11 Best Trees That Grow In Shade For Years

There are, however, some that have adapted well enough to tolerate less light. While you may not get optimal height, flowering, or fruiting, the tree will at least be able to grow there. You also need to carefully consider any plants you place underneath these trees. The leaf canopy will only deepen the shade, so choose accompanying plants like hostas and impatiens that can grow in full shade. The trees below are either deciduous (annual leaf shedding) or evergreen (retains green leaves year-round): Deciduous:

American beechAmerican hornbeamBig leaf mapleAmerican hop hornbeamCommon hoptreeJapanese maplePagoda dogwoodPawpaw (Northern species)Sugar maple

Evergreen:

Eastern hemlock (conifer)Japanese yew (conifer)Pawpaw (Southern species)

Here is more information about the 11 trees which are suitable for planting in full shade locations.

USDA Zones: 4 to 9Sun Exposure: Full sun to full shadeHeight: 20 to 30 feetSoil Needs: Moist and rich

USDA Zones: 3 to 9Sun Exposure: Full sun to full shadeHeight: 30 feetSoil Needs: Moist/wet and acidic

USDA Zones: 6 to 9Sun Exposure: Full sun to full shadeHeight: 75 to 100 feetSoil Needs: From shallow and rocky to wet and loamy

USDA Zones: 4 to 8Sun Exposure: Full sun to full shadeHeight: 50 feetSoil Needs: Rocky to average soil

USDA Zones: 5 to 9Sun Exposure: Part shade to shade for best resultsHeight: 50 feetSoil Needs: Moist, well-drained, and acidic

USDA Zones: 4 to 9Sun Exposure: Full sun to full shadeHeight: 50 feetSoil Needs: Moist to dry, well-drained, and loamy

USDA Zones: 5 to 9, varies by cultivarSun Exposure: Full sun to full shadeHeight: 20 feet or more, varies by cultivarSoil Needs: Well-drained and acidic

USDA Zones: 5 to 7Sun Exposure: Full sun to full shadeHeight: to 30 feetSoil Needs: Sandy, loamy, and well-drained

USDA Zones: 4 to 8Sun Exposure: Full sun to full shadeHeight: 20 feetSoil Needs: Moist, acidic, and well-drained

USDA Zones: 6 to 8Sun Exposure: Full sun to full shadeHeight: 12 feetSoil Needs: Acidic to neutral, and well-drained

USDA Zones: 3 to 8Sun Exposure: Full sun to full shadeHeight: 70 feetSoil Needs: Non-compacted, fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic