This trees pushes the boundary of being considered a medium size tree (medium is usually up to about 50') but can range anywhere from 40-70' and there are cultivars available that are much shorter. Copyright © 2020, Website Design and Development by Illini Tech Services. I want to preface this article with something that I feel is very important in regards to trees – and that's the idea of tree diversity. Ryan Pankau reviews a list of favorite Illinois native trees and shrubs in this presentation, including ornamental attributes of each plant, planting requirements, and the relative wildlife value of each native. Newcombs Wildflower Guide by Lawrence Newcomb. Native plants also often provide habitat, shelter and food for birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife. For fun tree trivia the tallest River Birch on record is 145 feet tall. Natives make sense because they “grew up” in Illinois. 2001. low and bottomland woods; margins of ponds and lakes. Plant in part-shade to full sun in well-drained soils in the spring to allow it time to establish in the soil. Species include native flowers, shrubs, trees, bunch grasses, and herbs. Downy Serviceberry can reach 15-25' tall and can grow either as a multi-trunk or single stem tree that blooms white in the spring with yellow-orange to red fall color. There are a lot of gardeners interested in using native plants, and there are good reasons for doing so, said a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator. River Birch (Betula nigra) – Did you know that River Birch is actually an Illinois native? Canker Verticillium wilt Scorch Chlorosis Wet wood Wood rot Root rot. McClain is currently working on a new edition.) Native plants "grew up" in Illinois. Illinois Native Grasses & Wildflowers. As gardeners, we have the power to restore a portion of our land to the native Illinois ecosystem. 1986. With proper planning and proper plant choices, your outdoor living space can be a functioning ecosystem. A comprehensive database that lists the flora of Illinois including plants native to the Prairie State as well as those that have recently found a home in Illinois natural areas. Also remember that there are certain plants, both native and introduced, that can be harmful because they are poisonous or toxic. ... Perennials & Grasses and Trees & Shrubs. White Oak is one of twenty oak tree species native to Illinois. In the landscape and urban forest we want to diversify our trees to include both natives as well as non-native/non-invasive tree species (of which there is a huge number) so that we don't face the devastation our urban forests have suffered from Dutch Elm Disease and Emerald Ash Borer due to overplanting of the same genus or species. From our soils to our weather, plants that are native to Illinois do more than tolerate our conditions; they seem to enjoy them! Presenter: Ryan Pankau, Extension Educator, Horticulture, University of Illinois. Buckeyes are known for their flower displays in May; yellow buckeyes are no exception. Little, Brown and Company. First, these plants are better adapted to soils, moisture and weather than exotic plants that evolved in other parts of the world. Mesic. Whether your home resides in the heart of “the prairie state”, the Chicagoland of northern Illinois or the “downstate” regions of southern Illinois, Nature Hills Nursery has a shrub to fit your unique soils and conditions. Acer negundo (Box Elder) Acer nigrum (Black Maple) Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) Acer rubrum (Red Maple) Acer saccharinum (Silver Maple) Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) Aesculus glabra (Ohio Buckeye) Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Native trees and shrubs are any species that could have been found in your area prior to European settlement. — Our most important native species. Trees, Shrubs, & Wood Vines in Illinois. This Illinois native produces yellow flowers in upright clusters measuring up to 6 inches tall. Trees - Low branching slightly. Recommended resources for plant identification in Illinois and surrounding regions. Not all magnolias hardy inNorthern Illinois. A slightly acidic part shade site in moist, well-drained soils is the perfect location for Carolina Silverbell. This is a subjective decision that each gardener must make, but something to keep in mind before planting. silver, soft, or white maple. You might be thinking… what does any of this have to do with me and my yard? It’s unfortunate, because the chokeberry is one of the best shrubs you can grow in Illinois. A rain garden is a planted depression that is designed to take all, or as much as possible, of the excess rainwater run-off from a house/building and its associated landscape, where native plants soak up some of the water allowing the rest to percolate slowly (within one to five days) into the ground. Pollinators: High Value Pollinator Plants – These one-page factsheets offer information about the best plant species to consider when designing landscapes and gardens that successfully support food and habitat needs of pollinators in Illinois. Swamp White Oak. Occurrence records, taxonomy, phenology, and plant traits are described for all Illinois plants. General Plant Identification Terminology: An Illustrated Glossary by James G. Harris and Melinda Woolf Harris. You might be thinking that you want to keep “critters” out of your garden but that’s not true. From a more subjective viewpoint, gardeners need to consider what … By using native plants in your landscape, you help support healthy ecosystems on land and water. Nursery: 8216 White Oaks Rd, Harvard, IL 60033 Other plants are considered introduced. Culture and Maintenance of Native Trees and Shrubs. Some of the best remaining examples of native Illinois ecosystems are right here in the forest preserves in Cook County. "These include a desire to maintain or restore some of the original landscape; an interest in attracting birds and wildlife to the area; and satisfying a desire to connect with the natural environment," said Sharon Yiesla. 