13 Native Trees to Grow in Nebraska This Fall

Fall is an excellent time to add native trees to a Nebraska landscape. Cooler temperatures reduce stress on newly planted trees, while the soil often remains warm enough for roots to begin establishing before winter. Native trees are naturally suited to Nebraska’s changing seasons, periods of drought, strong winds and varied soil conditions.

Native trees also provide food, nesting areas and shelter for birds, pollinators and other wildlife. Nebraska’s native tree diversity is greatest in the eastern part of the state, while several drought-tolerant species are particularly well suited to central and western Nebraska.

Here are 13 beautiful native trees to consider growing in Nebraska this fall.

1. Bur Oak

Bur oak is one of the toughest and most dependable native shade trees for Nebraska. Its thick bark, strong branches and deep root system help it withstand drought, cold winters and windy conditions.

This long-lived oak eventually develops a broad, rounded crown. Its large acorns provide an important food source for deer, squirrels, wild turkeys and other wildlife.

Plant bur oak in full sun and well-drained soil. Because it can become a very large tree, give it plenty of room away from buildings and power lines.

2. Chinkapin Oak

Chinkapin oak is an attractive native oak with glossy, sharply toothed leaves. It grows into a strong shade tree and usually develops yellow, bronze or brown foliage in fall.

This oak adapts to several soil types but performs especially well in well-drained or limestone-based soil. Once established, it offers good drought tolerance.

Its relatively small acorns are popular with birds and mammals. Plant chinkapin oak in an open, sunny location where its wide crown can develop naturally.

3. Northern Red Oak

Northern red oak is a relatively fast-growing oak that can provide abundant shade. Mature trees have a rounded crown, sturdy branches and dark green leaves that may turn red or reddish-brown in autumn.

It grows best in eastern Nebraska locations with deep, moderately moist and well-drained soil. Northern red oak may struggle in extremely dry sites or highly alkaline soil, so choosing the correct planting location is important.

Its acorns support squirrels, deer, wild turkeys and many other animals.

4. Common Hackberry

Common hackberry is an exceptionally adaptable native tree that tolerates heat, drought, wind and a wide range of soil conditions. Its rugged nature makes it useful for yards, parks, shelterbelts and naturalized landscapes.

The tree is easily recognized by its textured, corky bark. Its small fruits mature to an orange-red or dark purple color and provide food for numerous bird species.

Hackberry grows best in full sun but can tolerate some shade. It is a practical option for difficult sites where more sensitive trees may struggle.

5. Kentucky Coffeetree

Kentucky coffeetree is a distinctive native shade tree with large compound leaves and an open branching habit. Female trees may produce thick, dark seedpods containing several extremely hard seeds.

This species tolerates drought, urban conditions and moderately alkaline soil after it becomes established. Its bold form gives it a unique appearance during both summer and winter.

The seeds have a very hard outer coating and generally require scarification before they can absorb water and germinate. The raw seeds and pods should not be eaten.

6. Black Walnut

Black walnut is a valuable native tree known for its flavorful nuts, dark wood and impressive mature size. It develops best in deep, fertile and well-drained soil with consistent moisture.

The nuts provide food for squirrels and other wildlife, although the falling husks can be messy in a formal landscape. Black walnut also releases juglone, a natural compound that may inhibit the growth of certain sensitive plants nearby.

Plant this tree where it will have enough room to grow without interfering with vegetable gardens, patios or driveways.

7. Shagbark Hickory

Shagbark hickory is named for the long strips of bark that peel away from the trunk as the tree matures. Its unusual bark provides year-round character and shelter for beneficial wildlife.

The tree produces edible nuts and usually develops golden-yellow fall foliage. It grows best in deep, fertile and well-drained soil and may be slow to establish because it forms a substantial taproot.

Although its early growth can be gradual, shagbark hickory can become a magnificent and extremely long-lived tree.

8. Bitternut Hickory

Bitternut hickory is another Nebraska-native hickory, but its nuts have a bitter flavor and are generally more valuable to wildlife than people. The tree has a tall, upright form and attractive yellow fall foliage.

It prefers moist, fertile soil and is best suited to eastern Nebraska. Its distinctive sulfur-yellow buds can help identify the tree during winter.

Plant bitternut hickory in a large location where it can develop its full height and root system without disturbance.

9. Ohio Buckeye

Ohio buckeye is a medium-sized native tree with compound leaves and clusters of yellow-green spring flowers. Smooth brown seeds develop inside rounded husks later in the growing season.

