The White Oak (Quercus alba), is prized for its finely textured, deeply lobed leaves that give the tree a soft, almost lace-like appearance. This majestic deciduous tree can grow 50 to 80 feet tall and wide, forming a broad, rounded canopy that offers dappled shade and year-round visual appeal. Its bluish-green leaves turn a rich russet or burgundy in the fall, creating a striking seasonal display.

The White Oak is long-lived, slow-growing, and incredibly valuable to local ecosystems. It supports hundreds of species of wildlife, from birds and mammals to pollinators and beneficial insects. The acorns it produces are an important food source for deer, turkeys, and squirrels. Highly tolerant of a range of soils and climates, this oak is both drought-resistant and adaptable once established. With its graceful foliage, strong structure, and ecological benefits, the White Oak is an ideal choice for those seeking beauty, shade, and environmental impact in a single tree.*

The American cherry tree, often referring to native species like the black cherry (Prunus serotina), is a graceful, fast-growing deciduous tree native to much of North America. It typically grows 40 to 60 feet tall with a slender trunk and an airy, rounded crown, making it a striking presence in both natural woodlands and cultivated landscapes. In spring, the tree bursts into clusters of small, fragrant white flowers that attract bees and pollinators, followed by dark purple to black cherries in late summer that provide an important food source for birds and wildlife.

The finely serrated leaves turn a warm yellow or reddish-bronze in the fall, adding seasonal color. Its bark starts smooth and reddish-brown in youth and becomes dark, rough, and almost scaly with age—often compared to burnt potato chips in appearance. American cherry wood is highly valued for its rich, reddish tone and smooth grain, making it a favorite in furniture and cabinetry. While the fruit is edible when fully ripe, it is quite tart and more commonly used in jams, jellies, or wildlife conservation plantings. Hardy, adaptable, and ecologically important, the American cherry tree is both a beautiful and beneficial addition to the landscape.*

DescriptioThe Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is a hardy, evergreen tree native to the eastern United States, including Tennessee. Despite its name, it is actually a species of juniper, not a true cedar. This versatile tree typically grows 30 to 50 feet tall with a narrow, pyramidal shape and dense, fragrant foliage ranging from deep green to bluish-gray. Its reddish-brown bark peels in thin strips, and it produces small, waxy blue berries that are a vital winter food source for birds and wildlife.

Highly adaptable, the Eastern Red Cedar thrives in poor soils, dry conditions, and full sun, making it an excellent choice for windbreaks, privacy screens, erosion control, and habitat restoration. Its deep roots help stabilize soil, and its dense canopy offers shelter for birds and small mammals. The wood is aromatic, rot-resistant, and widely used in cedar chests, closets, and fence posts. With year-round greenery, strong ecological value, and low-maintenance resilience, the Eastern Red Cedar is a rugged and beautiful native tree that adds structure, shelter, and character to any landscape.*

The Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) is a majestic deciduous tree native to eastern North America and widely celebrated for its stunning fall foliage and role in producing maple syrup. Typically growing 60 to 75 feet tall—and sometimes over 100 feet in optimal conditions—it features a dense, rounded crown and a straight trunk with smooth gray bark that becomes furrowed with age. In spring, the tree produces small yellow-green flowers, followed by winged seeds called samaras.

The sugar maple is best known for its spectacular autumn display, with leaves turning brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and fiery red. Its sap, rich in sugar, is tapped in late winter to produce real maple syrup—a tradition with deep cultural and economic roots. The tree thrives in well-drained, fertile soils and prefers full sun to partial shade. It’s also a valuable hardwood species, with its dense, fine-grained wood used for furniture, flooring, and musical instruments. As both a keystone species in eastern forests and a beloved ornamental tree, the Sugar Maple offers exceptional beauty, shade, and ecological importance.*

The Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) is a distinctive and long-lived deciduous tree native to the eastern United States, easily recognized by its unique bark that peels away in long, shaggy strips—giving the tree its name. Growing 60 to 80 feet tall with a strong, upright form and a broad, rounded crown, it’s a striking presence in forests and landscapes alike. Its compound leaves, typically 5 large leaflets, turn a brilliant golden yellow in fall, adding vibrant color to the autumn canopy.

In summer, the tree produces edible nuts encased in thick husks, which are a valuable food source for wildlife like squirrels, turkeys, and bears. The nuts are sweet and nutritious, historically enjoyed by Indigenous peoples and early settlers. Shagbark Hickory thrives in well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of conditions, though it grows best in full sun. Its dense, heavy wood is highly prized for tool handles, smoking meats, and furniture due to its strength and shock resistance. Combining visual interest, ecological value, and practical uses, the Shagbark Hickory is a true American forest classic.*

The Pawpaw tree (Asimina triloba) is a unique and underappreciated native fruit tree found in the eastern and southeastern United States, including Tennessee. Often growing 15 to 30 feet tall, it has a slender trunk, large, tropical-looking leaves, and a graceful, pyramidal form that adds a lush, almost exotic touch to the landscape. In spring, it produces small, maroon, bell-shaped flowers that develop into green, mango-like fruits in late summer to early fall.

