Check out our guide that covers various different types of trees including trees for forests, gardens, orchards, and even the best tree landscaping options.
Have you ever been curious about all the different types of trees there are? Maybe you want to know which ones are the most popular or which ones are native to where you live. Whether you’re looking for the best ornamental trees to landscape with or you’re wanting fruit trees to grow your own fruit, there are thousands of tree species to choose from.
While this list won’t mention every type of tree in the world (there are over 60,000 tree species worldwide, after all!) it does contain over 32 different types of tree species that can be found in forests, gardens, orchards, mountains, and more. This extensive list will cure your curiosity and help you choose the right type of tree for your woodworking or landscaping projects, so dive in!.
What Are The Main Categories Of Trees?
Before getting into all the different species of trees, it’s helpful to know that there are two main categories of trees that they all tend to fall under. Trees are categorized in a more complicated manner and there are many species, subspecies, and scientific names for each. However, for the sake of this post, we’ll categorize each tree into the two categories below.
Deciduous Trees
Deciduous trees lose their leaves at the end of their growing season. The term “deciduous” means “falling off at maturity.” Trees that fall under this category have leaves that change in the fall and spread seeds by their flowers. These types of trees are common ornamental trees used in landscaping.
In North America, Europe, and other temperate countries, trees lose their leaves in the Autumn season. However, trees in tropical places will shed in dry seasons.
Coniferous Trees
Coniferous trees are considered evergreen trees because they don’t shed all at once as deciduous trees do, and they stay green all year round. They have needle or scale-like leaves and spread seeds through cones instead of flowers and are the most common type of forest tree. Evergreen trees are commonly used for lumber and Christmas trees, though they can be ornamental trees as well.
Trees that fall under this category are pine trees, fir, and spruce trees, among many others. Coniferous trees are often used in landscaping and are found in forests throughout the world.
Types of Trees
This comprehensive list briefly goes over 32 types of trees with fun facts, pictures, and more. Let’s dive into just a small fraction of some of the most popular and unique types of trees that can be used to grow fruit, landscape your lawn, be used as building wood, and so much more!
1) Apple Tree
The classic apple tree (Malus Domestica) is grown for commercial and personal uses all over the world. Not only does it bear classic red apples, but it also produces beautiful white and pink flowers in the Spring. Apple tree leaves are dark green and grow in an alternate pattern on the branches.
Apple trees can be planted in backyards and orchards alike, but they’re also found in the wild like any other tree. As you can imagine, there are many subspecies, from the Crabapple to the Pink Lady, and so many more. In fact, there are approximately 7500 different varieties of apple trees worldwide!
Category: Deciduous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Grows 6-16 feet tall in orchards and even 26 feet or more in the wild
- Light grey bark
- Dark green leaves with downy undersides
- Light pink-white flowers
Growing Conditions:
- Temperate climates (can’t tolerate too hot or too cold)
- Nutrient-rich and well-drained moist soil (can’t tolerate drought-like environments)
- Full sun, all-day (partial shade in hot climates)
2) Alpine Larch Tree
The Alpine Larch Tree also goes by the name Larix Lyallii and subalpine larch. Because it has bluish-green needles that turn golden yellow and shed in Autumn, it’s considered both a deciduous and coniferous tree. This tree species is native to North America, specifically the Rocky Mountains.
Wood from this type of tree is often used for boats, interior paneling, exterior cladding, and more because it’s durable and waterproof.
Category: Deciduous and Coniferous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Grows up to 80 feet or more
- Straight trunk
- Horizontal branches
- Long-needle like leaves
- Conical crowns
Growing Conditions:
- High altitude climates (usually 5,000-8,000 feet above sea level)
- Low temperate climates
- Thin rocky soil
3) American Beech Tree
As its name suggests, the American Beech Tree is native to North America. It loves to grow in any environment that has moist and well-drained acidic soil, like slopes and bottomlands.
