Tree Aesculus × carnea 'Fort McNair' [Fort McNair Red Horsechestnut] Fort McNair Red Horsechestnut is less suscebtible to leaf scorch, leaf blotch and mildew than the straight species, although it can still contract the diseases. Does not perform well in dry sites; plant in moister soils for best growth and flowering. Flowers at an early age. Prickly fruits may be a problem underfoot. Fruits are poisonous (containing toxic saponins). Often develops branches having narrow crotch angles (branches that should be removed).
Tree InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive Ailanthus altissima [Tree of Heaven] Unusual form and texture not unlike a large sumac. Highly adaptable. Tolerates salt spray. Dioecious. Coarse and inclined to drop twigs. Male flowers are malodorous; female plants make many weed seedlings. Ailanthus altissima forms dense, clonal thickets which displace native species and can rapidly invade fields, meadows, and harvested forests. This invasive tree species is extremely tolerant of poor soil conditions and can even grow in cement cracks. Ailanthus altissima is not shade tolerant, but…
Tree Indiana Native Betula alleghaniensis [Yellow Birch] Graceful tree, interesting for its shining bark beginning yellowish or bronze and exfoliating in thin shreds, becoming reddish brown until finally forming blackish-brown plates. Especially well adapted to wet soils. Does not do well in dry situations. Less subject to the borer troubles of B. papyrifera in the Midwest.
Tree Indiana Native Betula nigra [River Birch] Graceful tree, interesting for its curling bark, and especially well adapted to wet soils. Immune to the bronze birch borer, which is a serious problem for the native Betula papyrifera in the Midwest. This species prefers full sun and is quite heat tolerant, but does not have tolerance for drought. If pruning is required, prune in summer or during the dormant season.
Tree Betula nigra 'Cully' [sold as Heritage™] [Heritage River Birch] This vigorous cultivar makes a graceful tree, interesting for its richly colored, strongly curling bark and large, glossy leaves. It is somewhat resistant to leaf spot and is especially well adapted to wet soils. Immune to the bronze birch borer, which is a serious problem for the native Betula papyrifera in the Midwest. This species prefers full sun and is quite heat tolerant, but does not have tolerance for drought. If pruning is required, prune…
Tree Betula pendula ssp. mandshurica [Asian White Birch] A generally better choice than the species type, Betula platyphylla var. japonica is a larger, graceful tree with thinner, spreading branches and striking pure white bark. It is especially well adapted to wet soilsand does not do well in dry situations. Less subject to the borer troubles of B. papyrifera in the Midwest, although still susceptible.
Tree Carpinus betulus [European Hornbeam] Carpinus betulus is relatively trouble-free and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and some shade. This plant is also very tolerant of heavy pruning, making it useful as a hedge.
Tree Indiana Native Carya cordiformis [Bitternut Hickory] Carya cordiformis is naturally found growing in low woodlands and along rivers, streams, and ponds. This is one of the fastest growing of the hickories. The long taproot can make this species difficult to transplant. There are no serious insect or disease threats.
Tree Indiana Native Carya glabra [Pignut Hickory] With its straight trunk and strong, hard wood, the Pignut Hickory is most commonly grown for the lumber industry and is not generally used as an ornamental tree. In the wild, it tends to grow on ridges and hillsides in dry to moist soils. This large tree needs a great deal of room to grow and transplants poorly due to its large taproot. The nuts are generally too bitter for humans to eat, but are…
Tree Indiana Native Carya illinoinensis [Pecan] The Pecan is a tall, straight-trunked tree and is the largest of the hickories. It is well-known for its sweet, edible nuts and because of this, it is an important horticultural crop in the south, where it produces fruit most abundantly. However, it is not generally recommended for use in the landscape, due to its pest susceptibility and litter problem. With its large taproot, it can also be quite difficult to transplant.