29 Best Trees to Plant in Florida for Shade, Fruit, and Beauty

Discover trees that thrive in coastal winds and humid summers across sun-drenched gardens.

By Srija Burman

Created on Aug 29, 2025

Discover trees that thrive in coastal winds and humid summers across sun-drenched gardens.

29 Best Trees to Plant in Florida

Floridaâs subtropical and tropical climate offers gardeners a unique opportunity: a vast array of trees thrive here, from ornamental flowering species to fruit trees. Whether youâre looking to maximize shade, coax delicious fruit from your backyard, or support local wildlife, Floridaâs hardiness zones provide ideal conditions. This guide explores the very best trees for Florida gardensâdivided by tree type, growth habits, landscape uses, and care tips.

Why Plant Trees in Florida?

Shade and Cooling: Large canopy trees help lower energy costs and keep outdoor areas comfortable.
Wildlife Habitat: Many native trees support birds, pollinators, and local mammals.
Fruit Production: Floridaâs climate is perfect for growing tropical and subtropical fruit trees.
Storm and Wind Resistance: Certain trees anchor deeply and withstand hurricanes and strong winds.
Erosion Control: Coastal and wetland species like mangroves protect shorelines and prevent erosion.

Native Florida Trees

Planting native trees is especially recommendedâtheyâre well-adapted to local soils, pests, and weather extremes, and help maintain Floridaâs unique ecosystems.

Black Olive
Bucida buceras
Native to the Florida Keys and southernmost parts of Florida, Black Olive is a towering 40-foot evergreen resistant to salty soils, high winds, and storm damage. Its deep roots allow planting close to other trees and structures. Note: Though it develops small black fruits, theyâre not edible.
Key Features:
- Tolerates coastal, salty soil
- Wind and storm resistant
- Dense, evergreen foliage
- Non-edible black fruits in summer
Buttonbush
Cephalanthus occidentalis
This versatile deciduous treeâsometimes grown as a shrubâis ideal for moist, well-drained inland gardens. Buttonbush does not tolerate salt, making it unsuitable for coastal areas. Its white globe-shaped spring flowers attract pollinators. Leaves appear in early spring and drop before winter.
Key Features:
- Can be trained as a shrub or small twisting tree
- Spring blooms attract bees and butterflies
- Prefers non-coastal, moist soils
- Deciduous: Provides seasonal interest
Live Oak
Quercus virginiana
Iconic in the South, Live Oak is prized for its sprawling branches, dense canopy, and longevity (living over 200 years). Spanish moss often hangs from its branches in mature landscapes. Drought- and salt-tolerant, Live Oak is perfect for shade and wildlife habitatâhosting birds, insects, and mammals.
Key Features:
- Large, spreading canopy provides deep shade
- Tolerates salt and drought
- Supports many Florida wildlife species
- Long-lived and hurricane-resistant
Mangroves
Essential for coastal protection, native mangrove species such as Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans), and White Mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa) form dense forests at the waterâs edge. They protect shorelines from erosion, provide nursery habitat for fish and invertebrates, and filter pollutants from water.
Key Features:
- Tidal, salt-tolerant trees
- Vital for Floridaâs coastal ecosystems
- Strong environmental benefits: erosion control, water filtration
- Wildlife nursery habitat

Best Shade Trees for Florida Gardens

Whether you want to cool your yard or create outdoor living space, these trees are popular for large, spreading canopies.

Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora): Gorgeous, large white flowers, glossy evergreen leaves, and a classic shade canopy. Thrives throughout Northern and Central Florida.
Gumbo Limbo (Bursera simaruba): Fast-growing, salt-tolerant, and wind-resistantânicknamed the âtourist treeâ for its peeling, reddish bark.
Sabal Palm (Sabal palmetto): Floridaâs state tree. Hardy, drought-tolerant, and often used for shade and landscaping along residential streets.

Top Fruit Trees to Grow in Florida

Tropical fruit trees are a gardening staple for Florida residents. These varieties do best with full sun, regular water, and rich, well-draining soil.

Mango Tree (Glenn Mango)
This variety, discovered in Florida, produces sweet, fiberless fruit with yellow-orange flesh and a red blush. Glenn mango is highly disease-resistant and self-fertile, meaning it doesnât require another tree for pollination. Itâs suitable for growing in pots or directly in the ground.
Key Lime Tree
Compact, prolific, and ideal for patios or small gardens. It produces bright green limes almost year-round and does best with 6-8 hours of full sun. Key limes are self-pollinating, and can be grown in USDA Zones 8-11. For best results, plant in nutrient-rich soil and maintain even moisture without overwatering.
Avocado
Florida gardeners can enjoy homegrown avocados when planted in well-drained soil with regular irrigation. Choose varieties suited to Floridaâs climate, such as âChoquetteâ or âFlorida Hass.â
Citrus (e.g., Lemon, Orange, Tangerine)
Florida is famous for citrusâthese trees require full sun, regular feeding, and winter protection in northern parts of the state.
Loquat
Small, self-pollinating evergreen tree that produces orange, tangy-sweet fruits in early spring.
Fig
Grow well in North and Central Florida; some varieties are more heat and humidity tolerant than others.

