Trees

Though a native of Indiana, the arborvitae is now found in the wild in only a few counties in the northwestern part of the state. However, it is “domesticated”
everywhere! Their medium size they can reach 40-60 ft, but usually stop around 30 ft, and conical shape make them a versatile addition to the landscape. Being evergreen, they make beautiful windbreaks or privacy screens.

While not a tree for a small yard, when space permits this tree is worth planting. A small grove of black walnuts is a pleasing sight, indeed. Again, if you have the space, this tree is worth growing for its nut production and valuable wood. Many consider black walnut to be the premier hardwood in the North American forest and, as a result, it was overharvested. Do your part to maintain this great tree.

Many people have asked us to offer the common lilac since we haven’t had it in the sale since 2010. As a rule, we try to stay with species of trees and shrubs that are native to Indiana/North American. But, while not a North American native, the lilac was brought here in the 1500’s and so can claim some seniority in our landscape. Everyone is familiar with the spectacular spring display this shrub puts on. The showy lilac flowers are reason enough to plant this. For optimal spring of display, remove the spent flowers after blooming, plant in full sun and occasionally remove older thicker wood.

The Eastern Redbud is a small to medium tree with heart-shaped leaves. It is named for the many small pea-shaped flowers that cover the tree in the spring. It has a tendency to grow in clusters in the understory and presents one of the most beautiful springtime displays along the roadsides. As a landscape tree, it can be planted in a grouping or as a specimen tree.

This native Hoosier can claim Elkhart County in its original growing range. Now it is widely planted in yards by homeowners and along fields by farmers. It is fast growing and reaches 100 ft. Like all the pines, its needles are long. The white pine is tolerant of many diverse growing conditions, thriving in moist to dry soils and partial shade to full sun. This tolerant tree makes a great privacy screen, especially when combined with the American Arborvitae.

When describing firs the following words come to mind – graceful, noble, formal, and elegant. The Fraser fir is no exception. While not a Hoosier native, it is native to North America common in the cooler, high altitudes of the Appalachians. It is widely grown as a Christmas tree. Go ahead and plant several then harvest your own Christmas tree!

The northern red oak has been called “one of the handsomest, cleanest, and stateliest trees in North America” by naturalist Joseph S. Illick, and it is widely considered a national treasure. It is especially valued for its adaptability and usefulness, including its hardiness in urban settings. This medium to large tree is also known for its brilliant fall color, great value to wildlife and status as the state tree of New Jersey. Whether you’re selecting a tree to plant in your front yard or out on the farm, it’s a fast-growing species worth keeping in mind.

Let’s go down yonder to the Pawpaw patch! Who doesn’t know that old ditty? What you probably don’t know is that the pawpaw is a member of a tropical family of trees that somehow got “stuck” in a temperate climate. A bit finicky to grow, the “Hoosier Banana” is worth the effort. As an understory plant, it wants dappled shade and plenty of moisture for best growth and fruit production.

The pin oak is the most popular of the oak species used as a landscape and shade tree. There are several reasons for this. First, it rarely exceeds 75 feet making it suitable for most yards. It tolerates handling and transplanting extremely well and is tolerant of most soil types including wet soils. Most oaks don’t exhibit striking fall color, but the pin oak is an exception usually producing a pleasing deep red color in the autumn.

Maples are North America’s favorite shade tree and the darling of the fall foliage displays. The Sugar Maple will not disappoint! Sugar Maples support a wide range of butterfly and moth larvae which, in turn, attract many of our songbirds. And let’s not forget to mention that it is the source of delicious maple syrup! Even if you don’t intend to “tap” your trees, the sugar maple makes a classic shade tree in a yard.

One of the tallest of the broad-leafed trees in our native Hoosier forests, the sycamore is easy to spot in the winter by its white trunk. Usually found growing along streams and in lowlands in the wild, the Sycamore has proven itself to be a widely adaptable tree in the home landscape. Even if this tree wasn’t a beautiful shade producer, its beautiful bark would be reason enough to place this one in your landscaping.

Every 4th grader in Indiana learns that the tulip tree is our state tree. What generally isn’t known is that the tulip poplar is not a true poplar but is, in fact, a member of the magnolia family. It also is one of the tallest and most beautiful trees in the eastern hardwood forest. This is a large tree, capable of reaching heights well in excess of 100’. It usually has a straight trunk and a rounded to spreading crown. The tulip tree blooms in May, producing many tulip-shaped flowers which can be difficult to see since it blooms after the tree leaf’s out.

When you say “dogwood” to most people, what they picture is the white flowering variety. A small tree, rarely growing beyond 30ft in height, it packs a real visual wallop in the spring landscape, especially if combined with the eastern redbud as their bloom times will often overlap. But don’t overlook this tree’s autumn impact. The leaves turn scarlet to purple in the fall.