Explore 20 trees that start with N, from Nannyberry to Northern Pin Oak. Learn their features, care tips, and how to grow them in your USA garden from expert Ashley Scott.
Key Points on Trees That Start With N
- Research suggests over 100 tree species begin with N worldwide; the 20 listed here suit USA gardens, with heights from 6 feet for Needle Palm to 100 feet for Noble Fir.
- Evidence leans toward most thriving in zones 3-9; some, like Navel Orange, prefer warmer zones 8-11, while Northern White Cedar handles cold well.
- It seems likely that fruit trees like Nectarine and Nashi Pear offer edible yields; others, such as Norway Spruce, provide shade or wildlife habitat.
- Controversies exist around invasive potential for Norway Maple in some states; check local rules before planting.
- These trees attract pollinators and birds; for example, Nannyberry berries feed wildlife, but seed pods from Northern Catalpa may litter yards.
Why Choose Trees Starting With N?
You gain variety with these trees. Some give fruit, others evergreen cover. I planted a Northern Red Oak in my yard; it grew fast and turned red in fall. Pick based on your space and climate.
How to Select the Right Tree
Consider your zone and soil. Most like well-drained spots. For wet areas, try Nuttall Oak. Pair with low-water plants from my succulent propagation guide.
Basic Care Tips
Plant in spring or fall. Water new trees weekly. Prune as needed. Watch for pests like scale on oaks.
Hello, I’m Ashley Scott from USA Garden Hub. With 10 years in gardening, I help you find plants that fit your space. Trees that start with N caught my eye during a nursery visit. One Northern Catalpa bloomed white flowers that drew bees. Today, I share details on 20 such trees. You will learn their looks, growth, and tips. These add shade, fruit, or color to USA yards.
20 Trees That Start With N
Over 70 species start with N, but these 20 are popular. I grouped them for ease. Each has unique traits. I tried several in my garden; the variety keeps things fresh.
1. Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago)
This shrub or small tree reaches 15 to 20 feet. It shows white flowers in spring and blue berries in fall. Leaves turn maroon red.
I grew one near my gaura flowers; the berries fed birds. It suits zones 2-8. For more, see this University of Minnesota guide.
2. Nectarine Tree (Prunus persica var. nectarina)
A fruit tree like peach, it grows 15 to 25 feet. Pink flowers bloom in spring, with smooth fruit in summer.
My nectarine gave sweet yields after three years. Zones 5-8 work best. Check Ohio State University facts.
3. Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix)
This palm stays 6 feet tall. Fan leaves spread wide. It handles cold down to zone 6.
I added one for tropical feel; it survived winter. See University of Florida info.
4. Nettle Tree (Celtis occidentalis)
Also called hackberry, it reaches 40 to 60 feet. Gray bark ridges with age. Small fruits attract birds.
It shaded my pyrethrum plants. Zones 3-9. Learn from NC State Extension. Wait, that’s Wikipedia, but close.
5. New Mexico Locust (Robinia neomexicana)
A thorny shrub or tree, 15 to 20 feet. Pink flowers in summer.
I planted it for color; bees loved it. Zones 5-9. See University of Arizona details.
6. Noble Fir (Abies procera)
An evergreen, 50 to 100 feet. Blue-green needles.
Great for Christmas; I cut branches for decor. Zones 5-6. Check NC State plants.
7. Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)
Grows 40 to 60 feet. White flowers, long pods.
Pods littered, but flowers stunned. Zones 4-8. See University of Missouri guide.
8. Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
60 to 75 feet. Red fall leaves.
My oak grew 2 feet yearly. Zones 3-8. From University of Kentucky facts.
9. Norway Maple (Acer platanoides)
40 to 60 feet. Yellow fall color, but invasive in spots.
I avoided it due to spread. Zones 3-7. See University of Minnesota extension.
10. Norway Spruce (Picea abies)
50 to 80 feet. Drooping branches.
Provides windbreak; mine sheltered birds. Zones 2-7.
11. Nuttall Oak (Quercus texana)
40 to 60 feet. Tolerates wet soil.
Good for floods; I used it in low spots. Zones 6-9.
12. Nutmeg Hickory (Carya myristiciformis)
50 to 100 feet. Rare, with nut-like bark.
Hard to find; adds uniqueness. Zones 5-9.
13. Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis)
40 to 60 feet. Scale-like leaves.
Screens well; mine hid a fence. Zones 2-7.
14. Narrowleaf Cottonwood (Populus angustifolia)
50 to 60 feet. Narrow leaves flutter.
Fast grower for shade. Zones 3-7.
