There are many types of trees in Tennessee that you can grow in your garden and landscape. Besides flowering trees and evergreen trees, there is a range of native and non-native trees to suit your landscape theme and your requirement.
Trees provide privacy, shade, and natural home to birds and small mammals. Their aesthetic value goes beyond their foliage, flowers, and wood. Tennessee is home to tolerable summers and pleasant winters, allowing gardeners to tend to their landscape year-round.
With that aside, here are some of the best trees you can plant in your garden today.
25 Most Common and Reliable Trees to Plant in Tennessee
1. American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) – Native Tree
With a lifespan of 400 years, American Beech is a grand deciduous that plays a significant role in the life of birds, small mammals, and humans! Besides providing shade and privacy to humans, the tree’s copper-colored fruits make up a significant part of a small mammal’s and a bird’s diet.
In spring, the tree adorns its branches with tiny green and white flowers that soon pave the way for small edible nuts. Beech nuts are edible but have an unpleasant taste with a somewhat bitter aftertaste. Legend has it that this tree’s leaves bring good luck, and they symbolize wisdom and prosperity. What’s not to love?!
Other Common Names: Beech, Beechnut Tree, Red Beech, Ridge Beech, White Beech
Growing Zones: 3-9
Average Size at Maturity: 60-80 ft tall and 40-80 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
2. Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) – Native Tree
If you’d rather plant a tree that gives back for over a century, the Black Cherry is an ideal choice. Native to some parts of the USA, the tree’s famous for its delicious wild fruits that taste a lot like sweet cherries.
It’s important to mention that apart from the flesh of the fruits, all parts of the tree, including the fruit’s pit, are highly toxic and can be fatal for livestock, pets, and small children. Before blending or grinding the fruits, remove the pits as they contain poisonous cyanide compounds. If you take precautions, nothing can beat the majesty this tree brings to your landscape!
Other Common Names: Wild Cherry, Wild Rum Cherry, Rum Cherry, Mountain Black Cherry
Growing Zones: 3-9
Average Size at Maturity: 60-80 ft tall and 30-60 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring, and fruits can be harvested in summer
Available at: Nature Hills
3. Blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica) – Native Tree
Native to the USA, the Blackgum tree is a sight to behold in the fall as its glossy green leaves turn into mixed shades of fiery gold, deep purple, and blazing red! The tree’s flowers attract beneficial pollinators, while its black or blue fruits feed local birds and other small mammals.
With a lifespan of about 200 years in ideal conditions, its name comes from a Greek word that means “wood nymph.” Although this tree’s fruits are edible, they’re unpleasant and bitter with a sour aftertaste. Its green and white flowers, however, are a source of honey.
Other Common Names: Black Gum, Black Tupelo, Common Tupelo Tree, Cotton Gum, Nyssa, Pepperidge, Sour Gum, Tupelo
Growing Zones: 4-9
Average Size at Maturity: 40-70 ft tall and 20-40 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring
Available at: Nature Hills
4. Black Oak (Quercus velutina, Quercus Bicolor) – Native Tree
With a lifespan of about 200 years, the Black Oak begins to produce acorns after it’s 20 years old. It’s an important tree that has a significant wildlife value. Besides providing shade and privacy to humans, it provides shelter and food to several small mammals and birds.
In Greek culture, oak trees were associated with Zeus, the god of thunder, because they often attract lightning strikes; however, its ability to stand and remain strong shows the tree’s power over natural phenomena! The tree’s copper fruits are edible, but they’re quite bitter.
Other Common Names: Bicolor Oak, Oaks, Swamp White Oak
Growing Zones: 3-8
Average Size at Maturity: 50-60 ft tall and 40-60 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring, and fruits can be harvested in summer.
Available at: Nature Hills
5. Chestnut Oak (Quercus montana) – Native Tree
The average lifespan of the Chestnut Oak tree is between 100 and 300 years. However, it can live up to 400 years in ideal conditions, providing shade, privacy, and shelter for generations to come! Native to the USA, this tree is famous for its thick trunks and large branches that provide a perfect canopy of nature and greenery.
