Last week, we shared our top picks for native drought-tolerant shrubs. This week, we will explore some of our favorite native drought-tolerant trees! It is crucial to remember that all plants are intolerant of drought until they are established. Proper watering and site selection after planting are essential for long-term success. Revisit our article Drought-Tolerant Shrubs for Midwestern Landscapes – Great Plains Nursery for tips for success with drought-tolerant trees and shrubs.
Top Drought-Tolerant Trees for the Midwest
Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii)
Chinkapin Oak is a tough, drought-tolerant tree that grows 40-60′ tall with a broad, rounded crown. It thrives in dry, rocky, and alkaline soils but performs well in moist, fertile loams in cultivation. This species is highly adaptable, making it an excellent choice for challenging landscapes. Unlike many oaks, Chinkapin Oak has large, sharp-toothed leaves that are dark yellow-green above with a silvery-white underside, resembling chestnut foliage. In fall, its leaves turn golden-yellow to brown. Typically, oaks are considered to be slow-growing, but in our experience, we have seen this species display a medium growth rate. Additionally, they will set acorns at a generally younger age (though not as young as Dwarf Chinkapin and Bur oak), usually by year 7-8 in our observations!
Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)
Northern Catalpa is a fast-growing, highly adaptable tree that reaches 50-60′ tall.
This unique tree adds character to any landscape with its large, heart-shaped leaves and dramatic, twisting branches. In June, it produces clusters of showy, tube-like white flowers (2″ long) in 4-8″ panicles, attracting pollinators with their fragrant blooms. As the season progresses, long, bean-like seed pods develop, persisting into winter and adding to its wild charm. Great for xeriscapes, Northern Catalpa is highly tolerant of various soils, including drought-prone sites, making it a resilient and eye-catching choice for diverse landscapes.
Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera)
A tree with a storied past, Osage Orange was historically planted as living fences due to its tough wood, thorny branches, and ability to form dense barriers. This medium-sized, spiny, deciduous tree reaches 35-60′ in height. It thrives in dry, harsh conditions and is incredibly resilient, tolerating poor soils, drought, heat, cold, and wind. Osage Orange features orange-brown bark, shiny dark green leaves, and thorny twigs, with foliage turning yellow in fall. In June, separate male and female trees produce small, greenish flowers, and fertilized female trees develop large, grapefruit-sized, wrinkled fruits (commonly called hedge apples). Despite their resemblance to citrus, these inedible fruits are actually dense clusters of hundreds of tiny fruits. A symbol of strength and protection, Osage Orange has been valued for its dense, durable wood, which was once used by Native Americans for crafting bows (earning it the name “bowwood”). As settlers expanded westward in the 1800s, thousands of miles of Osage Orange hedgerows were planted as fencing, though their use declined after the invention of barbed wire. This tree remains an excellent choice for windbreaks, durable landscapes, and conservation plantings, offering impenetrable protection and historical significance.
Common Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
Common Persimmon is a tough yet charming deciduous tree, growing 35-60 feet tall, and thrives in a variety of conditions, from drought-prone sites to urban landscapes and even partial shade. It is best suited to average to dry, well-drained soils but is highly adaptable, making it an excellent choice for resilient landscapes. This tree is best known for its deeply grooved bark and delicious orange fruit, which ripens in fall to a sweet, honey-like flavor reminiscent of apricots. High in Vitamins A & C, its edible fruit is enjoyed by both humans and wildlife, making it a valuable food source for birds, mammals, and pollinators through the colder months. Persimmons are dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate trees. For optimal fruit production, multiple trees should be planted to ensure pollination. In addition to its fruit, persimmon wood is exceptionally hard and smooth, historically used for golf club heads, billiard cues, and other specialty products. With its drought tolerance, wildlife benefits, and ornamental appeal, Common Persimmon brings both beauty and function to the landscape—truly a tree that keeps on giving!
Why choose drought-tolerant trees.
Choosing drought-tolerant trees will allow you to create a resilient and beautiful landscape! As an enticing bonus, choose native drought-tolerant trees and you will be supporting local ecosystems! You can search for more drought tolerant trees and shrubs by searching by this specific trait! Check it out here!
