13 White Flowering Trees In Ohio (Native & Common Trees)
Planning to add some flowering trees in your backyard garden? Well, why not try some exquisite white flowers?
White flowers are associated with purity, innocence, and serenity, making them a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers alike. Not only do they add a touch of sophistication to any outdoor space, but they also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, helping to support the local ecosystem.
If you’re a resident of Ohio, you’re in for a treat as the state boasts more than 10 varieties of trees with beautiful white flowers. In this article, I’ll walk you through 13 of the most commonly found white flowering trees in Ohio, including both native and non-native species that flourish in the region.
1. Nannyberry
- Common Name: Nannyberry
- Scientific Name: Viburnum lentago
- Mature Height: 10-20 feet
- Native/Non-Native: Native
- Flowers/Cones: Flowers
- Uses: Wildlife food, decorative shrub, medicinal plant
Nannyberry, also known as Blackhaw, Sweet Viburnum, or Wild Raisin, is one of the smallest white flowering trees in Ohio. It has gorgeous white blooms that grow in flat clusters 3 to 5 inches across. Pollinators such as bees and butterflies are drawn to these flowers.
The bark of the tree is smooth and grayish, with many horizontal lines and microscopic scales.
The tree’s leaves are simple, oval-shaped, and have a bright green color. They are 3-5 inches long, have a pointy tip, fine-toothed borders, and are linked to the branches on opposing sides. The leafstalk, commonly known as the petiole, is flattened and bears several swellings.
The Nannyberry produces green and raisin-like fruit that matures to a dark purple color and is tasty and edible. They are circular, 14-12 inches in diameter, and contain a single seed. The fruit is pleasant and tasty, but the huge seed inside makes it difficult to consume. When ripe, nannyberry is a favorite food of wildlife.
This tree is ideal for gardens and backyards since it is drought tolerant and can survive in various soil types, from moist to dry. When handled correctly, nannyberry can be utilized as an ornamental shrub or even for therapeutic purposes, as it is thought to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.
The grooved or winged leafstalk, which can be found along forest borders, stream banks, swamps, marshes, and hillsides, aids in identifying the tree.
2. Buttonbush
- Common Name: Buttonbush
- Scientific Name: Cephalanthus occidentalis
- Mature Height: 10-20 feet
- Native/Non-Native: Native
- Flowers/Cones: Flowers
- Uses: Wildlife food
The Buttonbush is another small flowering tree in Ohio with white flowers. It is considered a shrub that can reach 20 feet in height and has several crooked trunks and slender, spreading branches.
The tree’s crown is uneven, and its leaves are semi-evergreen. The leaves are simple and oval, normally opposite but sometimes in three whorls. They feature wavy edges and pointed points and are shiny green on top with a paler tint underneath. The bark is heavily wrinkled with scaly ridges and is gray or brown.
The Buttonbush is well-known for its distinctive flower balls composed of many little white blooms. These flowers are about half to three-fourths the size of a ball. Bees, wasps, and butterflies frequently visit them because they are quite appealing. Flowering occurs from late spring through early summer.
The tree also produces green nuts that develop to brown in the fall. Ducks, deer, and turkeys are among the species that consume these nutlets.
The natural plant buttonbush can be found in wetlands, along streams and lakes, floodplains, and wet meadows. It is frequently found growing with other lowland tree species like cottonwood and willow. The dense clumps of Buttonbush provide adequate cover for breeding birds, which is why this species is popular among birdwatchers.
Despite its attractiveness, the Buttonbush bears poisonous leaves and bark, both of which have been employed in folk medicine. However, the efficacy of these therapies is highly questionable, and they should not be used.
Buttonbush is also known as honey-balls or globe-flowers.
3. Northern Catalpa
- Common Name: Northern Catalpa
- Scientific Name: Catalpa speciosa
- Mature Height: 50-75 feet (15-23 meters)
- Native/Non-Native: Non-native
- Flowers/Cones: Flowers
- Uses: Ornamental
Northern Catalpa is one of the most commonly found non-native white flowering trees in Ohio. It is a tall tree with a single stem and a broad, circular crown.
