16 Native Trees to Plant in Kansas This Fall

Fall is an excellent time to add native trees to a Kansas landscape. Cooler temperatures reduce heat stress, while the soil often remains warm enough for roots to become established before winter. Autumn planting also gives young trees a head start before the heat and dry conditions of the following summer arrive.

Choosing trees native to Kansas offers additional advantages. Native species are adapted to the state's climate, seasonal temperature swings, soils, and periods of drought. They can also provide valuable food and habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife.

Whether you're planting a shade tree, creating a windbreak, restoring a natural area, or simply adding more fall color to your property, these 16 native Kansas trees are worth considering.

1. Bur Oak

Bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) is a rugged, long-lived native oak that can handle many of the challenging conditions found across Kansas. Mature trees develop broad crowns and can eventually become impressive shade trees.

Bur oaks produce large acorns that provide food for squirrels, deer, turkeys, and other wildlife. Their thick bark and extensive root systems also help established trees tolerate drought.

Plant bur oak in full sun where it will have plenty of room to reach its mature size.

2. Chinkapin Oak

Chinkapin oak (Quercus muehlenbergii) is another excellent native choice for Kansas landscapes. It develops an attractive rounded crown and typically grows into a medium to large shade tree.

Its leaves have distinctive toothed edges, and mature trees produce acorns that are valuable to wildlife. Chinkapin oak generally performs best in well-drained soil and full sun.

Because of its eventual size, give this tree plenty of space away from buildings and overhead utility lines.

3. Northern Red Oak

Northern red oak (Quercus rubra) is valued for its relatively fast growth, large canopy, and attractive autumn foliage. Its leaves can develop shades of red, russet, and reddish-brown as temperatures cool.

Once established, red oaks make excellent shade trees for larger yards and open landscapes.

Plant them in a sunny location with well-drained soil and sufficient room for the canopy and roots to expand.

4. Eastern Redbud

Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a smaller native tree that puts on an impressive display of pink to purplish-pink flowers in early spring.

The blossoms appear before or as the heart-shaped leaves emerge, making redbud one of the most recognizable spring-flowering trees.

Its smaller mature size makes eastern redbud useful near patios, along woodland edges, and in locations where a massive shade tree would be unsuitable. It grows in sun to partial shade.

5. Hackberry

Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) is a tough native tree capable of tolerating a wide range of growing conditions. It is particularly useful where a durable shade tree is needed.

Mature hackberries develop broad crowns and distinctive bark. Their small fruits are eaten by numerous bird species, increasing the tree's value in wildlife-friendly landscapes.

Hackberry grows best in full sun but can tolerate various soil conditions once established.

6. American Elm

American elm (Ulmus americana) was historically one of the most iconic shade trees in North America. Its tall, vase-shaped form can create a beautiful canopy.

Dutch elm disease remains an important consideration, so homeowners interested in American elm should look for disease-resistant selections whenever possible.

Give American elm a sunny location and enough room to develop its characteristic spreading crown.

7. Black Walnut

Black walnut (Juglans nigra) is an impressive native tree known for its valuable wood and edible nuts. Mature trees can become quite large and make excellent additions to spacious properties.

The nuts are surrounded by thick green husks that eventually darken as they mature. They are enjoyed by squirrels and other wildlife.

Black walnut produces juglone, a natural compound that can affect certain sensitive plants growing nearby. For this reason, consider the surrounding landscape carefully when selecting a planting location.

8. Eastern Cottonwood

Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides) is one of the fastest-growing native trees found in Kansas. It is commonly associated with rivers, streams, floodplains, and other areas where moisture is readily available.

Cottonwoods can quickly develop into enormous trees, so they are usually better suited to large rural properties and naturalized areas than small residential yards.

Plant them well away from structures, sidewalks, septic systems, and utility lines.

9. Osage Orange

Osage orange (Maclura pomifera) has a long history on the Great Plains, where it was extensively planted for hedgerows and living fences.

The tree is extremely tough once established and produces distinctive large, bumpy green fruits. Its dense wood is exceptionally durable.

Because Osage orange can become thorny and develop an irregular growth habit, it is often most appropriate for windbreaks, property boundaries, wildlife areas, and larger natural landscapes.

10. American Sycamore

American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is a massive native tree easily recognized by its mottled bark, which can reveal patches of white, cream, tan, and gray.

Sycamores often occur naturally near streams and other moist locations. Given sufficient moisture and space, they can grow quickly and eventually reach impressive proportions.

This is another tree best reserved for large landscapes where its extensive root system and mature canopy won't cause problems.

