Plants

Picea glauca var. conica
[Dwarf Alberta Spruce]

This commonly available dwarf variety has a very dense, conical habit. Best in full sun, but tolerates some shade. Withstands heat, cold, drought, wind, and crowding. Slight susceptibility to trunk and root rots, bagworms, sawflies, and mites. Except for its use in the far North, other evergreens have better overall aesthetics for Midwestern and Eastern states.

Tree

Picea glauca var. densata
[Black Hills Spruce]

Widely considered a superior form, this variety is denser and more compact with brighter foliage, when compared to the straight species . Best in full sun, but tolerates some shade. Withstands heat, cold, drought, wind, and crowding. Slight susceptibility to trunk and root rots, bagworms, sawflies, and mites.

Tree

Indiana Native

Pinus banksiana
[Jack Pine]

This pine is quite hardy and can grow on poor soil, however, given its scrubby and somewhat unkempt appearance, it is not generally recommended for ornamental use. Pyramidal when young, becoming flat-topped and spreading with maturity.

Indiana Native

Shrub

Prunus tomentosa
[Nanking Cherry]

Among earliest of Prunus to flower. Subject to the troubles of other cherries (fireblight, etc.), but less so than some. Leaf spot in wet seasons. Often short-lived.

Tree

Quercus × warei 'Long' [sold as Regal Prince®]
[Regal Prince Oak]

The Regal Prince Oak is notable for its resistance to powdery mildew and borers, strong vertical, columnar form, and tolerance to wind and ice. Holds its dense, fastigiate form into old age.

Quercus × warei 'Long' [sold as Regal Prince®]

Tree

Indiana Native

Taxodium distichum
[Common Baldcypress]

Nice planted in groupings around water. Develops cypress knees (possibly for gas exchange), but generally only near water.

Indiana Native

Tree

Taxodium distichum 'Michelson' [sold as Shawnee Brave®]
[Shawnee Brave Baldcypress]

Nice planted in groupings around water. Develops cypress knees (possibly for gas exchange), but generally only near water. Mite resistant foliage.

Taxodium distichum 'Michelson' [sold as Shawnee Brave®]

Tree

Taxodium distichum var. imbricarium
[Pondcypress]

Can tolerate wet and dry soils. Does not tend to develop "cypress knees" like the Common Baldcypress.

Shrub/Tree

Thuja sp.
[Arborvitae]

The Arborvitae genus, Thuja, is comprised of six species of monoecious, evergreen coniferous trees or shrubs and numerous cultivars. The common name, Arborvitae, means "tree of life" and originated when Native Americans showed early French settlers how to use the foliage to treat scurvy.

Tree