One of its most distinguishing characteristics is its big, heart-shaped leaves, which can grow up to 12 inches (30cm) in length. The tree’s gorgeous blossoms, on the other hand, make it even more lovely.
In the spring, the Northern Catalpa blooms with enormous, beautiful flowers that resemble orchids. The flowers range in color from cream to white with yellow and purple spots and stripes, and they grow in clusters up to 8 inches (20cm) wide. They are not only visually pleasing, but they also have a pleasant aroma that attracts a variety of insects.
Northern Catalpa produces long bean-like green capsules that can grow up to 18 inches (45cm) long after blooming. When the capsules reach maturity, they turn brown and split open into two sections, displaying winged seeds.
Although the Northern Catalpa is not native to Ohio, it has been successfully planted in cities and parks around the state for the past 40-50 years. It enjoys rich moist soils and may thrive in a variety of environments.
It has light brown bark with deep furrows and flat-topped ridges and a soft white pith on its branches.
Because of its huge seedpods, the tree is also known as Catawba, Cigar Tree, and Indian Bean.
4. Wild Apple
- Common Name: Wild Apple
- Scientific Name: Malus spp.
- Mature Height: 10-15 feet
- Native/Non-Native: Non-Native
- Flowers/Cones: Showy White Flowers
- Uses: Edible Fruit
The Wild Apple, scientifically known as Malus spp., is a lovely tree species distinguished by its spectacular white blooms with five petals. These flowers are 1-2 inches wide and sometimes have pink streaks.
The tree can reach a height of 10-15 feet and has a single crooked stem with spreading branches that form a broad spherical crown. The leaves are simple, oval-shaped, and have blunt-tipped, finely serrated margins. The leaves are dark green and thickly hairy on the underside, giving them a fuzzy appearance.
The tree’s bark is dark and scaly, with peeling edges.
Wild apples were imported to the United States during colonial times and are not native to the country. They are frequently connected with former homesteads and can be seen along fencerows and roadsides where seedlings were planted or apples were discarded and seeds sprouted. Because some have escaped cultivation, they may now be found all across the country.
Wild apples are edible, and some are quite tasty. The fruit has been used to make jellies and pastries like pies. The ordinary apples found in grocery stores are actually from trees descended from the Wild Apple variety, making them extremely valuable.
In Ohio, a wide range of Wild Apple species have been naturalized and can be seen growing in dry soils.
5. American Plum
- Common Name: American Plum
- Scientific Name: Prunus americana
- Mature Height: 10–15 feet (3–4.5 meters)
- Native/Non-Native: Native
- Flowers/Cones: Showy white flowers and large fleshy red plums
- Uses: Plums can be eaten fresh or used for making jellies and jams
The American Plum is one of the shortest white flowering trees in Ohio. The tree can reach a height of 15 feet and has a single trunk with many branches.
It has simple, oblong to oval leaves that are 2 to 5 inches long. The leaves are pointy at the apex, with double-toothed borders and a vein network. The tree’s bark is reddish-brown or gray, with prominent light-colored horizontal markings.
The bark is smooth with numerous scales or plates. The tree also bears enormous, vicious thorns that range in length from 1 to 3 inches.
The brilliant white flowers that bloom in clusters approximately 3 to 5 inches wide are one of the most appealing features of the American Plum. The blossoms are 1 inch large and highly fragrant. Bees and other pollinators are drawn to them.
The tree produces enormous meaty red plums that are tasty and about 1-inch diameter after the blossoms. Plums produce excellent jellies and jams.
The American Plum prefers moist soil and open, sunny locations. It tolerates shade and grows well in wide areas and along woodland margins. The tree looks a lot like a Canada Plum, however, it lacks two little red glands on the leafstalks.
When the twigs are crushed, they emit a bitter almond odor. Its thorns were utilized for repairing garments and other duties in pioneer times.
