Native Florida Trees

Thinking about adding a tree to your landscape? Go native!

Live oak on UF campus
This live oak stands behind the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville.

Florida has several attractive, hardy species of differing sizes. From small trees like redbuds to the majestic live oak, there’s a Florida native tree for practically any home landscape.

If you’re looking for small trees, consider the redbud. In Central and North Florida, it puts on an amazing show each spring with a beautiful display of pink flowers. The medium-to-large red maple ushers in spring with red flowers and winged seeds.

As far as large trees go, the bald cypress will do well near water or on drier land throughout the state. The live oak is a majestic native that can also be planted statewide.

Even if a tree is native, make sure you know its soil, light, and other requirements, to ensure its success in your landscape. Remember, all trees will need regular watering following planting.

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