When it comes to geography, Virginia has a highly varied landscape. Nearly two-thirds of the state is covered in forestry teeming with native and introduced tree species, while the rest is made up of enormous mountain ranges, coastal marshes, rivers, and lakes.
Its climate is varied too, largely humid and subtropical but with four distinct seasons, including crisp winters with periods of snowfall. No surprise that Virginia has a huge amount of native and introduced trees that can be seen growing throughout the state.
Here are some of the most common and native trees of Virginia that you can find in the wild or plant in your own backyard!
28 Common and Native Trees You Can Find in VA
1. Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
A highly underrated tree in landscaping and commercial planting, the black locust grows in every single county of Virginia. This medium-sized tree has an upright growth habit and bears delicate, attractive blue-green compound leaves and long clusters of white spring flowers that produce a beautiful fragrance.
The black locust is highly adaptable, able to thrive in poor-quality soil, and even improve it via the process of nitrogen fixation. Its wood offers plenty of commercial value as it is dense and rot-resistant, and is commonly used as lumber and firewood amongst other things. It can even be used to make delicious acacia honey!
In landscaping, it is often planted as an ornamental shade tree. If you want to plant a black locust in your backyard, you don’t need to be fussy about location as they grow readily in most soil types.
Other Common Names: Common Locust, White Locust, Green Locust, Yellow Locust, Pea Flower Locust, False Acacia
Growing Zones: 4-9
Average Size at Maturity: 70-80 feet tall, with a 25-30 foot spread
Flowering Season: Spring
Available at: Nature Hills
2. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
The stunning red maple is a no-brainer for VA gardeners who want a spectacular fall display on their property. This tree has a round, symmetrical growth habit and dense foliage that makes it an excellent shade tree – but what it is best known for is its vivid fall foliage, which ranges from orange and yellow to a deep scarlet that draws attention in any landscape.
These maple trees can be seen growing wild throughout Virginia on sites that are both dry and moist, from lowlands to woodlands and highlands. Other than a specimen shade tree, it is also used in landscape gardening as a street tree or focal point, or planted in groups as a screen or backyard grove.
For best results plant your red maples in a location with loamy or sandy well-draining soil with an acidic pH and atleast six hours of sun per day.
Other Common Names: Scarlet Maple, Trident Red Maple, Soft Maple, Carolina Red Maple, Drummond Red Maple, Swamp Maple, Water Maple, Curled Maple
Growing Zones: 3-9
Average Size at Maturity: 40-70 feet tall, with a 30-50 foot spread
Flowering Season: Early Spring
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
3. Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)
Though it is an iconic giant of the northeastern landscape, the eastern white pine grows as far south as Georgia. It can be found dotted throughout Virginia state, particularly in mountainous areas. It is a valuable timber tree and is sometimes used as a public outdoor Christmas tree.
The eastern white is an enormous and handsome specimen, with layered horizontal branches that create a pleasing sense of balance and symmetry. It establishes itself quickly too, growing at a rate of 2 or 3 feet per year. This pine works well as a shade tree, specimen, and privacy screen – just ensure you have plenty of space to accommodate it!
For best results plant these trees in moist, acidic, well-draining soil in a location with either full sun or partial shade. However, this is not essential – these pines can grow quite well in poor-quality soil too.
Other Common Names: Northern White Pine, Soft Pine, North American White Pine, White Pine, Weymouth Pine
Growing Zones: 3-8
Average Size at Maturity: 50-80 feet tall, with a 20-40 foot spread
Fruiting Season: Early Fall
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
4. Black Oak (Quercus velutina)
While it is often compared to its lookalike, the red oak, the black oak has its own distinctive features. Most notable is its unusual bark, with its deep ridges and nearly black color that gives this tree its name. Its inner bark is yellow and orange and is used to make the yellow dye pigment quercitron.
Black oak can be found growing wild in Virginia in a range of different habitats. While it isn’t a common choice of ornamental oak, it is a worthy option for VA gardeners who want an easy-growing oak that provides shade and an attractive fall display, as well as food and shelter for local wildlife. It produces large acorns in mast seasons, once every 2 or 3 years.
This oak should be planted in moist, rich, well-draining soil with an acidic pH and full sun exposure.
