Large shade trees
European Alder
Alnus glutinosa
The European alder is a fast-growing tree when young. It usually develops a single trunk with an oval-headed crown. It also may be grown with multiple trunks as a landscape feature. The summer foliage is dark, glossy green and tolerates partial shade. This tree may be planted in wet sites or along waterways, but it also is suitable for drier areas. Alder is a good selection for poor soils since it is able to fix atmospheric nitrogen and tolerates both acid or slightly alkaline conditions. The fruiting structure is a small cone, which adds ornamental value when the tree is dormant. It is not a tree with serious pests, although woolly alder aphid may be one of the most common and damaging insects. Varieties exist with yellow leaves, cut leaves and columnar growth, but they are not readily available.
Hardiness Zones: 3-7
Green Ash
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Green ash grows fairly fast, developing a pyramidal shape when young, but it soon forms into a wide-spreading round-topped tree. Compound leaves give it a medium texture, but the twigs and branching pattern create a coarse effect in winter. As trees age, inner twigs often are shaded out and die. These dead twigs may drop from older trees during storms. Green ash adapts to a wide range of soils and cultural conditions. Ash borer is the most serious insect pest, which may cause branches to die, affecting the tree's ornamental value. Seeds are abundantly produced on female trees. Seedlings may become weedy. For this reason, male selections are preferred. Among the most popular male cultivars are `Marshall's Seedless,' `Summit' and `Patmore'. The yellow fall color lasts a short time since green ash is among the first trees to drop its leaves in fall.
Hardiness Zones: 2-9
White Ash
Fraxinus americana
White ash has many characteristics of green ash, but trees tend to develop into an oval rather than round shape. Growth is not quite as rapid as green ash. Trees are easy to establish, and adapt to a wide range of conditions. White ash has a distinctive purple to maroon fall color. White ash varieties are selected primarily for fall color and are among the first trees to turn, lasting two to three weeks. Among the most popular cultivars are `Autumn Purple' and `Rosehill.' White ash is susceptible to the same pests as green ash, but ash borer is sometimes more damaging, possibly because growth is slightly slower. Ash flower gall, caused by a mite, attacks male flowers, resulting in abnormal growth. Unattractive galls persist, making the tree less ornamental. White ash is worth considering when a moderately fast growing tree is wanted.
Hardiness Zones: 2-9
European Beech
Fagus sylvatica
The European beech becomes a large shade tree in moist, moderate climates. Hot summers and rapid temperature fluctuations in winter will limit its growth in most of Missouri. Planting should be limited to protected sites, light shade or landscapes where irrigation is available during hot, dry periods. The glossy foliage with wavy margins, smooth gray bark and densely pyramidal to oval crown make it a useful accent tree. Because beech is so popular in many areas of the world, many cultivars exist. Some more commonly available cultivars include `Asplenifolia,' which has cut leaves; `Atropunicea' or `Purpurea,' the purple-leaf beech; and `Purpurea Tricolor' or `Rosea-marginata' known as tricolor beech. Sun scald of the bark, along with leaf scorch, are common environmental problems of beeches during hot or dry weather. European beech should not be ignored, but limited in its use.
Hardiness Zones: 4-6
Paper Birch, Canoe Birch
Betula papyrifera
Although paper birch is a tree suited to northern states with cool summers, it is being planted more frequently since it seems resistant to insect pests. It is resistant to the bronze birch borer,which has almost eliminated European white birch in parts of Missouri. Paper birch is also tolerant of a broader range of soil pH than the native river birch. Where constant moisture is available and soils are good, it is a fast-growing tree. It should not be used extensively, but may make an interesting accent or small grove. Its most outstanding feature is the chalky, white peeling bark. It has a clear yellow fall color. Because of the environmental stresses of our climate, it tends to be rather short-lived, a reason for limited use. This is a tree for full sun, but it also tolerates light shade. Paper birch is not pollution tolerant.
Hardiness Zones: 2-6
River Birch
Betula nigra
River birch is a native that has gained popularity for planting because of its rapid growth, unique peeling bark and resistance to bronze birch borer. It transplants easily and makes a useful shade tree with either single or multiple trunks. Shade is light, so turf can be grown beneath it. It cannot be considered a replacement for the European white birch because it does not produce chalky white bark. However, the cultivar called `Heritage' is sometimes used with this idea, since the bark peels off young trunks and limbs to show a white to pinkish-white coloring beneath. In addition, this cultivar appears more resistant to leaf spot, a disease that can cause early defoliation. It is an excellent tree for wet locations, but should not be planted in alkaline soils.