Florida Fruit Trees: Key Features & Care
Tree	Fruit Season	Mature Height	Care Tips
Mango	Summer	15â20 ft	Full sun, prune for shape, disease resistant
Key Lime	Year-round	6â12 ft	Full sun, avoid soggy soil, thin crossing branches
Avocado	SummerâFall	20â30 ft	Moderate water, good drainage, protect from frost
Lemon/Orange	WinterâSpring	12â20 ft	Feed regularly, full sun, watch for citrus greening

Decorative & Ornamental Trees

Many trees offer dramatic seasonal displays, unique foliage, or interesting bark for curb appeal.

Jacaranda: Fast-growing, with vibrant purple blooms in late spring.
Royal Poinciana: Striking red-orange flowers in early summer; ideal for southern Florida.
Crape Myrtle: Colorful summer flowers and attractive bark, well-suited to street-side plantings.
Southern Magnolia: Not just for shadeâits enormous blossoms are fragrant and showy.

Best Trees for Coastal and Wet Areas

Humidity, salt, and frequent storms mean special selections for Floridaâs coast.

Mangroves: As noted, essential for salt tolerance and erosion control.
Sea Grape: Large, rounded leaves and clusters of edible grape-like fruits.
Buttonwood: Related to mangroves; salt- and drought-tolerant, shaped into hedges or small trees.

Planting and Caring for Florida Trees

Choose the Right Location: Consider mature height and spread, root system, light requirements, and proximity to structures.
Soil Preparation: Most trees benefit from nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. For best results, amend with compost and mulch annually.
Watering: Just-planted trees need deep, frequent watering until established. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings to avoid root rot, especially for citrus and avocado.
Fertilization: Fertilize in spring before new growth; organic mulch can help retain moisture and enrich the soil.
Pruning: Prune diseased or crossing branches in winter to promote airflow and healthy structure. Shape trees as desired, but avoid excessive pruning, which stresses growth.
Pest Management: Floridaâs lush climate attracts pests. Monitor foliage, apply integrated pest management methods, and encourage beneficial insects.

How to Choose the Right Tree for Your Florida Landscape

Hardiness Zone: Be sure your selection matches your regionâs zone. Most of Florida is in USDA zones 8â11.
Space and Size: Consider mature width, height, and root spread.
Purpose:
- Shade
- Fruit
- Wildlife habitat
- Privacy or windbreak
- Ornamental appeal
Maintenance Requirements: Fast-growing species may require more frequent pruning. Some trees have invasive rootsâkeep them away from foundations.
Climate Tolerance: Consider salt resistance, drought tolerance, and hurricane resilience for coastal properties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the fastest growing tree in Florida?
A: Certain varieties like Gumbo Limbo and Crape Myrtle are known for rapid growth and canopy development.
Q: When is the best time to plant trees in Florida?
A: Late winter and spring are ideal, ensuring roots establish before summer heat and thunderstorms.
Q: Can you grow apples or cherries in Florida?
A: These temperate species rarely thrive due to the heat and humidity; southern gardeners should choose tropical fruit trees.
Q: Are there trees that resist hurricanes?
A: Black Olive and Live Oak are exceptionally wind- and storm-resistant due to their deep roots and flexible branches.
Q: Which trees should I avoid planting in Florida?
A: Avoid highly invasive species (e.g., Australian pine, Melaleuca), which threaten native ecosystems and often require removal.

Summary: Planting Trees for a Better Florida Landscape

Floridaâs gardening options are as diverse as its population. By selecting the right mix of native, shade, fruit, and decorative trees, gardeners can create beautiful, practical, and sustainable landscapes. Focus on native species for resilience and habitat value. Research specific care needsâlike sunlight, watering, and soil pHâfor each variety, and donât be afraid to blend types for year-round interest. From the majestic Live Oak to the tropical Mango and the ecosystem-protecting Mangroves, every tree you add helps build a healthier Florida environment.

References

Author

Srija Burman

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in writing and editing ranges across niches, including academics, sports, and human psychology.

Read full bio of Srija Burman