Trees of Limited Use
 Tree is native to Northern Tallgrass Prairie
subsection
Column headings (Y = yes; N = no; S = some situations):
H = height (feet)
W = width (feet)
S = shape: Pym-pyramidal; Rnd-round; Ov-oval; Irr-irregular;
V-vase; Col-columnar; We-weeping
FC = fall color: G-green; Y-yellow; R-red; B-brown; O-orange;
M-maroon; Bl-blue; I-insignificant
STR = recommended for street tree
UTL = recommended for planting under utility lines
SHD = shade tolerant (  - yes;  - partial;  - no )
FL = notable flower (  - yes )
FR = notable fruit, or cone with conifers (  - yes )
pH = range within which the plant performs best (na =
information on the range is not available)
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Genus Names
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Species Name
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H
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W
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S
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FC
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STR
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UTL
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SHD
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FL
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FR
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pH
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Spruce
[Picea]
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White spruce [P. glauca]
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40+
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20+
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Pym
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G
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N
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N
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4.6 to 7.2
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Very hardy, adaptable tree. Widely planted as single specimens,
in groups, or as windbreaks. Spider mites are often a problem in
hot, dry conditions. Is shade tolerant, but will have denser
foliage if grown in full sun.
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Fir
[Abies]
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Balsam fir [A. balsamea]
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40+
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20+
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Pym
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G
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N
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N
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4 to 6.5
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Not very tolerant of drought or heat. Best used in natural
areas, not in landscapes. Fruit is an upright cone where the
scales and bracts are deciduous upon maturity. Keep well mulched
over root systems to restrict competition with turf when used in
a residential landscape.
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Hemlock
[Tsuga]
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Canadian hemlock [T. canadensis]
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40+
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20+
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Pym
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G
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N
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N
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4.6 to 6.5
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Subject to winter browning. Requires good soil moisture and
protection from winter sun and drying winds.
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Pine
[Pinus]
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Eastern white pine [P. strobus]
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40+
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20+
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Pym
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G
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N
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N
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4.5 to 6.5
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An excellent ornamental conifer. Requires well-drained soils, is
very intolerant of deicing salts, and may become chlorotic in
alkaline soils. May suffer from winter needle burn if planted in
exposed sites.
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Jack pine [P. banksiana]
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35+
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25+
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Irr
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G
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N
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N
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4.5 to 6.5
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A novelty tree due to its irregular growth habit. Well adapted
for impoverished, sandy sites.
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Norway pine [P. resinosa]
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40+
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25+
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Pym
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G
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N
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N
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4.5 to 6.8
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This is our state tree, yet is not native to Northern Tallgrass
Prairie subsection.
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Spruce
[Picea]
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Black spruce [P. mariana]
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30+
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15+
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Pym
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G
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N
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N
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4 to 6.5
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Good for cool, wet areas in the urban landscape and riparian
areas.
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Serbian spruce [P. omorika]
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40+
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20+
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Pym
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G
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N
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N
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Y
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4.6 to 7.8
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Prefers moist, rich, and well-drained soils. May suffer winter
browning in exposed sites.
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