7 Types of Trees in Arkansas: The Ones That Add Vibrancy

Types of trees in Arkansas are ones that would catch your eye if you’ve ever been to this state, and marveled across some of the beautiful and scenic views filled with unique plants and trees. The state is home to rich evergreens that leaves one in complete awe of nature, and that is why you would want to look them up and know more about these trees.

Today, we’re going through some of the most common trees found here, what makes them unique, and some of which you may even be able to grow, so read on to know the right details.

A list of Trees Found Commonly in Arkansas

1. Loblolly Tree

Starting strong, the loblolly tree can be found all across Arkansas state up to New Jersey; loblolly pines can be found along most of the southern United States’ coastline. Since these trees are like wetlands and low-lying places, Arkansas is a typical place to find them flourishing.

Typically, tall trees and loblolly trees have thick, black bark, and you should also know that they have a life expectancy of 200 years and can reach heights of 60 to a maximum of 90 feet. These pine trees are relatively fast-growing. If cared for properly, the loblolly can grow up to two feet each year, maybe even slightly more.

This tree thrives in different ranges of soil mixes but will do its best growing in well-draining soil. It will easily adapt to warmer, humid conditions. Loblolly trees are also popular in timber production as their wood can be used for many purposes.

These trees also help provide significant habitats for a variety of different wildlife, including birds and small mammals. Overall, this tree is great at providing some beautiful landscapes, helping wildlife, and boosting the economy with wood production.

2. Honey Locust Tree

Honey locus is scientifically known as the Gleditsia Triacnthos, and it can be found growing anywhere, and Arkansas is no exception. These are often fast-growing trees that benefit from full sun exposure. However, they can also thrive in regions with some shade.

You must consider that these medium-sized trees with modest pinnate and complex leaves are the norm for honey locust trees. These trees have some of the most beautiful appearances, with luscious and thick foliage and, sometimes, even some thorns.

These trees can grow up to at least 70 feet tall if grown in the right conditions and as they grow, you will see the leaves on it can often resemble a fern-like appearance, making it look airy. As mentioned, some honey locust trees can grow thorns, but this is not always true.

Only some cultivars may be able to grow thorns, but unlike the devil’s walkingstick tree, they’re much safer. These trees are also super tolerant to many different conditions as well as soils. They can withstand wet and dry climates, making them some of the most easy-going Arkansas trees. 

This species looks beautiful in most types of landscapes and can uplift a space with its bright-colored leaves and light-colored bark. They are mostly used as ornamental trees and can be seen in various parks, community gardens, and streets all across the state. You should also be encouraged to plant them because their super attractive appearance is what promotes so many plantations.

These trees are also used for different wood productions, specifically for furniture. Many cultivars of honey locusts are available, each with unique characteristics and care. If you want to grow this tree, do the correct research for your specific cultivar to help you ease your way in.

3. Buckeye Red Tree

Aesculus pavia, sometimes known as the red buckeye, is a broad tree that is indigenous to Arkansas and other states in the Southeast. You must keep in mind that it can grow a maximum of 20 feet under the right circumstances; its usual height ranges from 15 to 20 feet as long as the right care is given to it and it grows in the right zone as well.

The broad, rounded body of the buckeye is covered in a thick canopy of green leaves. Five to seven leaflets are commonly grouped in a ring arrangement around a central stem on the complex leaves. The oval or oblong leaflets are shiny green on top and a little lighter below.

Before the leaves begin to bloom in the spring, this buckeye develops substantial clusters of spectacular, bright red or orange-red blooms along the branches. The nectar-rich, unique scent of the tubular blossoms is strong so that you would notice these flowers, but you should know that they may not have the most flowers, like a dogwood tree, but they can still look stunning.

The blooms on this tree help attract essential pollinators like butterflies, bees, and even some birds – making it an ideal choice for pollinator gardens. This tree thrives in moist, well-drained soil. While it is a pretty drought-tolerant variety, consistently moist soil is what’s needed to boost optimal growth.

This tree is also home to different wildlife, helping sustain nature and attracting essential pollinators. The buckeye tree is mostly seen as an ornamental plant in most landscapes and blends perfectly with most surroundings.

They’re generally low-maintenance, but pruning is needed to help shape the tree and remove dead or damaged branches. It is also crucial to keep in mind that trees may face some trouble with pests and diseases which can carry and possibly spread, which is why you should try to keep an eye out for that.

Finally, as for any plant, doing the correct research for the specific cultivar you wish to grow is key. Make the intention to understand each of the tree’s specific needs and help ensure that you can provide them.

4. Red Mulberry

An indigenous deciduous tree in the eastern United States, including Arkansas, is the red mulberry, which is known as Morus rubra, scientifically. It normally reaches a height of 30 to 50 feet and has a wide, spreading canopy. The bark of the red mulberry is dark gray or black, rough, and heavily wrinkled. The tree’s large, somewhat drooping limbs give it a calm, natural aspect.

The simple, lobed leaves of the red mulberry have a glossy green color and a marginal serration. They alternately hang from the branches and are usually four to eight inches long. When the leaves turn gold in autumn, they offer a burst of color to the surroundings before they drop off the trees.

In the early spring, the red mulberry bears tiny, greenish-white blooms clustered in drooping clusters. These are followed by tiny, delicious, juicy, and sweet berries that range in color from dark crimson to black. The red mulberry is excellent for giving gardens and landscapes personality and intrigue.