6. Canada Plum
- Common Name: Canada Plum
- Scientific Name: Prunus nigra
- Mature Height: 15-20 feet
- Native/Non-Native: Native to southeastern Canada
- Flowers/Cones: White flowers, red-to-orange plums
The Canada Plum is a tiny tree that can grow to be 15-20 feet tall. It has an uneven crown and a short, crooked trunk that separates a few feet from the base.
The tree’s leaves are basic, oval-shaped, with a pointed apex and tiny sharp teeth. They range in length from 2 to 5 inches, are alternately connected, and have two little red glands on the leafstalk. Young tree bark is dark gray to black, but it browns with age and takes on the appearance of peeling scales.
Canada Plum has lovely white flowers that grow in clusters 3-5 inches wide. The fragrant blossoms have five petals and are 1 inch wide. The tree normally blooms in the spring, and the flowers brighten the scenery. Long, pointed thorns that cover the entire trunk are typically what set this tree apart.
This tree’s fruit is a red-to-orange plum that is edible and contains one huge seed. The fruit is spherical and about 1 inch in diameter. Ripe plums are attractive among wildlife and produce excellent jams and jellies.
Canada Plum is native to southeastern Canada, where it grows in river valleys and damp soils. It grows in thickets and sprouts from its roots.
Because of its magnificent display of white blooms in the spring, it is sometimes planted as an ornamental little tree. It gets its popular name from the fact that it is endemic to Canada.
7. Pin Cherry
- Common Name: Pin Cherry, Wild Red Cherry, Bird Cherry, Fire Cherry
- Scientific Name: Prunus pensylvanica
- Mature Height: 10-30 feet (3-9 meters)
- Native/Non-Native: Native
- Flowers/Cones: White flowers in clusters
- Uses: Food source for wildlife, cherry jam, cough medicine
Pin Cherry is a lovely tree that can grow to be 10 to 30 feet tall. It features a thin crown and a single straight or crooked trunk.
Pin Cherry blossoms are one of its most attractive qualities. They are five-petaled white flowers that grow in clusters on tall stalks and are half an inch wide. These blossoms are roughly one to two inches long and make a lovely sight in the spring.
The leaves are simple, lance-shaped, and bright green on both sides, with a finely serrated edge that is often wavy. They often bend backward, taper to a tip, and range in length from 2 to 5 inches. Pin Cherry leaves are clustered at the terminals of the branches and contain two tiny swellings near the leaf base. When the leaves are scraped, a lovely aroma is released.
When the green cherries grow, they turn a vivid red after the blossoms. Cherries are edible and can be used to make jams and jellies. They were also utilized in cough medications in the past.
Pin cherries are a pioneer species native to the eastern half of the state. This means they move into gaps left by logging, fire, or abandoned fields.
Because they bloom swiftly after a fire, they are also known as Fire Cherry. They are an essential food source for wildlife, and their long stalks distinguish them from other types of cherries like Black Cherry and Choke Cherry.
8. Chokecherry
- Common Name: Choke Cherry
- Scientific Name: Prunus virginiana
- Mature Height: 15-35 feet
- Native/Non-Native: Native
- Flowers/Cones: Flowers
- Uses: Edible fruit for birds and animals
The Choke Cherry, Prunus Virginiana, is a lovely natural tree that grows to reach between 15 and 35 feet tall. It features an open crown and numerous twisted trunks.
The Choke Cherry tree produces beautiful white flowers in spike clusters up to 2-3 inches long. The flowers have five petals and might have a disagreeable odor at times. Later in the summer, the tree’s blooms transform into yellow-to-red cherries that dangle in clusters and measure approximately a quarter inch in diameter.
This tree’s leaves are simple, and oval-shaped, and have a fine-toothed edge with a bright green top and a lighter tint underneath. The leaves are unique in that they contain two tiny bumps towards the base of the leafstalk.
Despite being a good source of food for birds and animals, they are exceedingly bitter and should not be consumed by humans.
Because of its resilience to diverse soils, the Choke Cherry tree is a popular choice for planting along fence rows and waterways.
It grows on woodland edges and has a yellowish-brown fall color. When scraped or crushed, the bark of the Choke Cherry tree has a smooth texture and emits a foul odor. It’s important to remember that the entire tree (save for the soft part of the fruit) contains cyanide, which has a bitter almond scent and taste.
9. Black Cherry
- Common Name: Black Cherry Tree
- Scientific Name: Prunus serotina
- Mature Height: 50-75′ (15-23 m)
- Native/Non-Native: Native
- Flowers/Cones: White flowers, edible cherries
- Uses: Food for birds and wildlife, cough medicine and flavoring, prized wood
The Black Cherry Tree is a magnificent tree that may reach heights of 75 feet. It is a native of Ohio and stands out due to its dark reddish-brown bark.
The bark is distinctive because of its enormous, visible curved scales, which give it a potato-chip texture. The Black Cherry Tree’s leaves are simple, lance-shaped, and feature a bird’s beak-like apex that distinguishes them. They have a fine-toothed edge and can reach a length of 6 inches.
The Black Cherry Tree produces fragrant white blossoms around 12 inches wide in the spring. They often grow in elongated clusters of six to twelve flowers. When fertilized, the flowers yield little green cherries approximately a quarter to a half inch wide. As the cherries ripen, their hue changes from red to dark blue to lustrous black.
The Black Cherry Tree, in addition to producing delicious cherries that are edible to both humans and animals, is also utilized for medicinal purposes.
The tree’s bark and roots contain hydrocyanic acid, which has been used in cough treatments and flavoring. Furthermore, the Black Cherry Tree serves as a haven for birds and wildlife. Because cherries are a good source of nourishment, it is an important food crop for them.
10. Hawthorn
- Common Name: Hawthorn
- Scientific Name: Crataegus spp.
- Mature Height: 15-25 feet
- Native/Non-Native: Native and Non-Native
- Flowers/Cones: White flowers in flat-topped clusters; Red fruit
Hawthorn is a lovely tree native to North America that is also found in other regions of the world. The tree can reach a height of 25 feet and has a small, spherical shape, a single trunk, and a flat-topped crown.
Its leaves are simple, oval to triangular, and connected alternately. The leaves are double-toothed, thick and glossy, and dark green on both sides.
The blossoms of the Hawthorn tree are one of its most notable characteristics. The tree bears five-petaled white or pink flowers with a diameter of 1-2 inches. These fragrant flowers bloom in flat-topped clusters 3-5 inches across. The flowers’ beauty and delicious aroma can quickly draw your attention.
When the blossoms fade, the tree produces a red or orange apple-like fruit that birds and animals enjoy.
Hawthorn grows well on dry soils, and open fields, particularly on sunny hillsides. Because of its beauty and propensity to attract birds, it is a common tree seen in yards and parks. Its branches and trunk are studded with thorns that protect the birds that construct their nests on it.
11. Juneberry
- Common Name: Juneberry
- Scientific Name: Amelanchier arborea
- Mature Height: 10-20 feet
- Native/Non-Native: Native
- Flowers/Cones: Flowers
- Uses: Wildlife food
Juneberry is a lovely tree native to Ohio and other regions of North America. It is a member of the rose family and can grow to reach 10-20 feet tall.
The Juneberry is distinguished by its oval-shaped leaves with fine-toothed margins, dark green above, and whitish hairs below. The tree’s bark is smooth and light gray, with small cracks.
The Juneberry’s upright white flowers, which emerge in early spring, are one of its most remarkable characteristics. These lovely blossoms are about an inch long and crowded together, making them highly visible. The flower clusters, which can grow 1-3 inches across, are a sight to behold.
Indeed, the Juneberry’s flowering season coincides with the time of year when cemetery burials were traditionally held in northern latitudes, garnering it the nickname “Serviceberry.”
The Juneberry tree produces tasty red berry-like fruits that are about 14 inches in diameter during the summer. When these fruits develop, they turn a dark blue color and provide a significant source of food for wildlife. The fruit is also safe to consume and has a pleasant flavor.
