Selecting the right trees to enhance your landscape can provide beauty and enjoyment throughout the year. Some trees offer lovely spring flowers, others colorful fall foliage, and still others attractive bark or form for winter interest. Choosing trees that thrive in your particular climate will ensure healthy growth and allow you to fully appreciate their assets during all four seasons.
Spring Blooming Trees
Spring is the season of renewal and emergence. Deciduous trees leaf out and many varieties burst into bloom, offering a palette of pastel colors to brighten the landscape. Here are some top choices for spring blooming trees:
Flowering Dogwood
With its showy four-petaled white (or sometimes pink) blossoms, flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is one of the most popular small ornamental trees. The flowers provide a spectacular display in early to mid spring, even before the leaves emerge. Flowering dogwood does best in partial sun and acidic soil. It grows well across USDA zones 5-9.
Redbud
Redbud trees are prized for their fuchsia pea-like flowers that bloom directly on the bare branches in early spring. Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is the classic native variety, thriving in zones 4-9. ‘Forest Pansy’ is a popular cultivar with red-purple leaves. ‘Oklahoma’ offers exceptionally large blooms.
Crabapple
Crabapple trees compliment the landscape with abundant clusters of fragrant, delicate pink or white flowers in spring. Varieties such as ‘Spring Snow’ and ‘Adirondack’ have an upright form ideal for smaller urban lots. Most prefer full sun and zones 3-8.
Saucer Magnolia
Magnolias are treasured for their enormous, fragrant blooms. Saucer magnolia (Magnolia × soulangeana) dazzles in early spring with cup-shaped white or purple-pink flowers up to 10 inches across. It does well in zones 4-9. ‘Merrill’ and ‘Rustica Rubra’ are two recommended cultivars.
Japanese Tree Lilac
In late spring, the Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata) produces large clusters of creamy white flowers with a lilac-like scent. It has an ornamental, cherry-like bark and grows 25-30 feet tall. Japanese tree lilac thrives in zones 3-7. ‘Ivory Silk’ is a popular cultivar.
Summer Flowering Trees
The warmth of summer encourages some trees to send out a fresh round of blooms when many others are not in flower. Add punches of color during the dog days with these flowering choices:
Crape Myrtle
Thanks to its long summer bloom period and attractive exfoliating bark, crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia) is a prime ornamental tree for zones 7-9. The flowers come in shades of white, pink, red, or lavender. Popular varieties include ‘Natchez’, ‘Muskogee’, and ‘Tuscarora’.
Mimosa
Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin) is prized for its fluffy pink powderpuff-like blooms that flutter gracefully in summer. The feathery leaves provide dappled shade. Despite some invasiveness concerns, it remains a beloved southern tree, ideal for zones 6-9.
Rose of Sharon
Also known as shrub althea, Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) sends out large, hollyhock-like blooms well into summer. Flower color ranges from white to pink, lavender, or blue. These multi-stemmed trees thrive in full sun and zones 5-9. Recommended cultivars include ‘Blue Satin’ and ‘Blush Satin’.
Seven Son Tree
The Seven Son Tree, or Heptacodium miconioides, displays clusters of tiny white flowers with purple centers from mid to late summer. This shrub-like tree has exfoliating bark and grows 15-20 feet high and wide, preferring full to partial sun and zones 5-8.
Frangipani
In tropical and subtropical climates, frangipani (Plumeria) perfumes the air with its beautifully scented blooms in shades of pink, yellow, coral, or white. Its distinctive fleshy leaves also add visual interest. Frangipani is ideal for zones 9-11.
Fall Foliage Trees
When autumn arrives, many deciduous trees put on a show-stopping display of red, orange, yellow, and purple leaves before they shed them for the winter. Here are some excellent choices for fantastic fall foliage:
Red Maple
The brilliant crimson leaves of red maple (Acer rubrum) provide quintessential fall color. This fast-growing, moderate-sized tree adapts to varying soil conditions. It does well across a wide range from zones 3-9. ‘October Glory’ and ‘Red Sunset’ are two popular cultivars.
Sugar Maple
With its towering stature and vibrant orange-red fall hues, sugar maple (Acer saccharum) makes a statement in the autumn landscape. It grows well in zones 3-8. ‘Green Mountain’ is a heat-tolerant variety suited for warmer regions.
Black Gum
Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) reliability offers outstanding scarlet-red fall color, sometimes tinged with orange. This native tree grows 40-75 feet tall at maturity and prefers moist, acidic soil. It thrives in zones 5-9.
Japanese Maple
Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) selections exhibit every shade of autumnal tones – crimson, scarlet, orange, gold, and plum-purple. Slow growing and suited for containers and small spaces, they bring elegance to landscapes in zones 5-9.
