Abstract: To better utilize native tree species in urban landscaping, this study conducted field investigations and literature analysis to evaluate the ornamental value, stress tolerance, maintenance requirements, and ecological benefits of native tree species in Shanghai. The suitability of these species for urban landscaping was assessed based on these four criteria. A total of 150 native tree species from 98 genera and 47 families were documented in Shanghai, categorized into 8 life-form groups: evergreen shrubs, deciduous shrubs, evergreen woody vines, deciduous woody vines, evergreen trees, deciduous trees, semi-evergreen shrubs, and semi-evergreen woody vines. Deciduous species comprised 75.3% of the total, with evergreen species accounting for the remaining 24.7%. Seventy-three species (48.7%) had a suitability index above 60. Our results revealed trade-offs among the four criteria (ornamental value, stress tolerance, maintenance requirements, and ecological benefits) across different native species. Therefore, prioritizing species with higher suitability indices is recommended for practical applications. The findings provide evidence-based selection criteria for native tree species in establishing near-natural plant communities within urban landscapes.