Iowa Native Plants

Find the best selection of indigenous species for the State of Iowa here at Nature Hills Nursery and support native ecosystems in the Hawkeye State!

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 the changing climate, weather, and anything else your State may have to offer.

Feed pollinators pollen and nectar, seeds for songbirds, and provide shelter, food, and forage for a wide variety of wildlife like the State bird, the American Goldfinch!

Best Iowa Native Trees

Iowa is a sea of grassland and rolling hills, Loess hills, plains, and prairies, with some riparian areas along rivers, and streams, like the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Ranging from USDA growing zones 4 to 7, Iowa has cold winters and warm summers with a wide range of fluctuating temperatures throughout the year as the jet stream blows through, bringing strong storms, occasional tornados, and heavy snowfall at times.

Find your Hardiness Zone, and choose a 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 Iowa

Check out these Iowa native coniferous evergreen trees that keep their leaves year-round for privacy, slow down the wind, stand up to storms, help block the drifting snow, and add interest during the winter months.

Balsam Fir Tree
Eastern Red Cedar Tree (Redcedar)
Eastern White Pine

Native Flowering Trees to Grow in Iowa

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!

American Basswood/Linden Trees
American Plum/Wild Plum Tree & Chickasaw Plum
Black Cherry Tree
Black Locust Tree
Dogwood - Pagoda, Gray, Roughleaf, Silky & Swamp
Eastern Redbud Tree
Pussy Willow Tree
Tulip Poplar/Tulip Tree
Witch Hazel (American Witchhazel)

What Are Native Shade Trees in Iowa?

You need a good strong shade tree that handles snow load. Some fall color and food for wildlife is a bonus! The mighty Bur Oak is the Iowa state tree and is sure to give you all the shade you can handle for generations!

American Chestnut
American Elm Tree
American Hornbeam
American Hop Hornbeam
American Sycamore
Ash - Green, Mountain, White & Wafer Ash
Birch Trees - River & Paper Bark
Black Willow
Box Elder Tree (Boxelder)
Ohio Buckeye Trees
Cottonwood/Eastern Cottonwood Tree
Hackberry/Common Hackberry Trees & Sugarberry Tree
Kentucky Coffee Tree
Maple Trees - Black, Silver, Red, & Sugar
Northern Catalpa Tree
Oak Trees - Black, Blackjack, Bur, Chinquapin, Northern Red, Pin, Shingle, Swamp White, & White
Quaking Aspen Trees
Sassafras Tree
Yellowwood Tree

Native Fruit & Nut Trees in Iowa

We love edible landscaping trees that look great and feed you and your local wildlife. Plant a few of these trees in your double-duty hedgerow for wildlife and for you!

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

Much Needed Natives!

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 landscape!

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 Iowa landscape!

FAQS for Buying Iowa Native Plants Online

What are the best native trees to grow in Iowa?

Iowa’s prairies, rolling hills, and riparian zones are home to an incredible array of native trees that thrive in the state’s fluctuating weather. Some of the best choices include the Bur Oak (Iowa’s state tree), Eastern Red Cedar, American Plum, Hackberry, and Eastern Redbud. These trees are resilient, beautiful, and perfectly suited for Iowa’s USDA zones 4 to 7.

Why should I plant native trees in my Iowa landscape?

Native trees in Iowa are nature’s best match for your soil, rainfall, and seasonal temperature shifts. They require less water once established, resist pests and diseases better, and support Iowa wildlife—from bees and butterflies to songbirds like the American Goldfinch, the state bird. Planting native means building a yard that’s both stunning and sustainable.

What evergreen trees are native to Iowa?

Even in the heart of winter, native evergreens like Eastern Red Cedar, Balsam Fir, and Eastern White Pine bring color, privacy, and storm protection to Iowa yards. These conifers stand up to snow, wind, and extreme cold, making them essential for windbreaks, wildlife habitat, and year-round structure in your landscape.

Which flowering native trees attract pollinators in Iowa?

Support pollinators with native flowering trees that evolved right alongside Iowa’s bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Try planting Eastern Redbud, American Basswood, Wild Plum, Dogwoods, or Tulip Poplar for beautiful seasonal blooms and high ecological value. These trees provide vital nectar, pollen, and host sites for pollinator larvae.

Can I grow native fruit or nut trees in Iowa?

Yes! Iowa is a great place to grow native fruit and nut trees like American Persimmon, Pawpaw, Black Walnut, Hazelnut, and Wild Plum. These trees not only produce edible crops but also support native wildlife, enhance biodiversity, and add visual appeal with their seasonal flowers and fruits.

Iowa Native Plants