Sourwood
Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) turns a striking crimson in the fall and is valued for its long lasting color. The drooping white flowers in summer are an added bonus. It grows in zones 5-9. ‘Chameleon’ is a smaller cultivar.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo trees are revered for their fan-shaped, golden yellow foliage in autumn. Their unique, dual-lobed leaves turn all at once, creating a vibrant yellow canopy. Ginkgo is adaptable, low-maintenance, and pest-free. It prospers in zones 3-8. ‘Autumn Gold’ is a popular cultivar.
Winter Interest Trees
The bare branches and sculptural forms of many trees and shrubs provide appealing structure and silhouette during the winter months when colorful blooms are scarce. Here are some top choices for winter interest:
River Birch
Prized for its strongly horizontal branching form and creamy curling bark, river birch (Betula nigra) delivers year-round beauty. The peeling bark stands out against the snow. This fast grower does well in zones 4-9. ‘Heritage’ is a popular cultivar.
Japanese Stewartia
Japanese stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamellia) boasts a magnificent display of mottled, multicolored bark in cinnamon, amber, and cream hues. The camellia-like blooms in summer and excellent fall color add to its year round appeal for zones 5-8.
Paperbark Maple
Paperbark maple (Acer griseum) features a striking coppery cinnamon-colored bark that peels vertically on the trunk and branches. The petite size makes it ideal for small gardens. Grow it in zones 5-8.
Lacebark Pine
Chinese lacebark pine (Pinus bungeana) exhibits patches of mottled gray, green, and copper bark that patterns its trunk and branches. Soft needles provide greenery through winter. It prospers in zones 5-7.
Winter King Hawthorn
Noted for its abundant scarlet red fruits that last into winter for birds to enjoy, Winter King hawthorn (Crataegus viridis ‘Winter King’) also displays showy, flaky bark for added cold weather interest. Plant it in zones 5-8.
Seven Son Flower
While the flowers and heart-shaped leaves drop in autumn, the attractive exfoliating bark and specimen form of the seven son flower (Heptacodium miconioides) remains. This shrub-like tree provides architectural presence in winter across zones 5-8.
Large Shade Trees
When you need a substantial tree to provide ample shade and make a bold statement, some excellent choices include:
Oak
Symbolizing strength and longevity, oaks have been prized shade trees for generations. Many varieties exist, but white oak (Quercus alba) and red oak (Quercus rubra) are two of the most popular large shade trees for zones 3-9.
Elm
Valued for its umbrella-shaped canopy and graceful weeping branches, American elm (Ulmus Americana) provides superb shade. Once decimated by Dutch elm disease, this classic shade tree is making a comeback in zones 3-9 with disease-resistant cultivars like ‘Valley Forge’.
Maple
Maples like sugar (Acer saccharum) and red (Acer rubrum) display gorgeous fall colors and grow 50-75 feet tall. However, fast-growing silver maple (Acer saccharinum) is the unrivaled king of large shade trees, soaring to 100 feet tall with an 80 foot spread when mature. Use it in zones 3-9.
Linden
An elegant yet robust shade tree, linden (Tilia spp.) gets 60-80 feet high at maturity. The heart-shaped leaves produce a thick canopy. Excellent varieties include American linden (Tilia americana) and littleleaf linden (Tilia cordata). Grow in zones 2-8.
London Planetree
With its stately, symmetrical canopy, the London planetree (Platanus acerifolia) provides dense shade up to 120 feet across. Its decorative camouflage-patterned bark also makes a statement. Use in zones 4-8.
Dawn Redwood
Dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) has a conical form with fern-like leaves, turning lovely shades of gold and bronze in fall. It grows very fast up to 100 feet tall. Plant it in zones 4-8.
Top Trees for Small Yards
When space is limited, choose compact ornamental trees ideally suited for smaller gardens and urban lots:
Crape Myrtle
Grown as a small tree, many crape myrtle varieties like ‘Centennial Spirit’ reach just 15-25 feet tall at maturity, providing color, interest, and shade without overwhelming a petite landscape.
Japanese Maple
Japanese maples are perfect small specimens trees. Slow growing varieties like ‘Shaina’ and ‘Seiryu’ reach just 10-15 feet tall when mature, adding elegance with their lacy foliage and beautiful colors.
Saucer Magnolia
Remaining under 20 feet tall, saucer magnolia fits nicely into tight spots. The spectacular, fragrant spring blossoms and neat oval form make it a standout four season specimen for small yards.
Serviceberry
Serviceberry (Amelanchier) earns its keep as a small ornamental tree or large shrub with pretty white spring blooms, blue berry-like fruits for wildlife, and reliable orange-red fall color on a 15-25 foot frame.
Cherries and Plums
Compact flowering cherry and plum trees like ‘Kwanzan’ and ‘Mt. St. Helens’ top out around 15-20 feet tall. Their clouds of pink spring blossoms engage the senses, fitting with ease into modest spaces.
Eastern Redbud
A clone of the popular redbud tree, ‘Ruby Falls’ has cascading weeping branches that form an umbrella-shaped canopy 15-20 feet high and wide, ideal for yards with limited room to spread out.
