Tree Indiana Native Nyssa sylvatica 'Wildfire' [Wildfire Blackgum] Especially useful in wet soils. One of the most beautiful trees, with habit comparable to Quercus palustris, but usually more irregular, and with a greater number of more slender main limbs. Silvery-grey, picturesque branching; strong horizontal accent. Difficult to transplant due to taproot; use container-grown plants when possible, or at least plants dug with a soil ball. Shelter from wind. In the North, select native northern stock as the species has a wide geographic range.…
Shrub Indiana Native Opuntia humifusa [Pricklypear] The Pricklypear is a cactus native to the eastern United States, including Indiana, and is hardy to USDA zone 4. The cactus pads can break off and root into the ground, forming colonies. It is an evergreen plant, but becomes shriveled and wilted during cold winters. Fruits are edible and are often used to make jams and candies. The pads (fleshy green segments with thorns) are also edible as a roasted vegetable. This plant has…
Tree Indiana Native Ostrya virginiana [American Hophornbeam] A good, trouble-free small shade tree worthy of greater use. Very graceful with many drooping branches that create a rounded habit. Best on drier slopes, and is usually found in native ecosystems. Slow growing, and difficult to transplant. Does not tolerate periodic flooding (as does Carpinus caroliniana) or salt.
Tree Indiana Native Oxydendrum arboreum [Sourwood] This plant gets it common and scientific name from its sour-tasting leaves. The genus name is derived from the Greek word "oxys", meaning sour, and "dendron", meaning tree. Honey produced from the pollen of Sourwood flowers is considered valuable. The attractive, slightly fragrant flowers are often prolifically produced, especially in full sun, and are effective for up to four weeks. Like all Ericaceous plants, Oxydendrum arboreum requires rich, organic, moist, well-drained, and acidic soil. This…
Shrub Indiana Native Pachysandra procumbens [Allegheny Pachysandra] A shade loving plant, the pachysandra procumbens can be a good naturalizing groundcover with greyish green leaves. The Alleghany Pachysandra is considered to be more attractive than the overused Pachysandra terminalis. It is considered deciduous in USDA Zones 5 and 6 bue semi-evergreen to evergreen in Zones 7-9.
Liana (Climbing Vine) Pachysandra terminalis [Japanese Spurge] Tolerates full shade, and requires at least partial shade. Does well under shallow-rooted trees with some irrigation. One of the most effective ground covers in resisting encroachment of weeds. Volutella leaf blight can be problem.
Herbaceous Pachysandra terminalis 'Variegata' [Variegated Japanese Spurge] Japanese spurge is a shrubby ground cover that grows best in the shade. The plant has whorled leaves and small white flowers in early spring. This cultivar has irregular white varigation along the edges of the leaves.
Shrub Paeonia × 'Leda' [Leda Tree Peony] The Tree Peony is a long-lived, very showy, deciduous shrub that produces numerous large, beautiful flowers beginning in mid to late spring. 'Leda' has large, semi-double blossoms of mauve-pink petals marked with deep reddish-purple flares at the base. These plants do best in a deep, fertile, and well-drained soil, with some protection from strong winds. In colder climates, some winter protection is beneficial to prevent desiccation. The only pruning necessary is to remove dead wood…
Shrub Paeonia × suffruticosa 'Godaishu' [Godaishu Tree Peony] The Tree Peony is a long-lived, very showy, deciduous shrub that produces numerous large, beautiful flowers beginning in mid to late spring. 'Godaishu' has large, white, semi-double blossoms. These plants do best in a deep, fertile, and well-drained soil, with some protection from strong winds. In colder climates, some winter protection is beneficial to prevent desiccation. The only pruning necessary is to remove dead wood and suckers in early spring, or a light pruning in…
Shrub Paeonia × suffruticosa 'Hana-kisoi' [sold as Floral Rivalry™] [Floral Rivalry Tree Peony] The Tree Peony is a long-lived, very showy, deciduous shrub that produces numerous large, beautiful flowers beginning in mid to late spring. 'Hanna-kisoi', frequently sold under the name Floral Rivalry, has large, pink, semi-double blossoms. These plants do best in a deep, fertile, and well-drained soil, with some protection from strong winds. In colder climates, some winter protection is beneficial to prevent desiccation. The only pruning necessary is to remove dead wood and suckers in…