Oak trees have always been associated with longevity, wisdom, and strength – three qualities you’d want to instill in your life and home. Legend has it that the Celts used this tree’s wood to make magic wands and collected its acorns because they associated them with fertility.
Other Common Names: Basket Oak, Chestnut Oak, Oaks, Rock Chestnut Oak, Rock Oak
Growing Zones: 4-8
Average Size at Maturity: 50-70 ft tall and 40-70 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring, and fruits can be harvested in fall.
Available at: Nature Hills
6. Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) – Native Tree
In ideal conditions, the Flowering Dogwood can live up to 80 years, providing shade, privacy, and shelter, all while blooming beautiful gold, green, pink, or white flowers! In spring, the tree decorates its branches with showy flowers that pave the way for edible green or burgundy fruits in fall.
The fruits are mildly sweet and often used in pies and jams. Some people also make tea from the tree’s leaves! The tree symbolizes resilience, purity, and renewal – a combination of characteristics you’d want your garden to diffuse!
Other Common Names: Dogwood, Eastern Dogwood, False Boxwood, Dogwood, Indian Arrowwood, White cornel
Growing Zones: 5-9
Average Size at Maturity: 15-25 ft tall and 15-30 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring, and fruits can be harvested in fall.
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
7. Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) – Native Tree
If you’re looking for a Christmas tree in the middle of the year, the Eastern Hemlock has you covered. With a lifespan of over 800 years (in ideal conditions), this is a slow-growing tree that’ll spruce up your garden and landscape! The Eastern Hemlock is Pennsylvania’s state tree and symbolizes protection and healing.
Early civilizations used this tree’s bark to brew medicinal teas and ointments to treat various health conditions, burns, and sores. That said, it’s important to note that this tree is highly flammable and shouldn’t be planted within the defensible area of your home.
Other Common Names: Canada Hemlock, Canadian Hemlock, Eastern Hemlock, Hemlock Spruce, Spruce Pine
Growing Zones: 3-8
Average Size at Maturity: 40-70 ft tall and 25-35 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring, and fruits can be harvested in fall.
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
8. Gray Birch (Betula populifolia) – Non-Native Tree
If you’d rather have a fast-growing tree that quickly transforms your yard, the Gray Birch may be just what you’re looking for! With a lifespan of about 50 years, the Gray Birch can tolerate a range of poor soil qualities.
For the first five years, the tree’s bark remains deep brown, but as it grows, it turns chalky white to match its elders. The tree’s copper fruits ripen thrice a year and attract birds, while its canopy provides shade and shelter. The Gray Birch is a popular choice for theme gardens and specimen trees.
Other Common Names: Asian White Birch, Japanese Gray Birch
Growing Zones: 3-7
Average Size at Maturity: 20-50 ft tall and 10-20 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring
9. Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) – Native Tree
Native to the USA and Canada, the Green Ash is a stunning deciduous tree that transforms every fall! With a lifespan of about 300 years, this tree symbolizes solidity and immortality! According to legends, even Zeus, the Greek god of thunder, believed in the strength of the ash tree.
Some English folklore state that this tree can repel snakes, so until today, some people continue to put this tree’s leaves in their shoes and outdoor furniture to prevent snakes from entering and biting.
Other Common Names: American Ash, Canadian Ash, Red Ash, Water Ash, Swamp Ash, Downy Ash
Growing Zones: 3-9
Average Size at Maturity: 50-70 ft tall and 35-50 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring
10. Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos) – Native Tree
If you’re looking for a tree that drops jaws at first glance, Honeylocust will fit the bill! Native to the USA and Mexico, this tree can survive for about 125 years. Besides providing shade and privacy, it plays a significant role in the lives of small mammals, birds, and insects. Symbolizing beauty, tolerance, and protection, the Honeylocust lives up to its name literally.
It tolerates poor soil quality, can beautify landscapes, and provide protection against peering eyes and heavy winds. The fruits are edible and extremely sweet, but only when young and unripe. Ripe fruits are bitter, hard, and inedible.
