Fast-Growing Shade Trees in Florida

Don’t think Florida’s reputation for sun, heat and salt limits your selection of fast-growing shade trees. Types with varied characteristics that fit the criteria are almost limitless. There’s a tree that satisfies your landscape requirements whether you live in North, Central or South Florida, inland or by the coast. Florida resides in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8a through 11a.

Laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia, USDA zones 6b through 10a) is a southeastern United States native that quickly attains a height of 70 feet with a spread of 45 to 60 feet and can live for up to 70 years. In southern portions of its range, the tree is semi-evergreen but is deciduous in cooler zones. Due to its mature size and 4-foot-diameter trunk, plant this tree in large yards well away from sidewalks because of possible lifting. Laurel oak grows best in full sun to partial shade and a variety of soils. It can handle occasional periods of wet soil but not salt. Its production of acorns makes it a good choice for wildlife gardens.

Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis, USDA zones 4b through 9a) puts on a flashy display of pink to purplish flowers in spring, soon followed by heart-shaped foliage that turns yellow in fall. A deciduous North American native, the redbud can reach a mature height of up to 35 feet with a spread of 15 to 25 feet and has a life span of about 30 years. At the higher end of its hardiness zones where summers are hot -- which includes Florida -- the redbud grows best in partial shade. It does well in several types of soils, from well-drained to occasionally wet, and is also drought-resistant, although regular moisture promotes the best performance. Its salt tolerance is low.

If you’re looking for a blast of color, look no further than Acer rubrum 'October Glory’ (USDA zones 5a through 8b), a deciduous red maple that exhibits a weeks-long profusion of red and orange foliage in late fall. Quickly growing to a mature height of up to 50 feet and a width of 25 to 35 feet, 'October Glory' thrives in full sun to partial shade and favors acidic soil. It can also survive flooding and moderate drought conditions but doesn't like salt. In the southernmost portion of its zone range, the tree generally grows to a shorter mature height unless planted near water or given a constant supply of moisture. Due to its aggressive root system, plant this tree away from foundations and sidewalks.

'Autumn Purple' white ash (Fraxinus americana 'Autumn Purple', USDA zones 3b through 9a) is a male that grows up to 50 feet tall and wide and doesn’t produce seed litter. When grown in full sun, the tree will treat you to an early fall show of maroon and purplish foliage and is a striking specimen for large yards or roofs that require shade. 'Autumn Purple' grows best in slightly acid to slightly alkaline soils that drain well or are occasionally wet, although it's somewhat drought-tolerant. This tree can live for more than 50 years but is susceptible to diseases and pests that can shorten its life.

Bauhinia purpurea (USDA zones 9b through 11), commonly called purple orchid tree, is a fast-growing type that won't overwhelm smaller yards. In spring and again in fall, this tree delights with a display of 5-inch purple, pink or lavender flowers that resemble orchids. Purple orchid tree has a life span of up to 50 years and reaches a mature height and width of up to 35 feet. Nearly impervious to drought conditions, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, can take some salt spray and isn't picky about soils.

Covered with an abundance of lush pink to purple-rose blossoms in springtime before its foliage appears, pink trumpet tree (Tabebuia heptaphylla, USDA zones 9b through 11) is another fast-growing, showy specimen. It can reach a mature height and width of up to 50 feet and may live more than 50 years. Pink trumpet tree grows in full sun to partial shade, flourishes in an assortment of well-drained soils and is highly tolerant to drought.

The mango (Mangifera indica, USDA zones 10b through 11), which can live for 25 to 50 years, quickly grows up to 45 feet tall and 40 feet wide. Its narrow leaves are approximately 8 to 18 inches long, and depending on the cultivar, flowers later developing into edible fruits bloom in winter or spring. Mango performs best in full sun and a range of well-drained soils, and is moderately tolerant to salt. Use this multitasking tree in the landscape for shade or screening.

Another evergreen that's suitable for shade or screening, slash pine (Pinus elliottii, USDA zones 7a through 11), a North American native, may attain a mature height of 100 feet with a spread of up to 50 feet and can live for more than 50 years. This tree's needle-like foliage grows from 4 to 12 inches long, and it produces 3- to 6-inch cones, making it an apt addition to wildlife gardens. It likes full sun to partial shade, has high drought and salt-spray tolerance, and grows in a variety of well-drained to occasionally soggy soils.