Other Common Names: Eastern Black Oak, Yellow Oak, Yellowbark Oak, Smoothbark, Quercitron
Growing Zones: 3-8
Average Size at Maturity: 60-80 feet tall, with a 40-50 foot spread
Fruiting Season: Fall
Available at: Nature Hills
5. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
These small, flowering understory trees can be found all over the woodlands, roadsides, and open fields of Virginia. They are exceptional ornamentals that offer four seasons of visual interest, both when seen in the wild and used in landscape gardening.
In spring and summer, their branches are festooned with profuse pink flowers and shiny green heart-shaped leaves that turn mild yellow in fall. And in winter, their elegant, sculptural growth habit stands out against the icy winter landscape.
The eastern redbud is best planted as a specimen, to be a focal point in the landscape or even used as a street tree. They also look excellent when planted in loose woodland groupings, or as a hedge or property line. You can consider one of its many cultivars with different growth habits, fall foliage, and flower color.
Plant your eastern redbud in moist, fertile, well-draining soil with full sun to partial shade. Overall they are not picky about soil type or pH levels, but good drainage is a must.
Other Common Names: American Redbud, American Judas Tree, Judas Tree, Mexican Redbud, Texas Redbud
Growing Zones: 4-9
Average Size at Maturity: 20-30 feet tall, with a 15-30 foot spread
Flowering Season: Mid to Late Spring
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
6. Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
The northern red oak, or simply red oak, is a species native to the entirety of Virginia and can be found scattered throughout the state. It is an important timber tree and is often used in furniture making, flooring, and cabinetry. Its acorns are also an important source of food for local wildlife.
When it comes to landscaping, the northern red oak is a handsome specimen that can be planted along driveways and around patios as an effective shade tree, or as a focal point in a larger landscape. It is fast-growing, at a rate of 2-3 feet per year, so you’ll have an established oak in no time.
This oak species grows best in sandy, loam, well-draining soils with an acidic pH. Ideally, they should have atleast six hours of direct sunlight per day. Be wary of planting in an area where oak wilt outbreaks occur, as the northern red is highly susceptible.
Other Common Names: Eastern Red Oak, American Red Oak, Mountain Red Oak
Growing Zones: 3-8
Average Size at Maturity: 50-60 feet tall, with a similar spread
Fruiting Season: Fall
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
7. Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida)
Found throughout the northeastern United States, the pitch pine is one of the more common native conifers that can be found in Virginia. It is smaller than the average pine tree – unless planted in ideal conditions, it frequently only grows up to 40 feet tall. It is also notable for its irregular growth habit with twisted, gnarled branches and an often crooked trunk.
While it is sometimes used for lumber and pulpwood, it is considered a low-grade timber tree due to its crooked wood. On the other hand, this irregular growth is exactly what makes it an attractive option for landscaping, as it adds a unique and even exotic evergreen touch to the landscape. It is also an attractive choice for a bonsai tree.
The pitch pine can thrive in soil combinations that might stunt or kill other pine species, so you don’t need to fuss about growing conditions. However moist, acidic, well-draining soil is preferred.
Other Common Names: Northern Pitch Pine, Torch Pine, Hard Pine, Black Pine, Candlewood Pine
Growing Zones: 4-7
Average Size at Maturity: 40-60 feet tall, with a 30-50 foot spread
Fruiting Season: Early to Mid Fall
8. Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)
You can hardly find a more striking, impressive native tree than the tulip poplar – no wonder it’s the official tree of three different states! This member of the magnolia family is renowned for its enormous, statuesque appearance and unique green, yellow, and orange tulip-shaped flowers.
The tulip poplar is a popular choice in commercial and residential landscaping. Its straight, upright figure looks excellent lining streets and walkways in public parks. It is most often used as a specimen shade tree, keeping your home cool during the hottest parts of the year while still providing ornamental appeal.
These large trees are hardy and low maintenance, with a natural resistance to most pests and diseases. Just make sure you have the space for them – while they grow shorter in cultivation, you can still expect a well-cared-for tulip poplar to be at least 70 feet tall on your property, according to the Purdue University Horticulture Extension.
