27 Flowering Trees For Massachusetts Yards

Are you looking forward to planting flowering trees in your Massachusetts home garden? Well, you will be pleased to know that there are numerous attractive blossoming trees that grow wonderfully well in the Bay State landscape and weather conditions. Read on to find out about 27 flowering trees in Massachusetts! 

Massachusetts is blessed with a versatile terrain comprising the coastal lowland, Berkshire Valley, Connecticut Valley, and New England upland in the east, as well as Taconic Mountains and the rolling, purple mountains in the west. The Bay State has no shortage of natural lakes, rivers, and mountains. The Appalachian Mountains and the Cape Cod National Shoreline are among the most prominent landscapes in the state. 

The state of Massachusetts also enjoys a mainly humid continental climate. It’s one of the few US states that experiences all four distinct seasons. The state enjoys hot, humid summers with the warm, welcoming sun and cold, snowy winters. It also sees abundant precipitation throughout the year. The climate and landscape of Massachusetts are ideal for growing numerous common trees. 

The Codfish State is home to many trees, including the Red Maple, White Pine, Hemlock, and Northern Red Oak. It is also the ideal growing ground for a wide array of flowering trees, including the arresting Umbrella Magnolia, the pyramidal Cucumber Tree, the prolific Katsura, and the ever-popular Eastern Redbud. You can grow these flowering trees as centerpieces of your garden, standalone yard specimens, understory trees, accent pieces, or even as part of a mixed hedge. 

Let’s take a look at 27 breathtaking flowering trees in Massachusetts! 

1. Umbrella Magnolia

  • Magnolia tripetala
  • Flowering in: Late Winter to Mid-Summer
  • Height: 80 ft
Umbrella Magnolia Magnolia tripetala
Katja Schulz Umbrella Magnolia (Magnolia tripetala)

Native to the southeastern United States, Umbrella Magnolia is a medium to tall-sized flowering tree with a broad, open crown and spreading branches. It features clusters of large, deciduous leaves that resemble an umbrella. It produces large, attractive, creamy-white flowers with thin petals. The blooms give way to cone-shaped, rosy-red fruit. Umbrella Magnolias thrive in sunny locations and well-drained, moist soils. 

2. Tulip Tree

  • Liriodendron
  • Flowering in: Late Spring and Early Summer
  • Height: 70-90 ft
Tulip Tree
Michiel Thomas Tulip Tree

Native to eastern North America, Tulip Trees are tall and stately trees with an oval-rounded or pyramidal crown. They yield tulip-shaped, yellow-green blossoms with an orange base. They also bear cone-shaped fruits and feature glossy, 4-lobed, bright green leaves. Tulip Trees grow well in sunny locations and well-drained, acidic, moist, organically rich soils. 

3. Cucumber Tree

  • Magnolia acuminata
  • Flowering in: Spring
  • Height: 49-66 ft
Magnolia acuminata
Huhulenik Magnolia acuminata

Also known as Cucumber Magnolia, Cucumber Trees are medium-sized, straight-trunked eastern North American natives with a pyramidal crown. They feature ovate, deciduous, pointy-edged yellow-green foliage that turns golden in fall. This tree yields somewhat aromatic, greenish-yellow blossoms that resemble tulips. It bears green, warty, cucumber-like fruits. It thrives in sunny and partially shaded spots and well-drained, moist, organically rich loams. 

4. Witch Hazel Tree

  • Hamamelis virginiana
  • Flowering in: Autumn
  • Height: 10-20 ft
Witch hazel Hamamelis virginiana
Nicholas A. Tonelli Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

Witch Hazel Trees are Eastern North American natives. They are medium-sized trees with a spreading crown decorated with oval to obovate, deciduous, and medium to dark green foliage with wavy margins. This tree yields stem-hugging clusters of crinkly bold yellow blossoms with ribbon-shaped petals. Witch Hazel grows well in well-drained, organically rich, adequately moist, fertile soils and sunny and partially shaded areas. 

5. Katsura 

  • Cercidiphyllum japonicum
  • Flowering in: Spring
  • Height: 40 ft
Katsura tree Cercidiphyllum japonicum
Jean-Pol GRANDMONT Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum)

Native to Japan and China, Katsura is a single or multi-trunked, prolific, understory tree with a well-rounded crown. It has oval-round, cordate, reddish-purple foliage that turns medium green in maturity and then gold, red, and orange in fall. It produces tiny green or red flowers that give way to clusters of greenish pods. Katsura thrives in sunny or partially shaded spots and well-drained, moist, rich soils. 

