If you’re looking to plant or identify trees in the North Star State, knowing the types of trees in Minnesota – native to the north is the perfect place to start. These hardy species have evolved to thrive in our cold winters and varied landscapes, from the northern boreal forests to the southern hardwood groves.
Choosing native trees supports local wildlife, requires less water, and ensures your tree can handle our climate. This guide will help you recognize and select the best native northern trees for your yard or woodland.
Types of Trees in Minnesota – Native to the North
Minnesota’s native trees fall into two main groups: conifers (evergreens) and broadleaf (deciduous) trees. The further north you go, the more conifers you’ll find. Here’s a breakdown of the most common and iconic species.
Northern Conifers (Evergreens)
These trees keep their needles year-round, providing crucial winter shelter for birds and color in the landscape.
- Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus): Minnesota’s state tree. It has soft, flexible needles in bundles of five and grows tall and straight. It prefers well-drained soil.
- Red Pine (Pinus resinosa): Often called Norway pine, it has long, brittle needles in pairs and flaky red-brown bark. It’s a common sight in northern forests.
- White Spruce (Picea glauca): Has short, stiff, sharp needles and a conical shape. Its cones are slender. It’s very cold-tolerant and found extensively in the north.
- Black Spruce (Picea mariana): A smaller spruce with short, blue-green needles. It thrives in boggy, wet soils of the northern peatlands.
- Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea): Known for its flat, soft needles and wonderful scent. Its cones stand upright on branches. It’s a popular choice for Christmas trees.
- Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis): Also called arborvitae, it has scale-like leaves and fibrous, shreddy bark. It often grows in dense stands near lakes and streams.
- Tamarack (Larix laricina): A unique conifer that is not evergreen. Its soft needles turn a brilliant gold in fall before dropping. It grows in wet, acidic soils.
Northern Broadleaf Trees (Deciduous)
These trees lose their leaves each fall, offering spectacular seasonal color.
- Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides): One of the most widespread trees. Its flat leaf stems make the leaves flutter in the slightest breeze. It forms large colonies from its roots.
- Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera): Famous for its bright white, peeling bark. It’s a pioneer species, often one of the first to grow after a disturbance.
- Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra): A strong, stately tree with pointed-lobed leaves that turn red in autumn. It produces acorns that feed wildlife.
- American Basswood (Tilia americana): Has large, heart-shaped leaves and fragrant summer flowers that attract bees. The wood is soft and excellent for carving.
- Bigtooth Aspen (Populus grandidentata): Similar to quaking aspen but with larger, coarsely-toothed leaves. Its buds are a dull, not shiny, brown.
- Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera): Identified by its large, resinous buds that smell sweet in spring. The leaves are dark green with a pale underside.
How to Choose the Right Native Tree for Your Site
Picking the right tree means matching it to your specific conditions. Follow these steps for success.
1. Assess Your Soil and Light
Start with a simple observation of your planting site. Is it sunny all day, or shaded by buildings or other trees? Dig a small hole to check your soil texture—is it sandy and dry, or heavy with clay and wet?
- Wet/Clay Soils: Consider Black Spruce, Tamarack, Northern White Cedar, or Balsam Poplar.
- Dry/Sandy Soils: Red Pine, White Pine, and Northern Red Oak often do well.
- Full Sun: Most pines, oaks, and aspens require full sunlight.
- Partial Shade: Basswood and some maples can tolerate less light.
2. Consider Mature Size
Always think about how big the tree will be in 20, 40, or 60 years. A white pine can soar over 80 feet tall—don’t plant it under power lines! A smaller tree like a paper birch might be a better fit for a residential yard.
3. Plant for Wildlife
If you want to support birds and pollinators, choose trees that provide food and shelter. Oaks host hundreds of caterpillar species (vital for baby birds). Basswood is a bee magnet. Conifers offer year-round cover and seeds.
Planting and Early Care Tips
Proper planting gives your native tree the best start, even though they are adapted to the region.
- Timing: Plant in early spring as soon as the ground thaws, or in early fall.
- Hole Size: Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball, but no deeper. The root flare (where trunk widens at base) should be slightly above ground level.
- Backfill: Use the original soil you dug out to backfill the hole. Don’t amend it with too much compost, as you want roots to adapt to native soil.
- Watering: Water deeply immediately after planting. For the first two years, provide about 1 inch of water per week during dry periods, especially in late fall before the ground freezes.
- Mulching: Apply 2-3 inches of wood chip mulch in a wide circle around the tree (but not piled against the trunk). This retains moisture and protects roots.
Common Challenges for Northern Native Trees
Even native trees face problems. Here’s what to watch for.
- Pests: Emerald Ash Borer (affects native ash), Oak Wilt (a fatal fungus for oaks), and Spruce Budworm. Keep trees healthy to help them resist pests, and clean up fallen leaves from diseased trees.
- Weather: Late spring frosts can damage new growth on maples and basswoods. Winter sunscald can injure thin-barked trees like young maples—use a tree guard wrap.
- Soil Compaction: Driving or building over root zones compacts soil and suffocates roots. Protect the critical root zone under a tree’s canopy.
FAQs About Minnesota’s Native Trees
What are some fast-growing native trees for Minnesota?
Quaking Aspen, Paper Birch, and Balsam Poplar are among the faster-growing northern natives, adding 2 feet or more per year in good conditions.
Which native trees have the best fall color?
For brilliant reds, look to Northern Red Oak and Red Maple (though sugar maple is more southern). Quaking Aspen and Bigtooth Aspen turn a stunning gold. Tamarack provides a unique golden fall color among conifers.
Are there any small native trees for a city yard?
While many northern natives are large, Pagoda Dogwood, Chokecherry, and Hawthorn are smaller native trees or large shrubs that fit well in limited spaces and still benefit wildlife.
How can I identify a tree I found in the woods?
Start by looking at the leaves (needle vs. broadleaf, their shape and arrangement), then the bark, and finally the overall shape. A good field guide for Minnesota or the Great Lakes region is your best tool. Take pictures of all these parts to help you.
Why is it important to plant trees native to northern Minnesota?
They are already adapted to our temperature extremes and pests. They form the foundation of the local ecosystem, supporting caterpillars, birds, and pollinators that rely on them. They generally require less maintenance and watering once established, which saves you time and resources.
Adding native trees to your property is a long-term investment in Minnesota’s natural heritage. By choosing a species that fits your site, you’ll enjoy a resilient and beautiful tree that supports the web of life around it for generations to come. Remember to check with your local county extension service or a native plant nursery for the best advice specific to your area, as soil and conditions can vary even across a single region.