Nebraska Native Plants

Native Trees For The State of Nebraska

Find the best selection of indigenous species for the State of Nebraska here at Nature Hills Nursery and support native ecosystems in the Cornhusker 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! Feed pollinators pollen and nectar, seeds for songbirds, and provide shelter, food, and forage for a wide variety of wildlife.

These trees need less water once established, plus native selections establish faster and tolerate the changing climate, weather, and anything else your State may have to offer.

Best Nebraska Native Trees

Nebraska is a sea of prairie grassland and rolling hills, Sandhills, plains, plus Tall Grass, Mixed, and Short grass prairies, with some riparian areas along rivers like the great Missouri and Platte.

Ranging from USDA growing zones 4 in the Western panhandle, to 5b in the East, and 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.

Native Evergreen Trees For Nebraska

There are only a few native conifers in Nebraska. These trees keep their needles year-round to provide privacy, slow the constant Nebraska wind, stand up to storms, help block the drifting snow, and add interest during the winter months.

Eastern Red Cedar Tree (Redcedar)
Ponderosa Pine

Native Flowering Trees of Nebraska

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
Carolina Silverbell
Roughleaf Dogwood
Eastern Redbud Tree

What Native Shade Trees Can Be Found In Nebraska?

You need a good strong shade tree that handles snow load. Some fall color and food for wildlife is a bonus! The waving leaves of the Cottonwood Tree are a common sight along any sandy body of water and hence became the Nebraska state tree. Surviving floods and storms, these trees are a hallmark of the Nebraska landscape.

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

Native Fruit & Nut Trees in Nebraska

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 you!

American Persimmon
American Plum/Wild Plum Tree & Chickasaw Plum
Black Cherry Tree
Black Walnut Tree
Hazelnut/Native American Filbert
Bitternut & Shagbark Hickory Trees
Paw Paw (Pawpaw) Trees
Red Mulberry Tree
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 Nebraska landscape!

FAQS for Buying Nebraska Native Plants Online

What Are the Best Native Trees to Grow in Nebraska?

Nebraska’s landscape ranges from rolling grasslands to riverfront woodlands, and native trees like Eastern Red Cedar, American Plum, and Cottonwood thrive in these diverse conditions. These trees are perfectly adapted to the state’s USDA zones 4 to 5b and stand up to everything from blizzards to tornadoes. Native trees also support pollinators and wildlife while conserving water and soil.

Why Should I Choose Native Trees for My Nebraska Landscape?

Native trees are nature’s match for Nebraska’s weather extremes. Trees like Ponderosa Pine, Black Cherry, and Hackberry grow faster, require less watering once established, and are more resilient to pests and local stressors. These trees evolved in the Great Plains and bring essential resources for birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects.

Which Evergreen Trees Are Native to Nebraska and Stay Green All Year?

Evergreens like Eastern Red Cedar and Ponderosa Pine are among the few conifers native to Nebraska. These trees provide wind protection, privacy, and critical wildlife shelter through all four seasons. Their year-round foliage adds structure and color to the stark winter landscape, making them valuable additions to rural and suburban properties alike.

What Native Shade Trees Work Best in Nebraska’s Climate?

Nebraska’s strong winds and sunny summers call for hardy shade trees like Cottonwood, American Elm, and Bur Oak. These native species are built to handle snow load and drought while delivering cooling shade and beautiful fall color. Trees like Northern Catalpa and Silver Maple are also great for reducing erosion and providing wildlife shelter.

Can I Grow Native Fruit or Nut Trees in Nebraska?

Yes, Nebraska is home to a variety of native fruit and nut trees like American Persimmon, Black Walnut, and Hazelnut. These trees are not only beautiful but also productive, offering food for people and habitat for wildlife. Plant Serviceberries, Pawpaw, and Plum Trees in a hedgerow or edible garden to add biodiversity and function to your landscape.

Nebraska Native Plants

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