Known for its year-round mild climate, plenty of sunshine, and reliable rainy season, Florida proves to be an ideal landing zone for a plethora of floral species to take root and grow! Though with these rain-soaked months comes the dry season, a surprisingly thirsting situation that leaves the local plants to adapt to devastated soils.
The further north you travel in Florida, the colder and drier the winters will get. Whereas in the more southern parts of Florida, you’ll relish in the warm winters and slightly greater water reserves. Regardless, the entire state provides a mostly stable habitat with ample space for trees to flourish, particularly smaller-sized trees.
Florida gardens will benefit from the addition of small trees to the landscape for various reasons. They can be planted to provide a manageable privacy screen against the fence, as an accent for the front yard, as a centerpiece for an awe-inspiring design, or even as a complementary pairing with other herbs and flowering bushes.
When the correct petite tree species are chosen, the landscape is enhanced significantly as there is a shade source without blocking out your entire yard. They also provide complexity and interest, tying together the entire landscape. Not to mention, with the right species, you’ll reap the benefits of wildlife varieties, all without sacrificing your time for cleanup or losing the ability to plant other flora around it!
1) Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis)
If you’re looking for a tree that will add some color to a mundane backyard setting, the eastern redbud is an excellent choice! At the beginning of spring, this small, 20- to 30-foot-tall tree will leave you speechless as the striking pink flower clusters bloom in abundance, followed by white flowers. As it is a member of the botanical family Fabaceae (much like beans, peanuts, and peas), it will also produce a plethora of bean pods lining each branch that act as a standing ovation after the flowers have finished blooming. The pods can be consumed by humans, whether it be raw or cooked in some fashion.
Redbuds will attract various butterflies, birds, and even bees to liven up the landscape. Planting in full sun or partial shade will allow this species to flourish on its own, requiring minimal care once established thanks to its tolerance against drought. For a sturdier tree, prune lateral limbs as necessary.
2) Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
Utilized both as a dense shrub or a small tree, crape myrtle will give you the same tropical feeling as the eastern redbud while only reaching about twenty feet tall. It sports multiple stems and beautifully bright pink flower clusters with frilly petals that emerge every summer. This unique texture against a dark green foliage backdrop, oval fruit pods, and grey bark is appealing for not only humans but other animals as well. A variety of birds, bees, and wasps will frequent the crape myrtle!
While not native to the United States, this tree has been naturalized in Florida and does not currently present a threat to native floral species. In full sun and well-drained soils, this tree will grow rapidly. It is best to prune low-hanging branches to display the trunk better, and pinching new growth can aid in improving flower numbers.
3) Florida maple (Acer floridanum)
The Florida maple tree is suggested to be a subspecies of the sugar maple, though its uniqueness has left some taxonomists to view it as its own distinct species. Ribbed grey bark and calming yellow and orange fall leaf colors aren’t the only reason this deciduous tree is popular for backyards in the sunshine state. Often reaching only twenty to thirty feet in height and having a spread of about twenty-five feet, its round growth habit makes it an ideal shade tree without compromising on space.
The flowers and fruits that arrive every spring are non-showy and are easy to clean up once dropped. Florida maple does well in any kind of substrate that doesn’t retain moisture, though regular watering is always recommended for best results. The roots are shallow, so take care when mowing or digging immediately around the trunk. If you’re looking for a classic maple tree that will live long in your backyard, then this species is sure to do the trick!
4) Flowering dogwood (Prunus mexicana)
Taking on a variety of common names (white cornel, arrowwood, Florida dogwood), flowering dogwood is outstanding when it comes to smaller-sized trees. It has a rather short trunk with a wide, spreading crown filled to the brim with red fruits and 4-petalled, white and pink flowers come springtime in southern Florida. Its oval, green leaves turn scarlet-colored for fall, allowing for a variety of looks year-round.
