The Most Common North American Hardwood Trees

Alder, Red

In North America, the red alder is the biggest natural species of alder. It only grows in the western United States and Canada. It is also the local alder species that is most commonly used.

Ash, Green

The green ash is the one that is found in the most places in the United States. It grows naturally in wet bottomlands or along streams, and it can handle all kinds of weather.

Ash, White

In North America, the red alder is the biggest natural species of alder. It only grows in the western United States and Canada. It is also the local alder species that is most commonly used.

Aspen, Quaking

The name "quaking aspen" comes from the way the leaves shake or quake when there is even a small breeze. This is because the petioles are bowed. Even though aspens make seeds, they don't usually grow from them.

Beech, American

The American beech can grow in a variety of weather conditions and actually likes it better than other trees. It is most common in climax forests, which are forests that are at the very end of their life cycle.

Basswood, American

The sugar maple-basswood association is most common in western Wisconsin and central Minnesota. American basswood is the most common species in this relationship.

Birch, Paper

When there is a disturbance in the forest, the paper birch is the first species to grow back. It needs lots of sunshine and grounds that are high in nutrients. The bark is very resistant to weather.