Hardiness Zones: 4-9
Blackgum
Nyssa sylvatica
Blackgum, also known as sour gum or tupelo, is native to the southeastern third of the state. Foliage is glossy, deep green and matures to outstanding fall color from orange to deep scarlet. Flowers are not showy and the blue-black fruits in fall are ornamental for only a short time before birds and other wildlife eat them. The shape of a young tree is pyramidal, which becomes oval on older trees. Blackgum is sometimes slow to become established after transplanting, so after-planting care is important. Once established, trees require little care other than watering during drought. Although a slow-growing tree, blackgum deserves to be planted more often. Blackgum can be considered essentially pest free, since the few pests that may attack it are not serious. It tolerates urban growing conditions.
Hardiness Zones: 3b-9
Kentucky Coffeetree
Gymnocladus dioicus
Kentucky coffeetree is a native tree well-suited to large open spaces. Branches and twigs are coarse, making it distinctive and easily identified in winter. The small leaflets give the tree a medium texture in summer. Mature trees are broad-spreading with an almost rounded form, but young trees are more upright and oval. Although it grows best in rich soil, it is adapted to many soil types and conditions. It also withstands city conditions and pollution. Female trees produce fruit that resembles extra large lima bean pods that hang on the tree through the winter. The main leaf stem of each compound leaf may be two feet long and drops from the tree after the leaflets. Kentucky coffeetree breaks dormancy late in the spring. Fall color is yellow, but not usually long lasting. Overall, the tree is durable and long-lived.
Hardiness Zones: 3-8
Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo is an outstanding city tree because of its pollution and salt tolerance. It has open branching which allows enough sunlight to penetrate to maintain a lawn. Young trees usually have a pyramidal shape, but old trees can be very wide-spreading. It is tolerant of many soil conditions, although best growth occurs in well-drained soils with adequate moisture. Apricot-colored fruit is produced by female trees and is considered objectionable because it is messy and produces an undesirable odor. When grown from seed, there is no means of identifying a tree's sex until it begins flowering, which may require 20 years. `Autumn Gold' is an excellent male cultivar with a pyramidal shape. Known cultivars should be used whenever fruit would be objectionable or where uniform growth form is needed.
Hardiness Zones: 3b-9
Common Hackberry
Celtis occidentalis
Common hackberry is extremely tolerant of adverse conditions, but is not one of our best landscape trees. Trees become large and wide-spreading with an elm-like habit that is vase-shaped with drooping branches. The bark is grayish and corky. Red-orange fruits are produced in fall, but are not long-lasting since birds eat them quickly. Its durability makes it a worthy selection for difficult sites. It is easily transplanted and tolerates clay, rocky or sandy soils. Unlike many trees, it also tolerates persistent winds. Hackberry is attacked by a wide range of pests, but they are not serious. Two of the most disfiguring are witches' broom, which causes clusters of twiggy growth, and nipple gall that can cover leaves with large bumps. A cultivar with more compact growth and glossy green foliage is called ` Prairie Pride.' A smooth-barked hackberry, sugarberry or sugar hackberry, Celtis laevigata, is a good choice for planting from zone 5b southward. It is more tolerant of low, wet areas than common hackberry. `All Seasons' sugarberry is reportedly not susceptible to witches' broom and nipple gall.
Hardiness Zones: 2-9
Thornless Honeylocust
Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis
Honeylocust has long been a commonly used tree for urban planting. The open, spreading crown with very small leaflets creates filtered sunlight. The light shade it produces allows a lawn to be grown beneath it. It is very tolerant of many soil conditions, and has salt tolerance for use near highways. The long, curved pods can litter the ground. Cultivars with mainly male flowers therefore essentially podless should be used. Only cultivars that are thornless are commercially available. `Moraine' has been one of the most popular cultivars, and has no thorns or seed pods. Other cultivars include `Imperial,' `Shademaster' and `Skyline'. A cultivar called `Sunburst' with yellow foliage that gradually turns green is available, but can be severely attacked by mimosa webworm and stem cankers. Several insects and diseases may affect honeylocust trees. Therefore, the tree should be used only where control measures may be applied if necessary.
Hardiness Zones: 3-9
Littleleaf Linden
Tilia cordata
Littleleaf linden's dark green leaves and dense pyramidal growth make it a suitable choice when a formal-looking tree is desired. Lindens may be damaged during a summer of extreme heat and drought. However, they recover well and are suitable for street trees as well as mall parking lots and other difficult sites. Growth is slow when they are planted in such areas, and watering during stress periods is important. Fragrant summer flowers are attractive to bees. Individuals sensitive to bees should not plant lindens near an outdoor living area. Several insects and diseases may attack lindens and require control. Many good cultivars exist. `Greenspire' is one of the most popular and best. Other species of linden are sometimes available, but generally are no better than the littleleaf linden.
