Native Flowering Trees for Your Landscaping in Missouri

Choosing the right flowering trees for your landscaping can transform an ordinary outdoor space into a vibrant, thriving landscape. Missouri’s native flowering trees have adapted to thrive in our unique climate and soil conditions, supporting pollinators and local wildlife along the way. Not sure where to start? We’ve rounded up the best native flowering trees for Missouri landscapes—plus key tips on choosing the right one for your space.

Why Choose Native Trees for Your Landscaping?

When it comes to selecting a flowering tree for your landscaping, native species offer some unbeatable advantages. These trees have evolved to thrive in their local environment, making them both practical and ecologically valuable for homeowners and property managers alike.

Natives also offer the advantage of relatively quick establishment and minimal care once they’re rooted. Here’s why they’re often the best choice:

Low maintenance and climate-adapted: Native flowering trees are already well-suited to Missouri’s soil types, rainfall patterns, and seasonal shifts. This means they generally need less watering, fertilizing, or intervention than non-native species.
Resistant to local pests and diseases: Because these trees have grown alongside native insects and microorganisms, they’re more resilient. You’ll encounter fewer issues with invasive pests or unfamiliar diseases, which can often plague imported species.
Support pollinators and native wildlife: From bees and butterflies to birds and small mammals, Missouri’s trees play a key role in local ecosystems. By planting native flowering trees for your landscaping, you’re contributing to environmental health.

Top Native Flowering Trees for Missouri Landscapes

Missouri is home to an incredible variety of native trees that offer striking seasonal color, wildlife value, and long-term landscape benefits. Choosing native flowering trees for your landscaping ensures your investment will thrive in local conditions and contribute positively to the surrounding environment. Whether you’re designing a new landscape or enhancing an established yard, the following trees are standout options.

Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

A classic favorite across Missouri, the Eastern Redbud is one of the first trees to bloom in early spring. Its vibrant pinkish-purple flowers line the branches before the leaves emerge, creating a bold splash of eye-catching color while most other trees are trying to wake up color.

Bloom Time: Early spring (late March through early May)
Flower Color: Pink to magenta
Tree Size: Small – typically 15–30 ft tall
Care Needs: Adaptable to sun or partial shade; prefers well-drained soil
Special Considerations: Works beautifully as an understory tree and pairs well with larger shade species

Redbuds are not only ornamental—they’re also helpful to early-season pollinators, making them both a beautiful and beneficial choice.

Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)

As Missouri’s state tree, the flowering dogwood is a must-have for native landscaping. Its showy bracts bloom in mid to late spring, followed by bright red berries in fall and striking foliage.

Bloom Time: Mid to late April
Flower Color: White or soft pink
Tree Size: Small – 15–25 ft tall
Care Needs: Thrives in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil
Special Considerations: Provides year-round interest with spring flowers, summer greenery, and fall color

Dogwoods are ideal for adding texture and seasonal interest to shady or woodland-style gardens.

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)

Hawthorns are a hardy and diverse group of flowering trees that do well in a variety of settings. Their blooms are followed by bright red berries that persist into winter. The white Hawthorn flower is the Missouri State Flower.

Bloom Time: April through Late May
Flower Color: White or pink, depending on species
Tree Size: Small to medium – 15–30 ft tall
Care Needs: Prefers full sun and tolerates many soil types
Special Considerations: Some varieties have thorns; provides excellent food and cover for birds

If you’re looking for flowering trees for your landscaping that offer visual appeal and wildlife value, Hawthorns deliver on both fronts.

Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus)

Sometimes called the “old man’s beard,” the fringetree produces delicate, feathery white blooms that dangle from its branches in late spring.

Bloom Time: April through May
Flower Color: White, lightly fragrant
Tree Size: Small – 12–20 ft tall
Care Needs: Tolerates full sun to part shade; likes moist but well-drained soils
Special Considerations: A lesser-known native gem that works well as a specimen tree

The fringetree adds a touch of softness and elegance to any landscape and fits well into smaller spaces.

