Tree Indiana Native Carya ovata [Shagbark Hickory] The bark of Carya ovata gives the tree its common name and is characteristically rough and shaggy on mature trees, growing in long flat plates, making especially good winter interest. The wood of this tree is especially hard, making it useful for a variety of products. This tree develops a large taproot, making it difficult to transplant.
Shrub Caryopteris × clandonensis [Bluebeard] Is often killed to ground in winter, returning to flower in the same year. Functions much like an herbaceous perennial, primarily for flowering interest, blooming on new growth. This hybrid is much hardier than C. incana and much more showy than C. mongholica. Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. Attractive plant to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Occasionally kills out completely at the northern edge of its useful range, with tops regularly killed back to…
Shrub Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Blue Mist' [Blue Mist Bluebeard] This cultivar blooms in clusters during late summer with vibrant blue flowers. Is often killed to ground in winter, returning to flower in the same year. Functions much like an herbaceous perennial, primarily for flowering interest, blooming on new growth. This hybrid is much hardier than C. incana and much more showy than C. mongholica. Attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Occasionally kills out completely at the northern edge of its useful range, with tops…
Tree Castanea mollissima [Chinese Chestnut] Overall tough and durable, but can be susceptible to blight, twig canker, and orient chestnut wasp. Also susceptible to weevils, which damages the roots. Prefers well-drained, loamy soils, full sun, and hot, arid conditions.
Tree Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca Pendula' [Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar] Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca Pendula' is an interesting and beautiful plant with distinctly blue foliage. The habit of this weeping cultivar is determined by training. If left alone and unsupported, the central leader will weep gracefully downwards, but the central leader can also be staked to create a more upright form with cascading branches coming from a straight trunk. Either method produces a quality specimen plant for the landscape. This plant should be moved balled and…
Tree Cedrus libani ssp. stenocoma 'Purdue Hardy' [Cedar of Lebanon] Widely adaptable, the Cedar of Lebanon was considered hardy from Zone 7 southward until hardy strains were imported from higher elevations in Asia Minor, beginning with the Arnold Arboretum expedition in 1903. The Cedar of Lebanon prefers pollution-free, open, and sunny areas. It is difficult to transplant and is not tolerant of air pollution or shade. This tree is also very difficult to propagate from cuttings (i.e. asexually). It is the most cold-hardy of the…
Tree Indiana Native Celtis laevigata [Sugar Hackberry] The Sugar Hackberry is very similar to the Common Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) and is especially useful in large-scale situations with dry soils and heavy winds. This species gained its common name from the juicy, sweet berries it produces. Subject to a leaf nipple gall (caused by psyllid insect Pachypsylla dismamma, one of many jumping plant lice). However, the Sugar Hackberry is more resistant to witches'-broom disease (caused by Eriophyid mite) than the Common Hackberry. Especially…
Tree Indiana Native Celtis occidentalis [Common Hackberry] As well adapted to Midwestern conditions as American Elm, and a reasonably good substitute in form as well. Especially useful in large-scale situations with dry soils and heavy winds. Subject to a leaf nipple gall (caused by psyllid insect Pachypsylla dismamma, one of many jumping plant lice) and witches'-broom disease (caused by Eriophyid mite), both minor in most situations in the Midwest. Especially coarse texture limits use in designed landscapes.
Tree Celtis occidentalis 'Prairie Pride' [Prairie Pride Hackberry] As well adapted to Midwestern conditions as American Elm, and a reasonably good substitute in form as well. Especially useful in large-scale situations with dry soils and heavy winds. 'Prairie Pride' has glossy, thick, leathery leaves and is less of a litter problem than the species type due to its lower fruit production. Subject to a leaf nipple gall (caused by psyllid insect Pachypsylla dismamma, one of many jumping plant lice), but is not subject…
Tree Cercidiphyllum japonicum [Katsuratree] More hardy once established than when young. A striking specimen tree, useful for partial shade and accent. Unusually free of insect problems. Leafs out early in spring. Forms multiple trunks unless pruned. Does not transplant well. Not very drought-tolerant, particularly after transplanting.