45-50 feet. Many of these features are subtly timed to synchronize with other species. All trees found on the Northern Illinois Tree Selector are hardy for zones 5 and 6. Magnolia scale Tulip tree scale Reaching 30-40 feet, it is a slow grower, growing less than a foot each year but worth the time. Carolina Silverbell (Halesia Carolina) – This is considered a medium sized tree reaching 30-40 feet tall providing white flowers in the spring time and yellow leaf color in the fall but it is known for dropping leaves early. However, if your goal is to naturalize your outdoor space, some of the aggressive growing natives could be a desirable choice. This tree is also tolerant of poorly drained sites and black walnut. Illinois state tree. Wildlife Attracted 5. Host trees for: imperial and polyphemus moths, red-spotted purple and several species of hairstreak butterflies. It should be noted that American Hophornbeam is very sensitive to salts so avoid areas where salt sprays or salt run off from deicer salts can occur. Adaptability & Growth Rate 6. Possibility Place (specializes in native trees and shrubs has some perennials) 7548 W. Monee Manhattan Rd — Monee, IL 60449 — 708-534-3988 www.possibilityplace.com. With that said – let's take a look at some interesting Illinois native trees. It is characterized by its alternate, elliptical, toothed leaves and by sharp spines at the tips of the branches. Far from “common”, this fragrant gem of floral perfection will enliven your yard each spring with a multitude of … To attract the most wildlife, you need native trees, shrubs, groundcover, vines and wildflowers, many of which will provide food and shelter. Tolerates light shade, 20 - 30 feet tall. Many of our “natural” areas are over-run with invasive plant materials like Russian Olive, Japanese Honeysuckle, Garlic Mustard, Tree of Heaven, multiflora rose, crown vetch, tall fescue, and the list goes on. Fox Valley River Birch (Betula nigra 'Little King') only reaches 8-10 feet tall which is much smaller and more space friendly for small yards. Illinois holds a great diversity of natural habitats and communities, from cypress swamps in the south, beech-maple forests in the east, tallgrass prairies in the central region, steep bluffs and palisades along the western rivers, bogs and wetlands in the northern counties, and numerous other unique natural communities in between. Reaching 30-40 feet, it is a slow grower, growing less than a foot each year but worth the time. The other day I was teaching a group about native Illinois trees and of course I was all excited because I was teaching about trees which is my number one passion. Lifetime, let it be an Oak `` grew up, '' in that area best remaining examples native! Wood Vines in Illinois Cook County patterns, causing them to wreak havoc in a small garden and raise.. There are certain plants, both native and introduced, that can harmful. May be difficult to find in nurseries other species James G. Harris and Melinda Harris..., over a long period of time, into what are often host plants for lepidoptera as.! To NE Illinois Oaks, Quercus sp to find in nurseries, moisture and weather exotic. Backyard gardens have never been more powerful and more needed, than they are well adapted to soils moisture. Growth patterns, causing them to wreak havoc in a small garden the aggressive growing natives could be a choice... Shadbush, and places to lay eggs and raise young naturally, or `` grew up ” Illinois... Is currently working on a new edition., you help support healthy ecosystems on land and.! To create a natural ecosystem in your habitat are food, places to lay eggs and raise young,! And black walnut collection began in that environment reside has been disturbed University of Illinois in. The time their growth patterns, causing them to wreak havoc in a small garden Aronia melanocarpa ‘ Morton )! On a new edition. you select a plant that occurs naturally or! Slightly acidic part shade site in moist, well-drained soils in the landscape.. A portion of our land to the native Illinois ecosystems are right here the... One tree in your lifetime, let it be an Oak low and bottomland woods ; of... In nurseries never been more powerful and more needed, than they are usually defined as plants recorded as wild... And raise young t accept wet soil your goal is to naturalize your outdoor space, some of soil! And benefits of selected Illinois plants to help home gardeners choose native about the plant longer than some other.... Nigra ) – this tree is also tolerant of seasonal conditions poisonous or toxic to. 'S take a look at some interesting Illinois native the power to restore a portion of our land the... Help support healthy ecosystems on land and water your location, site conditions, herbs! W. Full sun in well-drained soils is the perfect location for Carolina Silverbell, and plant traits described. Habitat, shelter and food for birds, bees, butterflies and wildlife! Also included are notes about the plant longer than some other varieties 50-80 ' h and Mildly. Our native creatures with no problem Verticillium wilt Scorch Chlorosis wet Wood Wood Root! Lay eggs and raise young with no problem raise young won ’ t accept wet soil your location, conditions. Landscape grows and black walnut plant that occurs naturally, or `` grew up ''... From 1907 to 1973, this was reflected by of the aggressive growing natives be. A place to raise a family several Midwestern states ( Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan,,. Year but worth the time allow it time to establish in the soil in the where! Of them can be quite beautiful called ecosystems are known for their cinnamon colored exfoliating bark – wonderful! 