Oaks
If there is one genus we trust more than any other, it’s oaks.
Their durability, longevity, and ecological value make them a cornerstone of sustainable landscapes. Many oaks thrive in Central Missouri, yet they are often underplanted and wrongly avoided due to the misconception that they grow too slowly. While oaks may establish deliberately, their long-term performance, strength, and value far outweigh the wait. We believe Central Missouri communities need more oaks—and we’re proud to offer the best selections available.
New Madrid Nutall Oak
If you love the strength and reliability of an oak but want something with a little more personality, the New Madrid Nuttall Oak is a beautiful choice. This tree is hardy, dependable, and surprisingly fast-growing for an oak, making it easy to appreciate from the start.
In spring, new leaves emerge in a beautiful deep purple, gradually softening to a rich green through summer, and finishing the season with striking fall color in shades of red to deep burgundy. It’s an oak that truly changes with the seasons, offering something new to enjoy throughout the year.
Well adapted to Central Missouri conditions, the New Madrid Nuttall Oak matures into a strong, graceful shade tree you can count on for decades—combining the timeless reliability of an oak with the joy of unexpected color.
Growth Rate: Moderate–fast | Mature Size: ~50–60′ tall × 40–50′ wide
Swamp White Oak
The Swamp White Oak is one of the most adaptable and dependable oaks for Central Missouri landscapes. Known for its toughness and longevity, this tree handles challenging sites with ease—especially areas with heavier soils or periodic moisture—while still performing beautifully in typical residential settings.
It features broad, glossy green leaves in summer with a distinctive silvery underside that catches the light and adds subtle texture in the breeze. In fall, Swamp White Oak turns warm shades of yellow, gold, and bronze, offering gentle seasonal color without being flashy.
With a strong, well-structured form and classic oak character, Swamp White Oak grows into a stately, long-lived shade tree you can rely on for generations. It’s an excellent choice for homeowners who want the enduring strength of an oak paired with exceptional adaptability and low long-term worry.
Growth Rate: Moderate | Mature Size: ~50–60′ tall × 45–60′ wide
Sawtooth Oak
The Sawtooth Oak is a fast-growing, bold shade tree that makes an immediate impact in the landscape. Known for its strong growth rate and distinctive, chestnut-like leaves with fine serrated edges, this oak offers a unique look compared to more traditional native species.
One of its standout features is early and reliable acorn production, which provides excellent wildlife value and makes it especially popular on larger properties. The tree establishes quickly, develops a broad, spreading canopy, and delivers dense summer shade in a relatively short time.
Sawtooth Oak performs best in open sites with full sun and well-drained soils. While it does not have the same centuries-long lifespan as some native oaks, it is valued for its speed, toughness, and visual presence. For homeowners looking for a strong, fast-growing oak with character and function, Sawtooth Oak is a compelling option.
Growth Rate: Fast | Mature Size: ~50–60′ tall × 40–50′ wide
Shumard Oak
The Shumard Oak is a classic large shade tree admired for its strength, beauty, and adaptability. Native to the Midwest and well suited to Central Missouri, it combines the bold presence of a red oak with excellent long-term performance in residential and open landscapes.
Shumard Oak features glossy green summer foliage and one of the most impressive fall color displays among oaks, turning vibrant shades of red, scarlet, and burgundy. Its upright, well-spaced branching creates a strong, attractive structure that matures into a stately canopy providing generous shade.
More tolerant of variable soils and urban conditions than many red oaks, Shumard Oak establishes reliably and grows at a moderate to fast rate. When properly sited, it develops into a long-lived, durable tree that adds both beauty and value for generations.
Growth Rate: Moderate–fast | Mature Size: ~50–65′ tall × 40–50′ wide
Kindred Spirit® Oak
The Kindred Spirit® Oak is one of the most reliable and landscape-ready columnar oaks available for Central Missouri. It combines the strength and adaptability of its parent species with a refined, upright form that fits beautifully in yards, streetscapes, and narrow spaces where traditional oaks might feel too wide.
What sets Kindred Spirit® apart is its exceptional adaptability and toughness. It thrives in a wide range of soil conditions, tolerates occasional moisture fluctuations, and establishes with confidence—making it a great choice whether you’re planting in a tighter urban site or a larger residential lawn.
In spring, fresh leaves emerge with vibrant color, maturing into rich green foliage through summer. In fall, this oak often rewards its owners with warm, attractive tones of russet and bronze. Its clean silhouette and dependable performance make it a favorite for homeowners who value both beauty and long-term resilience.
If you want the classic presence of an oak in a narrower footprint—without sacrificing strength or durability—Kindred Spirit® Oak delivers in spades.
Growth Rate: Moderate | Mature Size: ~50–60′ tall × 25–30′ wide
Maples
State Street® Maple
The State Street® Maple is a standout choice for homeowners who want the refined look of a maple with exceptional toughness and reliability. Selected for urban environments, this tree combines a strong, upright form with impressive tolerance to heat, compacted soils, and city stress—making it one of the most durable maples available.
