Recommended trees and plants for the Driftless Area in Minnesota

Today we're sharing our recommended trees and plants for the Rochester Plateau and Blufflands (region 9 on the map), also commonly referred to as the Driftless Area. 

You'll notice that many trees on this list are newcomers to Minnesota. These trees are predicted to have good migration potential, meaning they are not currently in the area but are predicted to do well if planted. As our climate becomes warmer and wetter, trees in states to our south and east are able to shift northward and should feel right at home in this far southeastern region of the state. 

One example is the lovely tulip tree, Liriodendron tulipifera. Also known as yellow-poplar, it is the state tree of Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee, and is the only tree native to North America in the Liriodendron genus (which is in the magnolia family). Throughout the world its only cousin is Liriodendron chinense, the Chinese tulip tree. 

It’s worth noting that in addition to climate modeling and native plant community data, we considered tree health issues like oak wilt and emerald ash borer when making our recommendations. A benefit of choosing trees on the migration potential list is that they offer increased tree diversity, which can help create a resilient ecosystem and fill important ecological niches. 

As with any forest management decisions, we recommend consulting a forester or natural resource professional before planting, and that may be especially important if you’re considering any of these assisted migration species. 

The list of recommended plants includes many spring ephemerals and deer-resistant understory plants. The rich and diverse understory native to this region is well-positioned for Minnesota’s future climate if invasive species can be adequately managed.