislikes poor drainage. Bark has the highest tannin content of any Quercus species.
Tree Indiana Native Quercus muehlenbergii [Chinquapin Oak] More tolerant of city conditions than most oaks.
Tree Indiana Native Quercus palustris [Pin Oak] Handsome tree, distinctive for its regular branching, spreading to horizontal to pendulous, from top to bottom of the tree. This effect is partly lost when lower limbs must be removed for traffic underneath. Requires an acidic soil and is subject to severe iron chlorosis on calcareous soils. This can be corrected but it means additional maintenance.
Tree Quercus palustris 'Crownright' [Crownright Pin Oak] Handsome tree with a more upright habit that lacks the pendulous character of the lower branches seen in the species type. Requires an acidic soil and is subject to severe iron chlorosis on calcareous soils. This can be corrected but it means additional maintenance.
Tree Indiana Native Quercus phellos [Willow Oak] Somewhat tolerant of city conditions. Oak wilt and scales, and many other oak tree pests, though none considered very serious. Low maintenance, long-lived tree. Use Northern sources in Indiana.
Tree Quercus robur 'Fastigiata' [Columnar English Oak] The tightly columnar 'Fastigiata' provides a strong vertical accent, and is far more popular in the Midwest than the straight species. Powdery mildew on the leaves can be a significant problem. Seed propagated 80-90% true to type, thus variation can also be a problem.
Tree Indiana Native Quercus rubra [Red Oak] One of the best and most reliable of oaks as a shade or street tree. More vigorous and fast-growing than most oaks. Good street tree since it performs reasonably well in small soil volumes (although it tends to branch close to ground). Oak wilt disease has been troublesome in certain areas of the Midwest. Hybridizes easily with other oaks (be careful of source).
Tree Indiana Native Quercus shumardii [Shumard Oak] The Shumard Oak is a handsome tree that is drought and air pollution tolerant, and but can also be used in rain gardens. Transplanting and establishment can be difficult.
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 virginiana [Live Oak] Massive, picturesque, wide spreading tree. Trees often imbued with Spanish moss. Very tolerant of soil type. Tolerates salt spray. Acorns are eaten by many songbirds and quail, turkey, squirrel, and deer. State tree of Georgia. Old leaves drop in spring, and must be raked-up.