Hardiness Zones: 3b-7a
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
Norway maple forms a round canopy of dark green, dense foliage that produces heavy shade. The combination of shade and a shallow root system will not allow good turfgrass to grow beneath it. Norway maple is extremely pollution tolerant. Leaves may sometimes scorch under hot, dry conditions. Although it endures our summer heat, trees are at their best in climates where summers are cooler. This tree is easy to transplant and tolerates many soil types and conditions. There are many cultivars of this plant, but only a few are commonly available. These should be preferred since selections with better heat tolerance are often more attractive. `Summershade,' `Emerald Queen' and `Cleveland' are good choices. The best known maroon-leaf cultivar is called `Crimson King.' Red-leafed cultivars are slow growing and not as well adapted as those with green leaves. Norway maples need plenty of space to develop properly.
Hardiness Zones: 3-7a
Red Maple
Acer rubrum
Red maple is most often planted for its spectacular orange and red fall color. Many cultivars of red maple are available in the nursery trade. Tree shape is oval when young, but becomes wider spreading with age. Red maple is easy to transplant and tolerant of many soil conditions. This is a tree suitable for poorly-drained sites as well as drier soil conditions. Alkaline soils cause stunted growth and pale yellow leaves with green veins. Leaf scorch may be a problem without irrigation during hot, dry summers. Red maple has a tolerance to urban pollutants such as ozone and sulfur dioxide. The small, early spring red flowers are not highly showy, but are a welcoming sign of spring. The bark of the tree is a smooth gray-brown. `Red Sunset,' `Autumn Flame' and `October Glory' are some popular cultivars developed for fall color. `Autumn Blaze' is a red-silver maple hybrid with red-orange fall foliage. Red maples without cultivar names may produce only dull yellow fall foliage.
Hardiness Zones: 3-9
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
Sugar maple becomes a very large shade tree that is well-known for fall colors ranging from yellow to orange to shades of red. It is less pollution tolerant than red maple, especially to de-icing salts along roadways. Sugar maple thrives in deep, rich soils. It tolerates poor sites with good drainage, but grows slowly. It needs plenty of space and therefore should be used in large yards, parks, golf courses or similar locations. In shallow soils and other poor sites, leaf scorch may develop during dry periods. Its dense shade and shallow roots prevent a good lawn from growing beneath it. Sugar maple is tolerant of shade and can be used near taller trees or buildings. Many cultivars exist to provide a variety of shapes, fall color and drought tolerance. These should be selected when available. Some are `Green Mountain,' `Legacy,' `Bonfire,' and `Caddo.' Sugar maples grown from seed are much less predictable.
Hardiness Zones: 4-8
Bur Oak
Quercus macrocarpa
Bur oak is a native species that grows statewide on both upland and bottomland soils, although its best growth is on moist, well-drained soils. It can grow in dry soils and is more tolerant of urban conditions than most other oaks. It is slow growing and difficult to transplant. Irrigation and fertilization can speed growth of younger trees. Insect and disease problems are minor. Bur oak produces the largest acorn of any of the oaks: up to 11/2 inches in diameter. The large acorns are loved by wildlife but may be a nuisance in lawns. The mature size of bur oak may be too large for the average home landscape, but it makes an excellent tree for parks or other areas where it has room to grow.
Hardiness Zones: 3a-9a
English Oak
Quercus robur
English oak has gained popularity primarily because of the more upright and columnar cultivars that are available. For a tall, narrow screen, these upright selections are more durable choices than upright poplars. The crown of the more typical English oak is pyramidal when young, but becomes rounded with age. Leaves are dark green with rounded lobes somewhat like our native white oak. English oak is easy to transplant, and adapts to many soil conditions, but must have good drainage. Fall foliage is not colorful. Brown leaves are often held through the winter. Pests are not a major problem although mildew can cover leaves in late summer and fall. Acorns are produced freely, so this oak should not be planted where branches hang over walks, driveways or streets. Several cultivars have been developed for predictable shape and mildew resistance, but they are not readily available.
