What are the best native trees to plant in Missouri?

Planting native trees in Missouri is an excellent way to support local ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and enhance your landscape’s natural beauty. Here are some of the best native trees to plant in Missouri:

1. White Oak (Quercus alba)

White Oak is a majestic tree that is highly valued for its strong wood and beautiful fall foliage. It provides habitat and food for various wildlife species.

Key Features:

Height: 50-80 feet.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Benefits: Provides acorns for wildlife, long-lived, and has striking fall colors.

2. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

Red Maple is known for its brilliant red fall foliage and adaptability to various soil types and conditions. It is a popular choice for residential landscapes.

Key Features:

Height: 40-60 feet.
Soil: Tolerates a wide range of soils but prefers moist, slightly acidic soils.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Benefits: Fast-growing, attractive fall color, and provides habitat for birds and mammals.

3. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

Eastern Redbud is a small, ornamental tree that produces stunning pink to purple flowers in early spring. It is a favorite for adding early-season color to landscapes.

Key Features:

Height: 20-30 feet.
Soil: Prefers well-drained soils but is adaptable to various conditions.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Benefits: Early spring blooms, attractive heart-shaped leaves, and wildlife habitat.

4. Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)

Flowering Dogwood is a beautiful tree known for its showy white or pink flowers in spring and bright red berries in fall. It is a great addition to any garden or landscape.

Key Features:

Height: 15-30 feet.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, acidic soils.
Light: Partial shade to full sun.
Benefits: Stunning spring flowers, colorful fall foliage, and berries that attract birds.

5. Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)

Bald Cypress is a unique tree that thrives in wet conditions, making it perfect for areas with poor drainage or near water bodies. It is known for its distinctive “knees” that grow around the base.

Key Features:

Height: 50-70 feet.
Soil: Prefers moist to wet, acidic soils.
Light: Full sun.
Benefits: Tolerates wet conditions, provides habitat for wildlife, and has attractive feathery foliage.

6. Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)

Black Cherry is a versatile tree valued for its attractive flowers, fruits, and wood. It supports a variety of wildlife and adds beauty to landscapes.

Key Features:

Height: 50-80 feet.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soils.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Benefits: Produces edible fruits, attractive flowers, and supports a diverse range of wildlife.

7. American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)

American Sycamore is a large, fast-growing tree known for its distinctive, peeling bark and tolerance to various soil conditions, including wet areas.

Key Features:

Height: 75-100 feet.
Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soils but is adaptable.
Light: Full sun.
Benefits: Provides shade, tolerates urban conditions, and has unique bark.

8. Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)

Serviceberry is a small tree or large shrub that produces beautiful white flowers in early spring and edible berries in summer. It is an excellent choice for ornamental and edible landscaping.

Key Features:

Height: 15-25 feet.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Benefits: Early spring flowers, edible berries, and attractive fall foliage.

9. Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana)

Eastern Redcedar is a hardy, evergreen tree that provides year-round interest and is highly adaptable to various soil types and conditions.

Key Features:

Height: 30-65 feet.
Soil: Tolerates a wide range of soils, including poor and dry soils.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Benefits: Provides shelter for wildlife, erosion control, and aromatic wood.

10. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)

Sugar Maple is a large, deciduous tree known for its beautiful fall foliage and sap, which is used to make maple syrup. It is a classic choice for residential and public landscapes.

Key Features: