River Birch (Betula nigra) – Did you know that River Birch is actually an Illinois native? Other plants are considered introduced. For fun tree trivia the tallest River Birch on record is 145 feet tall. 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. Visit your local garden center and speak with an Illinois Certified Nursery Professional to ask us how you can make your yard a healthier place to be. They need less fertilizers, pesticides or use less water. (Note: Wm. Many are food sources for Trees, Shrubs, & Wood Vines in Illinois. From a more subjective viewpoint, gardeners need to consider what … silver, soft, or white maple. Plants included on the website are native to one or more of those states (some may also be native to states outside the scope of this website). Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) – This tree has a number of different names including Juneberry, Shadbush, and Servicetree. These natural communities evolved together, over a long period of time, into what are often called ecosystems. Fruit Type 4. Nursery: 8216 White Oaks Rd, Harvard, IL 60033 Trees - Low branching slightly. Many of these features are subtly timed to synchronize with other species. Bur Oak, Q. macrocarpa 50-100' h and w. Full sun. Copyright Garden Illinois. It produces a very tasty fruit, ripening early to mid-summer, for which you must be speedier then the birds to harvest or provide some level of protection (netting) to keep the birds from getting the fruit first. plants appropriate for site-specific conditions. Much of the soil in the areas where we reside has been disturbed. Also included are notes about the plant’s structure or growth habits to help you make an educated selection. Iroquois Beauty™ chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa ‘Morton’) is starting to ripen. The state tree was decided in 1907 by a vote of school children and in that tradition, another vote was held in 1973, effectively changing the state symbol to Quercus alba, White Oak. A side benefit is that you may not have to use fertilizers, insecticides or fungicides because these plants should possess a natural immunity. Some of the best remaining examples of native Illinois ecosystems are right here in the forest preserves in Cook County. Native shrubs and trees provide food, places to hide and rest, and places to lay eggs and raise young. As is implied in the name River Birch preferred moist well-drained soils – so avoid planting them on high and dry locations such as berms. The scope of Wildflowers covers several Midwestern states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin). Wildlife Attracted 5. There are many benefits in growing native plants. The microbiology that naturally occurs in healthy soil helps native plants to absorb the necessary nutrients and water from the soil, leading to peak performance. Native or indigenous plants naturally occur in the region in which they evolved. Species include native flowers, shrubs, trees, bunch grasses, and herbs. General Plant Identification Terminology: An Illustrated Glossary by James G. Harris and Melinda Woolf Harris. They are usually defined as plants recorded as growing wild in an area at the time that scientific collection began in that area. With that said – let's take a look at some interesting Illinois native trees. You might be thinking… what does any of this have to do with me and my yard? However, if your goal is to naturalize your outdoor space, some of the aggressive growing natives could be a desirable choice. First, these plants are better adapted to soils, moisture and weather than exotic plants that evolved in other parts of the world. Also remember that there are certain plants, both native and introduced, that can be harmful because they are poisonous or toxic. With a name like chokeberry, people aren’t exactly chomping at the bit to plant this native shrub. River Birch are prized for their cinnamon colored exfoliating bark – providing wonderful winter interest in the landscape. 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. Far from “common”, this fragrant gem of floral perfection will enliven your yard each spring with a multitude of … Illinois Native Plants: A plant is considered native if it has occurred naturally in a particular region or ecosystem without human introduction. Mesic. White Oak is one of twenty oak tree species native to Illinois. I know in the past I've talked about native plants and have of course mentioned my number one favorite tree that just happens to be an Illinois native – Taxodium distichum Baldcypress. About 55,000 acres of the 70,000 acres of preserves are in a natural state (the other 14,000 is used for parking lots, picnic groves, nature centers, and such). In fall, the leaves display a yellow-orange color. Black locust is native to southern Illinois and commonly planted elsewhere in the state. The essential elements that you must provide in your habitat are food, water, cover and a place to raise a family. Many experts agree that if you only plant one tree in your lifetime, let it be an oak. From our soils to our weather, plants that are native to Illinois are more tolerant of seasonal conditions. Native plants are the topic of many magazine & newspaper articles, garden shows and seminars lately. One example is the Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias Incarnata) which can be nearly defoliated by monarch caterpillars and the plant will be no worse for the wear! Find trees that thrive in northern Illinois. Illinois Native Grasses & Wildflowers. So I figured this time around I would focus on some small and medium sized native Illinois trees considering Baldcypress has the potential to reach 50-70 feet tall! There are native plants that can be aggressive in their growth patterns, causing them to wreak havoc in a small garden. They are well adapted to your region’s climate. It is susceptible to leaf blotch and may be difficult to find in nurseries. Spring Lake Pub. Not all magnolias hardy inNorthern Illinois. Pollinators will find easy, ample foraging on the blooms, and shrubs are often host plants for lepidoptera as well. Magnolia scale Tulip tree scale With that said – let's take a look at some interesting Illinois native trees. 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. Another benefit to the Illinois heritage of native plants is that our certain creatures – butterflies, birds, bees, etc, recognize them as a food source! You may find that you are planting in subsoil or a mix of subsoil and transplanted topsoil mix, which is inadequate for plant group because it’s missing the critical microbiology needed to help plants perform at their optimum level without synthetic supplements or fertilizers. Insects are like the bottom of the natural food pyramid. — Our most important native species. Reaching 30-40 feet, it is a slow grower, growing less than a foot each year but worth the time. Additional webinars. A slightly acidic part shade site in moist, well-drained soils is the perfect location for Carolina Silverbell. When insect populations are not healthy, neither are the populations of certain birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. Illinois is home to hundreds of species of native plants! This Illinois native produces yellow flowers in upright clusters measuring up to 6 inches tall. Both have the traditionally recognized flower color of the common Eastern Redbud but with a few spiced up features – shorter height and interesting leaf color. Realize, however, that even native plants will undergo more stress in a residential landscape than in their natural habitat, such as a forest. By using native plants in your landscape, you help support healthy ecosystems on land and water. Trees & Shrubs Native to NE Illinois Oaks, Quercus sp. Before you select a plant, know the plant. October 3: Invasives Track: Examples of Native Plants Illinois Native Plant Species Points to Consider. You might be thinking that you want to keep “critters” out of your garden but that’s not true. Little, Brown and Company. Plant in part-shade to full sun in well-drained soils in the spring to allow it time to establish in the soil. With proper planning and proper plant choices, your outdoor living space can be a functioning ecosystem. 45-50 feet. This tree is better suited to a larger area where it's drooping, horizontal branches have room to show off its beauty. The right animal life adds a healthy balance to your ecosystem and many of them can be quite beautiful. Special Features 6. Daylily – A perennial plant that is adaptable, daylilies can endure many years in a garden with very … White Oak, Q. alba - 50-80' h and w. Mildly shade tolerant. 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. As mentioned above, humans have done quite a bit to modify the natural landscape through the creation of cities and the residential and commercial development that has filled our populated areas. It’s unfortunate, because the chokeberry is one of the best shrubs you can grow in Illinois. 2001. They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and this rings true, as not all gardeners will consider every native plant an attractive choice for their outdoor space. 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. 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. ... Perennials & Grasses and Trees & Shrubs. 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. Presenter: Ryan Pankau, Extension Educator, Horticulture, University of Illinois. Search results appear alphabetically by … Regions Where Native in Illinois 2. So why is everyone talking about natives? Once a native plant is established, it can tolerate feeding from our native creatures with no problem. 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