that depends upon the time of year and where at in TN - we have such a diverse state from mountains down to the tapered toes of the foothills, dry, rocky, moist and downright boggy.... and if you narrow it down to pre-Spring and exclude evergreens, do you include those that come on with blooms before leaves or just those with leaves?

In my neck of the woods - the first ones blatantly perking up are the Bradford Pears and ornamental cherry trees(strictly ornamental, none of them native I don't believe), the Redbuds are smattering the woods here and there, singularly or in small groves, with their purple... the Dogwoods won't be long... but these are all noted for their blooms, the range of native trees are all keeping pace in developing new leaves for the year... should we disqualify shrubs?

Willows seem to be about the earliest to leaf out.

I want to know the first native tree in the woods to make the beautiful spring green when you look out upon these beautiful TN hills.

Here in East Tn I would have to say probably red maple. Anyone else from the east know of anything earlier (natives only!)?

Here's the best I can do for photos. I don't know if it is small tree/large shrub or a young tree but it is first to leaf out in the woods behind my house .

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I'm guessing it might be a black gum - but I am not absolutely positive.

Maturenut is the white bloom on the tree if it is it is a dogwood.
Tell your wife I will see her in May....
Love Martha

Buckeyes leaf out first at my place.