Juneberries can be found in dry soils, woodland borders, open fields, and slopes. It is a tough tree that can live for up to 20 years.
There are numerous Juneberry types, however, they are difficult to distinguish due to interspecies crossbreeding.
12. Black Locust
- Common Name: Black Locust
- Scientific Name: Robinia pseudoacacia
- Mature Height: 30–50′ (9–15 m)
- Native/Non-Native: Native to North America
- Flowers/Cones: Pea-like white flowers
- Uses: Shade tree, for furniture production, construction of boats, fence posts, etc.
The Black Locust is a medium-sized tree with a crooked trunk and an open uneven crown. It is native to North America, but it is now found all over the world.
The tree blooms in the spring with hanging clusters of pea-like white flowers with a yellow center that are 12-1″ across and fragrant, making them a favorite of honeybees and other pollinators. The flowers are followed by green pods that turn brown when mature and contain 4-8 seeds.
The leaves of the tree are complex, 7-14″ long, and made up of 7-19 oval to round leaflets. Unlike some other trees, the leaves of the Black Locust lack teeth and are yellowish-green in hue.
The dark brown bark is smooth at first but eventually turns wrinkled and scaly. Young branches of the tree feature robust thorns in pairs at the base of the leafstalks that defend it from browsing animals.
Because its roots mix with bacteria to fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, Black Locust grows well in practically any soil type and is frequently used for erosion control.
The tree, however, is shade intolerant and can expand quickly by root suckering. Locust Borer beetles, which dig into the trunk and inflict damage, are another threat.
Aside from being a popular shade tree, the wood of the Black Locust is highly regarded for its strength, longevity, and resistance to rot. In fact, throughout the 1800s, the British credited Black Locust lumber with the success of the United States naval force during the War of 1812. The wood is still used today to make furniture as well as boats, fence posts, and railroad ties.
13. Kentucky Coffeetree
- Common Name: Kentucky Coffeetree
- Scientific Name: Gymnocladus dioicus
- Mature Height: 40–60′
- Native/Non-Native: Native
- Flowers/Cones: White flowers with white petals
Kentucky Coffeetree, scientific name Gymnocladus dioicus, is a tall tree with a single trunk and many crooked branches that can grow to be 40-60 feet tall.
The leaves are doubly compound, alternately connected, and composed of up to 70 leaflets that lack teeth. The blue-green leaves range in length from 12 to 36 inches and feature an open circular crown.
When young, the bark of this tree is brown and smooth, with thin scales with curled edges. The bark splits into plates as it ages. Kentucky Coffeetree is a member of the Pea or Bean family (Fabaceae) and has five-petaled white blossoms. These flowers are 14-12 inches in diameter and grow in open clusters 1-3 inches wide on a single long stem.
The fruit is a leathery green pod that matures to a reddish-brown pod 4-10 inches long and often covered in a yellowish powder. When wet, the pods contain 6-9 big seeds surrounded by a yellowish pulp that gets soapy.
This species is native to North America and lives for 50 to 75 years. It thrives in deep rich soils and the sun and can be found in urban areas, farms, parks, and along roadways. The yellow fall color of Kentucky Coffeetree is well-known.
This tree is distinguished by its leaves, which are among the last to appear in the spring and the first to change in the fall. It gets its popular name from its seedpods, which look like coffee beans.
Although the seeds can live for several years, wildlife rarely eats them because of their bitter flavor. New trees frequently generate little colonies from the roots of parent trees.
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Common White Flowering Trees In Ohio – Sources
The Regional Gardening team makes sure that the information in our articles is accurate by only using sources that are known to be trustworthy. Some of these sources are peer-reviewed journals from government agencies, well-known universities, and scientific research organizations.
- 1. Trees Of Ohio, Division Of Wildlife
- 2. Trees Of Ohio Field Guide, Book by Stan Tekiela
- 3. Ohio Trees, OSU Extension Publications
- 4. Native Plant Lists, Ohio Department Of Natural Resources
- 5. Ohio Department Of Agriculture
- 6. Gardening, The Ohio State University