Other Common Names: Tulip Poplar, Tuliptree, Yellow Poplar, Canoewood, Lyre Tree, Canary Whitehood, Western Poplar, Whitewood, North American Whitewood, Fiddletree
Growing Zones: 4-9
Average Size at Maturity: 70-130 feet tall, with a 30-60 foot spread
Flowering Season: Spring
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
9. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
Want to make your own maple syrup at home? Then look no further than the sugar maple, a tree which has been the main source of American maple syrup for over three centuries, and is a native of Virginia state.
And even if you’re not interested in making sweet treats, the sugar maple has plenty to offer as an ornamental landscaping tree. It has a lovely shape with a straight trunk and rounded, symmetrical crown, and best of all it offers a scarlet, orange, and yellow fall display that is guaranteed to dazzle your neighbors. Use it as a shade tree and provide plenty of space for its foliage to spread or plant several 15 feet apart to create an informal hedge.
Plant your sugar maple in moist, well-draining soil with an acidic to neutral pH in a location with full sun and partial shade.
Other Common Names: Northern Sugar Maple, Hard Maple, Leucoderme
Growing Zones: 3-8
Average Size at Maturity: 50-70 feet tall, with a 30-45 foot spread
Flowering Season: Spring
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
10. Red Mulberry (Morus rubra)
A native woodland tree that can be found in shaded areas and along riverbanks in rural Virginia, the red mulberry is an underrated fruit tree for southeastern gardeners. While its ripe red fruits can cause a mess in summer, they are also a delicious food source for animals and humans. And what’s more, these trees can add unique beauty to your property.
The red mulberry has a large, spreading growth habit and dark green leaves that turn an attractive yellow in fall. It can be planted as an ornamental specimen, a shade tree, or simply for its tasty red fruits.
This tree can grow in full or partial sun, but full sun will yield more fruit. Choose well-draining, neutral to slightly acidic soil. The red mulberry should only be pruned in winter while it is dormant, as it can be damaged if cut during growing seasons.
Other Common Names: Mulberry, Common Mulberry
Growing Zones: 4-8
Average Size at Maturity: 30-60 feet tall, with a 20-40 foot spread
Fruiting Season: Summer
Available at: Nature Hills
11. White Oak (Quercus alba)
This next tree is the most common oak tree species found in Virginia. The white oak is a particularly important part of the ecosystems of central and eastern North America.
Its acorns have been used as a food source by Native Americans for centuries, and it is one of the best acorn crops for local wildlife. White oaks are also a high-demand timber tree, used in furniture-making, flooring, timber framing, and even made into quality barrels for liquor and winemaking.
The white oak has an enormous, spreading growth habit which makes it a good choice of shade tree, though it will need plenty of space to grow fully. Its broad crown, textured bark, and red and purple fall foliage offer plenty of ornamental appeal.
Plant your white oak in a location with full sun exposure in moist, well-draining soil. It needs neutral to acidic soil and will not tolerate alkalinity, so be sure to test the soil before planting.
Other Common Names: American White Oak, Stave Oak, Eastern White Oak, Northern White Oak, Quebec Oak, Forked-Leaf White Oak
Growing Zones: 3-9
Average Size at Maturity: 60-90 feet tall, with a 50-90 foot spread
Fruiting Season: Mid Fall
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
12. Virginia Pine (Pinus virginiana)
Naturally, the virginia pine is a tree species that can be found throughout the state of Virginia, from whence it gets its name. It is a common sight growing along the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It is known for its relatively small form and rough, scrubby growth habit that is flatter than the typical pine tree shape.
Due to its flattened canopy and overall scraggly appearance, the virginia pine is not a popular choice in landscape gardening as it lacks ornamental appeal. However, it is sometimes heavily pruned and used as a Christmas tree, and some homeowners do appreciate its unique form. It also has little value as a lumber tree.
The virginia pine needs to be planted in a sheltered area where its branches are protected from wind damage. It can thrive in virtually all soil types and combinations, as long as the soil is well-draining.
Other Common Names: Spruce Pine, Scrub Pine
Growing Zones: 4-8
Average Size at Maturity: 15-40 feet tall, with a 10-30 foot spread
Fruiting Season: Fall
13. Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea)
A common sight across the state, the lovely scarlet oak can be found in every part of Virginia with the exception of a small part of the southeast. It is a favored oak tree option in landscaping due to its beauty, versatility, drought tolerance, and fast growth.