Pawpaw fruit is the largest edible native fruit in North America, with creamy, custard-like flesh and a flavor often described as a mix between banana, mango, and melon. Rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats, the fruit is both delicious and nutritious. The tree prefers moist, well-drained soils and thrives in shaded to partially sunny areas, making it an excellent choice for forest edges or naturalized plantings. In addition to its edible appeal, the pawpaw is the host plant for the zebra swallowtail butterfly, supporting native biodiversity. With its tropical flair, ecological benefits, and uniquely American fruit, the pawpaw tree is a standout in any edible or native landscape.*

The Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), also known as tulip poplar or yellow poplar, is one of the tallest and most majestic native trees in the eastern United States. Reaching heights of 70 to 100 feet or more, it features a straight trunk, stately silhouette, and distinctive, four-lobed leaves that resemble tulip shapes. In late spring, the tree produces large, tulip-like flowers with soft green, orange, and yellow petals that attract bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.

A fast-growing member of the magnolia family, the tulip tree thrives in rich, well-drained soils and full sun, making it ideal for large landscapes, parks, and woodland restorations. Its bright green summer foliage turns a glowing golden yellow in fall, adding vibrant seasonal color. The tree’s strong, lightweight wood is valued for furniture and cabinetry, and its nectar-rich flowers support pollinators, while seeds provide food for birds and squirrels. With its striking flowers, towering height, and ecological benefits, the tulip tree is both a symbol of eastern forests and a standout addition to any native planting.*

The Dogwood tree (Cornus florida) is one of the most beloved native trees in the eastern United States, especially treasured for its graceful form and seasonal beauty. Typically growing 15 to 30 feet tall, it features a broad, spreading canopy and layered branches that give it an elegant, sculptural appearance. In early spring, before its leaves emerge, the dogwood bursts into bloom with showy white or pink bracts that surround tiny yellow flowers—creating a spectacular display that signals the arrival of spring.

As the seasons change, the tree offers year-round interest: lush green foliage in summer, vibrant red or burgundy leaves in fall, and clusters of bright red berries that attract birds and other wildlife. Even in winter, its textured bark and horizontal branching add visual appeal. Dogwoods thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and prefer partial shade, making them ideal for woodland edges and residential landscapes. As both a cultural icon and ecological asset, the dogwood tree provides beauty, wildlife value, and a deep connection to the natural heritage of the region.*

The Pecan tree (Carya illinoinensis) is a stately, long-lived deciduous tree native to the southern United States and prized for both its delicious nuts and impressive size. Typically reaching 70 to 100 feet tall—and sometimes even taller—it features a broad, rounded canopy with graceful, feather-like compound leaves that provide generous shade. In spring, the tree produces inconspicuous flowers, followed by clusters of smooth, oblong nuts encased in green husks that split open in the fall to reveal the edible pecans.

Pecans are rich in healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, making them a highly valued crop and a staple of Southern cuisine. The tree thrives in deep, well-drained soils with full sun and is especially suited to river valleys and lowland areas. In addition to its agricultural value, the pecan tree provides important habitat and food for wildlife, including squirrels, deer, and birds. With its combination of beauty, shade, ecological benefits, and nut production, the pecan is a powerful symbol of Southern landscapes and a rewarding addition to larger properties or agroforestry systems.*

he Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a small, ornamental deciduous tree native to the eastern United States, celebrated for its stunning early spring display and graceful form. Typically growing 15 to 30 feet tall, it features a rounded or spreading canopy with zigzagging branches and heart-shaped leaves. In early spring—often before the leaves emerge—the tree bursts into vibrant blooms of pink to magenta flowers that line its branches, creating a dramatic splash of color in woodlands, gardens, and streetscapes.

As the season progresses, its flowers give way to flat, bean-like seed pods, and its foliage matures into a rich green before turning yellow in the fall. Eastern Redbuds thrive in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, making them versatile and easy to grow in a variety of landscape settings. Beyond their beauty, redbuds support pollinators like bees and provide food and habitat for birds and other wildlife. With its early-season color, elegant shape, and ecological value, the Eastern Redbud is a cherished highlight of native landscapes across the region.*

The American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to the eastern and central United States, known for its rugged beauty, wildlife value, and delicious fall fruit. Typically growing 30 to 60 feet tall, it features a rounded or irregular canopy, deeply furrowed bark, and glossy, dark green leaves that turn golden-yellow to reddish-purple in autumn. In spring, it produces small, fragrant, yellowish flowers that attract pollinators and later develop into round, orange fruits that ripen in late fall.

The fruit is rich, sweet, and custard-like when fully ripe, often used in puddings, jams, and baked goods. Unripe persimmons, however, are famously astringent. Persimmon trees are dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate trees, so at least one of each is needed for fruit production. The tree thrives in well-drained soils and full sun but is also remarkably tolerant of drought, clay, and poor conditions. Valued by wildlife for both its fruit and shelter, the American Persimmon is a resilient, attractive, and productive native tree perfect for naturalized plantings, orchards, or edible landscapes.*

The Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a unique and enchanting deciduous shrub or small tree native to the eastern United States, including Tennessee. Typically growing 10 to 20 feet tall, it has a spreading, vase-shaped form with smooth gray bark and broad, wavy-edged green leaves that turn a glowing yellow in the fall. What truly sets witch hazel apart is its unusual bloom time—just as most plants are going dormant, witch hazel bursts into fragrant, ribbon-like yellow flowers in late fall or even early winter.

These spidery blooms add unexpected beauty to the cold season and attract late-season pollinators. Witch hazel prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils and thrives in partial shade, making it ideal for woodland edges and understory plantings. In addition to its ornamental appeal, witch hazel has a long history of medicinal use; its bark and leaves are distilled into an astringent commonly used in skincare. With its striking seasonal flowers, wildlife value, and cultural significance, the witch hazel is a graceful and resilient native plant that brings life to the landscape when it’s needed most.*