Tree Species and Planting Lists

Information
Community member with new tree
Learn more about the many tree species that make up Portland’s diverse urban forest. Find good trees for planting in the right-of-way, native trees that support wildlife, and invasive trees that are not allowed to be planted in certain planning zones.
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Approved Street Tree Planting Lists

The Approved Street Tree Planting Lists offer a diverse array of tree species to plant. The lists detail each tree's characteristics, such as fall color and size at maturity, helping you plant the right tree in the right place.

Approved Street Tree Planting Lists


Native and Nuisance Trees

The Portland Plant List details native tree species, which are encouraged to be planted, and nuisance tree species, which are invasive and prohibited from being planted in certain areas. 

Native Tree List | Nuisance Tree List


Research Tree Species

Trying to identify an existing tree or looking for information to help you choose what tree to plant?

Use the resources below to see tree photos and descriptions. Also, learn about growth forms and preferred site conditions. 


Where to Purchase Trees

A list of nurseries that are self-identified as selling trees that meet the minimum size standard for tree permits. These nurseries sell trees directly to individuals. The City makes no representation or warranty as to the quality of products or services provided by any company.

Where to Purchase Trees


Online Database References

Tree Identification

Plant Database (University of Connecticut College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources)

Virginia Tech Dendrology Factsheets (Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation)

General Information on Individual Species

The Gymnosperm Database (Edited by Christopher J. Earle)

SelecTree (Urban Forests Ecosystem Institute at California Polytechnic Institute)

Invasiveness

Global Invasive Species Database

Tallest and Oldest Trees

Monumental Trees website (The thickest, tallest and oldest trees worldwide)


Print References

General References

  • The Book of Leaves by Allen J. Coombes edited by Zsolt Debreczy (The University of Chicago Press, 2003)
  • Manual of Woody Landscape Plants by Michael A. Dirr (Stipes Publishing,1998)
  • New Trees:  Recent Introductions to Cultivation by John Grimshaw and Ross Bayton (Kew Publishing, 2009) 
  • North American Landscape Trees by Arthur Lee Jacobson (Ten Speed Press, 1996)
  • Northwest Trees by Stephen F. Arno and Ramona P. Hammerly (The Mountaineers Books – revised edition, 2007)
  • Silvics of North America by Russell M. Burns and Barabara Honkala (USDA Forest Service, 1990)
  • The Tree Book by Michael A. Dirr & Keith S. Warren (Timber Press, 2019)
  • Trees for All Seasons by Sean Hogan (Timber Press, 2008)
  • Trees of Seattle (second edition) by Arthur Lee Jacobson (2006)
  • Trees of the California Landscape by Charles R. Hatch (University of California Press, 2007)
  • Uncommon Fruits for Every Garden by Lee Reich (Timber Press, 2004)
  • The World Encyclopedia of Trees by Tony Russell, Catherine Cutler, and Martin Walters (Armadillo, 2014)

Genus-Specific References

  • An Illustrated Guide to Maples by Antoine le Hardy de Beaulieu (Timber Press, 2003)
  • Magnolias: A Gardener’s Guide by Jim Gardiner (Timber Press Revised Edition, 1989)
  • Oaks of California by Bruce Pavlik, Pamela Muick, Sharon G. Johnson, Marjorie Popper (Cachuma Press, 2002)

Conifers

  • A Natural History of Conifers by Aljos Farjon (Timber Press, 2008)
  • Conifers of California by Ronald M. Lanner (Cachuma Press, 1999)
  • Conifers of the World: The Complete Reference by James E. Eckenwalder (Timber Press, 2009)

Contact

City of Portland Urban Forestry

Manager of Portland's urban forest

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