Massachusetts Native Plants

Want to replenish native trees in your state? Find the best selection of indigenous species for the State of Massachusetts here at Nature Hills Nursery! Ranging from USDA growing zones 5 to 7, the rocky coastline is warmer than the rest of the state. Full of forests, both evergreen and hardwood, home to a wide range of songbirds like the state bird the Black-Capped Chickadee, Massachusetts is as steeped in history as it is in native plant diversity!

Choosing native trees for your State means you will know your tree will thrive where it is well-suited to the 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 Massachusetts Native Trees

Despite New England's reputation for a rugged climate, weather, lots of snow, and Nor'easters, Massachusetts's weather is a relatively humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters with plenty of year-round precipitation. The coast and the Cape Cod peninsula need plants that are resistant to salt spray and saline conditions, plus strong for snow, storms, and the occasional hurricane, determined to keep moving up the coastline.

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 Massachusetts

The Bay State has many native Evergreen Trees that keep their leaves year-round for privacy, slow wind, to stop drifting snow, and to add color through the snowy winters.

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

Native Flowering Trees to Grow in Massachusetts

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!

• Carolina Silverbells Tree
• Cucumber Tree Magnolia
• Dogwood Trees - Pagoda, White, Pink, Red & Gray, Roughleaf, Silky & Swamp
• Eastern Redbud Tree
• Fringe Trees - White & Grancy Greybeard
• Pussy Willow Tree
• Sweet Bay Magnolia
• Tulip Poplar/Tulip Tree

What Are Native Shade Trees in Massachusetts?

The mighty native American Elm tree is the State Tree of Massachusetts, and the Elm is a gorgeous hardwood shade tree. But Dutch Elm disease has taken its toll as plant hybridizers rush to fill the void with new and improved, more resistant Elm varieties.

There are many other fantastic native trees in New England forests, many as grand as the Elm, plus great fall color. Choose a good, strong shade tree that handles snow load, gives your backyard lush relief from the sun, and provides an autumn show!

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

Native Fruit & Nut Trees in Massachusetts

We love edible landscaping trees that look great and feed you! Feed the diverse amounts of wildlife and songbirds found throughout Massachusetts as well!

• American Black Elderberry
• American Horsechestnut Tree (Horse Chestnut)
• American Plum/Wild Plum Tree & Chickasaw Plum
• Black Cherry Tree
• Black Walnut Tree
• Hazelnut/Native American Filbert
• Bitternut, Butternut, Pignut & Shagbark Hickory Trees
• Paw Paw (Pawpaw) Trees
• Red Mulberry Tree
• Allegheny, Downy & Shadblow 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 Massachusetts 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!