Deciduous Trees for Oklahoma

Keep in mind that this list is a small number of trees that will do well in this area.  We just compiled a list of some of our favorite and better performing trees.  We suggest you try a variety of trees, not only to guarantee survivability, but also to increase the diversity which often enhances the aesthetic quality of the landscape.

Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis):  This tree can get 25-35' at maturity.  It is virtually pest free and has attractive foliage.  It also has an excellent orange-red fall color.  Prune out the narrow forks when young.  It is medium in growth rate and becomes rounded in habit at maturity.

Lacebark Elm (Ulmus parvifolia): This beauty can reach 40-60' at maturity.  It has pest free foliage and beautiful glossy leaves.  It sometimes has good yellow fall color and has attractive red fruit.  It has exceptional brownish orange mottled bark.  Prune out the narrow forks when young.  With a little irrigation and fertilization the growth rate can be quite moderate. It becomes rounded at maturity. 

Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii): This oak can reach heights of 50-75' at maturity.  It has shiny dark green foliage, and it is also virtually pest free.  It is also not as susceptible to chlorosis (yellowing) as the pin oak.  It has a reddish-yellow fall color and medium in its growth rate. It is considered a very tough tree.

Redbud (Cercis canadensis): This great tree will reach about 20-30' at maturity.  It is the state tree of Oklahoma and has durable green foliage and bright pinkish-purple flowers in early spring.  It will occasionally have yellow fall color. It is susceptible to herbicide damage (2,4-D). Try the purple leaved variety called 'Forest Pansy', or the white bloom variety called 'Whitebud'. 

 Golden Raintree (Koelreuteria paniculata):  This one can get about 30-40' at maturity.  It has attractive foliage and beautiful yellow flowers in summer and occasionally yellow fall color.  It has 'Chinese lantern-like' fruit and is a very adaptable tree. It will become rounded in habit at maturity.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba): This tree can reach 40-70' at maturity.  It has unique fan shaped foliage, and beautiful golden fall color.  It is extremely adaptable and virtually pest free.  It is pyramidal to wide spreading in habit at maturity.  It is a slow growing, but very strong tree.

River Birch (Betula nigra): The River Birch will reach heights of about 40-70' at maturity.  It has attractive foliage with a showy, reddish-brown and white exfoliating trunk.  It prefers moist soils and grows pyramidal to rounded in habit.  It is a medium to fast grower. 

Amur Maple (Acer ginnala): This maple will get about 15-20' at maturity.  It has shiny three-lobed leaves.  Some varieties have red fall color.  It is very adaptable and virtually pest free.  It it a medium grower and becomes rounded in habit at maturity.