This tree’s height will land between twenty and forty feet if planted in its desired shade and is tolerant against drought and chilly temperatures. Prune in early spring to maintain shape and fertilize every spring and fall to ensure the long-term success of the tree. The ornamental blooms and associated fruits will bring about birds, butterflies, small mammals, and even deer! Medicinally, flowering dogwood’s bark has been used to treat fevers and various mouth problems, and it also yields a red dye for coloring purposes.
5) White fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus)
A miniature deciduous tree belonging to the olive family, white fringetree may also be called grancy greybeard and old man’s beard. These names stem from the plant’s flowers that bloom for two weeks in the spring, characterized by long, wispy, white petals along equally delicate stems. Its mature height is only twenty feet with a fifteen-foot spread, making it a popular choice for backyards and urban settings.
Any soil type will work, and while these trees are fairly resistant to dry periods, it fares best with regular watering. Another bonus to transplanting this tree into the landscape is that it rarely needs tending to! Pruning is recommended while the tree is still young to establish either a single-trunk or multi-trunk form. White fringetree can be multi-use, as its olive-shaped fruits are edible to humans and often pickled.
6) Common boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)
If you’re willing to put some work into maintaining the tree form of this (technical) shrub, then common boxwood will make a wonderful addition to a Floridian’s backyard. When raised as a tree, this slow-growing evergreen has the ability to reach twenty feet tall in a rather dense manner.
It is famous for its elegant appearance in formal gardens as it is sheared into topiaries, though its tree form is just as regal. The leaves are small, leathery, and dark green with branches that respond well to regular trimming. It has inconspicuous, light-yellow flowers that bloom in early spring. This is one plant that wildlife is likely to avoid due to a toxic alkaloid that results in the species being unpalatable.
7) Weeping bottlebrush tree (Melaleuca viminalis)
The name describes this tree perfectly: it has drooping branches full of fuzzy, red flowers that mimic a bottle brush. With a short height (fifteen feet) and thin crown (eight feet), this tree creates a spectacular fountain-like appearance in any landscape. While actually a shrub, most nurseries train it to tree-form and sell it from there, and if you get the chance to relax underneath its canopy, you’ll understand why! Another benefit to weeping bottlebrush is the lack of necessary upkeep as it surprisingly doesn’t shed a lot, trimming is optional, and it is hardy to cold weather and salt. However, consistent watering is required to keep this tree feeling its best, and overwatering is rarely an issue.
A quirky addition to any size backyard, this species will bloom significantly in spring, though in Florida, it can bloom throughout the year. Expect honeybees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to visit and pollinate the exquisite red blossoms, only contributing further to this tree’s appeal. Though native to Australia, weeping bottlebrush is extremely popular in Florida and isn’t considered invasive. However, due to its quick growth, it is recommended to monitor its spread and ensure its reach doesn’t go past the backyard.
8) Golden dewdrop tree (Duranta erecta)
Frequently called pigeon berry and sky flower, golden dewdrop is another evergreen shrub that is often trained to be a small tree. Golden dewdrop accurately describes the fruits produced from this tree, as they form long clusters of flashy yellow spheres in the summertime. The flower clusters are just as dramatic and elegant come spring, being violet or blue, and hanging in racemes. Be careful around this tree, however, as there are thorns on the bottom of each leaf!
Golden dewdrop is utilized as a colorful privacy barrier with its eighteen-foot height and ten-foot crown width. The sun exposure in Florida is perfect for this plant as it fares best in full sun, though this can cause the tree to grow quickly and choke out neighboring plants. Prune often to keep it in its respective area and clean up dropped fruits and leaves as these are toxic to humans and pets. Birds on the other hand will eagerly eat up these brilliant berries as it is a non-toxic food source for them. Butterflies have also been known to feast on the nectar within the tubular flowers.
9) Sweet acacia (Vachellia farnesiana)
Another plant part of the legume family, sweet acacia is a long-lived perennial with evergreen foliage that makes a wonderful statement piece for any backyard. It is quite fragrant, but don’t get too close to fully bask in its smell as thorns are on both the branches and the trunk itself. Due to these thorns, the tree overall provides good protective cover for both birds and small mammals.
