Eight Native Shrubs and Trees for Stunning Midwestern Fall Color
As autumn arrives, the landscape of the Midwest transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors. From golden yellows to fiery oranges and deep reds, the fall foliage offers a stunning display of nature’s beauty. If you’re looking to add some of that beauty to your own backyard, consider planting these eight native shrubs and trees. Not only will they provide an eye-catching show in the fall, but they also offer year-round benefits like providing food and shelter for wildlife.
The Benefits of Planting Native Shrubs and Trees
Before diving into the list, it’s important to understand why planting native species is crucial. Native plants have evolved to thrive in the specific climate and soil conditions of the region, making them more resistant to pests and diseases. They also require less maintenance, including watering and fertilizing, because they are adapted to the local ecosystem. Additionally, native plants provide vital resources for the local wildlife, such as food and shelter, which helps to maintain a healthy ecosystem.
1. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
The Red Maple is one of the most popular trees for fall color, and for good reason. Its leaves turn a brilliant red hue in the autumn, adding a bold statement to any landscape. This fast-growing tree can reach up to 40-60 feet tall and 30-40 feet wide, making it a great shade tree for larger properties.
2. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
The Sugar Maple is another iconic tree for fall color in the Midwest. Its leaves turn shades of orange, yellow, and red, creating a stunning mosaic of colors. This slow-growing tree can reach up to 80 feet tall and 50 feet wide, making it a showstopper in any landscape.
3. Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)
The Serviceberry is a versatile shrub or small tree that produces beautiful fall foliage in shades of orange and red. It also produces edible fruit that is enjoyed by humans and wildlife alike. Growing up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide, this plant is perfect for smaller landscapes or as a border plant.
4. Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
The Witch Hazel is a unique shrub that blooms in late fall and early winter, producing clusters of fragrant yellow flowers. Its leaves also turn yellow, orange, and red in the fall, offering a stunning contrast against its bare branches. Growing up to 20 feet tall and wide, this plant is perfect for adding interest to a winter landscape.
5. Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
The Oakleaf Hydrangea is a deciduous shrub that produces large, showy flower clusters in the summer and impressive fall foliage in shades of red, orange, and purple. It also has interesting exfoliating bark that adds texture to the winter landscape. Growing up to 8-10 feet tall and wide, this plant is perfect for adding structure to a mixed border.
6. American Cranberrybush (Viburnum trilobum)
The American Cranberrybush is a multi-stemmed shrub that produces bright red berries in the fall and early winter. Its leaves turn shades of red, purple, and gold in the autumn, adding a pop of color to any landscape. Growing up to 10-12 feet tall and wide, this plant is perfect for hedgerows or as a specimen plant.
7. Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
The Redbud is a small tree that produces clusters of pink or purple flowers in the spring and heart-shaped leaves that turn yellow in the fall. While not as showy as some of the other options on this list, the Redbud’s unique form and subtle fall color make it a valuable addition to any landscape. Growing up to 20-30 feet tall and wide, this tree is perfect for smaller landscapes.
8. Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
The Spicebush is a versatile shrub that produces fragrant yellow flowers in the spring and bright red berries in the fall. Its leaves turn shades of yellow, orange, and red in the autumn, creating a stunning display of fall color. Growing up to 6-12 feet tall and wide, this plant is perfect for mixed borders or naturalized areas.
Native plants, such as these eight shrubs and trees, are not only beautiful but also essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem in the Midwest. Incorporating native species into your landscape can help to support local wildlife, reduce maintenance, and provide stunning fall color year after year.
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