Would you use an invasive species?

Have you contacted your extension service? Some are better than others but they might be able to help determine the best things to grow in your area.

The other thing to think about is the natural progression of the earth and helping your soil along. For bare soil, to some low growing plants, to shrubs, to trees. Maybe start with something low and nitrogen fixing? How about throwing some compost on it and letting the weeds do their thing before thinking about planting trees?

I was on the website looking at their list of trees that do well here. They sell starts in March so I missed that but will try to hit it next year!