Native trees are species that have occurred naturally in Ohio since before European settlement, evolving alongside the local climate, soil, and wildlife. These trees are uniquely adapted to the state’s diverse geography, spanning the glaciated plains of the Great Lakes region to the rugged foothills of the Appalachian Plateau. Choosing native species ensures a plant is resilient to local environmental stressors and contributes directly to the ecological health of the region, supporting the intricate food web upon which local insects, birds, and mammals depend.
Dominant Native Canopy Trees
Ohio’s forests are defined by massive deciduous species that form the upper canopy, offering extensive shade and ecological benefits. The White Oak (Quercus alba) stands as a giant, capable of reaching heights of 80 feet or more and living for centuries. Its acorns, which mature in a single season, are a preferred, low-tannin food source for a wide range of wildlife, making it a keystone species for forest fauna.
The Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) is a faster-growing alternative, typically reaching 60 to 75 feet in height, known for its strong wood and brilliant red fall foliage. Oaks collectively support over 950 species of caterpillars, forming the base of the food chain for local birds.
Among the maples, the Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) is prized for its longevity, often exceeding 200 years, and its dense canopy provides deep shade. This species produces the sap with the highest sugar content, making it the primary source for maple syrup. The Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is more adaptable to varying soil conditions, including wetter sites, and provides some of the earliest and most vivid red color in the autumn landscape.
The Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), often called yellow poplar, is one of the tallest native hardwoods, soaring to 100 feet or more. This fast-growing tree is easily identified by its unique, four-lobed leaves and its striking, cup-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring. These flowers are an important nectar source for pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds, while its winged seeds feed small mammals and birds.
Understory and Ornamental Native Species
Smaller native trees offer significant aesthetic appeal and ecological value, fitting perfectly into residential landscapes beneath the taller canopy. The Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a favorite, known for its spectacular pinkish-purple, pea-like flowers that cover its bare branches in early spring before its heart-shaped leaves emerge. This early bloom provides a vital nectar source for emerging native bees and other early pollinators.
The Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) is celebrated for its multi-seasonal interest, displaying showy white or pink bracts in spring and vibrant red foliage in the fall. Its clusters of high-fat, red berries ripen in late summer, providing an essential food source for over 75 species of birds as they prepare for migration.
The various Serviceberry species (Amelanchier spp.), such as the Downy Serviceberry, are among the first to bloom in spring, producing clouds of delicate white flowers. Their edible, dark purple fruits, often called Juneberries, are quickly consumed by birds, including Cedar Waxwings, and other small mammals.
The Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is unique as the largest edible fruit native to North America, often forming dense colonies in the understory. Pawpaw trees are easily recognized by their large, tropical-looking leaves that turn bright yellow in the fall, and their foliage serves as the sole host plant for the larvae of the beautiful Zebra Swallowtail butterfly. Its fruit, which tastes like a blend of banana and mango, is relished by wildlife like raccoons and opossums. The leaves and branches of the pawpaw are naturally unpalatable to deer, making this species a robust choice in areas with high deer populations.
Native Conifers and Evergreens
While Ohio is primarily a deciduous forest state, a few native conifers provide essential year-round structure and cover. The Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) is historically the tallest tree in the state, identifiable by its soft needles that grow in bundles of five. Its cones provide seeds that are a food source for birds and squirrels during the winter.
The Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) is a shade-tolerant evergreen that thrives in the cooler, moist ravines and gorges, particularly in the Appalachian foothills of eastern Ohio. Its dense, dark green foliage provides thermal cover for white-tailed deer and many species of birds during harsh winter weather.
The Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) is not a true cedar but a juniper, recognized by its aromatic wood and bluish, berry-like cones. This hardy, adaptable tree offers excellent winter shelter and nesting sites for birds, with its cones serving as a food source for numerous species.
Selecting the Right Native Tree for Your Location
Choosing the appropriate native tree requires a realistic assessment of the specific conditions in your planting area. Soil type is a primary consideration, as some species, like the Red Maple, tolerate the heavy clay and periodic moisture common in many parts of the state. Other trees, such as the Oaks and Sugar Maple, thrive best in deep, well-drained loamy soils.
Light exposure is equally important, as understory trees like the Redbud and Dogwood prefer partial shade, while canopy species like the Oaks and Tulip Poplar require full sun to achieve their maximum size. Considering the mature height and spread of a tree is necessary to ensure it has adequate space and will not interfere with utility lines or structures. By matching the tree’s natural requirements to the local conditions, you maximize its health and its benefit to the local ecosystem.