Minnesota Native Plants

Find the best selection of indigenous species for the Gopher State of Minnesota, right here at Nature Hills Nursery and support native wildlife with trees that thrive in your area!

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! Native trees establish faster, and native selections need less water once established!

They better tolerate the changing climate, weather, and anything else your State may throw at them. You’ll feed pollinators, provide seeds for songbirds, and create shelter, food, and forage for a wide variety of wildlife.

Best Minnesota Native Trees

Minnesota’s landscape features Aspen parklands, prairie grasslands, deciduous forests, and coniferous forests throughout the State. Lakes and rivers support the State bird, the Common Loon. The Eagle Mountain and Lake Superior affect much of the state climate, ranging from chilly USDA growing zone 3 around Lake Superior and the northern half of the state to zone 4 in the south, then just a tiny blip of zone 5a in the farthest south.

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 Minnesota

Like the State Tree - the Red Pine - these conifers and broadleaf evergreen trees keep their leaves year-round for privacy, slow down the wind, and stop the drifting snow, plus add much-needed winter interest.

American Larch (deciduous conifer)
Balsam Fir
Black Spruce Tree
Blue Spruce Trees
Douglas Fir
Eastern Hemlock
Eastern Red Cedar Tree (Redcedar)
Eastern White Pine
Red Pine
White Spruce Tree

Native Flowering Trees to Grow in Minnesota

Flowering trees herald in the spring, 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
Black Locust Tree
Dogwood - Pagoda & Gray
Pussy Willow Tree
Witch Hazel (American Witchhazel)

What Are Native Shade Trees in Minnesota?

Minnesota has some cold winters, so choose a good tree that can handle snow and the bitter Arctic air from the North.

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

Native Fruit & Nut Trees in Minnesota

Have your garden and eat it too, with edible landscaping trees that look great and feed you and your local wildlife.

American Plum/Wild Plum Tree
Black Cherry Tree
Black Walnut Tree
Hazelnut/Native American Filbert
Bitternut, Butternut, Pignut & Shagbark Hickory 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 Minnesota garden!

FAQS for Buying Minnesota Native Plants Online

What Are the Best Native Trees to Grow in Minnesota?

Minnesota is home to some of the toughest and most beautiful native trees that thrive in USDA zones 3 to 5. Standouts include Red Pine, Eastern White Pine, and Quaking Aspen, which are built to handle harsh winters, humid summers, and fluctuating conditions. These trees support pollinators, feed the Common Loon’s wetland neighbors, and add year-round value to your landscape.

Why Should I Choose Native Trees for My Minnesota Landscape?

Native trees have adapted over time to thrive in Minnesota’s unique climate and soils. Once established, species like American Basswood, Black Cherry, and White Spruce need less water, withstand harsh winters, and offer food and shelter to a wide range of local wildlife. Choosing native also helps preserve Minnesota’s rich biodiversity and natural beauty.

Which Evergreen Trees Are Native to Minnesota and Stay Green Year-Round?

Evergreens like Red Pine, Balsam Fir, and Eastern Red Cedar provide structure and privacy all year long. These trees hold up under heavy snow, slow down strong winter winds, and add interest to snowy landscapes. Planting native evergreens also gives songbirds critical winter shelter and nesting sites.

What Native Shade Trees Work Best in Minnesota’s Cold Climate?

Cold-hardy shade trees like American Elm, Bur Oak, and Paper Birch thrive in Minnesota’s long winters and short summers. These trees not only cool your home and garden during summer but also bring vibrant fall color and support local pollinators and wildlife. Their deep roots also help stabilize soil and reduce erosion around lakes and streams.

Can I Grow Fruit or Nut Trees Native to Minnesota?

Yes, Minnesota supports several native edible trees. American Plum, Hazelnut, and Black Walnut produce tasty fruit and nuts while attracting pollinators and songbirds. Trees like Serviceberry and Red Mulberry blend seamlessly into naturalized and edible landscapes, providing food, beauty, and ecological value with very little fuss.

Minnesota Native Plants