Discover 20 beautiful trees that start with A. I’ll guide you through their unique features and how to grow them in your own garden.
When you’re planning your garden, knowing tree names helps you make better choices. I’ve compiled a list of 20 trees that start with the letter A, from the popular Apple to the unique African Tulip tree. This guide will help you identify these trees and understand how to grow them.
My Top 20 Trees That Start With A
Here is a quick overview of 20 different types of trees that start with A, perfect for expanding your garden’s diversity.
| Tree Name | Key Features | Preferred Growing Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Acacia | Wide canopy; yellow flowers | Arid regions; well-drained soil |
| Alder | Gray bark; long catkins; enriches soil | Wet soils; near rivers/streams |
| Amur Maple | Vibrant red fall color; small size | Wide soil range; full sun/part shade |
| Apple | Edible fruit; over 7,500 varieties | Temperate climates; full sun |
| Arborvitae | Pyramidal shape; evergreen foliage | Various soils; often used for screening |
| Ash | Tall; domed canopy; strong wood | Various; widespread in N. Hemisphere |
| Aspen | Quaking leaves; stunning orange fall color | Cool climates; full sun |
| Avocado | Evergreen; nutrient-rich fruit | Frost-free climates; well-drained soil |
| Alder Buckthorn | Small tree/shrub; yellow under-bark | Moist soils; full sun/partial shade |
| Almond | Pink/white blossoms; edible nuts | Warm climates; hot, dry summers |
| African Tulip Tree | Evergreen; stunning orange-red flowers | Tropical climates; full sun |
| Albizia | Fragrant, showy pink flowers; fast-growing | Warm regions; well-drained soil |
| Apricot | Pink/white blossoms; orange stone fruit | Temperate climates; full sun |
| Areca Palm | Small palm; golden trunks; air-purifying | Tropical/sub-tropical; indoors in cool areas |
| Abyssinian Banana | Large, tropical foliage; inedible fruit | Frost-free areas; rich, moist soil |
| Alexandrian Laurel | Evergreen; yellow flowers/red berries | Warm, tropical climates |
| Angelica Tree | Large, decorative foliage | Well-drained soil; full sun/part shade |
| Ashoka Tree | Straight growth; yellow-orange flowers | Warm climates; well-drained soil |
| Allspice | Berries with cinnamon, nutmeg, clove flavors | Warm climates; frost-free areas |
| American Hornbeam | Smooth, sinewy bark; great for wet soils | Wet soils; shade tolerant |
1. Acacia
I often recommend Acacia trees for dry, arid landscapes because they are remarkably drought-tolerant. You can recognize them by their feathery, compound leaves and small, puff-like yellow or white flowers. These trees thrive in full sun and require well-drained soil. While they grow quickly, be mindful that some species have thorns. They are excellent for providing light, dappled shade in gardens that receive intense heat.
2. Alder
If you have a wet area in your yard where nothing seems to grow, consider planting an Alder. I’ve found them to be incredibly useful for stabilizing soil along stream banks or in boggy spots. They are easily identified by their rounded leaves and the small, woody cone-like fruits that persist after the leaves fall. A unique feature I appreciate is their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which naturally improves its fertility for other plants.
3. Amur Maple
For smaller gardens, the Amur Maple is one of my favorite choices. It’s a large, multi-stemmed shrub that can be trained into a small tree, perfect for limited spaces. I love its vibrant fall color, which ranges from a brilliant red to a deep orange. It’s adaptable to a variety of soil types and can handle both full sun and partial shade, making it a versatile and low-maintenance ornamental tree.
4. Apple
No list of trees that start with ‘A’ would be complete without the Apple tree. With over 7,500 varieties, you can find one suited to almost any temperate climate. I always suggest planting at least two different varieties for better cross-pollination and a larger fruit harvest. They need full sun and well-drained soil. For more on starting your own orchard, see our guide on fruit trees for beginners.
5. Arborvitae
I frequently use Arborvitae trees as a natural privacy screen or windbreak in landscape designs. These evergreens have a classic, pyramidal shape and scale-like leaves that stay green all year. They are generally low-maintenance and can be planted in a row to create a dense, living fence. You will need to provide them with well-drained soil and they are adaptable to both full sun and partial shade.
6. Ash Tree
Ash trees are tall, deciduous trees with a distinctive domed canopy. I have always valued them for their strong, elastic wood. Unfortunately, many native Ash species are threatened by the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive beetle. If you are considering planting an Ash, I recommend consulting with a local arborist to select a resistant species and to monitor the tree’s health closely.
7. Aspen
You can easily identify an Aspen tree by its beautiful, “quaking” leaves that flutter in the slightest breeze due to their flat stems. In the fall, their foliage turns a stunning shade of golden-yellow or orange. These trees form extensive colonies through their root systems and prefer cool climates and full sun. They are a iconic sight in the mountainous regions of North America.
