Delaware Valley Native Trees

All trees in this page are listed as native species to the Delaware Valley Region by either BONAP or USDA research/literature.

The Greater Delaware Valley Regional Area straddles two of the most ecologically diverse areas of the east coast. Please select either the Atlantic Coastal Plain or the Piedmont to narrow down native plant recommendations for your EcoRegion.

We care about the provenance/origin of our trees and shrubs, and give you the information you need to make an informed decision about what you would like to plant in your landscape.

Select your EcoRegion below:

A note on provenance terminology:

WILD - from local natural and indigenous origins, for conservation of local phenotypes and genetics

  • Local Native Wild - Genetically local wild seed sourced from within the Delaware Valley Region Level 3 ecoregions, and bound between USDA zone 6-8. State of origin and level 3 ecoregion printed on label.

  • Regional Native Wild - Native wild seed sourced from anywhere within the species native range and within our shared Level 2 ecoregion, bound between USDA zone 6-8. State of origin and level 2 ecoregion printed on label.

CAPTURED - human selected native sources that are commonly used in native plantings and landscapes

  • Captured Native - These are selected wild individuals captured for curation, research, or conservation purposes from anywhere in the USA. Propagated from original wild by less than 3 generations with original Ecoregion and State on label.

  • Straight Native - Common native species propagated for over 3 generations by humans. Refer to label for mother tree state of origin. Genetic origins usually not available. These are the most common type found at larger nurseries.

HORTICULTURAL - improved varieties by breeding or cloning for horticultural use

  • Native Improved - Native species bred for improved characteristics, such as vigorous growth, color, disease resistance, or taste. Seeds sourced from open pollinated orchard settings where both parents are improved. These are more likely to show improved traits in offspring.

  • Native Cultivars - These are genetic clones of particular horticultural trees that were bred and selected for specific desirable traits. As these are genetic clones, they provide consistent results on the farm or garden.