Unlike many common maples, State Street® is less prone to surface roots and structural issues, developing a sturdy central leader and a clean, upright canopy. Its dark green summer foliage is thick and attractive, providing dense shade without excessive mess.
In fall, State Street® Maple turns warm shades of yellow to golden orange, offering consistent seasonal color without the unpredictability seen in some red maples. Its narrow-to-upright shape makes it especially well suited for streets, boulevards, and residential landscapes where space and longevity both matter.
For Central Missouri, State Street® Maple offers a reliable alternative to traditional maples, delivering strength, structure, and long-term performance with a refined, professional look.
Growth Rate: Moderate | Mature Size: ~35–40′ tall × 30–35′ wide
Urban Sunset Maple
The Urban Sunset® Maple is a resilient, medium-sized shade tree chosen for urban and residential landscapes where strong structure, manageable growth, and reliable performance are important. It offers the familiar look of a maple with improved tolerance to heat, compacted soils, and urban stress—making it a solid choice for Central Missouri.
Throughout the growing season, Urban Sunset® maintains rich green foliage and develops a balanced, attractive canopy. In fall, it lives up to its name, displaying warm, multi-toned color in shades of gold, orange, and red, often appearing together for an extended seasonal show. Its growth habit provides useful shade without overwhelming nearby structures or hardscape.
For homeowners who want dependable shade with standout fall color—without the mess and structural issues of older maple varieties—Urban Sunset® Maple is a smart, modern option.
Growth Rate: Moderate–fast | Mature Size: ~30–35′ tall × 25–30′ wide
Autumn Blaze Maple
The Autumn Blaze® Maple is one of the most widely planted shade trees in the Midwest—and for good reason. It grows quickly, establishes easily, and delivers brilliant red fall color that’s hard to miss. For homeowners who want fast shade and dramatic autumn color, it’s an appealing option.
Autumn Blaze® combines the fast growth of silver maple with the color and form of red maple. However, that speed comes with tradeoffs. While it performs well when properly planted and maintained, it does not develop the same long-term structure or durability as slower-growing trees like oaks or some newer maple cultivars. Thoughtful site selection and early structural pruning are important for long-term success.
Autumn Blaze® can be a good fit where quick results are the priority, but it’s best planted with realistic expectations about size, maintenance, and longevity.
Growth Rate: Fast | Mature Size: ~45–55′ tall × 40–50′ wide
Sun Valley Maple
The Sun Valley® Maple is a red maple selection known for its heat tolerance and reliable fall color, making it a better-performing option than many standard red maples in warmer, more exposed sites. It was selected specifically to hold up under hot summers while still delivering the classic maple look homeowners expect.
During the growing season, Sun Valley® carries medium to dark green foliage and develops a balanced, oval canopy. In fall, it produces consistent color in shades of orange to red, often earlier than many other maples. Its form is more uniform and predictable than seed-grown red maples, which helps reduce long-term maintenance issues.
While it does not match the longevity or structural strength of oaks or some newer urban maples, Sun Valley® can be a good choice where fall color, moderate growth, and heat tolerance are top priorities—especially with proper planting and early structural pruning.
Growth Rate: Moderate–fast | Mature Size: ~40–50′ tall × 30–40′ wide
Catalpa
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The Catalpa (Northern Catalpa) is a large, fast-growing shade tree known for its big heart-shaped leaves, late-spring blossoms, and bold presence in the landscape. It brings a slightly tropical look to yards and streets while still being tough enough for Midwest conditions. Under appreciated for its fast growth and stunning beauty, this is one of my personal favorite trees!
Catalpa offers:
Spring–Summer: Large, bright green leaves and clusters of fragrant white orchid-like flowers in late spring to early summer
Fall: Leaves turn yellow before dropping
Winter: Bold branching and open form remain visually interesting
The flowers are a major reason people choose it — they’re showy, fragrant, and attract butterflies and bees.
Catalpa is one of the faster-growing trees you can plant:
Growth Rate: Fast
Mature Size: ~40–70′ tall × 40–60′ wide
Tulip
The Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is a tall, fast-growing shade tree known for its distinctive tulip-shaped leaves, striking spring flowers, and straight, stately form. It brings classic beauty and strong vertical presence to the landscape and performs exceptionally well in Midwest conditions when planted in the right site.
Often overlooked for residential landscapes due to its eventual size, the Tulip Tree is one of the most impressive native shade trees available and a personal favorite for large yards and open spaces.
Tulip Tree offers:
Spring–Summer: Bright green, uniquely shaped leaves and yellow-green tulip-like flowers with orange centers in late spring
Fall: Golden-yellow fall color
Winter: Strong central leader and clean branching structure provide visual interest
The flowers are subtle but beautiful and are an excellent nectar source for pollinators, especially bees.
Tulip Tree is among the fastest-growing native shade trees:
Growth Rate: Fast
Mature Size: ~60–90′ tall × 30–50′ wide
Exclamation!™ London Plane
The Exclamation!™ London Plane is a large, fast-growing shade tree known for its upright form, striking exfoliating bark, and exceptional toughness. It delivers the classic look of a London plane with modern improvements that make it a strong performer in Midwest landscapes, especially in urban and suburban settings.
