Consider Planting Native Trees in Landscape

With Earth Day and Arbor Day on the calendar this week, now is a perfect time for thinking about adding a native tree to your landscape. The list of choices is large. To help get you started, here are a few examples of Wisconsin native species to consider that may not be as well-known as trees typically found in landscapes throughout the state.

Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioica) has been increasing in popularity in recent years. Native to southern Wisconsin but hardy to zone 4a, Kentucky Coffeetree can be planted throughout the state. Male and female flowers appear on separate trees, with thick husked pods developing on female trees. Leaves are doubly-pinnate and compound, so they are quite large even though the individual leaflets are small. Twigs have an interesting stout appearance and scaly bark looks rustic, so these trees provide year-round interest in landscapes. Kentucky Coffeetree tolerates adverse urban conditions.

When thinking of oaks, white, bur, and red come to mind most often. Swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor) is also an excellent choice to consider. As the name implies, this oak will tolerate poorly drained soil but is adaptable to soils of many landscapes, including clay, and urban conditions. Attractive leathery leaves have shallow rounded lobes and feature contrasting dark green upper surface and much lighter lower surface (hence bicolor). Acorns attract wildlife. Swamp white oak is native to southern Wisconsin but is hardy to zone 4a.

Common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) is another adaptable shade tree native to southern Wisconsin but can be grown throughout the state (zone 3b hardiness). Common hackberry will tolerate alkaline soils and conditions ranging from clay to sandy, in addition to urban stresses like air pollution and heat. Developing a vase shape with age, hackberries have been considered substitutes for American elms. Bark develops ridges with interesting pebble or wart-like texture.   

Ironwood or hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) is a smaller, lesser-known tree native throughout Wisconsin. These trees will get to about thirty feet maximum height and readily grow in the shade of larger trees. Elm-like leaves will turn yellow in fall. Male (catkins) and female flowers appear on the same tree, with female flowers developing fruit clusters containing a small, flattened nut. The name ironwood refers to solid wood that can be used for tool handles.

These are just a few native trees to consider. With all trees, both mature height and width are important considerations, along with hardiness and any special tolerances or susceptibilities. Trees are long-term investments, so always take time to learn all their characteristics before determining the best choice for your specific landscape conditions and needs.

For much more information, see our new crabgrass management article.