When grown in shaded places such as a forest, the American Beech Tree will have a straight and long trunk and a small dense crown at the top. In sunny and open landscapes such as parks, it grows a smaller and shorter trunk with many extending branches and a large oval or rounded crown of foliage.
Category: Deciduous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Grows anywhere from 65 to over 100 feet tall in its lifetime
- Typically can only grow up to 65 feet in twenty years
- Can only be found in North America
- Has a widespread and oval or rounded crown
- Smooth and light grey bark
- Dark green leaves with pointed tips
- Low-hanging branches
Growing Conditions:
- Moist, well-drained acidic soil
- Intolerant of too much sun and dry soil
4) American Chestnut Tree
The American Chestnut Tree (Castanea Dentata) is a large deciduous tree that is commonly found in North America and is actually one of many subspecies of the Chestnut Tree. It’s a fast-growing tree species which is why it’s one of the more popular hardwood trees. The leaves of the American Chestnut Tree are similar to others in the Chestnut Tree family and are small, oval in shape and light brown in color.
As the American Chestnut Tree matures, its bark goes from red-brown to dark brown while also changing from smooth to slightly brittle. Because the wood from this tree species is soft, light, durable, and coarse-grained, it’s often used to make posts and even floors.
Category: Deciduous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Grows fast, up to 50 or 75 feet
- Subspecies of the Chestnut Tree
- Most commonly found in North America
- Soft and light bark with coarse grains that’s also red-brown color
- Leaves are a matte green-light brown color and shaped like a canoe
- Often used for posts and other wood projects
Growing Conditions:
- Sandy, well-drained and slightly acidic soil
- Full sun for nut production and 30 percent shade for faster-growing rates
5) American Elm Tree
The American Elm Tree (Ulmus Americana) is a favorite deciduous ornamental tree, thanks to its beautiful and symmetrical spreading branches which also make it an attractive shade tree. Its dark grey bark breaks off and reveals white and brown wood as the tree matures, while the leaves continue to reach a darker green shade over time.
Unfortunately, this tree species has become less common due to the Dutch Elm disease that killed off most of the trees in the 19th century. Efforts have been made to revive American Elm Trees, but they’re still quite rare despite being native to the eastern half of the United States.
Category: Deciduous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Grows 3-6 feet per year and can live up to 300 years
- The wood of this tree is hard to work with
- Dark grey bark breaks off as it ages
- Leaves continue to become a dark green overtime
- The Dutch Elm disease killed off most of this tree in urban cities, making it somewhat rare these days
- A popular street tree found in parks and city streets
Growing Conditions:
- Full sun or partial shade
- Prefers moist fertile soil that’s well-drained
- Very tolerant of wet or dry soil
6) American Hophornbeam Tree
The American Hophornbeam Tree (Ostrya Virginiana) is a small deciduous tree that grows in eastern North America, Central America, Mexico, and other areas where the soil is dry and stony. It’s a very slow-growing tree and typically only grows to be 10 inches in diameter with thin light brown bark. The leaves tend to be small and dark green.
It’s also referred to as ironwood because its wood is incredibly strong and heavy. The wood from the American Hophornbeam Tree is often used to make levels, handles, tools, fuelwood, and much more.
Category: Deciduous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Grows slow and usually only reaches 10 inches in diameter
- Typically grows to 25 to 40 feet tall
- Often called ironwood
- Used for tools, handles, and more
Growing Conditions:
- Loves dry, stony, slightly acidic soil
- Full sun or partial shade
- Grows on hills, ridges, and slopes
7) American Hornbeam Tree
Native to North America, the American Hornbeam Tree (Carpinus Caroliniana) is a small deciduous tree with a bushy appearance that grows up to 40 feet tall. It’s commonly found in Minnesota, Florida, Maine, Texas, and Quebec, as well as wet areas like swamps.
It’s one of the more popular hardwood trees because its wood is heavy, hard, durable, and coarse-grained. Like the American Hophornbeam Tree, it’s often used to make tools and handles. Many landscapers choose to use the American Hornbeam Tree because of the dark gray-blue bark and simple leaves, making it a great ornamental tree as well.