As an ornamental, it is most notable for its blazing fall foliage which appears in shades of bronze, orange, and a deep scarlet red that gives this oak its name. Otherwise, it is most often grown as a shade tree due to its wide and open canopy, or as a street tree. Its wood is also quite valuable due to its strength, and it is often used in furniture and cabinet making.
Make sure to plant your scarlet oak in a location with full sun, as it is highly intolerant of shade according to the United States Department of Agriculture site. Otherwise plant it in dry, well-draining soil with an acidic pH.
Other Common Names: Black Oak, Spanish Oak
Growing Zones: 4-9
Average Size at Maturity: 50-80 feet tall, with a 45-60 foot spread
Fruiting Season: Fall
Available at: Nature Hills
14. American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
Native to Virginia, the American sycamore is a truly imposing and impressive presence in any landscape – it is one of the largest native trees in North America, often growing well over 100 feet tall with an equally enormous width and a trunk diameter that can grow over 10 feet. Needless to say, VA gardeners need to double-check the diameters of their property before choosing the enormous sycamore.
Aside from its size, this tree is recognizable for its peeling, mottled white bark, and broad, irregular crown. Naturally, they are usually planted as shade trees and focal points in larger gardens.
Though they are majestic trees, there are downsides to planting the American sycamore in your yard. Its aggressive root system can damage surrounding infrastructure, its canopy is so wide and dense that the shade may stunt the growth of plants and trees beneath it, and the number of leaves it drops in fall can become a nuisance.
Other Common Names: Sycamore, American Planetree, Buttonwood, Water Beech, Western Planetree, Western Plane, Occidental Plane, Buttonball Tree
Growing Zones: 4-9
Average Size at Maturity: 75-100 feet tall, with a similar spread
Flowering Season: Mid to Late Spring
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
15. Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)
The sassafras is a rather unique North American native found throughout the eastern US all the way down to Florida. From spring through to the end of fall, it is an appealing ornamental addition to any landscape, with leaves that come in three distinctive shapes, clusters of bright yellow spring flowers and dark blue summer fruits, and tri-colored fall foliage.
This shrubby, medium-sized tree is a lovely ornamental for your property, and aside from its obvious aesthetic appeal, it offers a number of other benefits for your garden. Its leaves, twigs, and bark emit a sweet, spicy fragrance throughout the year, and its fruits and flowers attract plenty of wildlife. Its leaves can be used to make tea and to flavor jellies, candies, and other foodstuffs.
These authentically American trees are resistant to most serious pest and disease problems and will thrive easily in moist, loamy, well-draining soil with an acidic pH.
Other Common Names: White Sassafras, Red Sassafras, Silky Sassafras, Ague Tree, Mitten Tree, Root Beer Tree
Growing Zones: 4-9
Average Size at Maturity: 30-60 feet tall, with a 25-40 foot spread
Flowering Season: Mid to Late Spring
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
16. American Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)
VA gardeners looking to add a native fruit tree to their home orchard or edible garden should look no further than the American pawpaw. This native pawpaw tree is common in certain parts of Virginia, including the Piedmont areas and Coastal Plain, where it is most often found in floodplains and woodlands.
This tree produces the largest edible native fruit in all of North America, and its fruit is slowly becoming more popular in the States. Having the space and time to grow your own will prove incredibly rewarding, providing you with delicious fruit and an attractive medium-sized tree with large leaves that add an exotic-looking touch to your property (despite being a US native!)
The pawpaw grows naturally as an understory tree, so they grow best in partial shade. Rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter is best for your pawpaw tree.
Other Common Names: Pawpaw, Paw Paw, Paw-paw
Growing Zones: 5-8
Average Size at Maturity: 15-25 feet tall, with a 15-foot spread
Fruiting Season: Fall
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
17. Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis)
Birches are classically elegant trees, adding a touch of romance to the landscape with their pale bark, slim trunk, and classic yellow fall foliage. Unfortunately, most birch trees prefer cooler climates and few can survive Virginia’s humidity and summer heat. The yellow birch is one of only two birch trees found growing in the state, along with the river birch.
