Deciduous Trees

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.

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.

Sugar Maple, Acer saccharum: Native hardwood tree growing 60-80’ tall. Yellow flowers in the spring develop into u-shaped seedcases that bloom in the fall. Sap is gathered in the spring to make maple syrup. Most common tree in Michigan. Prefers fairly dry to moderately moist sites with soils ranging from rich to sandy.

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.

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.

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.

Washington Hawthorn, Crataegus phaenopyrum: Short, round thorny tree growing 25-30’.  Bears white flowers in clusters and red fruit that is preferred by songbirds. Fall color ranges from red to orange to sometimes purple. Grows well in dry soils and full sun.