Top Trees for Wet Sites
Poor drainage? Boggy or swampy areas? No problem! Many trees actually thrive with wet feet in moist to saturated soil:
Bald Cypress
Iconic in swamps of the deep south with its knobby “knees” and flared base, bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) handleswet soils with finesse while providing soft, lacy greenery. Use in zones 4-10.
Water Tupelo
One of the few native hardwoods tolerant of flooding, water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) grows naturally in swamps and streambanks. Its glossy foliage turns vibrant red in fall. For zones 5-10.
Swamp White Oak
Swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor) develops an extensive root system to handle fluctuating water levels. The lustrous green leaves and flaky silver-gray bark make it attractive. Found in zones 3-8.
River Birch
Highly resistant to disease and insects that plague many wet site trees, the river birch (Betula nigra) thrives in periodically saturated soil. Heritage® is an excellent cultivar. Use in zones 4-9.
Bald Cypress
Cypresses are champion wet soil trees. Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) will tolerate constant flooding. Noted for its fine soft foliage and knobby knees poking up from the roots. Tolerates zones 4-10.
Tupelo
Both water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) and swamp tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) species naturally inhabit swamps and streambanks. They produce brilliant fall colors in red, orange, scarlet and gold. Use in wet sites in zones 5-9.
Dawn Redwood
Dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) doesn’t mind having its feet wet. Though massive, it tolerates soggy soil and seasonal flooding. Fast growth to 100 feet tall makes it ideal for large, wet sites.
Top Trees for Dry Sites
Parched, drought-prone areas call for trees that can tolerate low rainfall. Here are excellent choices for dry soil conditions:
Desert Willow
Native to arid Southwestern habitats, desert willow (Chilopsis linearis) flourishes under hot, dry conditions. Airy, orchid-like blooms provide summer color on a 15-30 foot frame. Use in zones 7-9.
Mesquite
Mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) survives torrid heat and the poorest soils where few others can persist. This small legume tree has ferny foliage and picturesque branching form. Ideal for zones 7-11.
Eastern Redcedar
With tiny overlapping scalelike leaves that minimize moisture loss, eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) withstands heat and drought extremely well. Grows 20-50 feet tall across zones 2-10.
Chitalpa
The chitalpa tree, a hybrid between trumpet tree and desert willow, combines the best traits of both to thrive in hot, dry climates. Pink trumpet-shaped flowers adorn the branches in summer. Use in zones 7-10.
Palo Verde
As its name suggests (“green stick”), palo verde (Parkinsonia aculeata) trees perform remarkably well even in the leanest, driest soils and arid conditions. Green bark and bright yellow blooms add color. Native to zone 9-11.
Goldenrain Tree
With airy, delicate foliage and greater tolerance of drought and heat than many flowering trees, goldenrain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata) lends charm. Grows 30-40 feet tall in zones 5-9.
Fragrant Trees
Beyond visual beauty, some prized trees also offer the appeal of fabulous fragrance from their flowers or foliage:
Linden
The heady, citrusy scent of linden (Tilia spp.) flowers permeates the air on midsummer days, making it a highly aromatic shade tree. ‘Boulevard’ is a popular cultivar of basswood or American linden (Tilia americana).
Crape Myrtle
In summer, the colorful blooms of crape myrtle infuse the garden with a lovely, delicate fragrance. Grow them as flowering trees for maximum floral display and perfume.
Mimosa
Few trees can compete with the ultra-fragrant powder puff blooms of the mimosa tree (Albizia julibrissin). Its sweet scent recalls honey and almonds. Fantastic for southern zones 9-11.
Sweetbay Magnolia
Magnolias are prized for their intoxicating aroma. Sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) offers wonderfully fragrant lemon-scented white blooms even in the North. Try it in zones 5-9.
Star Magnolia
Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) perfumes the early spring garden with its abundant white cup-shaped blooms that carry the classic magnolia scent. Compact size suits small yards.
Goldenrain Tree
A Mediterranean native, goldenrain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata) produces tapering panicles of yellow flowers with a soft, honey-like fragrance in mid to late summer.
Uncommon Trees
Part of the fun of landscape design is discovering rare and unusual trees. Consider something distinctive like:
Monkey Puzzle Tree
Hailing from the Andean Mountains of Chile, the monkey puzzle tree (Araucaria araucana) sports thick, deep green needles arranged in whorled branches around a gnarled trunk, creating a prehistoric, dinosaur-era look. Tolerates zones 7-10.
Yellowwood
Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentuckea) earns its name from the sunny yellow flowers in spring. This slowly growing, hardy native offers great versatility, from specimen to shade tree. Use in zones 4-8.
Parrotia
A four season delight, parrotia or Persian ironwood (Parrotia persica) displays scarlet flowers, glossy foliage, oranges and reds in autumn and exfoliating patches of bark in winter. Stays small, ideal for zones 5-8.