The yellow birch is an underused but excellent addition to ornamental gardening. It has a rounded, symmetrical growth habit with textured bark and bright foliage that turns a lovely yellow in fall.
It is a beautiful specimen plant and also works well as a shade tree. Its wood has some value as lumber for furniture-making and flooring as it is strong, heavy, and close-grained.
Plant your yellow birches in fertile, moist, well-draining soil in full sun or partial shade. However, it is relatively unfussy about soil types and needs very little pruning to maintain its shape.
Other Common Names: Golden Birch
Growing Zones: 3-7
Average Size at Maturity: 70-80 feet tall, with a 60-80 foot spread
Flowering Season: Mid Spring
18. Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
The white and pink flowers of the flowering dogwood tree are such an iconic image of eastern North American flora, that they have been the official state flower of Virginia for over 100 years! This native understory tree is a common ornamental found growing wild and cultivated throughout the state. It is a common sight in public parks and other green spaces.
There are plenty of uses for flowering dogwoods in the home landscape. It is an excellent specimen tree for lawns or around patios, in woodland or pollinator gardens, and even as an informal but brilliantly colored hedge or screen.
Keep in mind that there are many varieties of flowering dogwood with different features, from the ‘Welchii’ with its impressive variegated leaves to the ‘Red Beauty’ which has characteristically beautiful red blossoms. The University of Maryland Extension recommends choosing a more disease-resistant variety such as the ‘Weaver’s White’ or ‘Cherokee Brave’.
Other Common Names: Eastern Flowering Dogwood, American Box, False Box Wood, Common White Dogwood, North American Green Osier
Growing Zones: 5-9
Average Size at Maturity: 15-25 feet tall, with a 15-30 foot spread
Flowering Season: Early Spring
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
19. Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)
One of the most useful and valuable native trees in Virginia is the black walnut, which can be found scattered throughout the state in forested areas. Its close-grained wood is highly valuable as a material for woodworking, cabinetry, furniture making, and veneer. And of course, the black walnut itself, and the oil it produces, is highly nutritious and has a number of health benefits.
The black walnut is an attractive tree, with bright green feathery foliage and a graceful growth habit. It can be used in the landscape as a focal point, or as a shade tree.
But the black walnut also has its downsides that potential gardeners should keep in mind. The major issue for some is the tree’s production of juglone – a toxic chemical that spreads from the roots of the tree and stunts the growth of plants around it. VA gardeners who want a black walnut on their property must choose their planting location wisely.
Other Common Names: American Walnut, Eastern Black Walnut, American Eastern Black Walnut
Growing Zones: 4-9
Average Size at Maturity: 50-70 feet tall, with a similar spread
Fruiting Season: Early to Mid Fall
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
20. Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)
The dependable green ash tree has long been one of the most adaptable deciduous trees in North America, able to grow virtually anywhere in the country. A native of Virginia, it can still be found thriving in many forests throughout the state.
For decades green ash was seen as one of the most reliable shade trees and specimen trees for both commercial and residential properties. But today, it is rarely used in landscape gardening, and in some places planting this tree is banned outright.
This is because the population of green ash, and other native ash trees, is under serious threat due to the spread of emerald ash borer – a wood-boring pest introduced from China – which is devastating to Virginia’s native ash trees, spreads fast, and is very expensive to treat. VA gardeners interested in planting green ash should check state regulations first.
Other Common Names: Canadian Ash, American Ash, Water Ash, Red Ash
Growing Zones: 3-9
Average Size at Maturity: 50-70 feet tall, with a 35-50 foot spread
Flowering Season: Early Spring
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees
21. Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda)
You’ll have no trouble spotting the loblolly pine in the wilds of Virginia. In fact, the Virginia Department of Forestry lists the loblolly as the most common pine tree in the state, alongside the virginia pine. What’s more, it’s a hugely important commercial tree – its timber is the most widely grown and used in the southeastern United States.
Given its commercial significance, you might be surprised to learn that the loblolly is also a versatile tree for landscape gardening. With its impressive height, attractive reddish-brown textured bark, and long, fragrant needles, it makes an excellent specimen and shade tree. It is also commonly used as a windbreak or privacy screen.
