38 City Trees
Trees of Merit
Rich Weber is the Horticulturist for the
Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW)
Physical Plant-Grounds Department. Weber developed
a tree inventory with data on over 9500 IPFW campus
trees and designed and maintains the IPFW Native
Trees of Indiana River Walk and website.
Established in 2006, the IPFW Native Trees of Indiana
River Walk is a lighted, asphalt–paved, 1.5 mile (2.4
km) (one-way) path winding along the St. Joseph River
on the campus of IPFW. Weber matched suitable native
trees, now 104 total, to sites along the route and devel-
oped signs that include native range, common and sci-
entific names, ultimate size, and ornamental features.
The companion website was developed to give expand-
ed information about the characteristics of each tree.
The site also includes a map of the Walk with tree
locations, extensive photos of native and invasive non–
native trees, shrubs and wildflowers, the tree inventory,
and other interesting information. These resources are
used by elementary, middle, and high school students
for tree identification and leaf collections and by IPFW
plant biology, ecology, and dendrology students as a
course aid.
In this third and final installment in a series, Weber
shares his observations and pictures of a half dozen
native trees on the Walk that he has found to be partic-
ularly pleasing and functional. Weber says, "All are low
maintenance and generally require only minor pruning
of dead branches. None have significant disease or
insect problems. All survived the week of -15 F (-26 C)
temperatures in Fort Wayne (Zone 5b) last winter with
no damage."
American Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana)
A tough small tree reaching 25–40 feet (8-12 m) tall
and 20–30 feet (6-9 m) wide. Abundant catkins add
interest in winter. Tolerates partial shade.
American Hornbeam/Ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana)
Light gray bark with ridges which some say resemble
muscles. To me, they look more like arteries or veins. Fall
leaf colors are translucent reds and yellows. A small tree,
20–30 feet (6-9 m) wide and of similar width, but can be
larger. Prefers partial shade but can tolerate full shade.
The hops/fruits of American hophornbeam
American hornbeam/ironwood habit and fall color
