- Best Trees for Your Missouri Landscape<\/a>
- 1. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Pecan (Carya illinoinenis)<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)<\/a><\/li>
- 6. River Birch (Betula nigra)<\/a><\/li>
- 7. Red Mulberry (Morus rubra)<\/a><\/li>
- 8. American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)<\/a><\/li>
- 9. Willow Oak (Quercus phellos)<\/a><\/li>
- 10. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- What Makes a Tree Thrive in Missouri?<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ About Missouri Trees<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Best Trees for Your Missouri Landscape<\/h2>
1. Red Maple (Acer rubrum<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Red](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Red-Maple-Acer-rubrum-.jpg\")
Photo Credit: thamerpic<\/a> \/ Canva Pro \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Red maple is a large ornamental tree named for its vibrant autumn foliage. It also develops small red flowers and fruit called samaras. Red maple grows quickly<\/a> in well-drained soils and may grow faster than other types of maples. It has low drought tolerance and is extremely cold hardy.<\/p>
This tree is one of the first to announce the arrival of fall with its red leaves, making it an excellent choice for those looking to add a splash of color to their landscape<\/a>. In addition, despite not being the main source of maple syrup in the country, the red maple does contribute to syrup production, so imagine having that in your own backyard!<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>3-9<\/p>
Sun: <\/strong>Full sun, partial shade<\/p>
Soil: <\/strong>Moist, slightly acidic soils<\/p>
Duration: <\/strong>Perennial<\/p>
Bloom time: <\/strong>March through April<\/p>
Water use: <\/strong>High<\/p>
Mature height: <\/strong>60 to 90 feet<\/p>
Potential hazards: <\/strong>Leaves and bark are poisonous to livestock<\/p>
Maintenance:<\/strong> Low<\/p>
2. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"eastern](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/eastern-redbud-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: BETTY<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Eastern redbud is an ornamental tree in the pea family that grows rapidly. While it can withstand sun and shade, it requires frequent maintenance to keep it vigorous, like pruning and fertilization. In spring, clusters of light purple or pink flowers appear. <\/p>
Planting this tree is a great choice for anyone looking to build a pollinator garden<\/a>, as its nectar-rich flowers attract bees and butterflies. Beyond these pollinators, the eastern redbud produces bean pod fruits, which invite songbirds to your landscape.<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>4-9<\/p>
Sun: <\/strong>Full sun, partial shade<\/p>
Soil: <\/strong>Moist, well-draining, and nutrient-rich<\/p>
Duration: <\/strong>Perennial<\/p>
Bloom time: <\/strong>March through May<\/p>
Water use: <\/strong>Low<\/p>
Mature height: <\/strong>20 to 30 feet<\/p>
Potential hazards: <\/strong>No toxic effects, but the branches tend to break<\/p>
Maintenance: <\/strong>Moderate<\/p>
3. Pecan (Carya illinoinenis<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Carya-illinoinenis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Pecan trees are a species of hickory whose seed can be harvested and enjoyed. The largest of the hickory species, this tree is known for its giant trunk and reaching heights of 100 feet. Pecan trees can weather various soil conditions, and they are known to endure drought. Pecan wood is commonly found in furniture and flooring.<\/p>
The pecan tree also serves a practical purpose through its nut production \u2014 you can pick pecans in your own backyard for a delicious pecan pie. In addition, its sprawling shade canopy makes it an ideal choice for large properties looking for a natural shaded retreat.<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>5-9<\/p>
Sun: <\/strong>Full sun, partial shade<\/p>
Soil:<\/strong> Rich, moist, well-drained soils<\/p>
Duration: <\/strong>Perennial<\/p>
Bloom time: <\/strong>March through May<\/p>
Water use: <\/strong>High<\/p>
Mature height: <\/strong>70 to 100 feet<\/p>
Potential hazards: <\/strong>No toxic effects<\/p>
Maintenance:<\/strong> Moderate<\/p>
4. Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_1flowering_dogwood_cornus_florida_tree_flowers_3008px_11zon.jpg\")
Flowering Dogwoods plant
Photo Credit: Ram-Man<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 2.5<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>Flowering dogwood, Missouri’s state tree, is a picturesque single or multi-trunked tree. This understory tree grows white, pink, or yellow flowers in spring, bringing color to any landscape. As the seasons turn, its foliage shifts to scarlet. Once established, this flowering dogwood handles heat well and prefers well-drained soils.<\/p>
Adding to its charm, the flowering dogwood is a beacon for biodiversity. Pollinators like to visit the flowers, and if you\u2019re looking to attract birds to your yard<\/a>, this tree\u2019s red fruits provide a feast for them.<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>5-9<\/p>
Sun: <\/strong>Partial shade, but tolerates full sun<\/p>
Soil: <\/strong>Well-drained soils, high in organic matter<\/p>
Duration: <\/strong>Perennial<\/p>
Bloom time: <\/strong>March through June<\/p>
Water use: <\/strong>Low<\/p>
Mature height: <\/strong>15 to 25 feet<\/p>
Potential hazards: <\/strong>Contact with this tree may cause skin irritation<\/p>
Maintenance: <\/strong>Low<\/p>
5. Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"orange](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Diospyros-virginiana.jpg\")
Photo Credit: prawit_simmatun<\/a> \/ Canva Pro \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The persimmon tree is best known for its sweet orange fruit that appears in fall. This fruit attracts wildlife and can be incorporated into various foods and beverages. Because persimmons are dioecious, male and female trees are needed to produce fruit. Also, yellow bell-shaped flowers bloom in spring. <\/p>
