34 Types of Trees in Maine (with Pictures)

It is estimated that about 17.6 million acres of forestland¹ reside in Maine. As a result, as much as 89% of the state’s land area is covered by forests. Because of how much forestland is in the state, there are dozens of tree types to be spotted.

In fact, there are as many as 52 tree species native to Maine, and there are even more species that have been introduced to Maine. Not to mention, there are small, native trees that are technically classified as shrubs.

The 34 Most Common Types of Trees in Maine

1. Cedar

Cedar trees can be found in Maine, as well as the Himalayas and the Mediterranean. These trees have needle-like, Evergreen leaves, allowing them to withstand Maine’s harsh winters. In Maine and elsewhere, Cedars are used as ornamental trees, and their wood is used for oil and furniture.

2. Fir

Fir trees are similar to Cedars in that they are coniferous trees with Evergreen leaves. Even though there are many species of Fir around the world, there’s only one in Maine. The Fir trees found in Maine are often used for Christmas trees, but they are sometimes used for general timber.

3. Hemlock

Only four species of Hemlock are in North America, and one of them can be found in Maine specifically. The Eastern Hemlock smells a lot like the plant the tree is named after. Unfortunately, Eastern Hemlocks are at risk of attack and are decreasing in number. Hemlock is primarily used for tanning leather and timber.

4. Juniper

Juniper trees are a sight to behold. They have a uniquely barren appearance that makes them look old and weathered. Junipers are some of the oldest trees around the globe.

5. Larch

Larches are not as commonly known as the trees we have looked at so far, mainly because they are only found in northern environments. These trees are mainly found in northern Maine, and they take on a beautiful yellow color in autumn. This tree is mainly only used for buildings, yachts, and other objects that need waterproof materials.

6. Pine

Pine trees are common worldwide. There are a total of 121 species in the northern hemisphere, with four of them being native to Maine. Pine trees come in many shapes and sizes, and they are used for a wide variety of purposes as a result.

7. Spruce

The last coniferous tree found in Maine is the Spruce tree. Three species are found in this state. Like other conifer trees, Spruce is known for their needlelike leaves. Spruce trees are some of the most usable for humans. They are often used for timber, food, medicine, and even Christmas trees.

8. Ash

Now that we’ve looked at all the coniferous trees in Maine, let’s take a look at the native broadleaf trees. The first is Ash. Ash is one of the most usable tree types in Maine. These tree types are used for timber, interior design, and a number of other purposes. The species largely determines the use.

9. Aspen

Aspen trees are formally called Poplar trees. If you hear someone talking about Poplar trees, they are actually talking about Aspens. There are three species of Aspens in Maine, meaning half of the known Aspen species are found in the state. Aspen is often used for paper, matches, and interior design.

10. Basswood

Basswood is only found in certain parts of the Northeastern United States. There is only one species of Basswood in all of North America. Basswood is not used frequently because it is notoriously difficult to propagate. Occasionally, it is used as an ornamental tree. When found in the wild, its leaves and flowers are edible.

11. Beech

Beech trees can be found worldwide, including in the Northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. As such, you can find Beech all throughout the state. Today, Beech trees are mainly used as ornamental trees and firewood. They are also used for beer brewing due to its flavor.

12. Birch

Birch is one of the most prolific trees in Maine. There are a total of six species in the state. Birch has beautiful thin leaves that thrive in cold conditions. As such, Birch is primarily found in northern areas, such as Maine and Canada.

13. Butternut

The Butternut tree is sometimes called the White Walnut. It is native to the state and is known for its distinctive fruit. It is primarily found in the southern and middle parts of Maine. It does not thrive in the most northernmost environments.

14. Cherry

Maine is one of the best places for growing Cherry trees. Although there are only two native cherries in the state, a large range of cherry species can be grown here. In fact, there are many cherry orchards in the state that you can visit.

15. Chestnut

The American Chestnut is a specific type of Beech tree that is in North America. Even though the Chestnut tree today is an iconic American tree, it is actually considered critically endangered due to blight. Chestnut today is only found in certain parts of Maine, but it is more common in states like Tennessee, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

16. Dogwood

Maine is home to two species of Dogwood trees: Alternate-Leaf and Flowering Dogwoods. Dogwoods are absolutely beautiful. You are most likely to spot these trees in southern Maine. They are incredibly rare in the north of the state.