Category: Deciduous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Grows 20-40 feet tall
- Has a bushy crown
- Often used as an ornamental tree because of its blue-grey bark
- Used for tools and more because of its durable wood
Growing Conditions:
- Prefers deep, very fertile, and acidic moist soil
- Likes partial shade
- Tolerates full sun
- Intolerant to compacted soil
8) Atlantic White Cedar Tree
The Atlantic White Cedar Tree (Chamaecyparis Thyoides) is a medium-sized evergreen tree that’s part of the cypress tree family. It’s also referred to as the False-Cypress, White Cedar, Southern White Cedar, or Atlantic White Cypress. Being native to the Atlantic Coast of North America, it grows in freshwater wetlands, usually within 100 miles of the Coast.
It’s a popular choice among ornamental trees that can be used in climates with harsh winters. The foliage has a feather-like appearance and blue-green scales that make it an attractive tree for landscaping. Atlantic White Cedar Trees can also be used as wood and are often made into shingles or paneling.
Category: Coniferous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Can grow up to 120 feet
- Tends to live up to 200 years
- Bark ranges from light gray to red-brown and develops ridges as the tree matures
- Used as an ornamental tree and as a wood tree
- Has blue-green, feather-like foliage
Growing Conditions:
- Likes full sun
- Moist, boggy, limestone-rich soil
- Tolerant and adaptable when established
9) Basswood Tree
The Basswood Tree (Tilia Americana) is a large deciduous tree and is among the fastest-growing North American hardwood trees. It also goes by the names American Basswood and American Linden and is able to live up to 200 years.
Not only is it a beautiful ornamental tree, but it produces white edible flowers which are often used to make medicinal teas. The wood from the Basswood Tree is pale and usually knot-free, which is why it is commonly used to make guitars and baskets.
Category: Deciduous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Can reach 20 to 30 feet in twenty years
- Fastest growing North American hardwood tree
- Produces flowers and foliage that are edible and made into medicinal products
Growing Conditions:
- Very adaptable
- Prefers full shade or partial shade
- Can grow in sandy or clay soils, as well as acidic or alkaline soils
10) Banyan Tree
Banyan Trees are one of the largest and most unique types of trees for many reasons. It belongs to both deciduous trees and evergreen trees since its leaves simply fall off instead of changing colors and is often referred to as a strangler fig tree. Not only is it a beautiful ornamental tree with an enormous round crown, but it produces fruit and leather-like strong leaves that are often used as things like plates.
Their aerial prop roots allow it to grow in swampy and shallow environments and spread far and wide, which properly supports its large trunk.
Category: Deciduous and Coniferous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Can grow up to 100 feet tall and spread over several acres
- Leaves fall off in the Fall instead of changing colors
- Part of the fig tree family
- Bears fruit in syconium form
- Native to tropical and subtropical climates
- Leaves are leather-like and often used as plates
Growing Conditions:
- Needs very moist soil
- Drought tolerant when established
- Prefer full sun to partial shade
- Intolerant to frost and cold climates
11) Balsam Fir Tree
One of the most popular coniferous trees is the Balsam Fir Tree (Abies Balsamea), which is medium-sized and native to the northeastern United States, as well as eastern and central Canada. It grows in cold climates, in wet environments, and in mountain ranges and can grow up to 50-75 feet tall. This is one of the slower-growing types of trees, growing about 12-24 inches per year depending on its growing environment.
The Balsam Fir Tree is commonly used as Christmas trees and even as medicinal ointment because of the oily resin found on its gray and brown bark. Its needles can also be used in teas and cleaning solutions.
Category: Coniferous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Tends to grow 50-75 feet, about 12-24 feet per year
- One of the most popular types of Christmas trees
- Often used in medicinal ointments, teas, and cleaning solutions
Growing Conditions:
- Prefers acidic soil that is moist, well-drained, and cool
- Has low drought tolerance
- Can tolerate small amounts of standing water
12) Bitternut Hickory Tree
The Bitternut Hickory Tree belongs to the Hickory Trees species but doesn’t produce edible nuts like their other relatives, such as the pecan tree. It’s mostly used as a building wood because its wood is incredibly strong, heavy, and hard. Not only is it one of the best hardwood trees, but it’s beautiful enough to be used as an ornamental tree.
This is one of the types of trees that prefers to grow in very moist soil, such as ridge tops and around streams, and is often referred to as the “swamp hickory.” It’s slow to grow, with a growth rate of about 2 feet per year, though it doesn’t begin producing nuts until it’s 10-15 years old. The Bitternut Hickory Tree is also used for smoking meat because of its favorable strong smoke smell.
Category: Deciduous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Grows slow and can reach up to 50 to 80 feet tall
- Lives up to 200 years
- Shortest lifespan in the Hickory Tree species
- Light grey bark with shallow farrows
- Light green-yellow leaves with pointy tips
- The nuts produced are too bitter to be edible nuts
- Often used for lumber and furniture
- A popular choice for wood for meat smokers because of its strong smoke smell
Growing Conditions:
- Prefers moist soil around wetlands
- Adaptable to low-nutrient soil
- Tolerant to dry soil
13) Black Walnut Tree
Black Walnut Trees (Juglans Nigra) are incredibly popular for their edible nuts and the beautiful, strong wood that comes from them. They can grow up to 120 feet and tend to produce nuts in their eighth-tenth year. Ideal growing environments are rich soil that’s well-drained, particularly in areas like the bottomlands.
The wood from the Black Walnut Tree is often used to make high-end furniture, interior paneling, cabinets, and much more. Because of its high-quality wood and desirable nuts, it’s a common tree to grow commercially.
Category: Deciduous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Grows up to 120 feet
- Produces nuts after eight or ten years
- Tends to grow 13-24″ per year
- Commonly found in North America, Africa, and Europe
- The bark is dark grey-brown and has furrows
- Leaves are dark green with serrated edges
Growing Conditions:
- Loves deep fertile soil that’s well-drained
- Not very tolerant of strong wind or frost
- Prefers full sun
14) Black Willow Tree
One of the most noteworthy types of trees is the Black Willow Tree, thanks to its long and droopy leaves. This tree species can grow up to 60 feet high and has an irregular crown that spreads far and wide. This medium-sized deciduous tree can typically be found in North America and Europe and is adaptable to both wet soil and dryer, rocky soil.
It’s often not thought of as a valuable wood tree but it can be used to make boxes, pallets, pulpwood, wicker furniture, and more.
Category: Deciduous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Grows up to 60 feet on average
- Has a broad crown
- Can be short and shrubby or tall and thin
- Has distinguishable droopy leaves
- Light brown bark that gets darker over time
Growing Conditions:
- Thrives in very wet fertile soil, even floods
- Needs regular watering
- Prefers full sun
- Can be tolerant to dryer soils, but not heat
15) Crepe Myrtle Tree
Often referred to as a shrub, the Crepe Myrtle is a small deciduous tree native to Asia and has naturalized in the southern United States. This type of tree is frequently used in landscaping because of its attractive pink/purple flowers, light bark, and yellow-orange leaves in the Fall.
In most cases, it grows anywhere from 6 to 25 feet tall depending on its environment. Like many other flowering trees, the Crepe Myrtle needs average growing conditions with medium-moisture and well-drained soil. It also needs full sun, with a minimum of 6 hours a day. The more sun it gets, the deeper the colors of the blossoms will be.
