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.
Tree Indiana Native Cladrastis kentukea [American Yellowwood] A highly ornamental native tree, even though the pendulous clusters of flowers do not appear in great numbers every year. Well-adapted to Midwest conditions. Develops a tap root. Does not flower fully each year; part of a tree may flower one year, part the next, but the effect is striking even when only certain branches bear flowers. Bees are attracted to the flowers. Flowers appear only after many years from seed. Avoid pruning in spring…
Tree Cladrastis kentukea 'Perkins Pink' [Perkins Pink American Yellowwood] Perkins Pink is a beautiful pink-flowering form of the Indiana native, American Yellowwood. A soft pink flowers appear on pendulous, terminal panicals that reach 10 to 15 inches in length in late May to early June. A highly ornamental native tree, even though the pendulous clusters of flowers do not appear in great numbers every year. Well-adapted to Midwest conditions. Develops a tap root. Does not flower fully each year; part of a tree may…
Tree Eucalyptus papuana [Ghost Gum] Gained its common name from its beautiful, smooth, white bark. Drought tolerant, low water use once established. Adapted well to urban conditions. The leaves have a high phenolic acid content and make it difficult to grow other plants beneath the Ghost Gum. The eucalyptus beetle poses greatest threat, with oval-shaped holes being one of the signs of infestation.
Tree Eucommia ulmoides [Hardy Rubber Tree] The Hardy Rubber Tree is an adaptable, relatively trouble-free plant that makes for an excellent shade tree. Its sap can be harvested for rubber, but this is an expensive and complex process. The specific epithet (ulmoides) refers to the leaf shape of the Elm genus (Ulmus), which is similar to that of Hardy Rubber Tree leaves. It is the only member of this family. Contains about 3% rubber content on a dry weight basis. It…
Tree Indiana Native Fagus grandifolia [American Beech] In a proper site, an excellent trouble-free shade tree with year-round interest. Less adaptable to hot, dry conditions than the exotic F. sylvatica, but somewhat more cold hardy. F. grandifolia is preferred in Zone 4. Like F. sylvatica, this tree is so shallow rooted and casts such heavy shade that grass does not grow well beneath it. Low branching habit is a concern for use in the tree lawn as a street tree (may require…
Tree Fagus sylvatica [European Beech] In a proper site, an excellent trouble-free shade tree with year-round interest. More adaptable to hot, dry conditions than our native F. grandifolia, but somewhat less hardy. F. grandifolia is preferred in Zone 4. Like F. grandifolia, this tree is so shallow rooted and casts such heavy shade that grass does not grow well beneath it. Low branching habit is a concern for use in the tree lawn as a street tree (may require more…
Tree Fagus sylvatica 'Dawyck' [Upright European Beech] In a proper site, an excellent trouble-free shade tree with year-round interest. More adaptable to hot, dry conditions than our native F. grandifolia, but somewhat less hardy. F. grandifolia is preferred in Zone 4. The cultivar 'Dawyck' is very strongly upright and columnar.
