Georgia, affectionately known as the Peach State, is home to a diverse range of flora. There are actually eight different zones that show how varied Georgia is. Due to this range, there are dozens of types of trees that are naturally occurring in your backyard.

They range in not only shape and size but also to various colors and levels of hardiness. Again, this is due to the diverse biome of Georgia, ranging from wooded forests to swamplands in the south.  Let’s take a look at some native Georgia trees and learn how to identify them.

 

Red Maple Trees

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the most common trees, not just in Georgia but across North America, is the red maple tree. Its scientific name is Acer Rubrum. It’s a softer maple and is abundant even in swamp areas. The way to identify these beautiful trees is in the name. They have bright red leaves and grow to a medium to large size, which can be about 120 feet.

White Oak

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a beautiful and harder wood type found in Georgia. Known as Quercus Alba, this tree is also taller, reaching heights of just about 100 feet. The range of the leaves, sometimes known as the canopy, can be quite large since White Oak trees have tremendous roots that can easily expand throughout the earth.

It’s also a wise tree in that it can live to be a few hundred years old, averaging between 200 and 300 years of age. It helps to produce some fantastic hardwood when processed and is easily noticeable with its light grey to white colored bark.

River Birch

 

 

 

 

 

 

There’s nothing like having a name that helps locate where this type of tree grows. Known as the Betula Nigra, the River Birch is primarily found by bodies of water. It is a deciduous tree that can also grow up to nearly 100 feet. It’s a great tree to repopulate areas that have faced erosion from construction and industrial sites.

This is because it can handle flooding and be submerged underwater for more extended periods than other types of trees. On the opposite side, these trees really need a lot of sunlight to grow, which there’s plenty of in Georgia.

Belle of Georgia Peach Tree

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, we have to mention the Prunus Persica. These trees bear some of the most delicious fruit in existence and have been doing so commercially since the late 1500s. They only grow up to 25 feet, and there’s a dwarf version that only goes up to 10 feet. This is common with fruit-bearing trees.

In addition, it’s not a drought-resistant tree as it needs a lot of water to be able to grow those tasty fruits. It’s a fast-growing fruit and usually blooms in late August.

Keep in mind that there are so many more trees to look at when it comes to native Georgia trees. It’s got some of the richest soil around, which helps grow such a varied selection.