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.
Tree Indiana Native Populus deltoides [Eastern Cottonwood] Populus deltoides is a large, fast-growing tree that is not generally advised for use in the landscape. This plant is weak-wooded, weedy, and a litter problem, dropping twigs, flowers, branches, leaves, and fruits (the cottony masses that float through the air in early summer). In the wild, it tends to grow along streams, rivers, and other moist areas. Susceptible to many pests and diseases, especially canker.
Tree Indiana Native Populus grandidentata [Bigtooth Aspen] This tree is very fast-growing with best development in moist, fertile soils but will grow on dry, sand or gravelly soils. It is very valuable for pulp wood. Often pyramidal in youth with a central leader, developing an oval, open, irregular crown at maturity.
