Native Michigan Trees

Sugar Maple

• Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) is listed as a native tree of Michigan by the University of Michigan Extension site. The deciduous tree has a slow growth rate and is hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 8. The tree develops a conical to round mature form and is medium to coarse textured. Sugar maple trees grow best in areas of sun or partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. The 3-to-6-inch long, opposite, simple foliage has three to five lobes and takes on brilliant red, orange and yellow fall hues. The tree grows to a mature height of up to 75 feet with a 30 to 45 feet spread.

Eastern White Pine

• Eastern white pine (Pinus strobes L.) is a native Michigan tree as cited by the Michigan State University Extension site. The evergreen tree is hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 8 and achieves a mature height of 50 to 80 feet with a 20 to 40 feet spread. The rapid growing tree prefers areas of sun to light shade and thrives in moist, well-drained, fertile soil. Eastern white pine develops a horizontal shape with spreading branches with 2-to-4-inch-long, light green to blue green needles. The curved 6-to-8-inch-long cones mature to a brown color. Eastern white pine is not tolerant of high wind and air pollution.

Northern Catalpa

• The Michigan State University Extension site cites northern catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) as among the trees native to the state. The moderate to fast growing tree is hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 8 and grows best in areas of sun to partial shade. The tree is deciduous and adapts well to a range of soil types, preferring well-drained, moist soils. Northern catalpa grows to a mature height of 40 to 70 feet with a 20 to 40 foot spread, developing an irregularly branched, rounded crown. The 6-to-12-inch-long, opposite foliage is whorled and panicles of white, upright, bell shaped flowers appear in spring.