Finding just the right tree to plant can be a daunting task, given the number of species available from nurseries and garden centers. The purpose of this document is to provide basic information about trees suitable for planting in Missouri. Included are facts about how each tree grows, its shape and size, its usefulness and limitations. To keep the document small and more usable, not every detail about each tree could be included. Nor could every species that will grow in the state be listed. Detailed information can be obtained from the more comprehensive sources listed in the Reference Books section.
The trees in this book are divided into three sections. Each section is subdivided into conifers, small trees and flowering trees, and large shade trees.
Section 1 includes trees considered desirable for Missouri conditions. They are usually found in local nurseries and garden centers.
Section 2 includes trees that are desirable under most circumstances, but which are not commonly found in local nurseries.
Section 3 covers trees that are sometimes planted in urban areas, but are not recommended because their disadvantages outweigh their desirable qualities.
Within each subsection, trees are listed alphabetically by their common names. For example, pines are listed together in alphabetical order following juniper. Botanical names also are included to reduce confusion between common names. Photographs show the form and attractive features of each species. Hardiness zones refer to standard U.S. Department of Agriculture regions shown on the map. In Section 1, small icons are a quick reference to each tree's soil moisture requirements, growth rate, spring flower color, fall foliage color and what each tree can be expected to look like 15 to 20 years in the future. (See keys to symbols.) Lists of tree species suitable for special conditions and tables for quick comparisons of trees give general information.
Return to Missouri Urban Trees Table of Contents