Want to plant native? Find the best selection of indigenous species for the diverse State of Colorado here at Nature Hills Nursery! Ranging from USDA growing zones 5 to hardiness zone 7 in the south.
Choosing native trees for your State means knowing they will thrive where it is well suited to climate and soil because they originated there! Native selections establish faster and tolerate local growing zones, climate, weather, and anything else your State can throw at them! They need less water once established too! Plus you’ll feed pollinators, songbirds, and wildlife by providing them with a tree they recognize!
Best Colorado Native Trees
Colorado has a vastly wide range of topography! From mountainous to desert, Colorado has it all! Colorado ranges from about 3,350 feet elevation at the lowest point, and between 5,000 and 6,500 feet where the plains meet the Rocky Mountains.
First, find your Hardiness Zone, and then choose any tree that has a range that includes yours! Check with your local County Extension Office for more information if needed and for the many microclimates within these zones.
Best Evergreen Trees For Colorado
The Colorado Blue Spruce Tree is the State Tree of Colorado! These other Colorado native Evergreen Trees keep their leaves year-round for privacy, slow wind, stop drifting snow, and feed the state bird - the Lark Bunting!
- Colorado Spruce/Colorado Blue Spruce
- Concolor Fir (White Fir)
- Douglas Fir
- Eastern Red Cedar Tree/Western Red Cedar (Redcedar)
- Ponderosa Pine
- Rocky Mountain Juniper
The Best Flowering Trees to Grow in Colorado
Feed pollinators and hummingbirds nectar and pollen they evolved alongside in your State! Many of these trees are host plants for native pollinator larvae too!
- Chickasaw Plum
- Eastern Redbud Tree
- Red Horsechestnut
- Pussy Willow Tree
- Saskatoon Serviceberry
- Trumpet Creeper Vine - Tree Form!
What Are Good Shade Trees in Colorado?
Colorado can have some warm summer temperatures, dry desert-like areas, but lots of snow in the winter, so a shade tree helps beat cooling costs and gives your backyard lush relief from the sun!
- American Elm
- Black Locust
- Black Willow Tree
- Eastern Cottonwood
- Hackberry Trees
- Native Box Elder Tree (Boxelder)
- Northern Catalpa Tree
- Paper Birch Trees
- Quaking Aspen
- Showy Mountain Ash
- Sugarberry Tree
- Vine Maple Tree
Native Fruit & Nut Trees in Colorado
We love edible landscaping trees that look great and feed you! Feed the diverse amounts of wildlife and songbirds found throughout Colorado as well!
- American Black Elderberry
- American Plum/Wild Plum Tree & Chickasaw Plum
- Black Walnut Tree
- Hazelnut
- Native Shagbark Hickory
- Saskatoon Serviceberry
Much Needed Natives!
Whether you are adding shade or flowers, privacy, or a long-lasting legacy to your landscape, Nature Hills is here to help you find the perfect tree for your Colorado landscape!
Help keep your State's native biodiversity intact by planting trees native to your area! Nature Hills is committed to helping you preserve your State’s unique beauty with plants and trees that are sure to do well in your garden without impacting your native flora and fauna!
FAQS for Buying Colorado Native Plants Online
What are the best native trees to plant in Colorado for low water use?
What are the best native trees to plant in Colorado for low water use?
Native trees like the Colorado Blue Spruce, Ponderosa Pine, and Rocky Mountain Juniper are excellent drought-tolerant options once established. These trees are well-adapted to Colorado’s semi-arid climate and thrive with minimal supplemental watering.
Which native evergreen trees grow best in Colorado's varying elevations?
Which native evergreen trees grow best in Colorado's varying elevations?
Colorado native evergreens such as the Colorado Spruce, Concolor Fir, and Douglas Fir are ideal for high-elevation areas. These evergreens offer year-round privacy, windbreak benefits, and provide essential shelter for wildlife like the state bird, the Lark Bunting.
What native flowering trees attract pollinators in Colorado?
What native flowering trees attract pollinators in Colorado?
Eastern Redbud, Chickasaw Plum, and Saskatoon Serviceberry are standout native flowering trees that support native pollinators, bees, and hummingbirds. These selections provide both nectar sources and larval host habitat, essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
What native trees are recommended for shade in Colorado landscapes?
What native trees are recommended for shade in Colorado landscapes?
Quaking Aspen, Paper Birch, American Elm, and Northern Catalpa are native shade trees perfect for cooling Colorado homes and gardens. These trees offer wide canopies, aesthetic appeal, and environmental benefits in both mountainous and urban settings.
Can I grow native fruit or nut trees in Colorado’s climate?
Can I grow native fruit or nut trees in Colorado’s climate?
Yes, hardy native species like American Plum, Black Walnut, Hazelnut, and American Black Elderberry thrive in Colorado. These edible landscaping trees support wildlife and produce fruits or nuts suited to the state’s elevation and growing zones.