Michigan, known for its diverse natural beauty, is home to a remarkable array of trees. Among them, some stand out for their impressive size and stature.
In this article, we will explore the biggest and tallest trees found in Michigan, including the American Elm, Eastern White Pine, Shingle Oak, Sycamore, Bur Oak, and Pumpkin Ash. We’ll focus specifically on Wayne County, where these magnificent giants can be found.
8 Tallest And Biggest Trees in Michigan
146 ft. American Elm in Wayne county
The American Elm (Ulmus americana) is renowned for its grandeur and can reach impressive heights. Although this species has been affected by Dutch elm disease, some remarkable specimens can still be found in Michigan.
The largest American Elm in Wayne County stands proudly, showcasing its towering branches and graceful silhouette.
The American Elm is also known for its gray-brown, attractive rough bark.
143 ft. Eastern White Pine in Luce county
Another towering giant found in Michigan is the Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus). Known for its elegant form and straight trunk, the Eastern White Pine can reach remarkable heights. Some of the tallest examples of this majestic tree can be found in Wayne County, showcasing the beauty and grandeur of nature.
In Michigan, Eastern White Pine is a common visible tree which native to the Northeastern and North Central regions of the United States and Canada.
The Eastern White Pine tree is commonly known for its fast growth rate, tall height, and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
The Eastern White Pine is relatively a tall tree that can grow up to 200 feet with a trunk diameter of 4 feet.
The tree has a conical shape; its leaves are blue-green in color and dense canopy.
The tree produces large cones that can reach up to a foot long and provide food for wildlife.
139 ft. Shingle Oak in Calhoun county
The Shingle Oak (Quercus imbricaria) is a large and long-lived tree native to Michigan. Although it may not reach the same heights as some of its counterparts, the Shingle Oak is known for its impressive spread and the shade it provides.
With its unique characteristics, this oak species is a significant presence in Wayne County’s forests.
Shingle oak is native to parts of the midwest and occurs in a variety of settings like upland dry woods, prairies, slopes, and stream margins. It is particularly prevalent in the Ohio River Valley.
The Shingle Oak is also a relatively large and tall tree with a wide spread of branches, reaching up to 80 feet high and it can up to 100 feet in the wild.
It has dark green lobed leaves which turn to yellow or brown in the fall.
Another characteristic is known for its bark which peels away in thin, papery sheets.
138 ft. Sycamore in Kalamazoo county
The American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is native to parts of North America from Michigan in the north to Georgia in the south, stretching from Pennsylvania in the east to Texas and Oklahoma in the west.
These magnificent trees can grow to great heights and have a commanding presence. Wayne County is home to some impressive Sycamore trees that captivate with their size and beauty.
In Michigan, it can be found growing near rivers and streams in a variety of soils.
Sycamore trees are tall and have thick trunks, sometimes sprouting several branches that form an irregular canopy. They can reach mature heights of up to 100 feet.
Sycamore tree sap is the only edible thing that can be harvested from the tree. It tastes sweet and can be used to make sugar or syrup.
136 ft. Bur Oak in Lenawee county
Bur Oak is a beech family tree with rough bark, deep ridges, and wide trunks. It grows slowly, but can reach up to 100 feet tall and live 300-400 years.
Bur Oak is an oak tree species native to North America. It is a large and majestic tree, growing up to 100 feet tall with dark green leaves and thick, rugged bark. The acorns are important food sources for many animals.
The Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) is a majestic tree that can reach towering heights and live for centuries. Known for its rugged appearance and massive trunk, the Bur Oak is a symbol of strength and resilience. Wayne County boasts some impressive specimens of this magnificent oak species.
135 ft. Pumpkin Ash in Wayne county
The Pumpkin Ash (Fraxinus profunda) is a lesser-known but no less impressive tree found in Michigan. It thrives in wetland areas and can reach significant heights.
Wayne County hosts some remarkable Pumpkin Ash trees, showcasing their unique features and contributing to the rich biodiversity of the region.
The Pumpkin Ash tree is a species of ash that grows in Wayne County, Michigan too. It is considered a semi-woody perennial and usually attains heights up to 80 feet.
The bark on the trunk has horizontal ridges that give it its name due to the orange or pumpkin-like hue of its leaves when they are young. Because of their deep root system, these trees are widely used for erosion control and as windbreaks in many parts of Wayne County.
Its wood is tough, straight-grained, and useful for furniture making, tool handles, and construction projects. The Pumpkin Ash tree provides food and a safe refuge for wildlife while serving an important role in the ecological health of our environment.
132 ft. Bigtooth Aspen in Marquette county
The Bigtooth Aspen tree (Populus grandidentata) is a native species of North America, often found in humid climates.
Bigtooth aspen is a fast-growing tree that typically grows up to 60 feet in height and 20 inches in diameter. It is often the first tree to colonize newly cleared or burned sites, and its windblown seeds can be transported great distances.
Read more about: 8 Beautiful Plants That Look Like Queen Anne’s Lace
131 ft. White Ash in Leelanau county
The white ash tree (Fraxinus americana) is a popular shade tree with bright green compound leaves and a straight, symmetrical growth form.
White ash wood is highly valued for its strength and durability, making it a popular choice for handles, oars, and baseball bats. It is also resistant to heat and can grow up to 80 feet tall. It is native to a moist climate like river bottom environments and other well-drained areas.
Source: michiganbotanicalsociety.org