TRESS/SHRUBS THAT FAVOR OKLAHOMA CONDITIONS
Below is a listing of trees and shrubs for superior Oklahoma growing recommended by: Oklahoma State University (OSU) Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture, OSU Botanical Garden, Oklahoma Botanical Garden & Arboretum, and Oklahoma Garden Industry Cooperators.

Kentucky Coffee Tree
Gymnocladus dioica

Sun Exposure: Full
Soil: Tolerates a wide range of conditions including dry and alkaline soils
Hardiness: USDA Zone 4

Kentucky Coffee Tree is an Oklahoma native growing to 60 feet tall. It is very heat and drought tolerant and does well on high pH soils. Although it has few branches when young, it matures to a majestic and beautiful tree with large seed pods adding winter interest. Learn more about Kentucky Coffee Tree at OKPLANTid


Cedar Elm
Ulmus crassifolia

Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil: Tolerates a wide range of conditions
Hardiness: USDA Zone 6

Cedar elm can thrive in almost any soil type, including the alkaline and heavy soils common in Oklahoma. It is one of the more disease resistant native elms, producing glossy green leaves in early spring that turn a muted yellow in the fall. Its form can vary from upright-oval to broadly horizontal and it generally matures around 60' tall. It can be distinguished from other elms by its rough-textured leaves, corky projections on young stems, and flowers and fruit produced in the fall. Learn more about Cedar Elm at OKPLANTid
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Japanese Kerria
Kerria japonica

Sun Exposure: Full to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained
Hardiness: USDA Zone 4

Japanese Kerria produces an abundance of yellow, rose-like flowers in the early spring and sporadically through the summer. The species has single yellow flowers while ‘Pleniflora’(the cultivar shown here) has double flowers. In winter Japanese Kerria adds interest to the garden with its bright green stems and arching habit. Japanese Kerria can be rejuvenated by cutting the shrub to the ground every few years. Learn more about Japanese Kerria at OKPLANTid

Japanese Painted Fern
Athyrium nipponicum

Sun Exposure: Part to full shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained
Hardiness: USDA Zone 4

Japanese Painted Fern is a deciduous perennial growing to twelve inches tall. It can be used in shaded perennial gardens or massed as a ground cover. Cultivars are available, each with its own pattern of red and silver variegation. Learn more about Japanese Painted Fern at OKPLANTid

Bur Oak
Quercus macrocarpa

Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Soil: Adapted to alkaline, sandy, and clay soils
Hardiness: USDA Zone 3
Bur Oak is an Oklahoma native that can grow to 60 feet tall, with an even larger spread, and can tolerate drought, heavy soils, and high pH soils. Bur Oak can grow to be a majestic specimen and is an important wildlife species since many animals feed on its large acorns. Learn more about Bur Oak at OKPLANTid

Pink Velour® Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica 'Whit III'

Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil: Moist, well-drained
Hardiness: USDA Zone 6b

Pink Velour® was developed in Oklahoma for its burgundy spring foliage. Summer leaves have a dark purple cast and highlight the pink flowers that are formed from early July until frost. Pink Velour® forms a ten-foot high, multi-stemmed large shrub, is drought tolerant, and highly resistant to powdery mildew. Learn more about Pink Velour® Crape Myrtle at OKPLANTid