Having a mature height as short as eight feet and as tall as twenty feet, this shrub-turned-tree is useful for any volume of yard. Pruning will have to be done to promote the tree’s appearance, but otherwise sweet acacia is tolerant against drought, salt spray, and high sun exposure. Sweet acacia is characterized by light green, bipinnate leaves and fluffy yellow flowers blossoming in clusters come late winter. These inviting flowers have been a vital ingredient for use in perfumes, which has resulted in extensive planting throughout southern Europe.
10) Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria)
If you’re looking for a tree that provides a reliable pop of vibrant red to your landscape, look no further with the yaupon holly! Planting a female yaupon (most cultivated in nurseries) will leave you with bright red, translucent drupes in dense clusters that last the entirety of winter and into spring. Following this, small, white, fragrant flowers bloom in tight groups that add a slight complexity to the overall plant. Several bird and small mammal species will eat the colorful fruit, while the flowers are intriguing to insects.
Yaupon holly requires little water and can be grown well in both sun and shade. Some owners have harvested fruiting branches to create holiday decorations, and the branches also contain caffeine to be brewed in tea. Prune yearly to maintain the tree’s appearance!
11) Dahoon holly (Ilex cassine)
Similar to the yaupon holly, the dahoon holly will also produce glossy red fruits in winter, inviting various birds and mammals to your backyard. Since this tree has both male and female specimens, try to acquire both sexes for these drupes to be produced each year! This tree is usually seen at a mature height between twenty and thirty feet, though if given enough space it can reach up to forty feet tall.
Due to its adaptability to grow in a variety of area sizes, dahoon is a popular choice for urban landscapes and small backyards alike. Luckily, this evergreen plant grows slowly and won’t require intensive pruning sessions to maintain a manageable size. While dahoon can handle short dry periods, it is imperative to keep this tree watered regularly to mimic its natural swamp environment and allow it to grow best. For a wider and fuller spread of leaves, place dahoon holly in full sun.
12) Two-winged silverbell (Halesia diptera)
Thanks to its cluster of stamens inside white, tubular flowers hanging from long pedicels, the two-winged silverbell is often called the snowdrop tree. In the summertime, these gorgeous flowers are accompanied by uniquely shaped, crinkled fruits that look almost like wilting leaves. In the fall, these fruits turn tan, though the immature, tart fruit is preferred by a plethora of wildlife. You can even harvest the fruit for yourself to try as a snack!
Some people prefer to keep silverbell as a multi-trunked shrub, but it can be easily trained into a tree by promoting the single-trunk appearance. As a natural understory plant, two-winged silverbell prefers being partly shaded. Ensure two-winged silverbell is watered consistently, and the result will be a beautiful, deciduous tree reaching low heights of only fifteen feet!
13) Oleander (Nerium oleander)
Take caution with the oleander tree as every part of it is toxic to humans, pets, and cattle if consumed. However, if you don’t mind this hazard, then oleander is a gorgeous option to place in the backyard. Maturing to twenty-five feet tall, this evergreen has long, narrow, leathery leaves that contrast well with its dainty pink flowers (or white, yellow, or coral, depending on the variety) blossoming throughout the year.
Florida’s mild winters allow oleander to flourish given their sensitivity to cold weather, and the tree is resistant to a plethora of other factors including salt spray, drought, and different soil types. This plant is very low-maintenance unless you’d like to trim the base to stimulate new growth and remove dead branches and flowers. If desired, oleander can make an excellent container plant for indoor living or even just for chillier nights, though ensure it receives enough light inside.
14) Sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum)
A remarkable tree that is sure to sparkle in any-sized backyard, sparkleberry (huckleberry or farkleberry) doesn’t fail to amaze with its patchy red and brown bark, alternating oval, glossy leaves, and numerous bell-shaped, whimsical, white flowers. To make things even more fascinating, sparkleberry produces tiny, black fruit that matures in the fall after replacing the summer bloom. This fruit is used as a valuable food source for wildlife, too!