6. Black Locust

  • Robinia pseudoacacia
  • Flowering in: Spring to Early Summer
  • Height: 70-80 ft
Robinia pseudoacacia
AnRo0002 Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)

Native to eastern and central United States, Black Locust is a medium-sized, suckering, flowering tree with a narrow-oblong crown and a broadly columnar single trunk. It features pinnate, compound, deciduous, dark blue-green leaves that turn yellow in fall. It produces pendulous clusters of aromatic, wisteria-like blossoms that give way to by smooth, flat, purple-brown seed pods. Black Locust grows well in sunny locations and well-drained, moist, organically rich loams. 

7. Eastern Redbud

  • Cercis canadensis
  • Flowering in: Spring
  • Height: 30 ft
jumpstory download20210211 144057
JumpStory Eastern Redbud

Eastern Redbuds are medium-sized, low-maintenance, multi-trunked flowering trees with a round crown and horizontally-growing branches. These US and Mexican natives feature heart-shaped, deciduous, dark green foliage that turns bold canary yellow in fall. This tree yields attractive clusters of tiny magenta buds that grow into long-lasting, rosy-pink blossoms. It thrives in most soil varieties and various degrees of sun exposure. 

8. Black Cherry

  • Prunus serotina
  • Flowering in: Early Spring 
  • Height: 60-90 ft
Prunus serotina in flower.
Fritzflohrreynolds Prunus serotina in flower.

Native to eastern North America, Black Cherry is a tall flowering tree with a rounded to narrow-columnar crown. It produces slender, pendulous clusters of fragrant white blossoms that give way to drooping clusters of small red cherries. It features narrow, ovate-oblong to lanceolate, serrated, glossy green leaves that turn yellow and red in fall. Black Cherry grows well in sunny or speckled spots and well-drained, moist, fertile loams. 

9. Downy Serviceberry/Shadbush

  • Amelanchier arborea
  • Flowering in: Spring
  • Height: 10-25 ft
Downy Serviceberry
Dan Mullen Downy Serviceberry

Downy Serviceberry Trees are northeastern United States natives. These small-sized trees feature deciduous, oval green leaves that turn red, orange, and yellow in fall. They yield abundant drooping clusters of lightly scented, 5-petaled, white blooms. They also bear small, round, delightful dark purple and black-colored berries. This tree thrives in moist, well-drained, acidic soils and sunny locations. 

10. American Plum

  • Prunus americana
  • Flowering in: Late Spring to Early Autumn
  • Height: 35 ft
Prunus Americana
Frank Richards Prunus Americana

American Plums are thicket-forming flowering trees with a short trunk and multiple arching branches. These trees feature striking fall foliage with a stunning contrast of pale yellow and electric red leaves. They yield flat-topped clusters of big, scented white blossoms that bloom along its curving branches. This tree grows well in well-drained soils and sunny locations. 

11. Flowering Peach

  • Prunus persica
  • Flowering in: Spring
  • Height: 25 ft
Prunus persica.
Forest and Kim Starr Prunus persica.

Native to China, Flowering Peach Trees are small to medium-sized, fast-growing, and ornamental trees with a columnar, upright crown. These Chinese natives feature narrow, deciduous, dark green foliage that turns yellow in fall. They yield arresting clusters of aromatic, double-growing, pink blossoms that bloom from unique rosy buds. Flowering Peach thrives in well-drained, adequately moist soils and sunny locations. 

12. Sour Cherry

  • Prunus cerasus
  • Flowering in: Mid Spring 
  • Height: 20 ft
Prunus cerasus.
Nino Barbieri Prunus cerasus.

Native to Asia and specific parts of Europe, Sour Cherry is a small-sized Cherry Tree with upward-spreading branches and deciduous, ovate, long, glossy, dark green leaves with downy undersides. It produces clusters of stunning white flowers that give way to bright red to almost black, round, soft, fleshy cherries. Sour Cherry grows well in sunny locations and well-drained, moisture-retentive, rich soils. 

