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 Cercis canadensis 'Hearts of Gold' [Gold-Leaf Eastern Redbud] 'Hearts of Gold' is a striking redbud cultivar with reddish-orange tinted emerging leaves that turn bright yellow and finally deepen to a bright green towards the end of the summer. The yellow color develops most intensely under higher light conditions. A fine small tree that is relatively trouble-free and drought-resistant (although the yellow foliage color will become green in drought conditions). Canker, leaf spot, and verticillium wilt can be problematic for older trees, or trees…
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 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 Corylus colurna [Turkish Filbert] Horizontal branch structure (with lower branches often touching the ground), strong central leader, and bark give good winter character. Does great in hot summers and cold winters, very adaptable. Quite drought tolerant after establishment, leaves stay green when maples scorch. Needs supplemental water immediately after transplanting and until established. Otherwise drought tolerant. Nuts are edible and can be roasted.
Tree Crataegus × lavalleei [Lavalle Hawthorn] The Lavalle Hawthorn is a small, rounded tree that resulted from a cross of Crataegus mexicana and C. crusgalli. Quite resistant to rust and less thorny than its Cockspur Hawthorn parent.
Tree Crataegus × 'Vaughn' [Vaughn Hawthorn] This small tree is a hybrid of Crataegus crusgalli x C. phaenopyrum. It is generally grown for its fragrant clusters of white flowers in the spring and prolifically produced red fruits that persist into winter. Due to its numerous thorns, it is best used in areas with low traffic. Highly susceptible to rust.
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 Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea' [Purple-Leaf 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…