Category: Deciduous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Native to Asia
- Now incredibly common in the US, especially in Southern states
- Colors range from bright pink to deep purple and red-rose
- Leaves change to a yellow, orange, or red in the Fall while flowers stay bloomed
- Light, peeling bark
- Can grow 6-25 feet tall and 6-20 feet wide
- Blooms July-September
Growing Conditions:
- Full sun
- Doesn’t tolerate much shade
- Loves warm climates
- Needs average moisture and well-drained soil
16) Cucumber Tree
Cucumber Trees are actually a species of the Magnolia Tree and are considered deciduous. They’re typically found in the Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, along streams and woods where the soil is moist and rich. Given the right growing conditions, they can grow 60-75 feet tall and wide.
True to its name, it grows fruit in the shape of cucumbers, which are used in everything from salads to sherbets. Its leaves and flowers are also edible.
Category: Deciduous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Can grow up to 75 feet tall
- Grows best along streams and woods with moist soil
- Produces fruit that looks like cucumbers
- Has leaves and flowers that can be eaten
Growing Conditions:
- Rich, deep moist soil that’s well-drained
- Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade
- Not tolerant of pollution or drought
17) Douglas Fir Tree
Part of the Pine Tree species, the Douglas Fir Tree is one of the most popular and versatile evergreen coniferous trees to date. Not only is it one of the more popular types of Christmas trees, but it’s also commonly used for lumber and reforestation. This tree species is native to the Pacific Northwest of North America and can adapt well to almost any soil and climate.
It’s one of the largest types of trees, growing up to average heights of 70 feet. It’s not uncommon for Douglas Fir Trees to be upwards of 120 feet tall, though. The branches are long with bright green needles that grow right from the twig as opposed to clusters like some other evergreen trees.
Category: Evergreen Coniferous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Can grow upwards of 120 feet, sometimes double that depending on growing conditions
- Estimated to grow around 2 feet per year
- Popular for Christmas Trees, lumber, reforestation, and more
- Easily distinguishable
- Part of the Pine Trees family
Growing Conditions:
- Prefers cool weather and full sun
- Moist, acidic soil that’s deep and well-drained
- Can survive in other environments but won’t thrive
18) Eastern Cottonwood Tree
The Eastern Cottonwood Tree is one of the fastest-growing deciduous trees and is most commonly found in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Despite growing on average 10 feet per year, they have short lifespans and typically only live to 70 years, sometimes 100 or more depending on the growing conditions. They thrive in environments by lakes and streams where the soil is deep, fertile, moist, and well-drained.
The wood from Eastern Cottonwood Trees is usually used for making pulp, boxes, pallets, paper, and plywood. However, it’s not as valuable as most hardwood trees because it’s rather weak and thin.
Category: Deciduous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Considered to be ornamental trees
- Grows up to 10 or more feet per year
- Has a short lifespan, typically 70 to 100 years
- Produces lower-value wood
Growing Conditions:
- Prefers deep, moist, but well-drained soil
- Tolerant of virtually any type of soil except for waterlogged or clay-like soils
- Full sun
19) Eastern White Pine Tree
Still considered one of the most important tree species for its lumber use, the Eastern White Pine Tree is an evergreen coniferous tree that grows to a medium size of 50-80 feet tall and 20-40 feet wide. Because its wood is even, soft, and easy to work with while still being durable, it’s used for a vast variety of things. It can be made into buckets, doors, trim, boatbuilding, carving, construction, and so much more.
Similar to many other types of both deciduous trees and coniferous trees, the Eastern White Pine is most common in North America. It’s also found in the United Kingdom and Canada. Its most ideal environment is wherever the soil is fertile, slightly acidic, moist, and well-drained.
Category: Evergreen Coniferous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- One of the most common trees for its value in the lumber industry
- Typically grows 50-80 feet tall
- Averages 2 feet or more a year
- Was once over logged
- Produces wood that’s very versatile and valuable
Growing Conditions:
- Fertile, somewhat acidic soil that’s moist and well-drained
- Prefers full sun
- Can tolerate some shade
- Intolerant of dry, compacted, alkaline, and clay-like soil
20) Eastern Hemlock Tree
Native to North America, the Eastern Hemlock Tree is one of the largest coniferous trees and can grow up to 160 feet tall, with an average growth rate of 1-2 feet per year. Contrary to most evergreen trees, the Eastern Hemlock does exceptionally well in partial or full sun. Like many other types of trees, specifically conifer trees, it also prefers moist and well-drained soil that’s also acidic and sandy.
