2015 Tree Species Information - Elkhart County Soil and Water District

 2015 Tree Sale Species Information List
EVERGREENS
American Arborvitae (Thuga occidentalis)
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. Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)
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.
Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri)
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!
DECIDUOUS TREES
American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana)
A hoosier native that goes by many names, including ironwood and water beech, the American hornbeam is a
small tree found in the understory of our native forests. Growing 10-30 ft with a rounded crown, the standout
feature of this tree is its bark. The bark is smooth, blue-gray, and ridged, appearing “muscular” giving rise to
another of its common names, musclewood.
Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica)
The other well-know name for this Hoosier native is black tupelo. When mature and viewed in winter, this tree
can be confused with persimmon because of its alligator-like bark. Black gum commonly grows to 50-100 ft
with straight trunks. This tree does produce a small blue fruit which is a great attraction for a wide variety of
native birds, including piliated woodpeckers. The black gum would make a fine replacement for the ash as a
street tree.
River Birch (Betula nigra)
River birch is the most common birch in Indiana and, despite its name, seems to be able to grow in many soil
types. I personally know of one growing on top of what can only be described as a gravel hill capped with clay!
It is not susceptible to the bronze birch borer that has wrecked havoc with the white-barked birches. The standout feature of this medium sized tree is its curling reddish bark that begins peeling by its 2nd or 3rd year.
Striped Maple (Acer pennsylvanicum)
This eastern North America native just misses being called a Hoosier. It is an understory tree whose range
reaches into eastern Michigan. This maple is unique in being a small maple that is normally found as an understory tree reaching to about 30ft. The bark is striped green and white while young turning to brown stripes when
older. In New England, the striped maple is also known as moosewood. But don’t worry, you’re unlikely to
attract moose into your Indiana yard.
Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)
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 leafs out. In the autumn,
the leaves (which also have a tulip silhouette) turn a bright yellow. Younger trees have a thin gray trunk that can
add some nice winter interest to the landscape.
White Oak (Quercus alba)
If there is a more adaptable tree in Indiana, I don’t know what it is! The white oak is naturally found in every
county of the Hoosier state and in conditions ranging from dry uplands to moist lowlands. It can reach 100 ft and
live for hundreds of years. Ancient specimens are often wider than they are tall! We may not be around long
enough to see that kind of growth but give this tree some room. Perhaps you can share a packet of these with a
friend.
SMALL TREES AND SHRUBS
American Mountain Ash (Sorbus americana)
Despite its name, the mountain ash is a member of the rose family not the ash family. As such, the emerald ash
borer is not a concern here. For year round color, this tree is hard to beat. From the bright green leaves and white
flowers in the spring to the yellow- orange foliage of fall to the bright red-orange fruit that are this tree’s crowning glory, this one’s a real looker!
American Plum (Prunus Americana)
To say this tree is a Hoosier native is only part of its story. The American plum is one of the most widespread of
the understory trees in all of North America. Small at 15-25ft, its impact is huge. The American plum is one of
the most important trees for attracting and supporting native wildlife in our landscaping. Its delicate form and
spring flowers make this an attractive tree for people, too.
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
The Eastern Redbud is a small to medium tree with heart-shaped leaves. It is named for the many small peashaped 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. When planted as a single tree in full sun, the canopy often becomes full and
broad. Because the redbud rarely grows over 30 ft., it is a beautiful tree for spaces where a larger tree is inappropriate.
Hazelnut (Corylus americana)
Hazelnut, also known as American filbert, is a small tree or large shrub. It can be pruned to maintain a tree shape,
if desired. This native is a perfect choice to fill in a blank corner of the yard or for a hedge. The real bonus with
the hazelnut is just that – the nuts! Delicious roasted, you will have to beat the squirrels to them. An added plus
for the hazelnut is that this shrub is considered to be deer resistant but remember, nothing is 100% deer proof.
Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago)
It has been said that no landscaping is complete without a viburnum. So here is our selection. The nannyberry is
a small tree that produces small white flowers in broad clusters. The small blue-black fruit are edible but, again,
you’ll have to beat the wildlife to them! They are attractive to many songbirds and gamebirds. Widely adaptable,
it particularly likes moist soils.
White Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
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.
Witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
There’s nothing sinister about this small native tree. It’s name comes from the middle English word, wiche,
meaning bendable. It’s pliant forked branches often produced just the shaped branches that the early settlers
sought for locating underground water sources. From a landscaping standpoint, the witchhazel makes an interesting statement with its somewhat twisted shape and small yellow flowers that it produces in the autumn rather
than spring.