Height:  50-70'      Width: 20-40'

A unique and adaptable tree, the bald cypress is a deciduous conifer (losing its needles each fall) and can grow in a wide variety of habitat, from moist swamps to dry upland soil.  It is one of our long-lived native trees, with one in George Rogers Clark Park dating back to when the Clark family lived on the property.  A gorgeous and stately tree!

Local specimen: Lakeside Swim Club entrance

Height:  40-60'      Width: 25-40'

A large buckeye of the southern Midwest commonly found in moist woods with well-drained soil. Best planted in a protected spot with partial sun as leaf scorch can occur on more upland, dry sites. Flowers of this species can attract the Ruby-throated hummingbird in late spring.

Warning:  The leaves, fruit and seeds are highly poisonous if consumed.

Height:  40-60'    Width: 40-60'

Overcup oak is a medium oak found in the southern part of the midwest, known to thrive in Deer Park. The acorn is very unique in that the cap covers almost all of the acorn and it floats in water, helping with dispersion. Site preference is full sun in wet to medium soils.  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:  Bellarmine's McGowan Hall

Height:  50-70'    Width: 30-40'

A relatively fast-growing oak, it is well-suited for the urban environment.  Its 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:  30-60'    Width: 20-40'

A beautiful native canopy tree with yellow flowers in spring, blue fruit in late summer, and yellow, orange and red fall color. Growth is best on well drained, acidic soil in full sun, but is highly adaptable. Sassafras suckers freely forming cloned colonies, so regular pruning is needed to keep it limited to a single trunk. Sassafras is a host tree for larval spicebush swallowtails and other butterflies. Songbirds will readily claim seeds, and all parts of the tree are aromatic.

Height:  30-50'    Width: 30-50'

Yellowwood is a relatively uncommon moderate sized tree with smooth bark like that of a beech. Yellowwood's do not bloom every year, but when they do are spectacular during mid to late spring.  Tolerant of a wide range of conditions excluding poorly drained soils. Its flowers are quite showy and with age this tree makes a stunning specimen in full bloom. 

Height:  25-35'    Width: 20-30'

A true beacon of spring with lavender-pink flowers ushering in warmer temperatures.  Thrives as an understory tree with protection.  Seeding can sometimes be prolific.

Height:  15-25'    Width: 15-25'

American plum is found in dry to medium soils in full to partial sun. Spring flowers are fragrant and attract pollinators. Summer fruit is edible and are favored by select birds and wildlife.  Suckering at the base is common, so regular pruning is needed to keep it limited to a single trunk.