Other Common Names: Common Honey Locust, Honeylocust, Honey Locust, Honey Shucks Locust, Sweet Bean Tree, Sweet Locust, Thorny Locust
Growing Zones: 3-9
Average Size at Maturity: 60-80 ft tall and 50-80 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring, and fruits can be harvested in fall and winter
11. Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) – Native Tree
Native to the USA, the Kentucky Coffeetree can live for more than 100 years in ideal conditions. The tree’s seeds can be roasted and ground to be used as an alternative to coffee, all without any caffeine.
In the spring and summer, the tree decorates itself with panicles of fragrant white or green flowers that attract beneficial pollinators to your garden.
In the fall and winter, hundreds of edible copper, burgundy, or lavender fruits dangle from the branches you can forage. So, if you’d like to up your Halloween game, you need this tree to raise the mystery around your landscape!
Other Common Names: Dead Tree, Stump Tree, Chicot, Coffeetree, Kentucky Mahogany, Nicker Tree, American Coffee Berry
Growing Zones: 3-9
Average Size at Maturity: 60-80 ft tall and 40-55 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring and summer, and fruits can be harvested in fall and winter
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
12. Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) – Native Tree
Native to the USA, the Loblolly Pine is an evergreen tree with a lifespan of about 100 years. In many cultures, the tree is often associated with immortality and one of the first gifts people give to loved ones when wishing them a long life!
The tree’s needle-like foliage remains on the branch for nearly two years before falling off. In spring, the tree adorns its branches with tiny gold, lavender, or burgundy flowers, which, in the fall, pave the way for edible copper or burgundy fruits.
Other Common Names: Bull Pine, North Carolina Pine, Oldfield Pine, Rosemary Pine, Indian Pine, Longstraw Pine
Growing Zones: 6-9
Average Size at Maturity: 60-90 ft tall and 20-40 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring, and fruits can be harvested in fall.
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
13. Red maple (Acer rubrum) – Native Tree
If you want your garden to reach unimaginable heights, how about the famous Red Maple? Growing up to 120 feet high, the Red Maple is a sight to behold in the fall. This is when its deep green leaves shed their colors to pick up a range of sunset shades to transform your landscape!
Living close to 150 years, the tree symbolizes strength, peace, beauty, and endurance. According to some cultures, the Red Maple’s red leaves are closely related to spirituality. Want to paint the landscape red? Here’s a tree that’ll do that and more!
Other Common Names: Carolina Maple, Curled Maple, Scarlet Maple, Soft Maple, Swamp Maple
Growing Zones: 2-9
Average Size at Maturity: 40-120 ft tall and 30-50 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
14. Red Oak (Quercus rubra) – Native Tree
Native to the USA, the Red Oak has a lifespan of up to 500 years in ideal conditions. According to recent research, the fruits of this tree are being studied to see if they can be used as a potential alternative to cocoa powder.
In spring, this fast growing tree adorns its branches with gold and green flowers that pave the way for burgundy or copper nut-like fruits that are a favorite among small mammals and birds. The Red Oak’s leaves and seeds are mildly toxic to humans and can cause stomach aches if ingested.
Other Common Names: Eastern Red Oak, Mountain Red Oak, Northern Red Oak, Oaks, Red Oak, Gray Oak
Growing Zones: 4-8
Average Size at Maturity: 50-70 ft tall and 50-75 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring, and fruits can be harvested in fall.
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
15. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) – Native Tree
How about a tree that looks like a cherry blossom but isn’t one even by a mile?! Native to the USA, Eastern Redbud is Oklahoma’s state tree and can live up to 70 years in ideal conditions. The stunning flowering tree has been around for generations, and according to folklore, its inner bark and roots are a remedy for various health conditions.
In spring, the tree blossoms with umbels of edible pink, lavender, or purple flowers that can be tossed into salads or used as condiments. The flowers are mildly sweet with a floral aftertaste – a cross between strawberry and grape! What’s not to love about this type of Redbud tree?!
Other Common Names: American Judas Tree, American Redbud, Judas Tree, Mexican Redbud, Redbud, Texas Redbud, Canadian Redbud, Flowering Judas
Growing Zones: 4-9
Average Size at Maturity: 20-30 ft tall and 20-35 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
16. Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea) – Native Tree
Its rapid growth and adaptability have made scarlet oak a favorite of Tennessee gardeners and landscapers.