You must also keep in mind, when growing this tree, that it is a sturdy tree that thrives in both sunlight and shade and can withstand a variety of soil types. They are a well-liked food source for raccoons, birds, and other animals. The fruit is also edible, and many people like it, as long as they become ripe.

The red mulberry tree is well-adaptive to a range of different habitats, including forests, woodlands, and other areas. They can be easily grown from seeds and even cuttings; moreover, this tree also isn’t the most drought-tolerant and will need regular watering sessions, especially when it still needs to be fully established and is still immature.

5. White-Oak Tree

The white oak is one of the most common trees in Arkansas as well as other areas across Northern America. This tree is one of the most valuable trees in the state because of its durable wood used in many different crafts like furniture and even ship-making. The wood is known for being rot and decay resistant, making it even more valuable, which is why it is advantageous and valued.

These trees are also some of the taller varieties. On average, it can grow to heights up to 60 to 100 feet tall, making it ideal for bigger landscapes. This tree is known to provide a safety net for a good deal of wildlife, including birds that may also use the tree as a shelter during winter.

The tree is known for its majestic grayish-brown bark that can really stand out in most greenery. During the fall, the leaves on this tree will turn into a rich red color that looks stunning as it loses the green color and changes to red before they fall during autumn.

The acorns produced by this tree are often used as a food source by most kinds of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, birds, and other species. This tree plays a huge role in helping so much life keep safe. And because of this food source, many birds rely on these trees and use them for nests and cover.

Because these trees play such a huge role both environmentally and economically, conservation efforts are being made to help promote the growth of more trees. This oak tree is an Arkansas staple tree and serves many purposes for the entire country. It is evidently clear how cherished and significant this tree species truly is.

6. Black Walnut Tree

If you wish to identify this beautiful tree, you should know that it has a strong trunk and grows so tall, as tall as 70 and 90 feet tall, and produces walnuts as its main fruit. The North Eastern parts of the United States are home to one of the largest trees in the nation, the black walnut tree, which is renowned for its gigantic size and mouthwatering edible nuts.

In fact, if you’ve ever attempted to gather black walnuts, you may have encountered difficulties, if you lacked the patience necessary. The black walnut tree, however, has more to give than just its fruit. It is a vital component of North American forests, growing for decades and significantly impacting the ecology.

These massive black walnut trees have a rounded canopy and a ridged trunk. Its leaves are compound with numerous leaflets attached, and its bark is black with vertical ridges shaped like diamonds. However, its most distinctive characteristic is the green, spherical nuts, which are one to three inches broad and appear from September to October.

In addition, you must also know that these trees have many environmental advantages. As a result of the nuts being consumed by squirrels and birds, they support a range of wildlife species. The trees also give animals shade as well as a safe place to live, as a haven where they can live in. Also, remember that the leaves that fall to the ground help to replenish the soil and cycle of nutrients.

The black walnut is renowned for its hardiness and adaptability, able to flourish anywhere it is planted. Because of this characteristic, it is perfect for reforestation or forest rehabilitation on previously bare ground.

One can grow without you planting it because animals like to transport and bury the nuts, which eventually sprout. The nuts go through stratification during the winter if the conditions are right after being buried by squirrels in the autumn, sprouting and germinating.

7. Tulip Tree

The Liriodendron tulipifera, sometimes known as the tulip tree, is a highlight of the fall foliage season thanks to the similarity of its blossoms to the traditional tulip. Deciduous tulip trees or yellow poplars are native to eastern North America and are the state trees of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana; they are trees that grow so tall, if you add them to your home, they have a unique vibrancy.

They grow exceedingly tall and straight with narrow crowns that spread with age to produce excellent shade trees if you wish to have one around your landscape. These fast-growing, low-maintenance trees can be recognized by their spring blossoms and eye-catching leaf patterns.

The tree is popular in yards for its stunning display of autumnal hues and the bees, hummingbirds, swallowtail butterflies, and other pollinators it draws. The flowers of the tulip tree are yellowish-green with a hint of orange on the outside; this way, when they grow and bloom, you will also see their vibrancy in the season.

Broadly lobed and silky green, the leaves change to a brilliant golden yellow in the autumn. Once the last frost has passed, early spring is the best time to plant the trees. After being planted, trees grow more than 25 inches a year before slowing down as they age.

The nectar in the tulip tree’s blossoms attracts hummingbirds and bees in the spring, while bobwhite quail, rabbits, squirrels, and other animals prefer to eat the seed, and this is how you would see these visitors. On the other hand, the fruit resembles a cone, and the blossoms leave behind are equally attractive.

Sunlight of any intensity is best for tulip trees, and knowing this, you should also know that the tree’s growth may be stunted, and its leaves may turn brown in complete shade or when placed in indirect light. These trees prefer deep, well-draining, somewhat acidic soil that has been heavily composted. Water your tree frequently during dry, hot weather as you get it started, and keep a watch on its leaves.

Conclusion

This complete list of trees in Arkansas will give you all the information needed on each type, its specific needs, and how to grow it, so remember the following points:

• Before planting any of the trees above, ensure you have the space to accommodate their growth habit and size.
• They also contribute significantly to the ecology and offer species with habitats, resources for construction, and food sources.
• Tulips, honey locusts, and buckeye trees, in particular, are ideal for improving landscapes and attracting pollinators.
• Unlike most trees on this list, red mulberries will need regular watering and consistently moist soil for the best growth.

The state of Arkansas is renowned for its diverse natural tree species and high biodiversity, as they range from deciduous hardwoods to evergreens, and are frequently found in dense forests and open woodlands; adding them is an excellent choice you will make.

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