Tree Platanus × acerifolia 'Morton Circle' [sold as EXCLAMATION!™] [Exclamation London Planetree] 'Morton Circle' is a cultivar with exfoliating tan bark exposing white underneath. It has large palmately lobed leaves, and is monoecious with different fruit size and color.
Tree Indiana Native Platanus occidentalis [American Sycamore] One of the largest of shade trees, making massive, majestic specimens. Tolerant of urban conditions, but generally found in riparian areas in the wild. The mottled, multi-colored, exfoliating bark is very beautiful and makes for excellent winter interest. Needs a large volume of soil space. Anthracnose leaf and twig blight occasionally disfigure this tree, and can damage it severely. Leaves, twigs, bark, and fruit contribute to a significant litter problem. Although this species can tolerate…
Shrub/Tree Platycladus orientalis [Oriental Arborvitae] Best in at least fairly moist soils, and with fairly high humidity. Habit tends toward becoming thinner (open) with age. Subject to "winter-burn" near the edge of its useful range. Certain forms provide very positive accent, but can be over-used. Bagworms can also be a problem.
Herbaceous Platycodon grandiflorus 'Astra Blue' [sold as Astra Blue Ballonflower] [Astra Blue Ballonflower]
Herbaceous Platycodon grandiflorus 'Atsra Semi-double Blue' [sold as Astra Semi-double Blue Balloon Flower] [Astra Semi-double Blue Balloon Flower]
Herbaceous Polemonium 'Heaven Scent' [sold as Heaven Scent Jacobs Ladder] [Heaven Scent Jacob's Ladder]
Herbaceous Polemonium reptans 'Blue Pearl' [sold as Blue Pearl Jacob's Ladder] [Blue Pearl Jacob's Ladder]
Herbaceous Polemonium reptans 'Stairway to Heaven' [sold as Stairway to Heaven Jacob's Ladder] [Stairway to Heaven Jacob's Ladder]
Tree Indiana Native Populus balsamifera [Balsam Poplar] Buds exude a resin (the source of "balm of Gilead") that is traditionally used as an ointment to relieve chest congestion. The resin is also flammable, so twigs are used for starting fires. The streaked brown and grey wood is used in carving and woodworking. Trees are found along forest edges, forests, meadows and fields, and shores of rivers or lakes.