The Eastern Hemlock is commercially used in a wide variety of ways. Not only is its wood used in construction, but the inner bark and needles are editable and used in medicinal products, teas, and more.
Category: Coniferous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Commonly found in the eastern side of North America
- Prefers shade (unusual for evergreen trees)
- Bark contains tannin
- Wood is commonly used in construction and pulp
- Needles and inner bark are editable and often used in teas and medicinal products
- Looks like a very large Christmas tree
Growing Conditions:
- Thrives in full or partial shade
- Prefers sandy and acidic soil that’s moist and well-drained
- Intolerant to dry climates and drying winds
- Can tolerate sun in colder climates
21) Eastern Red Cedar Tree
The Eastern Red Cedar is one of the most popular cedar trees because not only is its wood versatile and rot-resistant, but it’s a beautiful red color and has a strong desirable fragrance. Like most other evergreen trees, the Eastern Red Cedar is low-maintenance as long as it gets full sun and moist, well-drained soil.
Being native to the Eastern United States and Canada, it thrives in average moist and well-drained soil, similar to many other coniferous trees.
Category: Coniferous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Average height reaches 40-50 feet with a width of 8-20 feet
- Tends to grow 1-2 feet per year
- Foliage can be sticky and range from dull green to brown or purple, depending on the seasons
- Native to the Eastern United States and Canada
- Is highly sought after due to its durable, rich red color wood and fragrance
Growing Conditions:
- Full sun
- Intolerant of constant shade and wet soils without drainage
- Thrives in moist, acidic, well-drained soil
- Adaptable to other soils, from dry and sandy to soaked environments
22) English Elm Tree
Like other types of deciduous trees, the English Elm tree is popular for its beauty and use as a shade tree. The wood of the English Elm is commonly used to make things from baskets to pulpwood and even hockey sticks.
Unfortunately, it’s one of the elm trees that have become somewhat rare due to being almost completely wiped out from Dutch Elm Disease. Even the ones still standing strong are susceptible to it. When it grows in ideal environments and isn’t infected with diseases, it can grow up to 50 feet with a large canopy of foliage and is considered one of the tallest elm trees.
Category: Deciduous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Grows up to 50 feet
- Averages around 3 feet per year
- Very prone to Dutch Elm Disease
- Can live 100 years or more
- Has a large crown that spreads wide and offers lots of shade
Growing Conditions:
- Thrives in soil that’s very moist and well-drained
- Tends to grow in woodland areas and along hedgerows
- Tolerant to most pH levels and wet or dry soil
- Full sun or partial shade
23) European Beech Tree
Considered to be the most common among beech trees, the European Beech is a deciduous tree that can live 200 years or more with an average height of 50-100 feet. Similar to other beech trees, it is found in locations such as England, Sweden, France, and so forth. This is one of the types of trees that can be grown in many different soil types and climates as long as the soil is well-drained and the air is humid.
Its wood is often used to make flooring, furniture, plywood, and many other things because of its durability. Some sources even claim that the leaves and nuts it produces are edible (though not in large quantities). Most of the time, the European Beech is used in landscaping for its beauty and shade.
Category: Deciduous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Lives up to 200 years or more
- Grows anywhere from 50 to 100 feet tall
- Common in France, Sweden, Turkey, and other similar places
- Produces edible nuts and leaves
Growing Conditions:
- Thrives in fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Loves humid air
- Prefers full sun or partial shade
- Tolerant of other soil types and climates
24) Fraser Fir Tree
As its name suggests, the Fraser Fir tree is part of the evergreen trees and fir tree species. It’s native to the Appalachian mountains in the southeastern United States and can grow in many different soil types. They’re also drought-resistant and can handle cold climates.
