If you’re looking to plant trees native to Oklahoma, you’ve come to the right place. Choosing trees that are adapted to our unique prairie landscapes is the smartest way to ensure a beautiful, resilient, and low-maintenance garden.
Oklahoma’s climate can be tough. We face intense summer heat, strong winds, periods of drought, and the occasional ice storm. Native trees have evolved over centuries to handle these exact conditions. They have deep root systems that seek out water, strong wood to withstand wind, and a natural resistance to local pests and diseases. By planting them, you’re working with nature, not against it.
This guide will walk you through the best native trees for your property. We’ll cover everything from majestic shade trees to smaller ornamental species. You’ll learn how to select, plant, and care for them so they not only survive but truly flourish.
Trees Native To Oklahoma – Thriving In Prairie Landscapes
This section highlights some of the most reliable and beautiful trees that call Oklahoma home. These species are the backbone of a sustainable landscape.
Majestic Shade and Canopy Trees
These larger trees provide essential cooling shade, structure, and habitat. They are perfect for larger yards or open areas.
- Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa): A true prairie champion. The Bur Oak is incredibly drought-tolerant once established and has a massive, spreading canopy. Its thick bark even helps it survive prairie fires. The large acorns are a favorite of wildlife.
- Pecan (Carya illinoinensis): Oklahoma’s state tree. This is a large, fast-growing tree that provides delicious nuts and brilliant yellow fall color. It needs deep soil and plenty of space to reach its full potential.
- Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii): A beautiful oak with a more refined appearance. It has slender, shiny leaves that turn a rich yellow or bronze in autumn. It’s highly adaptable to different soils, including alkaline ones common in Oklahoma.
- American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis): Look for this tree along streams and rivers. It grows very fast and has gorgeous, exfoliating bark that creates a mottled pattern of white, tan, and green. It’s best planted in areas with good moisture.
Smaller Ornamental and Understory Trees
Not everyone has space for a giant oak. These smaller trees are ideal for patios, smaller yards, or planting under power lines.
- Oklahoma Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. texensis ‘Oklahoma’): A spectacular spring bloomer with deep, glossy green leaves and vibrant magenta flowers. It’s more heat and drought tolerant than the Eastern Redbud.
- Roughleaf Dogwood (Cornus drummondii): A tough, thicketing native shrub or small tree. It produces clusters of white flowers in spring and white berries for birds in late summer. It’s excellent for naturalizing or creating a screen.
- Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis): The classic sign of spring in Oklahoma. It covers itself in pinkish-purple flowers before the heart-shaped leaves appear. It thrives in partial shade or full sun.
- Prairie Crabapple (Malus ioensis): A lovely small tree with fragrant pink or white blossoms in spring and small, yellow-green fruit that persists into winter, feeding birds. It has excellent disease resistance.
Trees for Brilliant Fall Color
While known for prairies, Oklahoma’s native trees can put on a stunning autumn display.
- Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii): A fast-growing oak that provides brilliant red to red-orange fall color. It’s a great alternative to the non-native Pin Oak, as it tolerates our alkaline soils much better.
- Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum): Don’t let the “swamp” association fool you. This conifer thrives in normal yard conditions and develops a beautiful, rusty orange fall color before dropping its needles. Its knees only form in wet conditions.
- Sugarberry (Celtis laevigata): A relative of the hackberry, it has smoother bark and lovely yellow fall foliage. It’s an extremely tough tree for difficult urban sites.
How to Choose the Right Tree for Your Site
Picking the right tree is more than just choosing one you like. You need to match the tree to your specific conditions.
- Check Your Space: Look up. Are there power lines? Look around. How close is your house, driveway, or patio? Always plant based on the tree’s mature size, not its nursery size.
- Test Your Soil: Get a simple soil test kit. Most Oklahoma soils are clay and alkaline. Knowing your pH and soil type helps you pick a tree that will be happy there, or know what amendments you might need.
- Sun vs. Shade: Note how many hours of direct sun the planting site gets. Most prairie natives need full sun (at least 6 hours) to thrive.
- Water Drainage: Dig a hole and fill it with water. If it drains away in a few hours, you’re good. If it sits for a day, you have poor drainage and need to select a tree that tolerates “wet feet” or consider building a raised berm.
The Right Way to Plant Your Native Tree
Proper planting is critical. A well-planted tree establishes faster and faces less stress.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
- Dig a Wide, Shallow Hole: The hole should be at least 2-3 times wider than the root ball, but only as deep as the root ball itself. The top of the root flare (where the roots spread at the base of the trunk) must be level with or slightly above the ground.
- Inspect and Loosen Roots: If the tree is pot-bound, gently loosen the roots around the outside. For balled-and-burlapped trees, remove any wire basket and synthetic burlap after placing it in the hole.
