Deciduous Trees

Bill Cook, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org

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Pin Cherry, Prunus pensylvanica: Fast-growing tree reaching up to 50' in height. Reddish branches and white flowers that bloom in the spring. Colorful fall foliage and bright red fruit that can be made into jelly. Fruit attracts a wide variety of wildlife. Prefers well-drained soils in full sun. 

Dave Powell, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Quaking Aspen, Populus tremuloides: Native tree growing 40-80’ tall. Reproduces vegetatively  through suckers from spreading roots. Over 500 species of animals use aspen as a food source. Prefers moist to dry, upland habitats on rocky, sandy, loamy soils.

Keith Kanoti, Maine Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Mountain Ash, Sorbus americana: Small native tree growing 12-35’ tall. Develops white flowers in the spring followed by bright orange fruit. Excellent fall food for wildlife. Does well in moist, shady sites near lakes or swamps or drier upland sites.

Joseph O'Brien, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

White Birch, Betula papyrifera: Native hardwood tree growing 50-65’ tall. Also called paper birch. Fast growing tree with dark green leaves that turn yellow in the fall. The white bark peels into paper-like layers. Can grow in a variety of soils and habitats but most often found on moist, fertile, open sites. Moderate to fast growing.

Barbara Tokarska-Guzik, University of Silesia, Bugwood.org

Red Oak, Quercus rubra: A large and rapidly growing tree. Produces acorns that are enclosed by a shallow cup and covered by reddish-brown scales. The leaves turn a bright red color in the fall. Prefers rich, well-drained sandy soils.

Bill Cook, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org

Black Cherry, Prunus serotina: Native tree growing 50-80’. Beautiful masses of white flowers in the spring. Flowers followed by small tart cherries in mid summer, which can be eaten raw or used in jelly, wine, juice, and pies. Grows well in disturbed sites and along fence lines and forest edges.

Joseph O'Brien, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Yellow Birch, Betula allegheniensis: Native tree growing 50-80' tall. Twigs and leaves make excellent tea. Trees can be tapped in spring for syrup or sap can be fermented to make beer. Grows well in rich, moist, often shady sites. Fast-growing and long-lived.

Bill Cook, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org

Basswood, Tilia americana: Large tree growing 60-70'. Grows in moist, nutrient rich as well as wet soils and is shade tolerant. Established young trees are fast growing. Yellowish-white flowers appear June-July while winter buds turn red or brownish as the season progresses. Basswood's flower is favored by bees and they make honey from the nectar.

Jaime Beranek, Marquette County Conservation District

Ironwood (Hop-hornbeam), Ostrya virginiana: Shade-tolerant, understory tree reaching 25-40'. Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained sites. A handsome tree that is wonderful for home landscape use. Produces attractive clusters of nuts that add interest in the fall and winter.