Plants

---

Shrub/Tree

 InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive

Elaeagnus angustifolia

[Russian-olive]

Widely adaptable and invasive plant in the Midwest. Like other members of the family, fixes atmospheric nitrogen. Can be a large shrub or small tree. Spreads by rooting suckers. Especially tolerant of extreme cold and drought, but does not tolerate extreme heat of the south. Verticillium wilt and stem canker may be a problem in some areas. Needs some pruning to keep vigorous and in good form. Berries used to make sherbet in some parts…

Shrub/Tree

Indiana Native

Audio Recording AvailableID That Tree Video AvailablePurdue Plant Doctor Available

Euonymus atropurpureus

[Eastern Wahoo]

The Easter Wahoo is an Indiana native shrub/small tree that can be found in open woods or along forest edges and is grown for its attractive red fruits and great fall color. Due to its irregular habit, the Eastern Wahoo can be an issue in the formal landscape, but regular pruning can fix this issue. Far less invasive than the infamous Euonymus alatus (Winged Euonymus or Burning Bush). Flowers are small, rich purple that bloom…

Indiana NativeAudio Recording AvailableID That Tree Video AvailablePurdue Plant Doctor Available

Shrub/Tree

Purdue Plant Doctor Available

Euonymus europaeus

[Common Spindle Tree]

Euonymus europaeus is an adaptable small tree (sometimes large shrub) that can spread and become invasive. The Common Spindle Tree's primary ornamental interest is its attractive and interesting fruits in the fall. Unfortunately, this tree can otherwise be quite unattractive, irregular, and spindley.

Purdue Plant Doctor Available

Shrub/Tree

Purdue Plant Doctor Available

Euonymus sachalinensis

[Siberian Spindletree]

The Siberian Spindletree is a large shrub (or sometimes small tree) that has showy 4-lobed, crimson fruits appearng in late summer followed by handsome red fall color. Plant can be affected by scale.

Purdue Plant Doctor Available

Shrub/Tree

Indiana Native

Audio Recording Available

Forestiera acuminata

[Swamp Privet]

The Swamp Privet is a large shrub typically found near swamps, floodplains, wet woods and marshes. Purple-black fruits (drupes) ripen during late summer and is a food source for water fowl, such as ducks. Forestiera acumunata is dioecious, so one would need a male and female for the shrub to produce its fruit. Leaves are a dark green and looks evergreen from a glance, yet turns a golden yellow in fall.

Indiana NativeAudio Recording Available

Shrub/Tree

Frangula alnus

[Glossy Buckthorn]

Rhamnus frangula is very weedy (invasive in some areas) and adaptable, and generally has an unattractive, leggy habit. Birds love the fruits and spread the seeds. This species is not recommended for use in the landscape.

Shrub/Tree

Indiana Native

Audio Recording AvailableID That Tree Video Available

Frangula caroliniana

[Carolina Buckthorn]

Handsome shrub or small tree with dark green, 8 to 10 vein-paired leaves. Fruits are 1/3" diameter, globose and has a sweet taste to it. Changes from red to black as it matures. Fruit ripes (Red) in August and remain on the plant until October or later, by which time it turns black.

Indiana NativeAudio Recording AvailableID That Tree Video Available

Shrub/Tree

Audio Recording AvailablePurdue Plant Doctor Available

Hamamelis vernalis

[Vernal Witchhazel]

Earliest blooming shrub for the Midwest. Good as a neutral filler for the border with quiet seasonal interest. More pH tolerant than Hamamelis virginiana. Should not be pruned (tip pinching would be acceptable to direct growth). Not as showy in bloom as Hamamelis mollis, the Chinese Witchhazel, or its hybrids.

Audio Recording AvailablePurdue Plant Doctor Available

Shrub/Tree

Indiana Native

Audio Recording AvailableID That Tree Video AvailablePurdue Plant Doctor Available

Hamamelis virginiana

[Common Witchhazel]

Flowers are in evidence because of their spicy fragrance before they are visually obvious, but are fairly showy after leaf drop. Should not be pruned (tip pinching would be acceptable to direct growth).

Indiana NativeAudio Recording AvailableID That Tree Video AvailablePurdue Plant Doctor Available

Shrub/Tree

Audio Recording AvailablePurdue Plant Doctor Available

Hibiscus syriacus

[Rose-of-Sharon]

Flowers single or double, in wide range of colors (depending on cultivar), are born on new growth, so heavy pruning in the spring enhances blooming later that summer. Pruning to functional size of 4-5' produces excellent habit and flowering. Becomes leggy with age if not pruned. Prune hard when young to promote more branching. Occasionally, stems are killed back in winter; nevertheless, flowering on new growth is not reduced. Generally not the best for solid…

Audio Recording AvailablePurdue Plant Doctor Available