With an average lifespan of about 80 years, the Scarlet Oak provides shade, privacy, and a pop of color. When fall rolls by, the tree’s glossy green leaves turn fiery red, boasting a canopy that can be seen from miles away! The Scarlet Oak is a fast-growing deciduous tree that produces acorns when it turns 20.
Its inedible fruits are a significant part of a bird and a small mammal’s diet, while its broad canopy acts as a shelter and a nesting ground for various birds. Symbolizing power, strength, and stability, the Scarlet Oak is sure to drop jaws.
Other Common Names: Black Oak, Spanish Oak
Growing Zones: 4-9
Average Size at Maturity: 50-80 ft tall and 45-60 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring
Available at: Nature Hills
17. Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) – Native Tree
With a relatively short life of up to 50 years, Serviceberry is one of the first trees that bloom in early spring, letting the world know it’s bloom time. Native bees absolutely love this tree’s flowers, so you can expect them to visit frequently if you plant them in your garden.
The tree produces burgundy-colored edible fruits, a favorite among many birds and small mammals. The fruits are sweet and mildly sour or tart with an almondy aftertaste. If you can collect them before the birds, you’d be in for a pleasant surprise!
Other Common Names: Alabama Serviceberry, Downy Serviceberry, Juneberries, Sarvis, Sarvis-tree, Serviceberry, Service-tree, Shadblow, Shadbush
Growing Zones: 4-9
Average Size at Maturity: 15-25 ft tall and 10-15 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring, and fruits can be harvested in spring and summer.
Available at: Nature Hills
18. Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) – Native Tree
With slow growth and a lifespan of about 175 years, Sourwood is a low-maintenance deciduous tree native to the USA. In some areas, the tree’s flowers are an important source of honey because they attract swarms of native bees. While this tree’s fruits are inedible, the leaves are edible and taste like sour apples.
Native Americans used Sourwood tree’s leaves to cure various health conditions. As far as aesthetics are concerned, the deep green leaves turn crimson red in the fall, creating a stunning contrast against panicles of fragrant cream blooms.
Other Common Names: Lily of the Valley Tree, Sorrel Tree, Sorrel Gum, Sour Gum, Arrow Wood, Elk Tree, Titi Tree
Growing Zones: 5-9
Average Size at Maturity: 20-30 ft tall and 10-15 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in summer
Available at: Nature Hills
19. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) – Native Tree
Native to the USA, the Sugar Maple can live for about 400 years in ideal conditions. The tree is famous for its wood that’s used to make furniture and cabinetry. The tree’s sap was the only source of sugar for Native Americans, who had rituals every year to ensure good sap harvests.
The tree symbolizes strength, healing, and longevity, and some people continue to use its bark to treat various health conditions. Now you know where the famous maple syrup comes from!
This particular type of maple tree has moderate drought tolerance.
Other Common Names: Hard Maple, Leucoderme, Northern Sugar Maple, Fire Maple
Growing Zones: 3-8
Average Size at Maturity: 40-120 ft tall and 30-60 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring and summer, and fruits can be harvested in fall and summer.
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
20. Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) – Native Tree
Associated with hope, peace, and harmony, it was only after 1949 that Sweetgum truly made its journey into our hearts. It was one of the only trees that replaced thousands of Elm trees that died after succumbing to the dreaded Dutch elm disease. With a lifespan of over 75 years, Sweetgum is famous for its sugary sweet gum balls!
The gum ball isn’t technically a ball; it’s a sticky and thick liquid that comes out from the bark. The liquid smells sweet, but it’s slightly bitter. Nevertheless, the Sweetgum is a fantastic tree for any landscape!
Other Common Names: American Sweet Gum, Redgum, Red Sweet Gum, Sweet Gum, Sweetgum Tree
Growing Zones: 5-9
Average Size at Maturity: 60-100 ft tall and 40-50 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring and summer, and fruits can be harvested in fall and winter
Available at: Nature Hills
21. Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) – Native Tree
With a lifespan of about 300 years, the Tulip Poplar plays an important role in American history.