Hardiness Zones: 4-8
Pin Oak
Quercus palustris
The predictable, symmetrical form and fast growth of pin oak has made it a popular tree for yard and park plantings. Young trees are pyramidal but become oval at maturity. Upper branches are upright to horizontal but lower limbs will droop. This branching pattern makes identification easy. Pin oak is easy to grow because it tolerates many soil conditions. It is intolerant of alkaline soils, which causes stunted growth with pale yellow leaves. Pin oak has few pest problems other than leaf galls and some general pests that seldom need control measures. It is not a good choice for planting near walks, driveways or streets because drooping branches will continually interfere with clearance below the tree. Even when lower branches are cut off, higher ones will begin to droop to take their place. Other oaks without this growth habit are better selections for such locations. Acorns are small enough so they do not become a major nuisance in the lawn. Fall color is reddish.
Hardiness Zones: 4-8
Northern Red Oak
Quercus rubra
An outstanding oak for landscape use is the northern red oak. It becomes a large tree with a rounded, wide-spreading crown. As a mature tree it is among the most majestic of the oaks. Since it grows large, it needs plenty of space. Northern red oak is easy to get established and it is tolerant of urban pollution. Unlike pin oak, which is more widely planted, it is not as sensitive to soil conditions and is less likely to suffer leaf yellowing and poor growth. It is fast growing and ideal for parks, golf courses and other large areas. Leaf galls or leaf feeding insects may attack it, but most pests are not serious. All species in the red oak group are susceptible to a very destructive fungus disease called oak wilt, for which there is no cure. In fall northern red oak produces leaf colors in shades of red, scarlet and wine.
Hardiness Zones: 4-8
Scarlet Oak
Quercus coccinea
Although scarlet oak has been relatively uncommon for landscape planting, it is gaining popularity and is more available. It is pyramidal to oval when young and the canopy broadens with maturity. The main reason for planting this oak is its spectacular scarlet fall color. It is somewhat slower to establish than pin oak and red oak. It is tolerant of many conditions but is not as pollution tolerant as red oak. As an older tree, the branch structure becomes open as smaller branches are shaded out, sometimes giving a twiggy character to the inner trunk. Since this oak becomes quite large, it is best used in areas with plenty of space. Scarlet oak has no serious pest problems, but it is subject to many of the same pests that attack other oaks. While it grows most rapidly on deep, moist soils, it is also very tolerant of dry conditions.
Hardiness Zones: 4-8
Shingle Oak
Quercus imbricaria
Shingle oak is a native tree once used to make shingles, and is common in many parts of Missouri. It is less used in home landscapes and, like pin oak, it has a tendency to droop its lower branches, making it less desirable near streets or walks where clearance is needed. Foliage is dark, glossy green, but without dramatic fall color. Leaves usually turn brown late in fall and many hang on the tree through the winter. With this quality, it is a tree that can provide winter screening and windbreak. Many people object to the brown winter look for a shade tree. Winter leaf retention requires leaf clean up in spring as new growth is about to start. Shingle oak is a durable and adaptable tree that could be used more frequently for large landscapes. Twig galls will affect some trees and disfigure them.
Hardiness Zones: 4-8
Shumard Oak
Quercus shumardii
Shumard oak is one of the least common of the oaks used in landscape plantings. It becomes a large tree with similarities to pin, scarlet and red oak, and like them is most useful in large open areas. Growth when young is like pin oak, but mature structure is more like scarlet oak. The leaves are variable and might be confused with pin, red or scarlet oak. Fall color is shades of red and scarlet. It is tolerant of many soils and environmental conditions. Because of good drought tolerance, it is well-suited to the low maintenance landscape where irrigation of any type is not possible during drought periods. It has no serious pest problems, but is subject to general pests of the other oaks.
Hardiness Zones: 5b-9
White Oak
Quercus alba
White oak is an important lumber tree in Missouri but also makes a beautiful shade tree. It is found on many types of soil but makes its best growth on deep, moist, well-drained soils. Foliage is blue-green to dark green in summer and turns to a reddish-purple in fall. White oak is sensitive to grade changes and other construction damage, so large specimens are not commonly found on developed sites. It is somewhat difficult to transplant because of its deep tap root. Small trees should be transplanted as balled and burlapped stock. Its slow growth can be increased by fertilization and irrigation during dry periods. Insect and disease problems are minor. White oak is more resistant to oak wilt than the red oaks. White oak should receive high priority for protection during home construction since it is very sensitive to disturbances.