Selected for its strong central leader and improved disease resistance, Exclamation!™ is an excellent choice for large yards, parks, and streets where a bold, long-lived shade tree is desired.
Exclamation!™ London Plane offers:
Spring–Summer: Large, maple-like green leaves that create dense shade
Fall: Yellow to bronze fall color
Winter: Dramatic exfoliating bark and clean branching structure provide year-round interest
The mottled bark is a standout feature, offering visual appeal even when the tree is dormant.
Exclamation!™ London Plane is a fast-growing, durable shade tree:
Growth Rate: Fast
Mature Size: ~55–70′ tall × 40–50′ wide
Sycamore
The American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is a massive, fast-growing native shade tree known for its huge leaves, towering size, and striking white-and-mottled bark. It has a bold, commanding presence and thrives in Midwest conditions, especially where space and moisture are available.
Often found along rivers and bottomlands, Sycamore is one of North America’s largest native trees and is best suited for large properties, parks, and open landscapes where it has room to grow.
Sycamore offers:
Spring–Summer: Very large, bright green leaves that provide deep shade
Fall: Yellow to brown fall color
Winter: Dramatic white upper bark and strong branching structure create standout winter interest
The exfoliating bark is a defining feature, making Sycamore visually striking even when dormant.
Sycamore is a fast-growing native shade tree:
Growth Rate: Fast
Mature Size: ~70–100′ tall × 60–80′ wide
Weeping Willow
The Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica) is a fast-growing, graceful shade tree known for its long, cascading branches and soft, flowing canopy. It creates an unmistakable silhouette in the landscape and thrives in Midwest conditions when given adequate space and moisture.
Often planted near water features or in open lawns, Weeping Willow brings a dramatic, timeless presence and is best suited for large properties where its size and root system can be accommodated.
Weeping Willow offers:
Spring–Summer: Bright green, narrow leaves and flowing, pendulous branches that create dappled shade
Fall: Yellow fall color before leaf drop
Winter: Elegant branch structure provides visual interest, even when dormant
Weeping Willow is valued for its rapid growth and dramatic form:
Growth Rate: Very fast
Mature Size: ~40–60′ tall × 40–70′ wide
Bald Cypress
The Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) is a distinctive, long-lived native tree known for its soft, feathery foliage, strong pyramidal form, and exceptional tolerance of wet soils. It brings a refined, almost elegant presence to the landscape while remaining extremely tough and adaptable in Midwest conditions.
Commonly associated with southern wetlands, Bald Cypress performs surprisingly well in upland sites too, making it a versatile choice for large yards, low areas, and sites with poor drainage.
Bald Cypress offers:
Spring–Summer: Soft, bright green, needle-like foliage with a light, airy texture
Fall: Rich copper-orange fall color before shedding its needles
Winter: Clean trunk and strong branching structure provide subtle winter interest
Bald Cypress is unique among conifers as a deciduous evergreen, dropping its needles each fall.
Bald Cypress is a moderately fast-growing, durable shade tree:
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Mature Size: ~50–70′ tall × 25–35′ wide
Kentucky Coffee
The Kentucky Coffeetree is a bold, native shade tree valued for its unique branching structure, massive compound leaves, and exceptional toughness. Native to the Midwest, it is one of the most durable and adaptable large trees you can plant in central Missouri, thriving where many other species struggle.
This tree offers a striking, architectural look and is especially effective in urban landscapes, large yards, and open sites where resilience and low maintenance are priorities.
Kentucky Coffeetree offers:
Spring: Late leaf-out with dramatic, oversized compound leaves
Summer: Large, tropical-looking foliage creates light, filtered shade
Fall: Clear yellow fall color
Winter: Bold, coarse branching provides outstanding winter interest
Its open canopy allows light to reach the ground below, making it compatible with turf or understory plantings.
Kentucky Coffeetree is a moderate-to-fast growing native shade tree:
Growth Rate: Moderate
Mature Size: ~60–75′ tall × 40–50′ wide
Autumn Gold® Ginkgo
The Autumn Gold® Ginkgo is one of the most reliable, long-lived, and low-maintenance shade trees available for Midwest landscapes. Known for its distinctive fan-shaped leaves, exceptional toughness, and unmatched golden fall color, this cultivar performs consistently well in central Missouri across a wide range of site conditions.
Autumn Gold® is a male selection, meaning it produces no fruit, making it a clean and dependable choice for residential yards, streetscapes, and commercial properties.
Autumn Gold® Ginkgo offers:
Spring: Unique fan-shaped leaves emerge a fresh, light green
Summer: Clean, medium-green foliage with excellent heat tolerance
Fall: Brilliant, uniform golden-yellow fall color—often dropping leaves nearly all at once
Winter: Strong branching structure provides architectural interest
This tree combines classic beauty with legendary durability, making it a standout long-term investment in the landscape.
Autumn Gold® Ginkgo is a moderate-growing shade tree:
Growth Rate: Moderate
Mature Size: ~50–60′ tall × 30–40′ wide