17. Elm

Elm trees can be found in many forests. There are two main species of Elm in Maine, but there are quite a few other species if you look elsewhere. Elm has been used to create hybrid trees for urban environments, such as Central Park.

18. Hawthorne

The Hawthorne tree is another tree not commonly known. There are actually many species of Hawthorne trees, including hybrid species. Despite Hawthornes being less commonly known, they are found in many areas and are an important part of folklore.

19. Hickory

Hickory trees can be found across China, India, the United States, Mexico, and Canada. There are a total of 18 species, two of which are found in Maine. Hickory is a favorite for drumsticks, golf clubs, and BBQ cooking.

21. Hop-Hornbeam

Hop-Hornbeams might not be the most popular tree, but they do not need a lot to grow. As such, these trees can be found all over North America and Central America. They can be as far north as Ontario and as far south as Mexico.

21. Hornbeam

The American Hornbeam is completely different from the Hop Hornbeam. This is the only North American native that belongs to the genus Carpinus. This tree is mainly found in the eastern United States and parts of Canada. It is not found further west than Texas. This is a great tree for small yards.

22. Maple

The Maple tree is another tree that has many species in Maine. In fact, there are 132 species in total, with six being in Maine specifically. Maple trees are mainly found in the United States, but they are also found in parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia.

23. Mountain-Ash

The Mountain Ash is a small tree that is showy in the fall. It is a favorite among birds because it has bright red berry-like fruits. Mountain Ash is mainly only found in the northern United States, and it only grows 12 inches at most per year.

24. Nannyberry

The Nannyberry is more of a shrub than a tree, but it’s often mistaken for a tree. It lives year-round, and it has beautiful white flowers. The Nannyberry only grows to be about 20 feet high, making it a good choice for homes.

25. Oak

Oak is one of the most common species worldwide. Scientists estimate that there are about 500 species of oaks, with seven being in Maine. Oak is the most diverse tree in the state as a result. Oaks can be found in nature, but they are also grown for woodworking and a number of other jobs.

26. Plum

The Canada Plum is only found in the northernmost parts of the United States and the southernmost parts of Canada. It can be found in southern Maine, as well as around the Great Lake regions. This tree has beautiful flowers, as well as little plums, after which it is named.

27. Sassafras

The Sassafras tree has beautiful yellow flowers, which makes the tree a favorite to spot. Although there are a few Sassafras varieties around the globe, only one exists in North America today: the White or Red sassafras. This tree is sometimes called Sassafras or Silky Sassafras.

28. Serviceberry

The Serviceberry tree is a large shrub or small tree. It demonstrates beautiful colors in the fall and can be found in hardiness zones 4 through 8, making them popular in Maine. This tree frequently attracts birds due to its very light fruit.

29. Sumac

The Staghorn Sumac can be found all throughout the Eastern United States and Canada. The Staghorn Sumac is related to Poison Ivy and Poison Oak. This tree attracts bees, beetles, and wasps. Some small birds also like the tree.

30. Sycamore

American Sycamore trees are found in central and eastern United States, but they can sometimes be found in Northeastern Mexico and Southern Ontario. This tree is unique because of its mottled bark that often flakes off. Sycamore is very hardy, and it is often used in urban environments as a result.

31. Tupelo

Black Tupelo is a medium-sized tree found in the Northeastern United States, as well as southern Ontario. This tree gets its scientific name from a Greek water nymph. Today, these trees are mainly used for ornamental purposes due to their beautiful leaves.

32. Willow

The only Willow tree found in Maine is the Black Willow. Although there are dozens of Willow trees in North America, the Black Willow is one of the more common. In fact, this is the largest Willow in the new world. It can be found all across the country, though it is native to southern Maine and surrounding areas.

33. Witch-Hazed

The last native tree to Maine is the Witch-Hazed or Witch Hazel tree. It is found all throughout the Eastern United States and goes as far west as Texas. It can even be found in Nova Scotia. There are a lot of lures surrounding this tree. Today, it is mainly seen as an adaptable tree that is planted around homes.

34. Exotic Trees

In addition to the native trees, there are quite a few exotic trees in Maine as well. Exotic trees have been brought into Maine, but they are not native here. There are 31 species of exotic trees and varieties.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are dozens and dozens of trees found in Maine. Now that you know which trees can be found in this location, it’s time to start identifying these trees so you can appreciate the full beauty around you every time you go outside.

• Related read: 12 Types of Trees in Tennessee

Featured Image Credit: Marinodenisenko, Shutterstock