Height:  70-100'      Width: 40-75'

The pecan is one of the most important native nut trees in North America.  The nut, a beloved pie ingredient, ripens in the fall.  It is also a value host plant for 200+ species of butterflies and moths.

It is a large, straight-trunked tree native to river bottoms and rich fertile soils.  It will do best in wetter areas, but is drought tolerant once established.

Local specimen: Beechwood by Mid City Mall

Height:  60-80'      Width: 30-60'

American basswood, or linden tree, is native to Kentucky and is often used as a specimen or dense shade tree. Its heart-shaped leaves and fragrant flowers in June make it especially attractive for people, while songbirds and blue jays are attracted to its seeds and use the tree for shelter.  Its abundant nectar is an important food source for bees.

Local specimen: Baxter Ave. in cemetary

Height:  60-80'    Width: 30-70'

Swamp chestnut oak provides dense shade and good red fall color, and has a gorgeous structure.  As with all native oaks, it is a super-host to nearly 500 different butterfly and moth species as well has numerous other insects and birds.

Local specimen:  Richmond and Rosedale

Height:  50-70'    Width: 30-40'

A relative fast-growing oak, it is well-suited for the urban environment.  It's narrower form works well for smaller yards.  Beautiful red color in the fall.  As with all native oaks, it is a super-host to nearly 500 different butterfly and moth species as well has numerous other insects and birds.

Height:  30-50'    Width: 20-35'

Persimmon is native to the southeastern United States. Easily recognized in winter by its unusual rugged, blocky bark, it's foliage color enhances any garden. This long oval leafed tree transforms through the seasons from light bright green, thru dark pine to fall colors. Female trees produce large orange-brown fleshy fruit that are edible after the first frost. Persimmon is adaptable many soil and light conditions.

Height:  20-30'    Width: 20-35'

A native forest understory tree, it is great for shadier landscapes and naturalized gardens, but also handles more sun.  Good option under power lines. New leaves emerge reddish-purple, changing to dark green, then turn yellow to orange-red in the fall, offering a kaleidoscope of color throughout the year. Even in winter, the tree’s fluted blue-gray bark with long, sinewy ridges make it a special addition to the landscape.

Height:  15-25'    Width: 20-30'

Pagoda dogwood is an excellent native plant for the four-season garden. The unique horizontal  branching pattern has a distinct tiered habit, often catching snow in the winter. Clusters of white flowers show up in spring, dark green foliage turns a beautiful burgundy-red in fall, and blue-black berries attract many birds. Pagoda dogwood makes an attractive small tree or large shrub in a shade garden or for naturalizing.

Height:  15-25'    Width: 10-15'

Downy serviceberry is a four-season tree offering white flowers in spring, small red berries in summer, excellent fall color, and gray bark in winter. The fruit is usually eaten very quickly by birds.