13. St Lucie Cherry

  • Prunus mahaleb
  • Flowering in: Spring
  • Height: 20-30 ft
Mahaleb cherry Prunus mahaleb
Andrey Zharkikh Mahaleb cherry (Prunus mahaleb)

Native to Western Asia and Central and Southern Europe, St Lucie Cherry is a large shrub or small-sized tree. Also known as Mahaleb Cherry, this tree features small, deciduous, rounded, heart-shaped, serrated, dark green leaves that turn yellow in fall. It produces clusters of fragrant, white blossoms that give way to small, red, bitter-tasting fruits. It thrives in sunny locations and well-drained soils. 

14. Chokecherry

  • Prunus virginiana
  • Flowering in: Spring to Mid-Summer
  • Height: 12-36 ft
Chokecherry Tree prunus virginiana.
Matt Lavin Chokecherry Tree (prunus virginiana.)

Native to the US, Chokecherry is a small-sized flowering tree with an oval0rounded crown. It yields elongated clusters of aromatic, 5-lobed, cup-shaped white blossoms that give way to clusters of pea-sized, globular, dark-purple berries. It also features elliptic to ovate, sharply toothed, dark green foliage with grey-green bottoms. Chokecherry grows well in sunny or speckled spots and well-drained, dry to medium loams. 

15. Fire Cherry

  • Prunus pensylvanica
  • Flowering in: Spring
  • Height: 49 ft
Prunus pensylvanica.
Matt Lavin Prunus pensylvanica.

Also known as Pin Cherry, Fire Cherry is a medium-sized, slender, shrubby tree with a narrow, rounded, open habitat. It features sharp-edged, smooth leaves that grow on glossy, reddish branches. Fire Cherry Trees produce flat-topped clusters of white blossoms that give way to tiny, green fruits that ripen into edible, pale-red cherries.  This tree thrives in sunny locations and well-drained, moist soils. 

16. Dotted Hawthorn

  • Crataegus punctata
  • Flowering in: Early Summer
  • Height: 20-35 ft
Crataegus punctata flowers
Nadiatalent Crataegus punctata flowers.

Native to eastern North America, Dotted Hawthorn is a small to medium-sized, slender-spined tree with horizontal branches and a broad-rounded crown. It produces showy clusters of fragrant, 5-petaled, white blossoms that give way to globular red fruits with distinctive white dots. It features slightly lobed, obovate, deciduous dark green leaves. Dotted Hawthorn grows well in sunny locations and well-drained, moist soils. 

17. Common Hawthorn

  • Crataegus monogyna
  • Flowering in: Spring
  • Height: 15-45 ft
hawthorn flower
Yay Hawthorn flower

Native to northern America, Europe, and western Asia, Common Hawthorn is a small to medium-sized tree with a dense, rounded crown and smooth, pale bark. It features alternate, ovate, deciduous, 3-7 lobed, glossy green leaves. It produces clusters of 5-petaled, white blossoms that fade into pink and give way to single-seed red berries. Common Hawthorn thrives in sunny locations and deep, well-drained soils. 

18. Common Pear

  • Pyrus communis
  • Flowering in: Late Winter to Mid Spring
  • Height: 30 ft
Pear tree Pyrus communis
Taco Witte Pear tree (Pyrus communis)

Native to Southern Europe and southwestern Asia, Common Pear is a medium-sized tree with upright branches and a pyramidal crown. It features ovate to elliptic, serrated, glossy dark green foliage that turns yellow and red in fall. It produces clusters of fragrant, 5-petaled, creamy white flowers flushed with pale pink. The blooms give way to pear-shaped, edible fruits. Common Pear grows well in sunny locations and well-drained, humusy loams. 

19. Smooth Shadbush

  • Amelanchier laevis
  • Flowering in: Spring
  • Height: 15-25 ft
Amelanchier laevis
Tom Lund Amelanchier laevis

Native to eastern Canada and the eastern United States, Smooth Shadbush is a small-sized, multi-trunked tree. It features alternate, egg-shaped, oblong to elliptic, finely toothed, green leaves. It produces upright clusters of 5 to 12 white blossoms that give way to berry-like, red, edible pomes. Smooth Shadbush thrives in sunny or partially shaded locations and well-drained, acidic, moist soils. 

20. Roundleaf Shadbush

  • Amelanchier sanguinea
  • Flowering in: Late Spring
  • Height: 20 ft
Amelanchier sanguinea
Hedwig Storch Amelanchier sanguinea

Also known as Sand Serviceberry, Roundleaf Shadbush is a northeastern North American native. This small-sized, understory tree produces small, white blossoms that give way to edible berries that attract birds. It features nearly circular, toothed leaves that offer excellent fall color. Roundleaf Shadbush grows well in sunny or partially shaded locations and well-drained soils. 

