Evergreen trees are beautiful, but what you may not know is that there are many different types of evergreens native to Alabama. Although they all have similar characteristics, each type has its own unique qualities and requirements for optimal growth.
Contents
- 1. Italian Cypress (cupressus sempervirens)
- 2. American Holly (ilex opaca)
- 3. Eastern Red Cedar (juniperus virginiana)
- 4. Loblolly Pine (pinus taeda)
- 5. Carolina Cherry Laurel (prunus caroliniana)
- 6. Live Oak (quercus virginiana)
- 7. Emerald Green Thuja (thuja occidentalis ’emerald’)
- 8. Wax Myrtle (myrica)
- 9. Oleander (nerium oleander)
- 10. BottleBrush (callistemon)
- 11. Southern Magnolia (magnolia grandiflora)
- 12. Blue Wonder Spruce (picea glauca)
- 13. Taylor Juniper (juniperus virginiana taylor)
- 14. Neem Tree (azadirachta indica)
- 15. Blue Cloak White Fir (abies concolor)
- 16. Weeping Hemlock (tsuga canadensis)
- 17. Sequoia Tree (sequoiadendron giganteum)
In this post, we’ll go over the most popular types of evergreen trees in Alabama and give a brief overview of their specific needs. By understanding these needs it will help you be a more informed gardener when planting your next tree! Let’s get started!
1. Italian Cypress (cupressus sempervirens)
Italian Cypress is one of the most popular types of evergreens in Alabama. It only reaches heights of about 25 feet, with a spread similar to that. Italian Cypress is also the hardiest type of tree you’ll find, making it non-stop tolerant of almost any soil conditions. This makes it great for planting near bodies of water, like creeks or ponds. Italian Cypress reaches full height in about 10 years and will do great when planted in full sunlight.
2. American Holly (ilex opaca)
American Holly is similar in many ways to Italian Cypress. Like Ilex, American Holly does great in full sunlight and has a very adaptable nature, making it great for planting almost anywhere. You’ll find this understory tree reaching a maximum height of about 30 feet, with an average spread of 10 feet. For the best possible result, make sure your American Holly is planted in moist, well-draining soil.
3. Eastern Red Cedar (juniperus virginiana)
Eastern Red Cedar trees are probably the most common types of evergreens in Alabama. Not only are they beautiful, but they also have a lot to offer in terms of wildlife and erosion prevention. This tree is quite tall with an average spread of about 15 feet. Eastern Red Cedar grows best when planted in full sunlight, so keep that in mind when picking where your next tree will live!
4. Loblolly Pine (pinus taeda)
Loblolly Pine is another very common type of evergreen in Alabama. This tree can grow to be very tall, with an average spread of about 35 feet! Loblolly pine grows best when planted in moist soil that isn’t too acidic or alkaline. Just like Eastern Red Cedar, this tree does great when planted in full sunlight!
5. Carolina Cherry Laurel (prunus caroliniana)
Carolina Cherry Laurel is a small evergreen tree reaching heights of about 10 feet. If you’re looking for a type of evergreen that’s perfect for carving and sculpting, this is the one! Carolina Cherry Laurel does best when planted in moist soil and will look its absolute best if it’s planted in full sunlight.
6. Live Oak (quercus virginiana)
Live Oak is one of the more unique types of evergreens in Alabama that you can choose to plant. This tree does great when planted in full sunlight and requires very little water to survive. Live Oak has some amazing benefits, like keeping your property cooler on hot days, but it doesn’t reach heights greater than 40 feet!
7. Emerald Green Thuja (thuja occidentalis ’emerald’)
Emerald Green Thuja is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a tree that’s quick growing and pest-resistant. This tree can grow to be 40 feet tall with an average spread of 10 feet. One great thing about Thuja ‘Emerald’ is that it doesn’t need much water to survive.
8. Wax Myrtle (myrica)
Wax Myrtle is another small-to-medium sized evergreen tree that will do great when planted in Alabama. You’ll find Wax Myrtle reaching heights of about 15 feet, with average spreads of 8 feet. This tree does best in full sunlight and can even survive mild droughts!
9. Oleander (nerium oleander)
Oleander is a small evergreen tree that does best in sunny areas. Oleander can reach heights of about 30 feet and spreads of 8 feet. If you’re looking for an evergreen that flowers, this one would be perfect!
10. BottleBrush (callistemon)
Bottlebrush is an evergreen that’s great for landscaping areas near water. Bottlebrush reaches heights of about 20 feet and has a spread of 8 feet. When planted in full sunlight, this tree will do its best to grow strong!
11. Southern Magnolia (magnolia grandiflora)
Southern Magnolia is a huge evergreen tree with dark green leaves. This evergreen will do great if planted in full sunlight and can even survive mild droughts. You’ll find Southern Magnolia reaching heights of about 50 feet, with average spreads of 15 feet!
12. Blue Wonder Spruce (picea glauca)
Blue Wonder Spruce is a type of evergreen that has bright blue needles. You’ll find this tree reaching heights of about 20 feet, with average spreads of 12 feet. Blue Wonder Spruce does best when planted in moist soil and will even grow stronger when planted in full sunlight!
13. Taylor Juniper (juniperus virginiana taylor)
Taylor Juniper is a small evergreen that will do great when planted in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9. You’ll find these trees reaching heights of about 10 feet, with average spreads of 6 feet. Taylor Juniper does best when planted in sunny areas and moist soil!
14. Neem Tree (azadirachta indica)
The Neem tree isn’t a type of evergreen in Alabama, but it is a deciduous tree that can do great when planted here. This tree has beautiful light green leaves and produces flowers and fruit! Neem trees require moist soil to survive and will look their absolute best if they’re planted in full sunlight!
15. Blue Cloak White Fir (abies concolor)
Blue Cloak White Fir is a large evergreen tree that can reach heights of about 40 feet. You’ll find this tree doing great when planted in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8. Blue Cloak White Fir does best when planted in full sunlight!
16. Weeping Hemlock (tsuga canadensis)
Weeping Hemlock is a large evergreen that does well in full sunlight. This tree can reach heights of about 50 feet, with an average spread of 25 feet! Weeping Hemlock requires moist soil to survive and will even grow stronger if planted near bodies of water.
17. Sequoia Tree (sequoiadendron giganteum)
Sequoia Tree is a large evergreen that does best in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 10. You’ll find this tree reaching heights of about 70 feet, with average spreads of 30 feet. Sequoia Tree does best if it’s planted in full sunlight, which the state of Alabama receives plenty of.