- Backfill with Native Soil: Do not amend the backfill soil with compost or potting mix. You want the roots to adapt to the native soil immediately. Simply backfill and tamp gently to remove large air pockets.
- Water Deeply: Create a low berm of soil around the planting hole to form a water basin. Fill this basin completely with water, let it drain, and fill it again. This settles the soil.
- Mulch Properly: Apply 2-4 inches of organic mulch (like shredded wood bark) in a wide circle around the tree. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk itself to prevent rot.
Caring for Your Young Native Tree
The first 3-5 years are the most important for getting your tree established.
- Watering: Water deeply and infrequently. For the first year, water once a week if there’s no rain. Soak the entire root zone. Gradually extend the time between waterings to encourage deep root growth.
- Staking (Usually Not Needed): Most trees do not need staking. It can actually weaken the trunk. Only stake if the tree is in a very windy site or is top-heavy. If you must stake, use wide, flexible ties and remove them after one year.
- Pruning: In the early years, only prune to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. The best time to prune most native trees is during late winter dormancy.
- Fertilizing: Hold off on fertilizer at planting. After the first year, you can apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring if growth seems poor. Often, native trees in decent soil don’t need much extra help.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Even native trees can face issues. Here’s how to handle common problems.
Dealing with Drought Stress
Signs include wilting, curling leaves, and early leaf drop. The solution is deep, slow watering. Use a soaker hose or let a regular hose trickle at the base of the tree for an hour or two. A thick layer of mulch is your best defense against moisture loss.
Managing Pests the Natural Way
Native trees typically have fewer pest problems. When issues arise, try these methods first:
- Aphids: A strong blast of water from the hose can knock them off. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators.
- Bagworms: Hand-pick and destroy the bags in winter or early spring before the eggs hatch. For larger infestations, use a biological control like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in early summer.
- Webworms: These are mostly an eyesore and rarely harm a healthy tree. You can prune out the webs if they bother you, but often birds will handle the problem.
Remember, a healthy, well-sited tree is the best pest prevention. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which can attract sucking insects.
Landscaping with Native Trees
Native trees work beautifully in designed landscapes. They connect your garden to the surrounding ecosystem.
- Create a “Pocket Prairie”: Underplant a Bur or Shumard Oak with native grasses like Little Bluestem and perennials like Coneflower and Blazing Star. This replicates a natural savanna and reduces mowing.
- Plant a Wildlife Corridor: Use a mix of trees like Pecan, Oak, and Redbud along with understory shrubs to provide food and shelter for birds, butterflies, and other beneficial creatures.
- Use for Energy Savings: Plant deciduous trees on the west and south sides of your home. They’ll shade your house in the summer, reducing cooling costs, and let in warming sunlight in the winter after they drop their leaves.
Where to Source Native Trees
It’s important to buy from reputable sources to ensure you get a true native species that is locally adapted.
- Local Nurseries: Seek out nurseries that specialize in native plants. Their staff will have excellent local knowledge.
- Conservation Sales: Organizations like the Oklahoma Forestry Services or local Conservation Districts often hold annual seedling sales. These are very affordable for buying in quantity.
- Botanical Gardens and Arboreta: Places like the Myriad Botanical Gardens or the Oklahoma State University Botanical Garden often have plant sales featuring native species.
Avoid collecting trees from the wild. It can damage natural populations, and the tree often doesn’t transplant well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the fastest growing native trees in Oklahoma?
The American Sycamore, Pecan, and Cottonwood are among the fastest, but they need plenty of space. For a smaller yard, consider a Shumard Oak or a River Birch.
When is the best time to plant trees in Oklahoma?
Fall is ideal. The warm soil encourages root growth, and cooler air reduces stress on the tree. Early spring is the second best option.
Can I plant native trees in heavy clay soil?
Absolutely. Many natives, like Bur Oak and Chinkapin Oak, are adapted to clay. Just be sure to plant correctly in a wide, shallow hole and use mulch.
How often should I water a newly planted native tree?
Water deeply once a week for the first growing season, adjusting for rainfall. The goal is to keep the root ball moist but not soggy.
Do native trees need fertilizer?
Usually not at planting time. After a year or two, if growth is stunted or leaves are pale, a soil test can tell you if you need to add specific nutrients.
What are some good small native trees for Oklahoma?
The Oklahoma Redbud, Roughleaf Dogwood, Prairie Crabapple, and Mexican Plum are all excellent choices for limited spaces.
Planting trees native to Oklahoma is a rewarding investment in your property and our state’s natural heritage. These trees are built for our climate and will provide beauty, shade, and habitat for generations with minimal fuss. By following these simple steps, you can create a landscape that is not only stunning but also sustainable and resilient. Start with one tree, and you’ll soon see the difference it makes.