21. American Mountain Ash

  • Sorbus americana
  • Flowering in: Early Spring
  • Height: 10-30 ft
Sorbus americana
Anna reg Sorbus americana

American Mountain Ash is a slow-growing, low-maintenance flowering tree with an oval crown. It yields slightly aromatic white blossoms that give way to large clusters of tiny, orange-red or red-colored, berry-like fruits. It features spear-shaped or oblong leaves that turn orange, yellow, and reddish-purple in fall. This tree thrives in sunny or partially shaded spots and well-drained, acidic, wet clay soils and loams.

22. Wych Elm

  • Ulmus glabra
  • Flowering in: Spring
  • Height: 60-80 ft
Ulmus glabra
Andreas Rockstein Ulmus glabra

Native from Great Britain to Siberia, Wych Elm is a tall, wide-spreading, deciduous flowering tree with a broad, rounded crown. It features alternate, oval to elliptic, long-pointed, toothed, hairy, dark green leaves that turn yellow in fall. It produces large clusters of purplish-red flowers spread along its twigs. The blossoms give way to small, winged, brown fruit. Wych Elm grows well in well-drained, rich, moist, fertile soils and sunny locations.  

23. Flowering Dogwood

  • Cornus florida
  • Flowering in: Spring
  • Height: 25 ft
Cornus florida.
H. Zell Cornus florida.

Flowering Dogwoods are popularly-grown, small to medium-sized, low-branching trees with a pyramidal or rounded habitat. This flat-topped tree is a Mexico and eastern North American native. It features oval, deciduous green foliage that turns reddish-purple in fall. It yields small, compact, white flowers that bloom from pink bracts. Dogwoods thrive in well-drained, organic soils and speckled shade. 

24. Southern Catalpa

  • Catalpa bignonioides
  • Flowering in: Spring and Early Summer
  • Height: 25-40 ft
31168488 catalpa bignonioides flowers
Yay Catalpa bignonioides flowers.

Southern Catalpas are medium-sized flowering trees with an irregular, broad-rounded crown. These US natives feature remarkably broad, heart-shaped, pointed, light green foliage that emits a pungent odor when bruised. Southern Catalpa produces highly decorative, aromatic, bell-shaped, white blossoms with yellow and purple inner markings. It grows well in sunny or partially shaded locations and well-drained, medium to wet, fertile loams. 

25. Chinese Catalpa

  • Catalpa ovata
  • Flowering in: Spring and Early Summer
  • Height: 25-40 ft
Catalpa ovata tree
Peter coxhead Catalpa ovata tree

Native to forested regions in western China, the Chinese Catalpa is a small to medium-sized flowering tree with a wide-spreading habitat. It typically features entire or 3-5 lobed, tapering-edged, broad-ovate, light green foliage that turns yellow in fall. Chinese Catalpa produces clusters of beautiful, bell-shaped, orchid-like, yellowish-white flowers with purple and orange inner spotting. It thrives in sunny or speckled locations and well-drained, moist, fertile loams.  

26. Northern Catalpa

  • Catalpa speciosa
  • Flowering in: Spring and Early Summer
  • Height: 13-24 ft
35044172 northern catalpa flowers 1
Yay Northern catalpa flowers

Northern Catalpas are award-winning US native trees with a twisting, narrow trunk, arching branches, and slightly oval crown. They feature giant, deciduous, heart-shaped, glossy light green foliage. This tree yields stunning clusters of lightly scented, trumpet-shaped, white blooms with purple speckles and yellow stripes. It grows well in partially shaded locations and well-drained, moist, organically rich, acidic loams and clay soils. 

27. Downy Hawthorn/Red Hawthorn

  • Crataegus mollis
  • Flowering in: Spring
  • Height: 20-35 ft
Crataegus mollis flowers.
Nadiatalent Crataegus mollis flowers.

Downy Hawthorn or White Thorn is a medium-sized, deer-resistant tree with a tall trunk, rounded habitat, and horizontally-growing branches. This tree yields small, flat-headed clusters of pungent, 5-petaled, white blossoms. It features large, deciduous, alternate, oval, serrated, yellowish-green foliage. Downy Hawthorn thrives in well-drained, fertile, moist soils and sunny locations.