Pin Oak
The pin oak (Quercus palustris) is a medium-sized deciduous tree known for its distinctive, deeply lobed leaves and symmetrical, pyramidal shape. It features glossy, dark green leaves that turn a vibrant red in the fall, adding striking seasonal color. This hardy tree thrives in wet, acidic soils and is commonly used in landscaping for its fast growth and aesthetic appeal.
Yellow Pine
The yellow pine (Pinus spp.), often referring to species like the loblolly or longleaf pine, is a large evergreen tree recognized for its long, sturdy needles grouped in bundles of three. It produces large, spiny cones and has a rugged, reddish-brown bark that becomes deeply furrowed with age. Valued for its strong, durable wood, yellow pine is commonly used in construction and furniture making, and thrives in a variety of soil conditions across its native range in the southeastern United States.
White Pine
The white pine (Pinus strobus) is a tall, stately evergreen tree characterized by its long, soft, bluish-green needles grouped in bundles of five. It has a straight trunk with smooth gray bark that becomes deeply furrowed with age, and its slender, cylindrical cones hang gracefully from the branches. Renowned for its rapid growth and impressive height, the white pine is commonly used in reforestation projects and is valued for its high-quality, lightweight wood.
Bradford Pear
The Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’) is a deciduous tree known for its symmetrical, rounded shape and stunning display of white blossoms in early spring. It features glossy, dark green leaves that turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and purple in the fall. Despite its ornamental appeal, the Bradford pear is notorious for its weak branching structure, making it prone to splitting and storm damage as it matures.
Ash
The ash tree (genus Fraxinus) is a tall, deciduous tree known for its compound leaves, which consist of 5-11 leaflets, and its distinctive, diamond-patterned bark. It produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spring, followed by clusters of winged seeds called samaras. Valued for its strong, durable wood, ash trees are also facing significant threats from the invasive emerald ash borer, which has devastated populations across North America.
Silver Maple
The silver maple (Acer saccharinum) is a fast-growing deciduous tree known for its deeply lobed, silver-backed leaves that shimmer in the wind. It has a broad, spreading canopy and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions, making it a popular choice for urban and suburban landscapes. However, its wood is relatively weak, making the tree prone to damage from storms and heavy winds.
River Birch
The river birch (Betula nigra) is a deciduous tree notable for its distinctive, peeling bark that ranges in color from salmon-pink to reddish-brown, adding visual interest year-round. It features diamond-shaped, dark green leaves that turn a vibrant yellow in the fall. Adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, the river birch is especially valued for its ability to thrive in wet areas, making it a popular choice for landscaping near water features.
Black Walnut
The black walnut (Juglans nigra) is a large deciduous tree prized for its high-quality, dark hardwood and flavorful nuts. It features pinnately compound leaves with 15-23 leaflets, and its round, green husked fruits mature in the fall, containing the rich, edible walnuts inside. Known for its robust root system, the black walnut tree produces a natural herbicide called juglone, which can inhibit the growth of many surrounding plants.
Sweetgum
The sweetgum tree (Liquidambar styraciflua) is a deciduous tree known for its star-shaped leaves that turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and purple in the fall. It produces spiky, spherical fruits often referred to as “gumballs” that persist into winter. Valued for its wood in furniture making and its ornamental appeal in landscaping, the sweetgum is adaptable to various soil types and grows well in moist, well-drained conditions.
Black Locust
The black locust tree (Robinia pseudoacacia) is a medium-sized deciduous tree known for its fragrant clusters of white flowers in spring, which attract pollinators. It features compound leaves with numerous leaflets that turn yellow in the fall, adding seasonal interest. Native to North America but now widely cultivated, the black locust is valued for its durable wood used in fence posts, furniture, and musical instruments.
Cottonwood
The cottonwood tree (genus Populus) is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree known for its broad, triangular leaves that flutter in the wind and its thick, deeply furrowed bark. It produces fluffy, cotton-like seeds that disperse in late spring, giving the tree its name. Often found near rivers and streams, cottonwoods provide valuable habitat for wildlife and are used in landscaping to create shade and windbreaks.
Shag Bark Hickory
The Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) is a large, deciduous tree distinguished by its shaggy, peeling bark that curls away from the trunk in long strips. It bears compound leaves with 5-7 leaflets that turn golden yellow in the fall, contrasting with its gray-brown bark. Known for its strong, durable wood and edible nuts, the Shagbark Hickory is valued both for its ornamental appeal and practical uses in woodworking and culinary traditions.