Hardiness Zones: 4b-9a
Swamp White Oak
Quercus bicolor
The swamp white oak is a native tree that becomes quite large and spreading. Most oaks within the white oak group are difficult to transplant, but swamp white oak is one of the least difficult. As the name implies, it is well adapted to low, moist conditions and bottomlands. In spite of this quality, this tree is able to endure drought conditions once it's well established. Leaves are dark green above and soft gray on the underside. It grows best in deep soils, but is adapted to many soil types and conditions including dense urban clay soils. Alkaline soils will cause leaf yellowing and growth problems. Fall color is a weak yellow and not outstanding. This oak, like most oaks, is subject to attack by many leaf-feeding insects, leaf galls, powdery mildew, and other diseases. Pests are not serious enough to discourage planting, but controls sometimes may be needed to maintain attractiveness.
Hardiness Zones: 3-8
Willow Oak
Quercus phellos
Willow oak has not been a common landscape tree, but continues to gain popularity. Small leaves produce a fine texture for an oak. The small acorns are not a serious litter problem. This oak is less hardy than most other species, but can be grown throughout the state. In more northern locations twig damage might be expected after very severe winters. Young trees have a pyramidal shape that is maintained for many years until it approaches maturity. It then becomes a wide-spreading tree with a rounded crown. Transplanting it is easy. In colder climates it should be planted in spring so it becomes well-established before winter cold arrives. It is suited to many soils and sites and is fairly drought tolerant.
Hardiness Zones: 5b-9
Sweetgum
Liquidambar styraciflua
Sweetgum, which is native to the southern United States, has been widely planted as a yard and park tree. It grows slowly after planting, but grows more rapidly once established. Sweetgum adapts to many conditions, but grows best in deep, moist soils. The spiny, round seed capsules can be produced heavily in some years, so this tree should not be used near walks, drives or play areas where the `gumballs' may become a problem. A seedless cultivar has been developed, but is still not generally available. Sweetgum develops pyramidal growth with glossy, starlike leaves. Fall color is variable. Leaves may become yellow, orange or shades of red. Some trees never develop fall color. Sweetgum is relatively pest free, but a few insects may feed on leaves. A problem called bleeding necrosis may attack the trunks or branches of older trees. Severe winters may cause some twig damage and contribute to sun scalding of the trunk.
Hardiness Zones: 5b-9
American Sycamore
Platanus occidentalis
American sycamore is one of our largest native trees. For that reason it never should be planted unless it has plenty of growing space. Peeling bark reveals white, cream or gray areas along the trunk or branches. This is a tree best suited to naturalistic landscapes. It may drop leaves during the summer, as well as twigs and seed balls, causing a need for constant clean-up. Although many pests attack sycamore, only one, sycamore anthracnose, is really serious. Anthracnose causes leaves and twigs to die in spring. It is most serious in cool, wet springs and in low, wet areas. The London planetree, a hybrid between the American and Oriental sycamore is more resistant to this disease. Where the look of a planetree is desired, the London planetree is preferred to the American sycamore. `Bloodgood,' `Columbia' and `Liberty' are disease resistant cultivars of London planetree.
Hardiness Zones: 4-9
Tuliptree
Liriodendron tulipifera
Tuliptree is native to deep, moist soils of southeast Missouri. It is sometimes called tulip magnolia because the flowers are tulip-shaped, and because it is related to the magnolia family. It is also called yellow-poplar or tulip-poplar due to its fast poplar-like growth, although it is not related to poplar. Shape is pyramidal in young trees, becoming more irregular in older trees. Growth is very rapid when young. It is not suited to shallow, rocky soils. Severe drought can cause substantial damage without irrigation. Several insects may attack it, but do not usually cause serious damage. Aphids cause abundant leaf drop that can be unsightly on the lawn and require extra clean-up. Branches are somewhat weak, so storm damage is possible, but not common. The flowers are beautiful, but because they are greenish-yellow and hidden in the leaves, they often go unnoticed.
Hardiness Zones: 4b-9
Japanese Zelkova
Zelkova serrata
Since the American elm first succumbed to Dutch elm disease, there has been a search for a replacement. Zelkova is not a perfect replacement, but is a relative with a vase-shaped form resembling American elm. Leaves are dark green and held late into the fall, essentially without fall color. Zelkova's angular branching allows its use along walks, streets or other areas where low branching is undesirable. It has good pollution, wind and drought tolerance. Although it is closely related to elms, it appears to be fairly resistant to Dutch elm disease. Because many gardeners are unfamiliar with zelkova, it has been used very little, but it is gaining popularity and becoming more available. Several cultivars have been developed, but are not widely distributed. One outstanding cultivar is `Green Vase', which features vigorous growth and bronzy-red fall foliage.
Hardiness Zones: 5b-8
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