Pittsburgh is home to a wide range of trees and shrubs that make the city unique. From majestic oaks, and maples, to a range of shrubs and flowers, these plants are an integral part of the region’s natural landscape.
In addition to providing shade during hot summer days, trees can also help reduce air pollution and erosion. They are excellent sources of food for wildlife and add to the beauty of any landscape.
Here is an overview of some native trees and shrubs that can be found in Pittsburgh:
Common Native Trees
White Oak
White oak trees have slightly lighter-colored leaves and tend to be more upright than red oaks. They have a unique leaf shape, produce acorns, and can live up to 400 years.
Eastern Hemlock
The Eastern Hemlock is a coniferous evergreen tree. It has short needles that are clustered at the end of branches and small cones that turn from green to gray when mature.
Elm
Elm trees are known for their vase-shaped crown of oval-shaped leaves and gray bark. The American elm has a broad, spreading canopy with the oldest branches arching downward.
Sycamore
The sycamore has smooth, whitish bark and leaves that are fan-shaped. They can grow rapidly, about two feet a year, and establish a deep root system.
Maple
Maples are one of the common trees found in Pittsburgh, with species such as red maple growing here. Red maples have bright green leaves that turn a deep red-orange color in the fall.
Dogwood
Pittsburgh is home to flowering dogwoods. These feature either white or pink flowers when they bloom in the spring and they are often smaller than other types of trees.
Native Pittsburgh Shrubs
Pittsburgh is also home to numerous shrubs, including American holly, winterberry, and elderberry. These shrubs are perfect for use in landscaping projects as they require low maintenance and thrive in the local climate. Winterberry is often grown for its red ornamental fruit that is in abundance from mid-fall to late winter.
American holly is prized for its glossy, dark green leaves and bright red berries. Lastly, elderberry has clusters of white or pinkish flowers and purplish-black fruits that are popular with wildlife.
Native Pittsburgh Flowers
Pittsburgh also has an abundance of native flowers, including wild columbine, butterfly milkweed, and black-eyed Susans. Wild columbine has stunning red and yellow blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Butterfly weed is a bright orange flower that blooms throughout the summer months. Black-eyed Susans are yellow daisy-like flowers that have a black center.
By selecting native trees, shrubs, and flowers, you can help ensure that Pittsburgh’s unique natural beauty is preserved for years to come. With proper care, these plants will flourish in your landscape and provide a wealth of benefits for the environment.
Pittsburgh Tree Care Services
To ensure that your native trees get off to the best start, it is important to properly care for them by working with Horhut Tree Experts, your top choice for Pittsburgh tree care. Trees in Pittsburgh can experience a variety of diseases, storm damage, and other issues. We can evaluate your trees and provide solutions to keep your trees thriving.
Contact us today to learn how we can keep your native trees thriving for years to come!