It performs best in moist, well-drained soil and tolerates partial shade, making it useful along woodland edges. Its fall color can range from yellow to orange.

The leaves, bark and seeds contain toxic compounds and should not be eaten. Place the tree where fallen seeds will not be accessible to curious pets or livestock.

10. Eastern Redbud

Eastern redbud is a smaller understory tree that produces clusters of pink or purple flowers before its leaves emerge in spring. Its heart-shaped leaves and graceful branching make it a beautiful choice for smaller yards.

Redbud grows best in eastern Nebraska, particularly in protected locations with morning sun or light afternoon shade. Well-drained soil is essential because the roots do not perform well in consistently waterlogged ground.

Planting it where it receives some protection from severe winter wind can improve its long-term performance.

11. Honeylocust

Native honeylocust is a highly adaptable tree capable of tolerating drought, heat and challenging urban conditions. It develops an airy canopy that allows filtered sunlight to reach the ground.

Wild honeylocust trees may produce large thorns and long seedpods. Thornless and mostly seedless cultivated varieties are generally more suitable for yards, sidewalks and public landscapes.

Give honeylocust full sun and adequate space. Avoid planting wild thorny forms close to play areas, pathways or livestock facilities.

12. Plains Cottonwood

Plains cottonwood is Nebraska’s state tree and a familiar sight along rivers, streams and lowland areas. It grows quickly and can develop into an enormous shade tree with a broad crown.

This species performs best where its roots can access dependable moisture. It is not ideal for small yards because its roots, falling branches and cotton-like seeds can create maintenance concerns.

Plains cottonwood is most appropriate for acreages, restoration projects, streambanks and other large naturalized areas.

13. Ponderosa Pine

Ponderosa pine is native to western Nebraska and is especially important in the Pine Ridge region. It has long needles, thick bark and a tall, rugged form that complements open western landscapes.

Once established, this evergreen can tolerate dry conditions and cold winters. It needs full sun, excellent drainage and plenty of air circulation.

Ponderosa pine is a particularly good choice for western Nebraska properties, but site conditions should always be evaluated before planting it elsewhere in the state.

Why Fall Is a Good Time to Plant Native Trees

Fall’s cooler air temperatures help reduce moisture loss from leaves while allowing roots to grow in the warmer soil. Trees planted during fall can begin establishing before winter and resume root development early the following spring.

Plant early enough to allow some root development before the ground freezes. Container-grown and properly handled nursery trees are usually the easiest choices for fall planting.

Many native tree seeds can also be planted in fall. Natural exposure to cold and moisture may help break dormancy in acorns, walnuts, hickory nuts and other seeds. Protect outdoor seedbeds from squirrels, mice and excessive standing water.

Tips for Successful Fall Tree Planting

Choose a location based on the tree’s mature height, crown width, soil requirements and moisture needs. Contact Nebraska 811 before digging so underground utilities can be marked.

Dig a planting hole two to three times wider than the root ball but no deeper than the root system. The root flare—the area where the trunk begins widening into the upper roots—should remain visible at or slightly above ground level.

Backfill the hole with the original soil, water thoroughly and cover the surrounding area with two to three inches of wood mulch. Keep mulch several inches away from the trunk.

Continue watering during dry fall weather and whenever the ground is not frozen. Newly planted trees still need moisture even after they lose their leaves.

Choosing the Right Native Tree for Your Area

Nebraska’s climate and growing conditions vary considerably from east to west. Eastern Nebraska generally offers greater natural tree diversity and more dependable moisture. Central and western areas often require trees that can tolerate drought, wind and exposed conditions.

Before choosing a tree, consider:

• Available growing space
• Sun exposure
• Soil drainage
• Soil pH
• Access to moisture
• Proximity to buildings and utilities
• Mature tree height and width
• Local wildlife value

PlantNebraska notes that native species are adapted to the state’s difficult climate extremes while providing valuable habitat for birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife. Its native tree resources include additional recommendations for eastern and western Nebraska landscapes.

Grow a Piece of Nebraska’s Natural Heritage

Planting a native tree is an investment that can benefit a property for generations. Whether you choose a stately bur oak, wildlife-friendly hackberry, colorful redbud or rugged ponderosa pine, matching the tree to the location is the most important step.

With proper planting, watering and protection, fall-planted native trees can establish strong roots and become enduring parts of Nebraska’s landscape.