16 Native Trees to Grow in North Carolina This Fall

North Carolina stretches from cool mountain forests to the sandy Coastal Plain. That variety makes the state a great place to grow native trees, but the best choice for a yard in Asheville may differ from the best choice near Wilmington.

Fall is a good time to plant many nursery-grown trees. Cooler weather reduces stress while roots begin to establish. Before choosing a species, consider your region, soil moisture, sunlight, and the tree’s mature size.

1. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

Red maple brings bright fall color, with leaves that may turn red, orange, or yellow. It grows in a range of conditions and tolerates moist soil. Give it room to develop its broad canopy.

2. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)

Sugar maple is best suited to cooler parts of North Carolina, especially mountain landscapes. Its dense shade and vivid fall color make it appealing where there is plenty of space. It is less suited to hot, exposed sites in the eastern part of the state.

3. Blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica)

Blackgum, also called tupelo, is one of the first native trees to show brilliant red fall color. Its flowers and fruit support wildlife. Choose its permanent location carefully because it can be difficult to move once established.

4. Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)

Sweetgum has star-shaped leaves that can turn purple, red, orange, and yellow. It grows into a large shade tree. Its spiky seed balls can be messy, so place it away from frequently used walks and patios.

5. Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)

Also known as yellow poplar, tulip tree grows tall and produces yellow and orange flowers in spring. It works best on a spacious site with suitable moisture. Its size makes it a poor fit beneath power lines or in a small yard.

6. Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)

Flowering dogwood offers spring blooms, red fall foliage, and fruit for birds. As an understory tree, it is especially attractive near taller trees or in a woodland-style planting. Give it well-drained soil and avoid harsh, exposed locations.

7. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

Redbud’s pink spring flowers appear along its branches before the leaves emerge. Its smaller size makes it useful near a home or along the edge of a garden. Plant it where the soil drains well and its branches have room to spread.

8. Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)

Serviceberry provides white spring flowers, berries that birds enjoy, and colorful autumn leaves. Some species grow as small, multi-trunk trees, making them useful where a towering shade tree would be too large. Check the species on the nursery label for its preferred conditions.

9. White Oak (Quercus alba)

White oak is a long-lived tree that supports a wide range of wildlife. Its broad canopy and acorns make it valuable on a large property. Plant it with the future in mind: it needs substantial room above and below ground.

10. Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcata)

Southern red oak is a shade-tree option for suitable Piedmont and Coastal Plain sites. Its acorns provide food for wildlife, and its leaves add fall interest. Give it plenty of space rather than planting it close to buildings.

11. Willow Oak (Quercus phellos)

Willow oak’s narrow leaves give it a softer appearance than many other oaks. It can become a large shade tree. Plant it where its mature canopy will fit and falling acorns will not be a problem.

12. River Birch (Betula nigra)

River birch is known for its peeling bark and ability to grow in moist areas. It is a good choice beside a rain garden or in a yard with damp soil. Keep its mature size in mind, especially if selecting a multi-trunk tree.

13. Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)

Bald cypress is a deciduous conifer: its soft, needle-like foliage turns coppery before dropping in fall. It is particularly useful where soil stays moist. On very wet sites, it may develop woody “knees,” so consider where it is planted.

14. Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

Eastern red cedar provides evergreen cover and berries for birds. It can serve as a screen or a year-round feature in a sunny landscape. Give it good drainage and room to grow.

15. Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda)

Loblolly pine is a fast-growing native tree found across much of North Carolina’s Piedmont and Coastal Plain. It offers year-round greenery and shelter for wildlife. Its mature height makes it best for larger properties.

16. American Holly (Ilex opaca)

American holly has glossy evergreen leaves and provides winter interest. Female trees may produce red berries when a compatible male tree is nearby. It grows slowly, making it a choice for gardeners willing to give it time.

How to Plant a Tree This Fall

Choose a tree that fits your part of North Carolina and the conditions in your yard. Check its mature height and spread before planting. A tree that looks small at the nursery may eventually need much more space.

Plant at the proper depth, with the root flare visible near the soil surface. Backfill with the soil you removed, water thoroughly, and add mulch while keeping it away from the trunk. Continue checking soil moisture after planting: fall rain may help, but a new tree can still dry out. If you buy a bare-root deciduous tree, plant it during dormancy and keep its roots moist until it is in the ground.

The right site now gives a native tree the best chance to bring shade, seasonal color, and wildlife value to your landscape for years to come.