8. Avocado
Having grown Avocado trees myself, I can tell you they are rewarding if you live in a frost-free climate. These evergreen trees produce the nutrient-rich fruit we all love. They require well-drained soil and plenty of sun. While you can grow them from a seed, for a reliable harvest of good-quality fruit, I suggest you purchase a grafted tree from a nursery.
9. Alder Buckthorn
Alder Buckthorn is a large shrub or small tree that I find useful in wetland restoration projects or wildlife gardens. It has simple, oval leaves and small, greenish flowers. The bark, when young, reveals a yellow color underneath. It thrives in moist soils and its berries provide food for birds, making it an excellent choice for supporting local ecosystems.
10. Almond
For gardeners in warm, Mediterranean-like climates, the Almond tree is a fantastic option. I am always captivated by its showy bloom of pale pink or white flowers in early spring. The tree requires hot, dry summers to properly mature its nuts. Like Apples, most Almond trees need a second, different variety planted nearby for pollination and nut production.
11. African Tulip Tree
The African Tulip Tree is a spectacular evergreen for tropical climates. I consider its large, trumpet-shaped flowers to be among the most showy in the plant world; they are a fiery orange-red. This tree grows quickly and can become very large, so it needs plenty of space. It requires full sun and thrives in frost-free environments with warm temperatures year-round.
12. Albizia
Also known as the Silk Tree or Mimosa, Albizia is recognized by its fluffy, pink, powder-puff flowers and delicate, fern-like leaves. I appreciate its fast growth and wide, spreading canopy that provides generous shade. However, it can be short-lived and is considered invasive in some regions, so check with your local extension service before planting.
13. Apricot
Apricot trees are a delightful addition to any home orchard. I enjoy their early spring blossoms of pink and white, which are followed by sweet, orange fruit in the summer. They need a temperate climate with well-drained soil and full sun. A key tip I’ve learned is to plant them in a spot protected from late spring frosts, which can damage the delicate blooms.
14. Areca Palm
While technically a palm, the Areca is often called a tree in landscaping. I like to use it to create a tropical feel, either outdoors in warm climates or as a dramatic houseplant. It has multiple, golden-trunked stems with feathery, arching fronds. NASA famously recognized it for its air-purifying qualities, making it both beautiful and functional. For more indoor options, explore our list of best houseplants.
15. Abyssinian Banana
If you want to make a bold, tropical statement, the Abyssinian Banana is a great choice. I grow it for its enormous, paddle-shaped leaves that can reach up to 20 feet long. Unlike the fruiting banana, this species produces inedible fruit. It needs a frost-free location with rich, consistently moist soil to look its best.
16. Alexandrian Laurel
Also known as the Christmas Berry, Alexandrian Laurel is a handsome evergreen tree I’ve used in coastal landscapes. It has glossy, dark green leaves and produces clusters of small, yellow flowers followed by bright red berries. It is tolerant of salty, windy conditions, making it an excellent choice for seaside gardens in warm climates.
17. Angelica Tree
I value the Angelica Tree for its striking, tropical appearance and large, divided leaves that can be over three feet long. It is a suckering shrub that can form a thicket, so give it plenty of room to spread. It produces large clusters of white flowers in late summer. It grows best in well-drained soil and can handle full sun to part shade.
18. Ashoka Tree
The Ashoka Tree is a beautiful, slender evergreen that I admire for its layered, horizontal branching habit. It produces clusters of fragrant, yellow-orange flowers that gradually turn red. In its native habitat, it is considered a sacred and romantic tree. It requires a warm, humid climate and well-drained soil to thrive.
19. Allspice
The Allspice tree is both ornamental and useful. I grow it for its aromatic leaves and berries, which are dried and used as a spice. The flavor is a warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This tree requires a consistently warm, tropical or subtropical climate and will not survive frost. It’s a perfect tree for a culinary-themed garden.
20. American Hornbeam
For challenging, wet shaded areas, I often recommend the American Hornbeam, also known as Ironwood. You can identify it by its smooth, muscular, blue-gray bark. It is a small, slow-growing tree that is very shade tolerant and provides excellent fall color in shades of yellow, orange, and red. It’s a native species that supports local wildlife and is a sturdy, long-lived choice. For more on native gardening, check out our guide on native plants for your region.
Selecting and Growing Your ‘A’ Trees
Choosing the right tree for your garden is about more than just its name. You need to consider your local climate, soil type, and the space you have available.
For successful growth, always match the tree to your USDA Hardiness Zone. Test your soil’s pH and drainage, and ensure the mature tree will have enough space for its roots and canopy to spread without interference.
Final Thoughts
Exploring trees that start with A opens up a world of gardening possibilities, from the familiar Apple tree to the exotic African Tulip. I find that choosing the right tree for your specific conditions is the most important step to success. For more guides to help you, explore our articles on fast-growing shade trees and flowering trees for small gardens.
To learn more about tree identification and species, you can refer to authoritative resources like the Royal Horticultural Society, the Missouri Botanical Garden, USDA Plants Database, University of Florida IFAS Extension, and the Arbor Day Foundation.
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