AbundantLife.Land

The Best Native Trees for Oklahoma

When designing a sustainable and resilient landscape in Oklahoma, choosing native trees is one of the best decisions you can make. Native trees are well adapted to the region’s climate, soil, and weather extremes, making them more drought-resistant, pest-resistant, and beneficial to local wildlife. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best native trees for Oklahoma landscapes, highlighting their unique characteristics and how they can enhance your property.

Why Choose Native Trees?

Native trees offer several advantages over non-native species, including:

• Drought Tolerance: Adapted to Oklahoma’s climate, native trees require less water once established.
• Wildlife Habitat: They provide food and shelter for birds, pollinators, and other beneficial species.
• Soil Adaptability: Native trees thrive in Oklahoma’s varied soil conditions, from clay to sandy loam.
• Low Maintenance: They require fewer fertilizers and pesticides than many non-native species.

By planting native trees, you contribute to Oklahoma’s ecological health while enjoying a beautiful and functional landscape.

1. Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)

Bur Oak is a majestic, long-lived tree that thrives in Oklahoma’s climate. It is highly adaptable, tolerating a range of soil types, from sandy to clay. With its deep root system, it withstands drought and provides excellent shade. Bur Oaks grow up to 80 feet tall and live for centuries, making them an excellent choice for large landscapes.

Benefits:

• Highly drought-resistant
• Produces acorns that support wildlife
• Provides ample shade
• Tolerant of urban pollution

2. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

A true Oklahoma favorite, the Eastern Redbud is known for its stunning pink-purple spring blossoms. This small to medium-sized tree grows 20–30 feet tall and prefers well-drained soil. It’s a great choice for residential yards, as it adds color and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Benefits:

• Beautiful early spring blooms
• Attracts pollinators
• Tolerant of different soil conditions
• Low maintenance

3. American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)

If you need a fast-growing shade tree, the American Sycamore is a fantastic option. Known for its large, broad leaves and distinctive peeling bark, this tree grows rapidly, reaching up to 100 feet tall. It prefers moist soil but can adapt to urban conditions as well.

Benefits:

• Rapid growth for quick shade
• Unique bark adds winter interest
• Thrives along water bodies and urban areas
• Provides nesting sites for birds

4. Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)

For those looking to incorporate a productive tree into their landscape, the Black Walnut is an excellent choice. It produces edible nuts and has valuable wood, making it a great investment tree. However, it does release juglone, a compound that inhibits the growth of some plants, so be mindful of where you plant it.

Benefits:

• Produces nutritious walnuts
• Valuable timber tree
• Provides ample shade
• Long-lived and resilient

5. Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)

Often associated with swampy areas, the Bald Cypress is surprisingly drought-tolerant once established. It is a unique, deciduous conifer that turns a stunning copper color in the fall. Growing 50–70 feet tall, it thrives in both wet and dry conditions, making it an adaptable choice for Oklahoma landscapes.

Benefits:

• Adaptable to wet and dry soils
• Beautiful fall color
• Resistant to pests and diseases
• Long-lived and strong

6. Chinquapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii)

The Chinquapin Oak is a medium to large tree known for its attractive, serrated leaves and ability to thrive in limestone-rich soils. It grows 40–60 feet tall and provides a reliable food source for wildlife through its small, sweet acorns.

Benefits:

• Thrives in rocky and alkaline soils
• Drought-tolerant once established
• Provides food for wildlife
• Beautiful foliage and strong wood

7. American Holly (Ilex opaca)

For year-round greenery, consider the American Holly. This evergreen tree features glossy leaves and bright red berries that persist through winter, providing food for birds. Growing 15–50 feet tall, it works well as a specimen tree or as part of a privacy screen.

Benefits:

• Evergreen foliage for year-round interest
• Attractive berries that support wildlife
• Can be used as a hedge or standalone tree
• Resistant to most pests

8. Pecan (Carya illinoinensis)

A staple in Oklahoma landscapes, the Pecan tree is not only beautiful but also productive. As the state tree of Texas, it thrives in Oklahoma’s climate, growing 70–100 feet tall. It provides delicious nuts, ample shade, and stunning golden fall foliage.

Benefits:

• Produces edible pecans
• Provides excellent shade
• Long-lived and durable
• Resistant to moderate drought

Planting and Caring for Native Trees

To ensure success when planting native trees in Oklahoma, follow these best practices:

1. Choose the Right Location

Each tree has different space and sunlight needs. Research your chosen tree’s mature size and plant accordingly to avoid overcrowding.

2. Plant at the Right Time

The best time to plant trees in Oklahoma is during the fall or early spring when temperatures are mild and roots can establish before summer heat arrives.

3. Water During Establishment

While native trees are drought-tolerant, they still need regular watering for the first 1–2 years until their root systems develop.

4. Mulch Properly

Applying a 2–4 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Be sure to keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot.

5. Prune for Structure

Regular pruning helps maintain a strong structure and removes any diseased or weak branches. Prune during the dormant season to reduce stress on the tree.

Conclusion

Selecting native trees for your Oklahoma landscape is a smart and sustainable choice. Whether you need shade, wildlife habitat, or ornamental beauty, native species like Bur Oak, Eastern Redbud, and Pecan offer a range of benefits. By planting these resilient trees, you’ll enjoy a thriving landscape that supports the local ecosystem while enhancing your property for generations to come.

Back to blog articles.