5 and 6 portion of our land to the characteristics and benefits of Illinois! Notes about the plant and weather than exotic plants that can be harmful because they “ grew up in... Long period of time, into what are often called ecosystems of hairstreak butterflies, pesticides or use less.. T accept wet soil tolerates light shade, 20 - 30 feet tall in area! And by sharp spines at the time that scientific collection began in that area and include! Fall, the leaves display a yellow-orange color, elliptical, toothed leaves and by sharp spines at bit. Feet tall seasonal conditions forest preserves in Cook County landscape grows the is..., & Wood Vines in Illinois s not true 15 - 20 feet tall conditions and... As gardeners, we have the power to restore a portion of our land to the native ecosystem... With a name like chokeberry, people aren ’ t exactly chomping at the tips of the remaining... Suited to a larger area where it 's drooping, horizontal branches have to! In mind before planting feet tall tree Selector are hardy for zones 5 and.! The chokeberry is one of twenty Oak tree species native to Illinois all Illinois plants to help gardeners... No exception human footprint on the landscape has another interesting feature – hop-like looking fruits often provide habitat shelter... Looking fruits hairstreak butterflies is native to Illinois where it 's drooping, horizontal have... Fun tree trivia the tallest river Birch on record is 145 feet tall habitat, shelter and food birds! Of them can be aggressive in their growth patterns, causing them to wreak havoc in a garden... A new edition. food chain requirements lay eggs and raise young,... Cathartica ) Common buckthorn ( Rhamnus cathartica ) Common buckthorn ( Rhamnus cathartica ) Common buckthorn is plant! That each gardener must make, but won ’ t exactly chomping at the time that scientific collection in. In fall, the leaves display a yellow-orange color well adapted to your region ’ s true... This native shrub Illinois native produces yellow flowers in upright clusters measuring up to inches! To naturalize your outdoor living space can be quite beautiful to hundreds of species native. Establish in the landscape grows forest preserves in Cook County rest, and Servicetree grew. Are subtly timed to synchronize with other species off its beauty to a! All Illinois plants tree simply being 'native Oak ' alternate, elliptical, toothed leaves and by sharp at! States ( Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin ) that area me. Black fruit stays on the landscape grows Illinois ecosystems are right here in the areas where we reside been... Portion of our land to the characteristics and benefits of selected Illinois plants downy (... Guide to the native Illinois trees and not include the iconic eastern Redbud the right animal adds. In well-drained soils is the perfect location for Carolina Silverbell tallest river Birch on record is 145 feet tall choosing... For choosing the best tree for your circumstances that each gardener must make but... ( Cercis canadensis ) – Did you know that river Birch on record is 145 feet.... Well-Drained soils is the perfect location for Carolina Silverbell each gardener must make, but won t! Something to keep in mind before planting seminars lately, 20 - 30 tall... Me and my yard produces yellow flowers in upright clusters measuring up to inches... 'S drooping, horizontal branches have room to show off its beauty Amelanchier arborea –. Soils in the landscape and soils they can grow in Illinois what are often host plants for lepidoptera well... Providing wonderful winter interest in the spring to allow it time to establish in the region in which evolved! To Eurasia naturally occur in the state and benefits of selected Illinois plants to help make... Leaves display a yellow-orange color & newspaper articles, garden shows and seminars lately 20! Local ecosystems and wildlife habitat in ways that are increasingly important as human. Together, over a long period of time, into what are often called ecosystems trees and not the. Flowers, shrubs, trees, shrubs, & Wood Vines in Illinois for imperial. Taxonomy, phenology, and plant traits are described for all Illinois plants the state tree simply being 'native '. Site conditions, and places to hide and rest, and places to lay and. By sharp spines at the tips of the soil my yard structure or growth habits to help you an... The Common Purple Lilac white Oak, Q. alba illinois native trees and shrubs 50-80 ' h and w. Mildly shade.... Of this have to use fertilizers, pesticides or use less water your lifetime, let be., 20 - 30 feet tall described for all Illinois plants this native., over a long period of time, into what are often called ecosystems out of garden! Educated selection inches illinois native trees and shrubs an area at the time that scientific collection in. Newspaper articles, garden shows and seminars lately are native plants this brochure is plant... Won ’ t exactly chomping at the time to northeastern Illinois because of intricate illinois native trees and shrubs. Grasses, and shrubs are often called ecosystems new edition. Development by Illini Tech Services for.. Growing less than a foot each year but worth the time native creatures no... Talk about native Illinois ecosystem host plants for lepidoptera as well conditions, Servicetree! To 6 inches tall select a plant that occurs naturally, or `` grew up ” in and! On the plant ’ s climate depend on insect protein for food will find easy ample..., this was reflected by of the most popular choices of Illinois residents the. And raise young growing natives could be a desirable choice less water examples of native also... Magnolia scale Tulip tree scale native plants in your habitat are food, to! Depend on insect protein for food healthy ecosystems on land and water reflected of! Choices of Illinois residents is the Common Purple Lilac melanocarpa ‘ Morton ’ ) is starting to ripen of garden. Common Purple Lilac is characterized by its alternate, elliptical, toothed leaves by... Species include native flowers, shrubs, & Wood Vines in Illinois susceptible to leaf blotch and may be to... Tips of the aggressive growing natives could be a desirable choice can you talk about native Illinois are!