It’s believed that George Washington loved this tree and planted one on his plantation, where it stands even today. The tree attracts tourists from all over the world who see it as a tree that signifies American history and its journey to independence.
In spring and summer, the tree decorates its branches with fragrant gold, green, or orange flowers that attract a host of beneficial pollinators to your garden. If history is your forte, the Tulip Poplar is your tree!
Other Common Names: Canary Whitehood, Canoewood, Lyre Tree, North American Whitewood, Tulip Tree, Western Poplar, Whitewood, Yellow Poplar, Yellow-Poplar
Growing Zones: 4-9
Average Size at Maturity: 60-80 ft tall and 40-55 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring and summer, and fruits can be harvested in fall and winter
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
22. White Ash (Fraxinus americana) – Native Tree
Similar to its counterpart, the Green Ash tree, White Ash is known for its strong wood with medicinal properties.
Even today, many people think that this tree’s leaves repel snakes, so they place the leaves in their shoes and other places to prevent snakes from sneaking an attack.
In spring, panicles of lavender flowers dangle from the branches, leaving a pool of fragrance when they drop to the ground.
Other Common Names: Rosehill, American Ash
Growing Zones: 3-9
Average Size at Maturity: 60-120 ft tall and 50-75 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring, and fruits can be harvested in summer
23. White Oak (Quercus alba) – Native Tree
In ideal conditions, the White Oak can live for nearly 600 years! Sacred to Zeus, the Greek god of thunder, and Native Americans, the tree signifies strength, persistence, and peace. It’s a slow-growing tree that changes color every fall.
The glossy leaves go from deep green to crimson red and mixed shades of orange and burgundy, transforming yards, gardens, and landscapes! The tree’s fruits attract small mammals and birds, whereas its canopy provides shelter.
Other Common Names: American White Oak, Eastern White Oak, Forked-leaf White Oak, Northern White Oak, Oaks, Quebec Oak, White Oak
Growing Zones: 3-9
Average Size at Maturity: 50-135 ft tall and 50-80 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring, and fruits can be harvested in fall
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
24. Willow Oak (Quercus phellos) – Native Tree
If you’re looking for a shade tree that grows very fast and lasts at least 100 years, you can’t go wrong with the Willow Oak. Native to the USA, the Willow Oak has a medium flammability rating and shouldn’t be planted in your home’s defensible space.
The Willow Oak, like other oaks, is considered sacred in some cultures. Oak trees signify strength and energy, so in some cultures, catching a falling oak is considered good luck and brings prosperity. How about planting your own magical Willow Oak in your garden?
Other Common Names: Oaks, Peach Oak
Growing Zones: 4-9
Average Size at Maturity: 40-75 ft tall and 25-50 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring, and fruits can be harvested in fall
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
25. Yellowwood (Cladrastis lutea) – Native Tree
Yellowwood is an average-sized Tennessee native tree with a rounded crown and grayish bark.
The Yellowwood produces fragrant white flowers in the spring and summer. These flowers soon pave the way for copper, gold, and green inedible fruits that attract birds and small mammals.
In the fall, the tree’s glossy green leaves turn copper-gold, signifying the drop in temperature. The Yellowwood makes an excellent shade tree and lives for over 60 years; however, it won’t start producing flowers until it’s 10 years old.
Other Common Names: American Yellowwood, Kentucky Yellowwood, Virgilia
Growing Zones: 4-8
Average Size at Maturity: 30-45 ft tall and 40-45 ft wide
Fruiting/Flowering Season: Flowers appear in spring and summer
Available at: Nature Hills
The Many Trees of Tennessee
Various tree species thrive in Tennessee. In this article, we have list and describe 25 of them that you can plant in your landscape to beautify it, attract pollinators, and provide shade.
There is a wide variety of oaks and maples that grow well in the state, including the gorgeous red maple and sturdy black oak, many of which are native trees.
It helps to check your Tennessee USDA hardiness zone when choosing a tree because the western part of the state has much milder winters than the mountainous east.
The trees on this list have varying maintenance requirements, but with proper attention to their planting requirements and good care, any resident of Tennessee can plant any of the listed trees to spruce up their landscape and take it to the next level.
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