Species Selection
By Anne Wiesen

Choosing Native and Naturalized Species: The Benefits of Native and Naturalized Species

Native Species in the United States are commonly understood to be species that have been growing successfully on this land prior to European settlement. There are many practical reasons why landscaping with native species can produce a garden system that has a very good chance of supporting local ecological needs, and human need as well. Having evolved in particular climates and soils, with neighboring flora and fauna challenging and supporting their survival as populations, native plants have adapted over thousands of years to outwit predators, withstand extremes in temperature and moisture levels, and resist disease within their growing range. Using native plants in their appropriate growing zone, and especially in the context of native “plant communities”, will significantly reduce the chance of loss of plantings to pests, inappropriate climate, and disease. Further, watering and fertilizing and the use of herbicide will also be significantly reduced, as the plant has developed capabilities to thrive without the aid of the gardener. Naturalized species did not naturally occur in a particular region, but were introduced by humans, and consistently perform harmoniously in their new context. They are non-invasive and provide ecological services for the local wildlife and with wider ecosystem.

Native and Naturalized Tree Species Lists:

In making your tree selections, it makes sense to start with the large conifers, if you would like them to be part of your plan. Conifers are cone-bearing trees, such as firs, pines, hemlock, and often are collectively called evergreens. Large conifers, often strong, graceful, structures, will provide a constant unchanging visual and constant shade, with little or no opportunity for underplanting with smaller trees, shrubs or perennials. When you choose a large conifer for a garden setting, you are often choosing a specimen tree (one that stands alone as a fine “specimen”) or a backdrop for smaller trees. If your setting is large and park-like, conifers can make beautiful windbreaks, screens, borders to woodlands, allees, groves, and bosques. Keep in mind that smaller conifers (e.g. junipers), and dwarf conifers can also serve as dramatic accents while also providing winter interest for garden visitors – both human and non-human. Most conifers are an excellent source of food and shelter for wildlife.

Scientific Name Common Name
Large Conifers
Ilex opaca American holly
Juniperus virginiana Eastern red cedar
Pinus rigida Pitch pine (not recommended)
Pinus strobus Eastern white pine
>Large Deciduous Trees
Aesculus Buckeye
Acer rubrum Red maple
Acer saccharum Silver maple
Amelanchier arborea Serviceberry
Betula lenta Black birch
Betula nigra River birch
Carpinus caroliniana American hornbeam
Carya ovata Shagbark hickory
Castanea dentata American chestunut (not recommended)
Cetlis occidentalis Common hackberry
Cornus alternifolia Alternate-leaved dogwood
Cornus florida Flowering dogwood
Fagus grandifoloa American beech
Franklinia alatamaha Franklin tree
Fraxinus americana White ash
Fraxinus pensylvanica Green ash
Gleditsia triacanthos Honeylocust
Gymnlcladus dioicus Kentucky coffeetree
Hamamelis virginiana Witch hazel
Liquidambar styraciflua Sweet gum
Liriodenfron tulipifera Tulip tree (not recommended)
Manolia virginiana Sweetbay magnolia
Metasequoia Glyptostroboides Dawn Redwood
Nyssa sylvatica Black tupelo
Ostrya virginiana American hophornbeam
Platanus occidentalis American sycamore
Populus deltiodes Cottonwood
Populus tremuloides Quaking aspen
Prunus serotina Black cherry
Quercus alba White oak
Quercus bicolor Swamp white oak
Quercus palustris Pin oak
Quercus prinus Chestnut oak
Quercus rubra Red oak
Quercus velutina Black oak
Sassafrass albidum Common sassafras
Salix discolor Pussy willow
Salix nigra Black willow
Tilia americana American linden or basswood
Tsuga canadensis Eastern hemlock (blight prone)
Ulmus americana American elm (not recommended)
Small Flowering Trees
Crataegus Hawthorn
Ilex glabra Winterberry
Halesia diptera Two-winged silverbell (check zones)
Juglans nigra Black walnut
Lindera benzoin Spicebush
Malus spp. Wild crabapple (susceptible to apple cedar rust)
Rhododendron viscosum Swamp azalea
Stewartia
Viburnum dentatum Arrowwood (ill scented)
Small and Dwarf Conifers