If you’re looking to plant or identify trees in the Sunflower State, knowing the types of trees in Kansas is a perfect place to start. The native Kansas woodland varieties are a resilient and beautiful bunch, perfectly adapted to the state’s climate and soils.
From the eastern forests to the western plains, Kansas trees provide shade, wildlife habitat, and year-round beauty. This guide will help you recognize and choose the right native trees for your landscape.
Types of Trees in Kansas – Native Kansas Woodland Varieties
These trees form the backbone of Kansas’s natural heritage. They’ve evolved to handle everything from humid summers to dry winters, making them low-maintenance choices for your yard.
Major Native Deciduous Trees
Deciduous trees lose their leaves in fall. They are the most common trees in Kansas’s woodlands.
- Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa): This is a true prairie survivor. Its thick bark resists fire, and it can handle drought. You’ll recognize it by its massive, fringed acorns and rugged appearance.
- Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides): A fast-growing giant often found near water. Listen for the sound of its leaves rustling in the wind. It’s the state tree of Kansas for good reason.
- American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis): Look for its mottled, peeling bark that reveals white patches. It loves riverbanks and can grow to an enormous size.
- Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis): A tough, adaptable tree with distinctive warty bark. Its small, purple berries are a favorite for birds in late winter.
- Black Walnut (Juglans nigra): Prized for its valuable timber and tasty nuts. Be aware it produces a chemical that can harm some other plants growing near its roots.
Important Native Evergreens
Evergreens keep their foliage year-round, offering crucial winter shelter for wildlife.
- Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana): This hardy pioneer tree is common across the state. It provides excellent winter cover for birds and has aromatic, scale-like leaves. It’s not a true cedar, but a juniper.
- Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa): Primarily found in the far western part of Kansas. It has long needles, often in bundles of three, and beautiful orange-red, puzzle-like bark when mature.
Understory Trees and Large Shrubs
These smaller trees thrive under the canopy of larger ones or at woodland edges.
- Redbud (Cercis canadensis): A spring stunner with brilliant pink-purple flowers that cover its branches before the leaves emerge. Its heart-shaped leaves are lovely in summer.
- Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea): Offers three seasons of interest: white spring flowers, edible summer berries, and brilliant orange-red fall color. The berries taste a bit like blueberries.
- Roughleaf Dogwood (Cornus drummondii): A native shrub that can grow tree-like. It has clusters of white flowers in spring and white berries for birds. Its leaves have a sandpapery texture.
- American Hop-hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana): Also called Ironwood for its very hard wood. It has shaggy bark and interesting papery seed clusters that resemble hops.
How to Choose a Native Tree for Your Kansas Landscape
Selecting the right tree involves more than just picking one you think looks nice. Follow these steps for success.
1. Assess Your Site Conditions
Look at your planting spot carefully. Ask youself these questions:
- How much sun does the area get? Full sun is 6+ hours, part sun is about 4-6.
- What is the soil like? Is it clay (sticky when wet), sandy (dries fast), or loamy? A simple soil test from your county extension office can help.
- Is the area wet, dry, or average in moisture? Some trees, like cottonwood, love wet feet, while oaks prefer good drainage.
- How much space is available? Consider both height and spread at maturity. Don’t plant a massive oak under a power line.
2. Match the Tree to the Purpose
What do you want the tree to do?
- Shade: Look for large canopy trees like Bur Oak, Sycamore, or Hackberry.
- Wildlife Food & Shelter: Oaks (acorns), Hackberry (berries), and Eastern Redcedar (winter cover) are exceptional.
- Spring Flowers: Redbud and Serviceberry are perfect choices.
- Fast Growth: Eastern Cottonwood grows quickly but can be messy and has brittle wood.
- Fall Color: Serviceberry, various oaks, and Sugar Maple (in eastern KS) provide stunning autumn displays.
3. Source and Plant Correctly
Always buy from a reputable nursery that sells healthy, locally-grown stock. Planting at the right time and in the right way gives your tree its best chance.
- Best Time to Plant: Fall is ideal, followed by early spring. This allows roots to establish before summer heat or winter cold.
- Dig the Right Hole: Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball, but no deeper. The root flare (where trunk widens at base) must be level with or slightly above the ground.
- Handle with Care: Never lift a tree by its trunk. Gently place it in the hole and backfill with the original soil, tamping gently to remove air pockets.
- Water Deeply: Water thoroughly after planting. Continue deep, infrequent watering for the first two to three years, especially during droughts.
- Mulch Properly: Apply 2-4 inches of wood chip mulch in a wide circle around the tree. Keep mulch away from direct contact with the trunk to prevent rot.
Caring for Your Native Kansas Trees
Native trees are low-maintenance, but they’re not no-maintenance. A little care goes a long way.
- Watering: Young trees need regular watering. Mature trees generally do not, except during extreme, prolonged drought. Deep watering encourages deep roots.
- Mulching: Refresh mulch annually, but avoid piling it against the trunk. This mimics the natural leaf litter of a woodland.
- Pruning: The best time to prune most trees is late winter when they are dormant. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Avoid heavy “topping” of trees, which harms their structure and health.
- Pests and Diseases: Native trees co-evolved with local pests and are generally resistant. Monitor for issues like oak wilt or borers, but avoid unnecessary pesticide use which can harm beneficial insects.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced gardeners can make these errors. Here’s what to watch out for.
- Planting Too Deep: This is the number one cause of tree failure. Always find the root flare.
- Overwatering or Underwatering: Check soil moisture with your finger. It should be moist, not soggy or bone-dry, several inches down.
- Staking Unnecessarily: Most young trees don’t need staking. If you must stake for wind support, use wide, flexible ties and remove them after one year.
- Ignoring Mature Size: That cute sapling will grow. Planting too close to a house, driveway, or utility line leads to costly removal or heavy pruning later.
- Using “Volcano” Mulching: Piling mulch high against the trunk invites disease, insects, and rodent damage. A flat, wide mulch donut is the goal.
FAQ About Kansas Trees
What is the most common tree in Kansas?
The Eastern Cottonwood is the official state tree and is very common, especially near water sources. The Eastern Redcedar is also extremely widespread across the state.
What native Kansas trees are good for small yards?
Consider understory trees like Redbud, Serviceberry, or the Rusty Blackhaw Viburnum (Viburnum rufidulum). These stay smaller and offer multi-season beauty.
Are oak trees native to Kansas?
Yes, several oaks are native. The Bur Oak is a quintessential prairie oak. Others include the Chinkapin Oak, Blackjack Oak, and Post Oak, each adapted to different parts of the state.
When is the best time to plant trees in Kansas?
Fall (September through November) is generally the best time. This allows roots to grow in the cool, moist soil before summer. Early spring (March through April) is the second-best option.
How can I identify a native tree?
Look at the leaves (shape, arrangement), bark, overall shape, and any fruits or nuts. A good field guide for the Great Plains or using apps like iNaturalist with your phone’s camera can be very helpful.
Why should I choose native trees over non-native ones?
Native trees are adapted to our climate, need less water and care, and support local wildlife like birds, pollinators, and caterpillars far better than non-native species. They are a key part of the local ecosystem.
Planting a native tree is a gift to the future. It connects your landscape to Kansas’s natural history, supports local wildlife, and creates a legacy of shade and beauty. By choosing from the wonderful types of trees in Kansas, you ensure a hardy, thriving addition to your garden that will last for generations. Take your time, choose wisely, and enjoy the process of growing with your tree.