11. Kentucky Coffeetree

Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) is an unusual native shade tree with coarse branches and large compound leaves.

It develops an open canopy when young and becomes increasingly attractive as it matures. The tree is tolerant of urban conditions and can handle periods of drought after becoming established.

Female trees may produce large, dark seedpods. The raw seeds and other plant parts should not be consumed.

12. Honey Locust

Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) is a hardy native tree that tolerates heat, drought, and challenging growing conditions.

Wild honey locust trees can develop substantial thorns. Thornless cultivars are therefore usually preferred around homes, sidewalks, and recreational areas.

Its relatively light canopy allows filtered sunlight to reach the ground, making it easier to maintain grass and some other plants beneath the tree compared with trees that produce extremely dense shade.

13. Green Ash

Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) is native to Kansas and historically has been an important tree along waterways and in landscapes.

However, emerald ash borer has caused devastating losses of ash trees across much of the United States. Because of this invasive insect, green ash is generally not a preferred choice for new landscape plantings today.

It remains an important Kansas native species, but homeowners looking for a long-term shade tree should consider alternatives such as bur oak, chinkapin oak, hackberry, or Kentucky coffeetree.

14. Black Cherry

Black cherry (Prunus serotina) is a native tree valued by wildlife. Its small dark fruits are eaten by many birds and mammals, while its spring flowers provide seasonal interest.

Mature black cherry trees can become substantial trees when growing in favorable conditions.

The leaves, twigs, bark, and seeds contain compounds that can be toxic if consumed, particularly to livestock, so placement should be considered carefully on properties with grazing animals.

15. Boxelder

Boxelder (Acer negundo) is a fast-growing member of the maple family that occurs naturally throughout Kansas, especially near waterways and other moist areas.

It tolerates difficult conditions and can quickly provide cover and shade. However, boxelder tends to have weaker wood and can develop a somewhat irregular form.

For these reasons, it is often better suited to natural areas, wildlife plantings, and larger properties than formal landscapes close to homes.

16. Red Mulberry

Red mulberry (Morus rubra) is a native deciduous tree that produces dark, sweet fruits enjoyed by birds and other wildlife.

It can be a useful addition to an edible or wildlife-focused landscape. Keep in mind that fallen ripe fruit can stain pavement, patios, and vehicles, so avoid planting fruiting trees immediately beside these areas.

A location with adequate sunlight and room for the canopy to develop is ideal.

Why Plant Native Kansas Trees in Fall?

Fall planting can be particularly beneficial because trees no longer have to devote as much energy to producing new leaves and shoots. Instead, favorable soil temperatures can allow root development to continue after above-ground growth has slowed.

Cooler weather also reduces water loss compared with the intense heat of midsummer.

The goal is to plant early enough for the tree to begin settling into its new location before the ground freezes. Newly planted trees still require attention to moisture because cool weather does not eliminate the possibility of dry soil.

Tips for Planting Trees in the Fall

Choose a planting site based on the tree's mature height and spread rather than its size when purchased. Keep large-growing species an appropriate distance from buildings, power lines, driveways, and underground infrastructure.

Dig the planting hole wide enough to accommodate the roots without forcing them into a cramped space. Avoid planting the tree too deeply. The root flare—the area where the trunk begins widening into the major roots—should remain near the soil surface.

Water thoroughly after planting and continue monitoring soil moisture until the ground freezes. A layer of mulch can help conserve moisture and moderate soil temperatures, but don't pile mulch directly against the trunk.

Young trees may also benefit from protection against deer, rabbits, and rodents during their first few winters.

Choosing the Right Native Tree for Your Property

Kansas has considerable variation in rainfall, soil, and growing conditions from one part of the state to another. A tree that thrives in a moist eastern Kansas location may not perform equally well on a dry site farther west.

Before planting, consider:

• The mature height and width of the tree
• Available sunlight
• Soil drainage
• Typical soil moisture
• Drought tolerance
• Proximity to structures and utilities
• Wildlife value
• Desired shade and fall color
• Maintenance requirements

Matching the species to the site is one of the most important steps toward growing a healthy, long-lived tree.

Start Growing Native Kansas Trees This Fall

Planting native trees is an investment that can continue paying off for decades. Trees can provide cooling shade, wildlife habitat, seasonal beauty, erosion control, and greater diversity throughout the landscape.

From towering bur oaks and sycamores to colorful eastern redbuds and wildlife-friendly red mulberries, Kansas offers native trees for many different types of properties.

Choose species suited to your particular part of Kansas, plant them correctly, keep young trees watered during establishment, and give them enough room to mature. A small tree planted this fall could eventually become one of the defining features of your landscape.