Any Floridian would be lucky to have sparkleberry in their backyard, and it won’t take up too much space as it only grows to 10 – 20 feet tall with a similar spread. Historically, sparkleberry has been used by humans to craft wood tools and treat sore throats from an extract of the leaves.
15) Dwarf Cavendish banana tree (Musa acuminata ‘Dwarf Cavendish’)
There are several cultivars of banana, though it is suggested that the Dwarf Cavendish group is best suited for landscapes in southern Florida due to the state’s subtropical climate. It produces abundant amounts of fruit after around nine months that are edible and quite delicious. Even though this banana tree gains size rapidly, Dwarf Cavendish is not invasive in Florida and only reaches eight to ten feet at maturity.
Planting in full sun and providing copious amounts of water promotes optimal growth and fruit production for this tree. Otherwise, Dwarf Cavendish can adapt to various soil types to fit into backyards in any area of the state. This plant will require more maintenance than others, as you have to prune the banana mat prior to fruiting, and once the bananas are harvested, the stalk must be cut off at the base to allow new crop production. If you have the time and patience to tend to these unique, small trees, you are sure to reap the benefits of their ripe, tasty fruits time and time again!
16) Frangipani tree (Plumeria spp.)
If a tropical, beach paradise vacation is the aesthetic you’re looking for in your backyard, then the frangipani (plumeria) plant is the leading choice for this. While often associated with Hawaii and the beautiful handmade leis, this small tree has a wide distribution and hazy origin due to its popularity among the masses. The radiant blossoms are also harvested for use as essential oils, displaying their fragrance in perfumes, candles, and even lotions.
Even better than its luxury uses, frangipani is typically seen to grow only eight feet tall with pruning. However, given this tree prefers less maintenance, trimming isn’t necessary, and even its natural height reaches only twenty feet at most. Frangipanis are succulents, meaning they have liquid-filled stems that make them hardy against drought and sun exposure. Given their deciduous nature, the giant, leathery leaves and colorful blossoms will fall off and leave the plant looking dead every winter, only to come back with a powerful revival in the spring. Add frangipani in a landscape for a show-stopping look, livening up the area immediately!
17) Geiger tree (Cordia sebestena)
A beloved plant in the Florida Keys, the Geiger tree will remain small for a long period of time, though it eventually grows to a height of 30 feet. Given our warm, subtropical climate, it isn’t uncommon for this tree to bloom throughout the year, but it will produce prolific clusters of dark orange, funnel-shaped flowers. Egg-shaped fruits are next to appear beside the tough, sandy leaves, turning white when ripe. While quite fragrant, these fruits do not attract wildlife or humans as they are not very tasty.
The evergreen Geiger tree appreciates full sun and fares well in a variety of drought conditions, soil types, and salt concentrations. Pruning is recommended if a single-trunk appearance is desired, though it is not necessary and multi-trunked Geigers still prove to be a beautiful patio or yard specimen.
18) Dwarf jatropha tree (Jatropha integerrima ‘Compacta’)
Possibly the tree that trumps all small trees for the backyard, the dwarf variety of the jatropha tree is a showstopping statement piece that will express loud colors throughout the year! This tree blossoms with inconspicuous but bright fuchsia flowers, contrasting well against its green leaves. Though fast-growing, this plant will only reach about eight feet tall, that is if given full sun, well-drained soil, and consistently warm temperatures. This means that you won’t have to worry about jatropha overcrowding your available space, nor will it create a burdensome mess in your yard as it is an evergreen tree.
Jatropha tends to grow smaller shoots off its main trunk, but these can easily be pruned to maintain its tree appearance. Whether you’re interested in lining the fence with bold colors, planting an accent tree for an eye-catching entry, or even just as part of an entire landscape design, jatropha will fit in splendidly and stand out when it needs to!
