Swamp White Oak

The swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor) is a hardy, long-lived deciduous tree native to the central and eastern United States, particularly thriving in low-lying, wet bottomlands, floodplains, and swamps—hence its name.

Known for its adaptability to both wet and upland soils, this oak species can grow up to 60–80 feet tall, featuring distinctive leaves with shallow lobes that are dark green above and whitish underneath. In autumn, its foliage turns a mix of yellow and bronze, adding seasonal beauty to the landscape. The swamp white oak produces acorns that are a vital food source for wildlife such as deer, squirrels, and birds.

Due to its tolerance of urban conditions, it is also a popular choice for parks and streetscapes, valued for its stately form and ecological benefits.

Kentucky Coffee Tree

The Kentucky coffee tree (Gymnocladus dioicus) is a striking, deciduous tree native to the central and eastern United States, known for its bold, rugged appearance and large, bi-pinnately compound leaves—the largest of any native tree in North America. It can grow 60–80 feet tall and thrives in a variety of soil types, making it well-suited to both natural and urban environments.

The tree gets its name from the seeds found in its large, leathery seed pods, which early settlers roasted as a substitute for coffee, although raw seeds are toxic if not properly prepared. With its coarse winter silhouette, fragrant spring flowers, and golden fall color, the Kentucky coffee tree is both ornamental and ecologically valuable, providing habitat and food for pollinators and birds.

Eastern Redbud

The eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a small, graceful deciduous tree native to eastern North America, celebrated for its vibrant early-spring display of pink to magenta flowers that bloom in clusters directly on branches and trunks—a phenomenon known as cauliflory.

Typically reaching 20–30 feet in height, it has a rounded crown and heart-shaped leaves that emerge reddish, turn green in summer, and often take on yellow tones in fall. The redbud thrives in a variety of soils and light conditions, making it a popular ornamental tree in both gardens and natural landscapes.

Its blossoms are a crucial early nectar source for pollinators, and its distinctive beauty makes it a beloved symbol of spring across much of the United States.

(something about the redbud project here)