Trees, Shrubs and Woody Vines
Media
![Illustration of eastern redbud leaves, flowers, fruits.](/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/mo_nature/media/field-guide/Eastern_Redbud_Cercis_canadensis.jpg?itok=bqB1UEql)
Species Types
Scientific Name
Cercis canadensis
Description
Eastern redbud is a native shrub or small tree that is distinctly ornamental in spring with small, clustered, rose-purple flowers covering the bare branches before the leaves.
Media
![Illustration of mimosa leaves, flowers, fruit.](/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/mo_nature/media/field-guide/Mimosa_Albizia_julibrissin.jpg?itok=NWmrqbSp)
Species Types
Scientific Name
Albizia julibrissin
Description
Grown as an ornamental for its attractive pink flower clusters, gracefully spreading branches, and delicate leaves, mimosa is easily propagated and grows rapidly. Unfortunately, it is also an invasive exotic in much of the state.
Media
![Illustration of green ash leaf.](/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/mo_nature/media/field-guide/Green_Ash_Fraxinus_pennsylvanica.jpg?itok=XC359GG1)
Species Types
Scientific Name
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Description
Green ash is one of the most widely planted shade trees around homes and along streets. In the wild, it lives along streams and in low grounds. Sadly, it is one of the trees most vulnerable to the emerald ash borer, an exotic invasive pest.
Media
![Illustration of white ash leaf, fruit.](/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/mo_nature/media/field-guide/White_Ash_Fraxinus_americana.jpg?itok=b0ZVB1SE)
Species Types
Scientific Name
Fraxinus americana
Description
White ash leaves turn shades of yellow and purple in fall, and that is one reason it has been a popular landscaping tree. Many birds and mammals feed on the paddle-shaped seeds.
Media
![Illustration of black walnut compound leaf and nuts.](/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/mo_nature/media/images/2014/12/black_walnut_juglans_nigra.jpg?itok=jLLDdcnI)
Species Types
Scientific Name
Juglans nigra
Description
Easily Missouri’s most valuable tree, the black walnut provides the finest wood in the world, as well as delicious nuts. Both are in high demand and thus form an important part of Missouri’s economy.
Media
![Illustration of smooth sumac leaves, flowers, fruits.](/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/mo_nature/media/field-guide/Smooth_Sumac_Rhus_glabra.jpg?itok=a3FAvL9b)
Species Types
Scientific Name
Rhus glabra
Description
Colonies of smooth sumac are most noticeable in early autumn, because the leaves turn brilliant red! You can make drinks and jellies from the clusters of fuzzy red berries.
Media
![Illustration of eastern red cedar stem, leaves, and fruits.](/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/mo_nature/media/field-guide/Eastern_Red_Cedar_Juniperus_virginiana.jpg?itok=c5v63r5p)
Species Types
Scientific Name
Juniperus virginiana
Description
By far the most common native conifer in the state, eastern red cedar is useful for its aromatic, red wood and beloved for its greenery, its resinous blue “berries,” and the spicy odor it lends the outdoors.
Media
![Illustration of post oak leaf.](/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/mo_nature/media/field-guide/post_oak_leaf.jpg?itok=swIITj8A)
Species Types
Scientific Name
Quercus stellata
Description
Post oak has long been favored for fence posts and was valued by American pioneers. It has distinctive cross- or ghost-shaped leaves. It grows in rocky upland woodlands and in flatwoods on broad ridges.
Media
![Illustration of overcup oak leaf.](/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/mo_nature/media/field-guide/overcup_oak_leaf.jpg?itok=5dzhqII9)
Species Types
Scientific Name
Quercus lyrata
Description
Overcup oak is fairly easy to identify. The acorns are almost completely covered by their knobby cups. The leaves have long, narrow lobes and wide sinuses. In Missouri, it grows naturally only in wet forests along the Mississippi and Meramec rivers.
Media
![Illustration of blackjack oak leaf.](/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/mo_nature/media/field-guide/blackjack_oak_leaf.jpg?itok=30CY4Mj-)
Species Types
Scientific Name
Quercus marilandica
Description
Blackjack oak is common in dry upland woods, especially ones that have been badly burned. It can grow on the poorest soils. It is rugged but not worth much as lumber. It's one of the first trees to be used as fuel.
See Also
About Trees, Shrubs and Woody Vines in Missouri
There are no sharp dividing lines between trees, shrubs, and woody vines, or even between woody and nonwoody plants. “Wood” is a type of tissue made of cellulose and lignin that many plants develop as they mature — whether they are “woody” or not. Trees are woody plants over 13 feet tall with a single trunk. Shrubs are less than 13 feet tall, with multiple stems. Vines require support or else sprawl over the ground.