What is your goal for this tree? Is it for shade or a focal point in the yard? I have similar soil conditions and have struggled with finding trees that will tolerate my pH. I've not tried Carpinus caroliniana, native hornbeam yet because I can't find a local source but I plan to. It is a medium sized tree with nice fall color. I did just plant a coffee tree, and I have a 2+ year old black gum, Nyssa sylvatica. The black gum may like a lower pH but is does well in my yard. Dogwood grows wild around here so imagine the native species would do well if not the hybrids but ask at a nursery about issues with them in your area before planting.

Great question - we are more interested in the tree being a focal point and its support to wildlife than having it for shade (though fine with the latter). The native hornbeam sounds promising! Alas we tried to grow a black gum, but its sad looking state is what encouraged me to test our soil ph. I hope yours fairs better as it's one of the prettiest trees in the fall.

The Best SMALL Flowering Trees for Ohio Landscapes

https://youtu.be/x4ngY6zkQpY

cotinus obovatus, as laceyvail suggested. Or consider Sweetbay Magnolia -- the flowers throw a lovely light lemony scent in early summer.

Hmmm. Sweetbay magnolia, a lovely tree, may not be happy in alkaline soil.

Hackberry? Has really cool looking bark.

Great suggestions! First I have heard of the American smoketree. We're in southern Ohio so that doesn't typically grow in this area, so I will have to look to see if we have the right soil type. Definitely intrigued though! One that I am considering is the green hawthorn (Crataegus Viridis), often sold as "Winter King." Seems pretty tolerant of various soil types and full sun and good for wildlife, year round interest. Downside, given its name... thorns.

Last fall, we did plant some of the suggested trees in other parts of the yard where there's naturally loamy soil and protection from the afternoon summer sun - carpus carolina (american hornbeam), fringe tree, franklin tree, serviceberry, and Magnolia Acuminata subcordata (a dwarf variation of cucumber tree). We'll see how some of them do in our more alkaline soil but there are lots of healthy flowering dogwoods and magnolias growing in our neighborhood, so there's hope. :)

Please don't choose a Hackberry tree. It is a messy, ugly tree and you will regret buying it. Hackberry trees drop leaves, berries and twigs/branches randomly, but especially when it's windy. The leaves are rough and ugly, plus there is an insect causes little, raised galls all over them. I've never seen one here that didn't have leaves covered with galls.