Below is a helpful guide for Nantucket native trees, focusing on their light and water requirements and ideal uses in your landscape.
Nantucket’s Native Trees
Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
- Light: Full sun to partial shade.
- Water: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established.
- Best Uses: Windbreaks, privacy screens, wildlife habitat, erosion control, and winter cover for birds.
Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)
- Light: Full sun to partial shade.
- Water: Medium; prefers moist but well-drained soils.
- Best Uses: Shade tree, edible fruit for wildlife and humans, and pollinator-friendly.
American Elm (cultivar) (Ulmus americana cultivar)
- Light: Full sun.
- Water: Moderate; adaptable to different soil types but prefers moist, fertile soil.
- Best Uses: Shade tree, street tree in disease-resistant cultivars.
Mockernut Hickory (Carya tomentosa)
- Light: Full sun to partial shade.
- Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant but thrives in well-drained, fertile soils.
- Best Uses: Long-lived shade tree; produces nuts for wildlife.
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
- Light: Full sun to partial shade.
- Water: Medium to high; tolerates wet soils and periodic flooding.
- Best Uses: Shade tree, ornamental fall color, wetland restoration.
White Oak (Quercus alba)
- Light: Full sun to partial shade.
- Water: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established.
- Best Uses: Long-lived shade tree, acorn production for wildlife, and cultural significance.
Black Oak (Quercus velutina)
- Light: Full sun to partial shade.
- Water: Low to moderate; prefers dry to sandy soils.
- Best Uses: Shade tree, wildlife habitat, and erosion control.
Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida)
- Light: Full sun.
- Water: Low to moderate; thrives in dry, sandy soils.
- Best Uses: Coastal stabilization, wildlife cover, and reforestation projects.
Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)
- Light: Full sun to partial shade.
- Water: Moderate; prefers well-drained soils.
- Best Uses: Unique aromatic foliage, wildlife food source, and ornamental interest.
Tupelo (Black Gum) (Nyssa sylvatica)
- Light: Full sun to partial shade.
- Water: Medium to high; thrives in moist, acidic soils.
- Best Uses: Shade tree, ornamental fall foliage, and pollinator-friendly.
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