Climate change will stress the trees, plants and animals in Minnesota’s forests. Our lists of climate-ready trees and plants can help landowners make informed planting decisions to help whole forest ecosystems adapt.
Trees live a long time, and we want to plant trees that will thrive 50 to 100 years from now. Using climate projections for each region in our state, Extension forestry researchers have created recommendation lists that offer options for native tree species predicted to be resilient to the changing climate.
You may notice that some of Minnesota’s iconic Northwoods species are not on the recommendation lists. Some species are threatened by critical forest health concerns (like black ash) or are rated as having a poor response to climate change in some regions (such as white spruce). These species still hold significant ecological and cultural value, and we hope landowners will continue to care for them. You may need to consider managing them in smaller, protected areas rather than as large stands. Learn how creating refugia in your woodlands can help protect vulnerable species.
We’ve also included lists of native plants we recommend for rewilding the forest understory. These plants are integral to the forest ecosystem, providing habitat and food for insects, birds, and small mammals. While many of the plants on these lists are available at nurseries that specialize in native plants, you may also be able to find them already growing in your woods. Consider promoting the biodiversity of these understory plants in addition to tree species.
Recommended trees and plants for your region
Minnesota is an ecologically diverse state divided into 11 regions with characteristic soils, precipitation patterns, topography, and natural vegetation.
Find the region that aligns with your woodland's location on the numbered map to get tree and plant recommendations specific to your region.
Region 1: Agassiz Lowlands and Littlefork-Vermillion Uplands
Region 2: Northern Superior Uplands
Region 3: Chippewa Plains and Pine Moraine-Outwash Plains
Region 4: St. Louis Moraines and Tamarack Lowlands
Region 6: Mille Lacs Uplands and Glacial Lake Superior Plain
Region 7: Anoka Sand Plain, Big Woods, and St. Paul-Baldwin Plains and Moraines
Region 9: Rochester Plateau and Blufflands
Region 10: Red River Prairie and Aspen Parklands
Region 11: Minnesota River Prairie, Coteau Moraines and Inner Coteau
Reviewed in 2024