Looking for a way to create an atmosphere of relaxation and serenity in your home garden in Oklahoma? There’s no better way than to plant some stunning maple trees in the backyard! Maple trees grow well in Oklahoma, offering plenty of shade while also adding to your curb appeal. Here are the different maple varieties native to Oklahoma.
Oklahoma is a state where flowers and trees have to work hard to earn their keep. Facing high winds, clay soil, and quite unpredictable weather conditions, it’s hard to believe any plants could survive here. However, the maple tree is a true wonder of nature that doesn’t just grow well but thrives in Oklahoma’s landscape.
The state of Oklahoma has a humid southern belt that runs alongside a northern continental one that is rather cold. This merging gives Oklahoma high humidity levels in the eastern zones, with the western areas being dry and chilly. It results in overall pleasant weather across the state with an average temperature of 60*F with high winds.
On the other hand, Oklahoma’s official state soil is port silt loam with clay-rich strata underneath, giving it a signature red color. It allows the perfect growing conditions for native Caddo maple trees to thrive and reach great heights. Caddo maple trees are among the most heat and drought-resistant maples worldwide and the only sugar maple that grows in the state. Therefore, they grow so well that there is a whole county named after them, called the Caddo Country in southwest Oklahoma.
If you’re interested in raising a few maple trees in your neighborhood or a nearby park, you’re at the right place! Here is a closer look at the different types of maple found in Oklahoma and how you can tell them apart. Let’s find out!
1. Caddo Maple (Acer saccharum)
Caddo maple is a true Oklahoma native and the only sugar maple tree that grows well in the state. These giant trees reach over 60 feet in height and offer a gorgeous shade with beautiful fall colors in orange and golden yellow. Caddo maples prefer well-drained soils and are highly resistant to tattering or scorching. They have dark green, five-lobed leaves with a leathery texture. The flowers are yellow-green and found in panicles of five to eight.
2. Shantung Maple (Acer truncatum)
The Shantung Maple is another exceptionally drought-tolerant maple tree found in Oklahoma. It is a small-to-medium-sized tree that is perfect for residential landscapes. These trees grow quickly, reaching a maximum height of 30 feet. Their barks are smooth during the early years but become ridged with age. Shantung maples have lobed leaves with occasional pairs of teeth on the largest lobe. The flowers grow in early spring, appearing in a yellow-green color with five petals.