The loblolly pine is an adaptable species able to grow in a wide range of soil types, and while some light pruning and fertilizer will help it along, it is generally low maintenance. For best results plant your loblolly in moist, acidic, well-draining soil.
Other Common Names: Arkansas Pine, Oldfield Pine, North Carolina Pine, Bull Pine, Oldfield Pine, Rosemary Pine
Growing Zones: 6-9
Average Size at Maturity: 60-90 feet tall, with a 25-35 foot spread
Fruiting Season: Early Fall
Available at: Nature Hills
22. Shagbark Hickory Tree (Carya ovata)
Another iconic nut tree native to Virginia, the shagbark hickory is one of the most common hickory trees, and edible nut trees, in the state. These trees grow straight and tall, with distinctive peeling, shaggy bark that adds year-round interest to the landscape and is the feature that gives the shagbark its name.
It has a broad, elegant canopy with drooping branches that make it a useful and attractive shade tree. Its hickory nuts are sweet and flavorful, but if you plan to plant the shagbark for its nuts, be aware – it takes 40 years for the shagbark’s mast year production to begin. VA gardeners can use grafting techniques that will encourage nut production within just a few years.
Shagbark hickory trees need rich, well-draining soil in a location with full sun or partial shade. Choose your location carefully, as the shagbark’s spreading root system can disrupt nearby sidewalks and driveways.
Other Common Names: Shagbark, Upland Hickory, Shellbark Hickory, Scalybark Hickory
Growing Zones: 4-8
Average Size at Maturity:70-80 feet tall, with a 40-50 foot spread
Fruiting Season: Late Summer
Available at: Nature Hills
23. Water Tupelo (Nyssa aquatica)
Most often found in rivers, streams, and coastal swamps, the water tupelo is a Virginia native most recognizable for its thick, swollen trunk and shiny green leaves which can grow up to 8 inches long. It is an aquatic tree that grows well in wet soil, and often its root system grows in standing water.
Despite its interesting, irregular shape and lovely yellow fall color the water tupelo is rarely used in landscape gardening, mainly because its natural habitat rarely occurs on residential properties. However, if you do have very wet areas on your property, such as a lake or pond, the water tupelo is worth considering. Its flowers and fruits will also attract plenty of local wildlife.
The water tupelo is easy to grow and does best in moist, acidic soil with access to full sun or partial shade.
Other Common Names: Swamp Tupelo, Wild Olive, Tupelo Gum, Cotton Gum, Sour Gum
Growing Zones: 6-9
Average Size at Maturity: 60-100 feet tall, with a 25-50 foot spread
Flowering Season: Spring
24. Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)
The largest native cherry tree in Virginia is the black cherry, a large showy tree that is highly ornamental and guaranteed to attract plenty of birds and pollinators to your property.
It provides enormous appeal, from its rounded growth habit and clusters of white spring flowers to its dark purple fruits and beautiful yellow fall color. Its small wild cherries are edible, but best eaten in preserves and desserts rather than fresh due to their tart taste.
But its fruits are not the only useful parts of the tree – historically the black cherry bark was used by Native American tribes for its medicinal qualities, and its wood has a fine reputation for its use in making a wide range of products.
Black cherry trees look wonderful as single specimen trees and in groupings and are sometimes used as informal hedges or privacy screens due to their dense canopy.
Other Common Names: Wild Cherry, Wild Rum Cherry, Rum Cherry, Mountain Black Cherry
Growing Zones: 2-8
Average Size at Maturity: 60-80 feet tall, with a 30-60 foot spread
Fruiting Season: Late Summer
Available at: Nature Hills
25. American Basswood (Tilia americana)
Known alternatively as the American linden, the American basswood is found throughout the eastern United States, from the northernmost parts right down to South Carolina. It is a classically attractive American tree, with lush foliage comprised of large heart-shaped leaves complemented by clusters of fragrant white flowers in spring.
The American basswood adds a real touch of elegance and stateliness to the landscape. It is a perfect choice of shade tree due to its dense foliage and strong, well-structured branches, and in fall its deep yellow foliage will add even more beauty to your property.
