Nebraska Monarchs Top 10 Native Trees for Pollinators!

In the wake of the devastating storms of 2024, many in the Omaha community have felt the profound loss of our cherished trees—those majestic giants that once provided shade, beauty, and habitat for wildlife. We have received a number of requests asking which native trees are best for pollinators and wildlife in Nebraska.

Due to the number of requests and to help people choose the best trees for wildlife, Nebraska Monarchs has curated our own list of the Top 10 Native Nebraska Trees for pollinators because of their use by wildlife and pollinators. It is important to note, that some of these trees grow best depending on the region of Nebraska you live in. We highly recommend using the Nebraska Natural Resource District's (NRD) guide to determine the best tree for your property: (https://www.papionrd.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/tree_booklet_2010.pdf).

As we navigate the recovery process, it’s crucial to consider the future of our urban landscape and the role that native trees can play in restoring it. In this blog post, we present our Top 10 Native Trees of Nebraska, carefully selected for their resilience against our state's unique weather conditions and their significant ecological benefits for pollinators and local wildlife. Join us as we celebrate these remarkable trees, highlighting their beauty, adaptability, and the vital role they play in creating a thriving, sustainable environment for years to come.

Nebraska Monarchs' Top 10 Native Trees for Pollinators and Wildlife:

Black Cherry Tree (Prunus serotina) are the host plant to over 450 species of native butterflies and moths, including the famous Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and Viceroy butterflies. Black Cherry | Nebraska's Natural Resources Districts (nrdnet.org )
Bitternut Hickory Tree (Carya cordiformis) is the host plant to the beloved Luna Moth.
- The nuts produced by this tree are favorites amongst squirrels, songbirds, and other wildlife. Hickory, Bitternut | Nebraska Forest Service (unl.edu )
Catalpa Tree (Catalpa speciosa) is a beautiful and pleasantly fragrant flowering shade tree. The flowers are beneficial to our pollinators and its seed pods are a popular food source for songbirds, squirrels, and other wildlife. Catalpa, Northern | Nebraska Forest Service (unl.edu )
Eastern Redbud Tree (Cercis canadensis) is one of the first trees to flower in spring. Aside from the beauty it brings to the lawn in early spring, it is an important nectar source for bees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinators. Redbud | Nebraska Forest Service (unl.edu )
Native Oak Trees are the host plant to over 550 species of native butterflies and moths. Oak Trees are so critical to Nebraska pollinators and wildlife, that they make up half of the Top 10 list!
- Bur Oak Tree (Quercus macrocarpa) Oak, Bur | Nebraska Forest Service (unl.edu )
- Chinkapin Oak Tree (Quercus prinoides) Oak, Chinkapin | Nebraska Forest Service (unl.edu )
- Pin Oak Tree (Quercus palustris) Oak, Pin | Nebraska Forest Service (unl.edu )
- Red Oak Tree (Quercus ruba) Oak, Northern Red | Nebraska Forest Service (unl.edu )
- White Oak Tree (Quercus alba) Oak, White | Nebraska Forest Service (unl.edu )
Pawpaw Tree (Asimina triloba) is the only host plant to the exquisite Zebra Swallowtail. Pawpaw | Nebraska Forest Service (unl.edu )
- The Pawpaw tree produces North America's largest native edible fruit, often called "Custard Apples" and "May Apples". The tree's name is rooted in the Spanish word for papaya because the fruits look very similar.
- Pawpaw fruit is a delicious and sought-after delicacy, often described as tasting like a mix between a banana and a mango. However, because it has a short shelf life, most Americans have never had the chance to see or taste it. The fruit ripens quickly, making it hard to sell in grocery stores. On the other hand, it tends to sell out at farmer's markets, where prices range from $15 to $20 per pound or even higher!