Shrub Aronia melanocarpa 'Morton' [sold as Iroquis Beauty™] [Iroquois Beauty Black Chokeberry] Cultivar 'Morton', sold as Iroquois Beauty, is a compact shrub that reaches 5 to 6 feet. The flowering and fruiting are similar to that of the straight species, but the compact form allows this shrub to e better utilized in a mass planting. Great for rain gardens, bioswales, and lowlands that collect water in the landscape. Glossy green leaves will turn a brilliant orange-red in the fall. Its black fruit attracts wildlife, such as birds.
Tree Betula × 'Crimson Frost' [Crimson Frost Birch] This hybrid birch is very closely related to Betula platyphylla in form and care, with the exception of its striking red-purple leaves. It is a graceful tree, interesting for its pure white bark that contrasts nicely with the dark foliage. The Crimson Frost Birch is especially well adapted to wet soils, and does not do well in dry situations. Less subject to the borer troubles of B. papyrifera in the Midwest, although still susceptible.
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 [European White Birch] A graceful tree with beautiful white bark and pendulous branches, the European White Birch was once a common tree in many landscapes across the United States. However, the popularity of this species has decreased rapidly due to its extreme susceptibility to the birch borer. Despite its beautiful aesthetics, other birch species, such as Betula nigra (the River Birch), are recommened for use in the landscape instead.
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 Indiana Native Carpinus caroliniana [American Hornbeam] A clean, trouble-free small tree, useful in intensive situations such as patios and malls, and equally interesting in naturalized plantings. Useful as a large hedge if coppiced when young. Performs well in heavy shade and tolerates periodic flooding. Difficult to transplant. Move balled-and-burlapped for best results. Sometimes called Blue Beech and Ironwood (although these are best not used).
Tree Carpinus caroliniana 'CCSQU' [sold as Palisade®™] [Palisade®] Palisade is an upright, narrow, oval habit cultivar that is noted for its strongly ascending branches. Its dark green leaves changes to a soft golden color in the fall. A clean, trouble-free small tree, useful in intensive situations such as patios and malls, and equally interesting in naturalized plantings. Useful as a large hedge if coppiced when young. Performs well in heavy shade and tolerates periodic flooding. Difficult to transplant. Move balled-and-burlapped for best results.
Tree Catalpa ovata [Chinese Catalpa] The Chinese Catalpa is smaller than other Catalpa species, generally only reaching 30 feet. It produces attractive yellow-white flowers in the spring, but they are not as ornamental as those of other Catalpa species. Its coarse winter trunk and branches are bold and striking; picturesque, but can be too coarse for many urban landscapes. Best for difficult areas. Wood is rot resistant, but is somewhat brittle so branches can fall in wind and ice storms.…
Tree Indiana Native Catalpa speciosa [Northern Catalpa] Coarse winter trunks and branches are bold and striking; picturesque. Best for difficult areas. Wood is rot resistant, but is somewhat brittle so branches can fall in wind and ice storms. Too coarse of texture for most urban landscapes. Short-lived to about 50 years.
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…