It is a good commercial tree too – not only for its timber which is prized by woodworkers around the country, but also for its flowers, which produce a choice honey that can be sold as a specialty product.
The basswood grows best in moist, well-draining soil with neutral to alkaline soil in a location with plenty of direct sunlight.
Other Common Names: Linden, American Linden, Lime Tree
Growing Zones: 3-7
Average Size at Maturity: 60-100 feet tall, with a 30-50 foot spread
Flowering Season: Late Spring
Available at: Nature Hills
26. Chestnut Oak (Quercus montana)
The majestic chestnut oak is one of the most common oak species in Virginia, making up entire forests in more mountainous parts of the state. Sometimes it is even called the rock oak, due to its precedence in rocky areas.
This native oak is tall and symmetrical, with glossy, scallop-edged leaves that turn a lovely red hue in fall. It is a choice ornamental for Virginia gardens and also works well planted as a screen or in border planting. They also live for up to 200 years, making them an excellent legacy tree for your grandchildren and even great-grandchildren to enjoy. Their acorns are quite large and a valuable source of nutrition for local wildlife.
These trees thrive in humidity, hence why they grow so well in Virginia. Plant them in moist, well-draining soil with an acidic pH. These trees should be mulched and watered regularly when young, but are relatively low maintenance in maturity.
Other Common Names: Rock Chestnut Oak, Rock Oak, Basket Oak, Tanbark Oak
Growing Zones: 4-8
Average Size at Maturity: 50-70 feet tall, with a similar spread
Fruiting Season: Fall
Available at: Nature Hills
27. Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides)
Large and fast-growing, the eastern cottonwood can shoot up to heights well over 100 feet, which makes an imposing and attractive impression on the landscape. It has an unusual vase-like growing habit and light green heart-shaped leaves with a silvery underside.
Visually the eastern cottonwood makes a lovely focal point in the landscape, but it can pose problems as an ornamental because of its brittle bark and weedy nature. Instead, it is often planted in groups to establish privacy screens, windbreaks, shelter belts, and sound barriers.
They are also highly effective when used to control erosion, due to their dense root system. Of course, this also means they should not be planted near important infrastructure, as their thick roots can disrupt building foundations and driveways.
Plant your eastern cottonwood in moist, well-draining soil in a location with access to full sunlight.
Other Common Names: Cottonwood, Common Cottonwood, Plains Cottonwood, Poplar, Southern Poplar, Eastern Poplar, Necklace Poplar, Carolina Poplar, Alamo
Growing Zones: 3-9
Average Size at Maturity: 75-100 feet tall, with a 35-60 foot spread
Flowering Season: Early to Mid Fall
Available at: Nature Hills
28. Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
The exceptionally beautiful sweetgum tree is a North American native with a straight trunk, conical growth habit, and glossy star-shaped leaves that turn a brilliant combination of orange, purple, and red in fall.
These large trees have enormous ornamental potential, but they have one notable flaw that deters most homeowners from planting them – their hard, spiky fruits can cause a lot of mess (and even potential hazards) in fall and winter.
VA gardeners who are willing to forego this issue can use the sweetgum as a shade tree or focal point to great effect, as long as there is enough space to accommodate it. It is a low-maintenance plant with few serious pest or disease issues.
If you’ve decided that the sweetgum is the right choice for you, make sure it is planted in a location with deep, moist, well-draining soil with an acidic pH and plenty of sunlight. It will not tolerate shade or alkaline soil.
Other Common Names: American Sweetgum, Satin-Walnut, American Storax, Hazel Pine, Bilsted, Redgum, Alligatorwood, Star-Leaved Gum
Growing Zones: 5-9
Average Size at Maturity: 60-70 feet tall, with a 40-50 foot spread
Fruiting Season: Fall
Available at: Nature Hills
Great VA Natives For Your Home and Garden
As you can see Virginia has an enormous variety of trees, both native and otherwise, that grow abundantly throughout the state. From the flowering eastern redbud to the stately American basswood, VA gardeners are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding compatible trees for their properties.
Choosing the right trees for your backyard or garden isn’t always easy, but knowing exactly which USDA hardiness zone you live in within Virginia will be immensely helpful. Understanding your hardiness zone is a great way of learning which trees and plants can be grown in your region.
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