Native Trees and Shrubs of Tennessee: A Restoration Palette

Tennessee's native woody plants offer evolved resilience and ecological function. Key species for landscapes and restoration:

Featured Species

• Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum): 3–8', wet edges, white spring flowers, blue fruit, red winter stems. Roots from cuttings—ideal for streambank restoration.
• Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica): 8–20', dry slopes, erosion control, yellow flowers, red persistent fruit, brilliant fall color.
• Pawpaw (Asimina triloba): 10–20', moist woods, largest native edible fruit, cultivated by Indigenous peoples.
• American Beech (Fagus grandifolia): 50'+, smooth gray bark, beechnuts for wildlife, golden bronze fall.
• Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum): 50'+, maple syrup source, spectacular yellow-orange fall.

Additional Restoration Standouts

Design Tip

Plant in communities, not specimens. Mimic natural associations for resilience.