Recommended Species for Planting

DECIDUOUS TREES        

Large Trees: Greater than 45 feet in height at maturity    

Common Name 
Latin Name 
Description 
American elm*Ulmus americanaElms are sturdy, long-lived shade trees with a distinctive form. Its wafer-like seed pods are popular with birds and wildlife. 'Princeton' and 'Homestead' cultivars are resistant to Dutch elm disease.
American sycamore*Platanus occidentalisA tree that is known for its attractive bark. Bark color varies from a rough reddish brown to a smooth grayish white.
Black tupelo*Nyssa sylvaticaFlowers are an excellent nectar source for bees, and fruits attract local and migrating birds. In autumn, leaves turn brilliant red, yellow, and orange.
Pin oak*Quercus palustrisA native, fast-growing species with a solid pyramidal form.
Tuliptree*Liriodendron tulipiferaGrows rapidly but can live for many hundreds of years. Fruits are an important food source for small mammals in late fall and winter.
Common Name 
Latin Name 
Description 
American hornbeam*Ulmus americanaHornbeams have distinctive smooth, sinewy bark. Their fruit attracts birds and serves as a host plant for several native butterflies.
SassafrasSassafras albidumIt is an attractive shade tree with brilliant fall foliage and a strong, sweet aroma at different times of the year. It can grow as a single trunk or bushy thicket. The fruit attracts a variety of wildlife.

Small Trees: 15 - 30 feet in height at maturity

Common Name 
Latin Name 
Description 
Eastern redbud*Cercis canadensisRedbuds are fast-growing, understory trees with dramatic early spring color. Their vibrant, purplish-pink flowers appear before the leaves, attracting birds, deer, and honeybees.
Kousa dogwoodCornus kousaKnown for its colorful white petals in spring, this hardy urban shade tree also has attractive bark patterns visible in winter. Its foliage is bright red in the fall.
Sweet bay magnoliaMagnolia virginianaThe Sweet Bay Magnolia Tree delivers creamy-white blooms on a beautiful, dense shade tree. It is also one of the most pest-resistant Magnolia trees.

CONIFEROUS AND EVERGREEN TREES

Large Trees: Greater than 45 feet in height at maturity

Common Name 
Latin Name 
Description 
Douglas firPsedotsuga menziesiiAn evergreen tree that flourishes in full sun to partial shade and well-drained, acidic soils. It features spiral-shaped needles that are very durable.
Eastern white pine*Pinus strobusFast-growing and hardy tree. It provides an excellent screen and windbreak

Medium Trees: 31 - 45 feet in height at maturity

Common Name 
Latin Name 
Description 
Eastern redcedar*
Juniperus virginiana
A sun-loving evergreen with a high wind, salt, and heat tolerance. It grows in a columnar or pyramidal shape with deep roots.