Connecticut Native Plants

Native Trees For The State of Connecticut

Want to replenish native trees in your state? Find the best selection of indigenous species for the State of Connecticut here at Nature Hills Nursery! Ranging from USDA growing zones 3 in the mountains and northern parts of the state to hardiness zone 7 in the south.

Choosing native trees for your State means you will know your tree will thrive where it is well suited to climate and soil because they originated there! They need less water once established. Native selections establish faster and tolerate local growing zones, climate, weather, and anything else your State can throw at them.

Plus you’ll feed pollinators, songbirds, and wildlife by providing them with a tree they recognize!

Best Connecticut Native Trees

Despite New England's reputation for a rugged climate, weather, lots of snow, and Nor'easters, Connecticut's weather is relatively mild and rarely experiences droughts. The deep, rich soil lets many deeply-rooted hardwood trees grow to great heights with ease.

First, find your Hardiness Zone, and then choose any tree that has a range that includes yours! Check with your local County Extension Office for more information if needed and for the many microclimates within these zones.

Best Native Evergreen Trees For Connecticut

The Charter Oak is White Oak and the State Tree of Connecticut! These other Connecticut native Evergreen Trees keep their leaves year-round for privacy, slow wind, stop drifting snow, and color throughout the winters.

• American Arborvitae
• American Holly
• American Larch Tree (deciduous conifer)
• Balsam Fir
• Black Spruce
• Eastern Hemlock
• Eastern Red Cedar Tree/Western Red Cedar (Redcedar)
• Eastern White Pine
• White Spruce

Native Flowering Trees to Grow in Connecticut

Feed pollinators and hummingbirds nectar and pollen they evolved alongside in your State! Many of these trees are host plants for native pollinator larvae too!

• Chickasaw Plum
• Cucumber Tree Magnolia
• Pagoda Dogwood, White, Pink & Red Dogwood & Gray Dogwood Trees
• Eastern Redbud Tree
• Pussy Willow Tree
• Red Horsechestnut (Horse Chestnut)
• Serviceberry Trees
• Tulip Poplar/Tulip Tree

What Are Native Shade Trees in Connecticut?

Fall color abounds in this state, but Connecticut can have a few hot days in the summer too, so a good, strong shade tree that handles snow load, gives your backyard lush relief from the sun, and an autumn show! Go ahead and try tapping your Sugar Maple for syrup too!

• American Beech Tree
• American Elm Tree
• American Hornbeam Tree
• American Hop Hornbeam
• American Sycamore
• Birch Trees - River, Paper Bark, & Sweet
• Black Gum Tree
• Black Locust Tree
• Black Willow
• Cottonwood/Eastern Cottonwood Tree
• Hackberry Trees
• Kentucky Coffee Tree
• Linden/American Basswood
• Maple Trees - Silver, Red, & Sugar 
• Native Box Elder Tree (Boxelder)
• Northern Catalpa Tree
• Oak Trees - Black, Bur, Chestnut Oak, Chinquapin, Pin, Red, Scarlet, Willow, Swamp White & White Oak Trees
• Quaking Aspen
• Sassafras Tree
• Sugarberry Tree
• Sweetgum Trees
• Yellowwood Tree
• Witch Hazel (American Witchhazel)

Native Fruit & Nut Trees in Connecticut

We love edible landscaping trees that look great and feed you! Feed the diverse amounts of wildlife and songbirds found throughout Connecticut as well! After all, the American Robin is Connecticut's state bird!

• American Black Elderberry
• American Chestnut Tree
• American Persimmon Tree
• American Plum/Wild Plum Tree & Chickasaw Plum
• Black Cherry
• Butternut Tree
• Black Walnut Tree
• Hazelnut/Native American Filbert
• Native Bitternut, Pignut, & Shagbark Hickory Trees
• Paw Paw (Pawpaw) Trees
• Red Mulberry Tree
• Allegheny, Downy & Saskatoon Serviceberry

Much Needed Natives!

Whether you are adding shade or flowers, privacy, or a long-lasting legacy to your landscape, Nature Hills is here to help you find the perfect tree for your Connecticut landscape!

Help keep your State's native biodiversity intact by planting trees native to your area! Nature Hills is committed to helping you preserve your State’s unique beauty with plants and trees that are sure to do well in your garden without impacting your native flora and fauna!