Top 10 Native Trees for Coastal Sussex County, Delaware
Select a species native to your region that is suitable for the site’s environmental conditions.
Supporting Pollinators, Biodiversity, and a Resilient Landscape
Native trees are the backbone of Delaware’s coastal ecosystems, providing food, shelter, and breeding grounds for countless species of birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. In Sussex County’s coastal region, where salt air, sandy soils, strong winds, and seasonal flooding can challenge many plants, selecting the right native species ensures both ecological value and long-term resilience.
The following trees are more than just landscape features; they are keystone species that sustain entire food webs, protect against erosion, and create vibrant, self-sustaining habitats. Planting them in gardens, parks, and restoration projects helps strengthen biodiversity and safeguard the natural beauty of our shoreline for future generations.
1. Black Oak (Quercus velutina)
Keystone Value: Top-rated host for over 400 species of caterpillars.
Ecological Benefits: Acorns feed birds and mammals; leaves support specialist insects.
Coastal Adaptation: Thrives in dry, sandy soils and well-drained uplands.
Wildlife Tip: Oaks support the entire food web—plant one and feed many.
2. Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica)
Keystone Value: High pollinator value and fall fruit for birds.
Ecological Benefits: Nectar-rich flowers feed native bees; fruits nourish migratory birds.
Coastal Adaptation: Tolerates periodic flooding, salt air, and poor soils.
Highlight: One of the first trees to turn bright red in autumn.
3. Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcata)
Keystone Value: High caterpillar host rating; similar to Black Oak.
Ecological Benefits: Important for butterflies, birds, and mammals.
Coastal Adaptation: Handles hot, dry coastal soils; thrives in upland sandy sites.
Bonus: Deep roots and drought tolerance make it ideal for tough spots.
4. Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)
Keystone Value: Moderate–high; host to spicebush swallowtail caterpillars.
Ecological Benefits: Small fruits support songbirds; early spring blooms feed native bees.
Coastal Adaptation: Does well in sandy, acidic soils and light woodlands.
Fun Fact: Beautiful three-lobed leaves and bright fall colors.
5. American Holly (Ilex opaca)
Keystone Value: Moderate, but critical winter food source.
Ecological Benefits: Evergreen cover for nesting birds; berries feed over 20 bird species.
Coastal Adaptation: Excellent salt spray tolerance; ideal for windbreaks and understory.
Highlight: Native, glossy-leaved evergreen with red berries.
6. Willow Oak (Quercus phellos)
Keystone Value: High; host to hundreds of moth and butterfly larvae.
Ecological Benefits: Acorns feed waterfowl and songbirds; supports aquatic and riparian wildlife.
Coastal Adaptation: Thrives in moist, sandy-loam soils; tolerates occasional flooding.
7. Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)
Keystone Value: Moderate–high; supports pollinators and specialist beetles.
Ecological Benefits: Fragrant flowers feed native bees; seeds attract birds.
Coastal Adaptation: Thrives in wet, acidic soils and tolerates brackish edges.
8. Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
Keystone Value: Moderate; provides winter shelter and berries for birds.
Ecological Benefits: Host for juniper hairstreak butterfly; berries feed cedar waxwings.
Coastal Adaptation: Excellent salt and wind tolerance; ideal for screens and windbreaks.
9. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
Keystone Value: Moderate–high; early-season pollen and nectar source.
Ecological Benefits: Supports early-emerging pollinators; seeds feed small mammals and birds.
Coastal Adaptation: Tolerates a wide range of soils from wet to moderately dry.
10. Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda)
Keystone Value: Moderate; supports specialist insects and provides year-round cover.
Ecological Benefits: Seeds feed birds such as pine warblers; habitat for owls and hawks.
Coastal Adaptation: Thrives in sandy soils; tolerates salt and wind.
Why These Trees Matter in Coastal Gardens
Caterpillar hosts mean more birds.
Pollinator-friendly blooms help maintain healthy ecosystems.
Provide nesting, roosting, and overwintering habitat.
Adapted to coastal soils and conditions for lower maintenance.
Planting Tips for Coastal Sussex
| Tree | Sun | Soil | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Oak | Full | Dry, sandy | Keystone for dry uplands |
| Black Gum | Sun–part | Moist to wet | Flood and salt tolerant |
| Southern Red Oak | Full | Dry, poor soils | Drought tolerant |
| Sassafras | Sun–part | Sandy, acidic | Great for pollinators |
| American Holly | Part | Well-drained | Salt-tolerant evergreen |
| Willow Oak | Full | Moist, sandy | Good for wetlands |
| Sweetbay Magnolia | Sun–part | Moist, acidic | Semi-evergreen |
| Eastern Red Cedar | Full | Sandy, dry | Excellent windbreak |
| Red Maple | Sun–part | Wet to dry | Early pollinator resource |
| Loblolly Pine | Full | Sandy, poor | Coastal evergreen habitat |
Make an Impact
Plant these native keystone species in home gardens, restoration projects, and public spaces.
Support the Delaware Botanic Gardens, Delaware Native Plant Society, and Sussex Conservation District.
Help restore Sussex County’s coastal forests—one tree at a time.
Why These Trees Matter
Keystone status: Oaks lead in insect support; black gum & elm feed critical caterpillar food webs . Basswood & maples provide nectar and early-season bloom.
Pollinator Powerhouses: Basswood enhances bee health with nectar; black gum flowers and elm foliage feed evolving pollinator cycles.
Biodiversity Boost: These five sustain a mosaic of wildlife—birds, bees, caterpillars, fungi, mammals—throughout the seasons.
Planting Tips for Sussex County
Call to Action
Plant one of these keystone species in gardens, parks, or restoration sites.
Support pollinators early and late in the season—these trees bridge floral scarcity.
Help document & engage with Delaware Native Plant Society and local initiatives like Tree for Every Delawarean (TEDI).
Credits & Sources
Keystone species and biodiversity data sourced from the research of Dr. Doug Tallamy, University of Delaware, including his pioneering work on native keystone plants and their ecological roles.
Ecological benefits, plant selection, and habitat recommendations supported by resources from the Delaware Botanic Gardens, Delaware Native Plant Society, Delaware Nature Society, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, and USDA NRCS plant guides.
Coastal adaptation and planting guidance informed by practical experience from coastal restoration projects, academic studies, and native plant fieldwork in Sussex County.
Recommended References:
Bringing Nature Home and The Nature of Oaks – Doug Tallamy
University of Delaware Botanic Gardens Plant Profiles
USDA PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov)
Xerces Society Pollinator Plant Lists – Mid-Atlantic Region
Sussex Conservation District Coastal Habitat Guidelines
For more information, public workshops, or native planting initiatives in Sussex County, contact:
📍 Delaware Botanic Gardens – www.delawaregardens.org
📍 Delaware Native Plant Society – www.delawarenativeplants.org
📍 Sussex Conservation District – www.sussexconservation.org