A good thing about this tree is that it is low maintenance, with one minor caveat: the cleanup. Fallen fruit can create a mess on lawns and walkways, needing timely removal to prevent them from turning into slippery hazards.<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>4-9<\/p>
Sun: <\/strong>Partial shade<\/p>
Soil: <\/strong>Prefers moist soil, but tolerates dry, nutrient-poor soils<\/p>
Duration: <\/strong>Perennial<\/p>
Bloom time: <\/strong>March through June<\/p>
Water use: <\/strong>Medium<\/p>
Mature height: <\/strong>30 to 80 feet<\/p>
Potential hazards: <\/strong>Seeds can be harmful to pets if eaten<\/p>
Maintenance: <\/strong>Low<\/p>
6. River Birch (Betula nigra<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"River](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/River-Birch.jpg\")
Photo Credit: SEWilco<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> River birch is a sizable, multi-trunked tree with yellow autumn foliage. This tree prefers wet soils and can withstand flood conditions for long periods. Regular pruning is required in the early stages of growth to remove low branches that may block vehicles. <\/p>
The river birch\u2019s adaptability to wet conditions makes it a good choice for areas near water bodies, such as riverbanks and wetlands, or maybe your own rain garden<\/a>. However, if this is not the case for your landscape, this tree may demand more attention, needing constant watering. It is not a \u201cplant it and forget it\u201d type of tree.<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>4-9<\/p>
Sun: <\/strong>Full sun, partial shade<\/p>
Soil: <\/strong>Prefers moist soils with good drainage, acidic<\/p>
Duration: <\/strong>Perennial<\/p>
Bloom time: <\/strong>February through March<\/p>
Water use: <\/strong>High<\/p>
Mature height: <\/strong>30 to 70 feet<\/p>
Potential hazards: <\/strong>No toxic effects<\/p>
Maintenance:<\/strong> Moderate<\/p>
7. Red Mulberry (Morus rubra<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/mulberry-2353908_1280-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Needpix<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Red mulberry trees enjoy rich, moist soils and thrive in full sun. In autumn, the foliage becomes bright yellow. Their blackberry-like fruit is edible when ripe and is appreciated by birds. Red mulberry is exceptionally tolerant of drought conditions and also resists damage from deer.<\/p>
One thing to note is that this tree\u2019s fruit is poisonous when not fully ripe, so be careful if your yard is frequented by children and pets to prevent any untimely \u201csampling.\u201d In addition, the mature fruit can leave stains on concrete walkways, patios, and even parked cars, so be mindful of where you\u2019ll be planting the red mulberry.<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>4-9<\/p>
Sun: <\/strong>Full sun, partial shade<\/p>
Soil: <\/strong>Prefers rich, moist, and well-drained soils<\/p>
Duration: <\/strong>Perennial<\/p>
Bloom time: <\/strong>March through August<\/p>
Water use: <\/strong>Medium <\/p>
Mature height: <\/strong>25 to 60 feet<\/p>
Potential hazards: <\/strong>Low toxicity if unripe fruit or sap is ingested and may cause contact dermatitis <\/p>
Maintenance: <\/strong>Moderate<\/p>
8. American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"bark](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/american-sycamore-g6b07c047a_1920-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> American sycamore is a shade tree that produces clusters of tiny flowers in spring and round fruits that last through December. The sap can be made into a beverage or syrup, while the wood is often used in furniture. American sycamores can endure various soil types but are fond of moist soils and full sun. While this tree attracts birds, it is resistant to browsing by deer.<\/p>
The American sycamore stands out as one of the largest trees featured on our list, making it an excellent choice for those with ample space and in search of a shade tree. However, this tree is known for shedding twigs and fruit, so be prepared for the maintenance involved in keeping the area tidy.<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>4-9<\/p>
Sun: <\/strong>Full sun<\/p>
Soil: <\/strong>Prefers moist soils with good drainage<\/p>
Duration: <\/strong>Perennial<\/p>
Bloom time: <\/strong>March through April<\/p>
Water use: <\/strong>High<\/p>
Mature height: <\/strong>75 to 100 feet<\/p>
Potential hazards: <\/strong>No toxic effects<\/p>
Maintenance:<\/strong> High<\/p>
9. Willow Oak (Quercus phellos<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Willow](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/willow-oak-katja-schulz-cc20.jpg\")
Willow oak.
Photo Credit: Katja Schulz<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>The willow oak is a large tree with dense, willow-like leaves that make it an ideal shade tree. Willow oak has bright yellow autumn foliage. It attracts beneficial insects<\/a> and squirrels but is toxic to horses. This tree transplants well and can withstand urban pollution.<\/p>
In Missouri, the willow oak is commonly found in areas near swamps or poorly drained lowlands. It is a highly adaptable tree, making it a robust addition to landscapes in need of shade and aesthetic appeal.<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>5-9<\/p>
Sun: <\/strong>Full sun, partial shade<\/p>
Soil: <\/strong>Wet, well-drained soils, acidic<\/p>
Duration: <\/strong>Perennial<\/p>
Bloom time: <\/strong>March through May<\/p>
Water use: <\/strong>High<\/p>
Mature height: <\/strong>40 to 75 feet<\/p>
Potential hazards: <\/strong>Low toxicity when eaten; toxic to horses<\/p>
Maintenance:<\/strong> Low<\/p>
- 2. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)<\/a><\/li>
- 1. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)<\/a><\/li>