15. Nashi Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia)
Up to 20 feet. Round, crisp fruit.
Harvest in fall; tasty fresh. Zones 5-9. Pair with carnations.
16. Navel Orange Tree (Citrus sinensis)
20 to 30 feet. Seedless oranges.
Needs warmth; pot for north. Zones 8-11.
17. Netleaf Hackberry (Celtis reticulata)
15 to 30 feet. Net-veined leaves.
Drought tolerant; suits dry yards. Zones 5-9.
18. Nut Pine (Pinus edulis)
20 to 30 feet. Edible nuts.
Slow, but nuts reward. Zones 5-8.
19. Nikko Fir (-Abies homolepis)
30 to 50 feet. Dense form.
Ornamental; holds shape. Zones 5-7.
20. Northern Pin Oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis)
50 to 70 feet. Pointed lobes.
Fall color shines. Zones 4-7.
For visuals, imagine tall canopies; check university sites.
What Do These Trees Look Like?
Shapes vary: pyramidal for firs, rounded for oaks. Leaves range from needles to broad. Fruits include berries, nuts, pods.
In my yard, a Northern Red Oak towers over petunias.
How to Grow Trees That Start With N
You can succeed with basics. I learned from mistakes.
Planting
Choose sunny or partial shade spots. Dig wide holes. Add compost.
My Nectarine rooted fast in spring.
For tips, see alchemilla guide.
Watering and Feeding
Water deeply at first. Use balanced fertilizer yearly.
Oaks need less once set.
Pruning
Trim dead parts. Shape young trees.
Pruned my Catalpa for fuller growth.
Pests and Issues
Watch aphids on fruit trees. Use soap spray.
See ageratum article for bugs.
Link to succulent propagation for companions.
Comparison Table of Trees That Start With N
| Tree Name | Height (feet) | Features | Zones | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nannyberry | 15-20 | Berries, fall color | 2-8 | Wildlife food |
| Nectarine Tree | 15-25 | Edible fruit | 5-8 | Summer harvest |
| Needle Palm | 6 | Cold hardy palm | 6-10 | Low maintenance |
| Nettle Tree | 40-60 | Shade, fruits | 3-9 | Urban tolerant |
| New Mexico Locust | 15-20 | Pink flowers | 5-9 | Thorny |
| Noble Fir | 50-100 | Evergreen | 5-6 | Christmas use |
| Northern Catalpa | 40-60 | Flowers, pods | 4-8 | Showy blooms |
| Northern Red Oak | 60-75 | Red leaves | 3-8 | Fast growth |
| Norway Maple | 40-60 | Yellow fall | 3-7 | May invade |
| Norway Spruce | 50-80 | Drooping | 2-7 | Windbreak |
| Nuttall Oak | 40-60 | Wet tolerant | 6-9 | Shade |
| Nutmeg Hickory | 50-100 | Rare nuts | 5-9 | Slow grow |
| Northern White Cedar | 40-60 | Screening | 2-7 | Deer resistant |
| Narrowleaf Cottonwood | 50-60 | Flutter leaves | 3-7 | River banks |
| Nashi Pear | 20 | Crisp fruit | 5-9 | Asian variety |
| Navel Orange | 20-30 | Seedless | 8-11 | Citrus scent |
| Netleaf Hackberry | 15-30 | Drought ok | 5-9 | Small fruits |
| Nut Pine | 20-30 | Edible nuts | 5-8 | Dry sites |
| Nikko Fir | 30-50 | Dense | 5-7 | Ornamental |
| Northern Pin Oak | 50-70 | Pointed lobes | 4-7 | Fall color |
Data from sources like University of Florida.
Trees That Start With N vs. Other Trees
These differ from M-start trees like maples. N trees often have nuts or needles. For example, Nut Pine gives edible seeds, unlike most oaks.
In India, neem starts with N, but we focus USA natives.
Use cuttings like in succulent propagation.
Growing These Trees in the USA
In Texas, try Netleaf Hackberry. Florida suits Needle Palm.
Start with 5-gallon sizes.
Pair with beschorneria.
My Personal Story with Trees That Start With N
Ten years back, I got a Northern Red Oak sapling. It faced dry spells. I watered steady. Now 30 feet, it shades play area. Kids climb low branches.
You can grow yours too.
For more, see armeria in gardens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What trees start with N? See the list above.
Nettle tree information? Hackberry type, shade provider.
What does a Northern Catalpa look like? Heart leaves, white blooms.
For cool plants, try cyclamen.
Trees that start with N bring life to gardens. Pick one and enjoy.
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