This is the most popular type of Christmas tree thanks to its pine smell, iconic crown and cone shape, smooth bark, straight branches, and dark green needles. It’s considered to be one of the shorter fir trees, growing an average of 1-2 feet per year and tends to grow only 60-80 feet tall.
Category: Coniferous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Tends to grow anywhere from 40-80 feet depending on growing conditions
- Averages 1-2 feet per year
- Considered to be the best type of Christmas tree
- Has smooth needle-like leaves that are rich dark green
- The bark is grey-brown and smooth
Growing Conditions:
- Prefers full sun to partial shade
- Thrives in high elevations, such as mountains and cool climates
- Moist, fertile, and sandy loam soil is best
- Adaptable to dry soil and warmer climates, but will grow slower
25) Northern Red Oak Tree
The Northern Red Oak Tree is one of the most common and well-loved among all of the oak trees. Indicative of its name, it’s native to North America and has distinguishable wood, leaves, and flowers. It’s a fast-growing and large deciduous tree with a growth rate of more than 2 feet per year and an average height of 60-75 feet.
Though not as durable as some of its siblings within the oak tree species, the wood of the Northern Red Oak is highly sought after for use in projects such as interior paneling, boats, and furniture.
Category: Deciduous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Grows to 60-75 feet tall with a spread of 45 feet
- Tend to live up to 300 years
- Very common in North America
- One of the fastest-growing oak trees
- Highly desirable for its light red heartwood
Growing Conditions:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Thrives in soil that is deep, clay-like, loamy, and well-drained
- Prefers a normal amount of moisture and a temperate climate
- Somewhat drought-resistant
- Intolerant of hot climates
26) Paper Birch Tree
Well-known among birch trees is the Paper Birch Tree, which gets its name from its white paper-thin peeling bark. It’s one of the medium-sized deciduous trees with a short lifespan, averaging 140-200 years and maturing when it’s around 60-70 years old.
The Paper Birch loves to grow around lakes, streams, and swamps and is common in North America. Its wood is used to make everything from spoons to pulp and fuel.
Category: Deciduous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- One of the fastest-growing, yet shortest-lived deciduous trees
- Averages a height of 50-70 feet
- Tends to mature around 60-70 years old
- Lifespan is usually around the 140-200 year mark
- Is an important source of food for moose
Growing Conditions:
- Full sun
- Intolerant of shade
- Moist, well-drained soil
- Cool, mild summers and long winters
- Adaptable to different types of soil
27) Pear Tree
One of the most common fruit trees is the classic Pear Tree, both for its fruit and beautiful white flowers. This is one of the deciduous trees that prefer climates similar to its native regions of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The Pear Tree tends to mature at a medium-size, around 18-20 feet tall.
Wood from the Pear Tree is also commonly used to make instruments, furniture, and more.
Category: Deciduous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Has a lifespan of 50 years or more
- Grows an average of 2 feet or more per year
- Tends to reach maturity at 20-40 feet tall depending on growing conditions
Growing Conditions:
- Needs full sun for the sweetest fruit production
- Prefers organic-rich soil that’s well-drained
- Thrives in colder climates
- Can be tolerant of different soil types
28) Peach Tree
Not surprisingly, the Peach Tree is another popular choice when it comes to fruit trees. Not only does it produce delicious fruit, but its pink flowers offer an ornamental element to any landscape. It’s also a member of the Rosaceae family, which includes other types of trees such as almond trees, cherry trees, plum trees, and more.
It’s not uncommon for them to grow up to 25 feet tall and wide, with an average growth rate of 1-2 feet per year depending on care and growing conditions. The Peach Tree thrives in climates with warm summers and cold winters, similar to the Pear Tree and other types of fruit trees.
