Deciduous

Ash Deciduous

Fraxinus sp.

Green ash is abundant in Nebraska’s native woodlands and was commonly planted throughout the state after Dutch elm disease. However, the introduction of emerald ash borer has left the species in peril. We no longer recommend planting any native ash trees in Nebraska. 

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Native ash trees are no longer recommended for plantings.
Birch, River Deciduous

Betula Nigra

River birch is a fast-growing, medium-sized tree native to much of the east and southeast US and best known for its exfoliating, salmon-colored bark. It is frequently used as a landscape tree in eastern Nebraska. 

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birch tree growing in front of a house.
Buckeye, Ohio Deciduous

Aesculus glabra

The buckeye tree is named for its round, shiny-brown nuts born in a spiny capsule that somewhat resembles a “buck's eye”.

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Ohio Buckeye
Catalpa, Northern Deciduous

Catalpa speciosa

Northern catalpa is primarily used today as a large ornamental shade tree. It is widely planted in urban areas as a street and lawn tree. Conservation uses include plantings in mined-land reclamation projects and shelterbelts.

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Northern Catalpa white flowers.
Chokecherry Deciduous

Prunus virginiana

Chokecherry is common throughout much of the US and southern Canada and grows across Nebraska.  It is typically a suckering, multi-stemmed large shrub, but can be a small tree reaching up to 25’ tall.

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close up photograph of a chokecherry's fruit
Coffeetree, Kentucky Deciduous

Gymnocladus dioicus

Kentucky Coffeetree is one of the best trees for Nebraska. This native, pest free tree is an alternative to ash and elm which have been ravaged by insects and disease. It also has a nice golden-yellow fall color, don't you think?

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Kentucky Coffeetree has nice golden leaves in the fall.
Cottonwood, Eastern Deciduous

Populus deltoides

Most people can relate nostalgically to large cottonwoods that shaded favorite camping or fishing spots, that whispered their rustling leaves in the slightest breeze, and which released their cottony seeds like a snow squall on late spring days.

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Eastern cottonwood tree.
Dogwood, Corneliancherry Deciduous

Cornus mas

Although the origin of the name “dogwood” is not completely understood, it had been referred to as the “dog tree” since the 1500s. Most dogwoods are shrubby in nature, but a few can become small trees.

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close up photograph of a the tree's fruit
Dogwood, Pagoda Deciduous

Cornus alternifolia

The species is native to forest edges in the northeastern US from Minnesota to Maine and south to the mid-Atlantic states. 

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A row these shrubs while flowering adorn bench seating
Elm, American Deciduous

Ulmus americana

For the first hundred or so years after settlement, American elm dominated community skylines across the state especially along streets where its tall, arching habit provided leafy canopies for blocks at a time. 

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American elm tree shades house.