Magnolia (Magnolia spp.)

One magnolia variety is native to Missouri, the cucumber magnolia (Magnolia acuminata). However, most magnolia varieties do well in Missouri. Magnolia trees produce dramatic blossoms and rich green leaves.

Bloom Time: Early to mid-spring (some later varieties)
Flower Color: White, pink, or purple depending on species
Tree Size: Medium to large – 20–80 ft depending on variety
Care Needs: Full sun to partial shade; moist, rich soil
Special Considerations: Some species may be sensitive to frost; best planted in protected spots

Magnolias are among the most show-stopping flowering trees for landscaping, offering both fragrance and bold visual appeal.

Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)

For those seeking shade and grandeur, the tulip tree is a fast-growing native that produces unique tulip-shaped flowers and towering height.

Bloom Time: May – June
Flower Color: Yellow-green with orange centers
Tree Size: Large – up to 90 ft tall
Care Needs: Full sun; prefers deep, moist, well-drained soils
Special Considerations: Excellent as a canopy or shade tree; great for larger properties

While not as flashy as some smaller trees, the tulip tree is an outstanding long-term investment for large-scale landscapes.

Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus)

This rugged native is known for its coarse branching, large compound leaves, and striking winter silhouette.

Bloom Time: May and June
Flower Color: Greenish-white, not particularly showy
Tree Size: Large – up to 80 ft tall
Care Needs: Drought-tolerant once established; full sun preferred
Special Considerations: Great for urban or large open spaces; seed pods may drop in fall

Though less ornamental in bloom, the Kentucky coffeetree is one of the most durable and low-maintenance flowering trees for landscaping in larger Missouri yards. Missouri Botanical garden lists the Kentucky coffeetree as a “Plant of Merit”.

Need more help finding the perfect tree for your property? Check out our comprehensive guide to tree planting to learn helpful tips that ensure your landscape remains healthy and beautiful for years to come.

Tips for Choosing the Right Tree for Your Landscape

With so many beautiful flowering trees for your landscaping available, narrowing down your options can feel overwhelming. The right choice depends on your site conditions, long-term goals, and how you want your landscape to look and function throughout the seasons. Before planting, take time to think through a few key factors:

Tip #1: Evaluate your site’s sunlight, soil, and space.

Some trees thrive in full sun, while others prefer partial shade or filtered light. Soil type also plays a role—some species tolerate clay or dry conditions, while others require rich, well-drained soil. Be sure to match the tree’s mature size to your available space, considering both height and canopy spread to avoid overcrowding or future removals.

Tip #2: Think about your goals: shade, aesthetics, or habitat.

Are you planting for privacy or summer shade? Looking to add curb appeal or seasonal color? Or maybe you want to support pollinators and birds? Identifying your primary purpose can help narrow your options quickly and guide your decision toward trees that meet multiple goals.

Tip #3: Plan for seasonal interest with staggered bloom times.

To keep your landscape vibrant from early spring through summer, choose a mix of flowering trees with different bloom schedules. For example, start with Eastern Redbud in early spring, follow with Dogwood and Magnolia in mid-spring, and add Tulip Tree or Fringetree for late-season interest.

Tip #4: Factor in growth rate and maintenance requirements.

Fast-growing trees offer quick results, but they may need more pruning or structural care. Slower-growing species tend to be longer-lived and more stable over time. Also consider whether the tree drops fruit, seed pods, or branches that might require clean-up in high-traffic areas.

Plant Smarter With the Help of Meyer Tree Service

Whether you’re selecting the perfect flowering trees for your landscaping or need guidance on long-term care, Meyer Tree Service is here to help. From professional planting to soil health, structural support, and seasonal maintenance, we’re committed to keeping your trees—and your entire landscape—healthy, vibrant, and built to last. Contact us today to get expert help with your planting plans or schedule a consultation for your property.