Category: Deciduous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Native to Northwestern China
- Now grown all over the world
- Can grow up to 25 feet tall
- Averages 18 inches per year
- Has a lifespan of 15-25 years
Growing Conditions:
- Fertile soil that’s well-drained
- Full sun
- Temperate climates with cold winters
- Intolerant of overwatering
29) Red Maple Tree
The Red Maple Tree is one of the most common and well-loved maple trees in east and central North America. Not only do its leaves turn bright red in the Fall, but so do its flowers and twigs, similar to Northern Red Oak Trees. The Red Maple tree loves to grow in moist environments, such as slopes and swamps with an average height of 60-90 feet.
Its wood is considered an inexpensive wood and is often used to make lower-quality furniture, crates, and baskets.
Category: Deciduous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Considered to be the most abundant native tree in eastern North America, according to the U.S. Forest Service
- Has an average growth rate of 1-2 or more feet per year
- Most live up to 80-100 years
- Produces seeds as young as four years old
Growing Conditions:
- Thrives in loamy, acidic, salty, and clay-like soils that are well-drained
- Somewhat drought-resistant
- Incredibly adaptable to virtually all climates and soil types
30) Scarlet Oak Tree
Oak Trees are incredibly common and desirable in the eastern and central United States, especially Scarlet Oak Trees. This is one of the most sought-after deciduous trees because of its deep red leaves that stay on even into the winter. It’s one of the largest oak trees, with an average height of 60-75 feet and a growth rate of two feet or more per year.
Since the wood is strong and heavy, it’s often used for a vast majority of things, from firewood to caskets. However, its primary use is as an ornamental tree for obvious reasons.
Category: Deciduous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Native to eastern and central U.S.
- One of the most common and desirable oak trees
- Has smooth light brown bark that becomes black with age
- More valuable than other types of oak trees
Growing Conditions:
- Thrives in deep, well-drained, and slightly acidic soil
- Adaptable to different soils and climates
- Prefers full to partial sun
31) Silver Maple Tree
Very similar to the Red Maple Tree, the Silver Maple Tree is almost as common in the United States and Canada. It’s also considered to be a fast-growing deciduous tree with a lifespan of 130 years in native environments and 35 years in urban settings. It grows two or more feet per year and averages a height of 60-80 feet.
The Silver Maple Tree also goes by the name “Soft Maple” because its wood is soft and weak. For this reason, it’s most commonly planted for shade and is easily damaged by strong winds and harsh weather.
Category: Deciduous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Called the Silver Maple Tree because of its green-silver leaves
- Has smooth, reddish-grey bark that becomes reddish-brown and flakey over time
- Shouldn’t be grown around houses or buildings because it’s so weak
- Is often removed or dead after 35 years in urban areas
- Loves to grow by the Red Maple Tree
Growing Conditions:
- Thrives in slightly acidic soil
- Prefers moist soil that’s well-drained
- Very tolerant of standing water
- Full sun and partial shade
32) Sugar Maple Tree
Not surprisingly the most popular type among maple trees is the Sugar Maple, thanks to its sap and valuable wood. Maple trees are incredibly important for forests in North America and are also some of the most desirable landscaping and shade trees, but the Sugar Maple is especially known and loved for the syrup its sap produces.
Category: Deciduous
Characteristics and Fun Facts:
- Averages a height of 60-75 feet
- Grows about 2 feet per year and matures at 30-40 years
- Is known to live up to 300-400 years
- Native to eastern Canada and the eastern United States
- The primary source of maple syrup
Growing Conditions:
- Very adaptable to different soils and climates
- Prefers full sun and cool temperatures
- Thrives in moist, slightly acidic soil that’s well-drained
- Tolerant of slight drought but not swampy environments
How Many Varieties of Trees Are There?
It’s estimated that there are more than 60,000 types of trees worldwide, with approximately thousands of tree species that aren’t even discovered yet. Every tree has its own unique characteristics, growing conditions, and benefits. Some are valued as hardwood trees while others like flowering trees are desired simply for landscaping purposes.
Some of the most common and popular types of trees are maple trees, sycamore trees, hickory trees, oak trees, fruit trees, and flowering trees. Likewise, there are many well-loved types of evergreen trees, such as pine trees and ash trees.