{"id":25057,"date":"2024-06-19T12:26:44","date_gmt":"2024-06-19T12:26:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=25057"},"modified":"2025-07-09T17:08:40","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T17:08:40","slug":"illinois-native-plants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/illinois-native-plants\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Illinois Native Plants for Home Landscapes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Illinois has beautiful native flora that can enhance your garden&#8217;s beauty with plants such as columbine, river birch, and creeping juniper. In this article, we bring you 14 Illinois native plants for your home landscape.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s discuss which plants would make the perfect fit for your garden\u2019s sun exposure and landscaping design:<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-a585bf13-7b90-4f83-a008-788890988f1d\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">Table of Contents<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/illinois-native-plants\/#0-native-illinois-flowers\" style=\"\">Native Illinois flowers<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/illinois-native-plants\/#1-1-columbine-aquilegia-canadensis-\" style=\"\">1. Columbine<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/illinois-native-plants\/#2-2-swamp-milkweed-asclepias-incarnata-\" style=\"\">2. Swamp milkweed <\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/illinois-native-plants\/#3-3-purple-prairie-clover-dalea-purpurea-\" style=\"\">3. Purple prairie clover <\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/illinois-native-plants\/#4-4-common-mountain-mint-pycnanthemum-virginianum-\" style=\"\">4. Common mountain mint<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/illinois-native-plants\/#5-5-smooth-blue-aster-symphyotrichum-laeve-\" style=\"\">5. Smooth blue aster <\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/illinois-native-plants\/#6-native-trees-for-illinois\" style=\"\">Native trees for Illinois<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/illinois-native-plants\/#7-1-river-birch-betula-nigra-\" style=\"\">1. River birch <\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/illinois-native-plants\/#8-2-box-elder-acer-negundo-\" style=\"\">2. Box elder<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/illinois-native-plants\/#9-native-vines-for-illinois\" style=\"\">Native vines for Illinois<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/illinois-native-plants\/#10-1-virginia-creeper-parthenocissus-quinquefolia-\" style=\"\">1. Virginia creeper <\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/illinois-native-plants\/#11-2-moonseed-menispermum-canadense-\" style=\"\">2. Moonseed<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/illinois-native-plants\/#12-3-american-wisteria-wisteria-frutescens-\" style=\"\">3. American wisteria <\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/illinois-native-plants\/#13-native-ground-cover-plants-for-illinois\" style=\"\">Native ground cover plants for Illinois<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/illinois-native-plants\/#14-1-bearberry-arctostaphylos-uva-ursi-\" style=\"\">1. Bearberry <\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/illinois-native-plants\/#15-2-creeping-juniper-juniperus-horizontalis-\" style=\"\">2. Creeping juniper<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/illinois-native-plants\/#16-native-bushes-for-illinois\" style=\"\">Native bushes for Illinois<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/illinois-native-plants\/#17-1-red-buckeye-aesculus-pavia-\" style=\"\">1. Red buckeye <\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/illinois-native-plants\/#18-2-downy-serviceberry-amelanchier-arborea-\" style=\"\">2. Downy serviceberry<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/illinois-native-plants\/#19-native-plants-for-northern-illinois\" style=\"\">Native plants for northern Illinois<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/illinois-native-plants\/#20-native-plants-for-central-illinois\" style=\"\">Native plants for central Illinois<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/illinois-native-plants\/#21-native-plants-for-southern-illinois\" style=\"\">Native plants for southern Illinois<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/illinois-native-plants\/#22-other-illinois-resources\" style=\"\">Other Illinois resources<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/illinois-native-plants\/#23-faq-about-illinois-native-plants\" style=\"\">FAQ about Illinois native plants<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-native-illinois-flowers\"><span id=\"native-illinois-flowers\">Native Illinois flowers<\/span><\/h2>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-1-columbine-aquilegia-canadensis-\"><span id=\"1-columbine-aquilegia-canadensis\">1. Columbine (<em>Aquilegia canadensis<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"648\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_18285907442_313796dc24_c.jpg\" alt=\"single red flower with a yellow center from a red columbine\" class=\"wp-image-4349\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_18285907442_313796dc24_c.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_18285907442_313796dc24_c-300x243.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_18285907442_313796dc24_c-768x622.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_18285907442_313796dc24_c-610x494.jpg 610w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_18285907442_313796dc24_c-390x316.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/nordique\/18285907442\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Peter Stevens<\/a> | Flickr | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Add a pop of red to your spring landscape with wild columbine, a native found throughout Illinois. Growing from thick roots, its upright stems bloom in the spring with orange-red flowers. A great <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/illinois-wildflowers\/\">Illinois wildflower for your garden<\/a>, columbine attracts beneficial pollinators.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone:<\/strong> 3 to 8<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sun:<\/strong> Full sun or partial shade<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Soil:<\/strong> Clay, silt, or sandy soil that\u2019s well-drained, moist, dry-ish<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Duration:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fragrance:<\/strong> N\/A<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bloom Time:<\/strong> Mid-April to July<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water Needs:<\/strong> Weekly or whenever the soil is completely dry<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mature Height:<\/strong> 2 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Potential Hazards:<\/strong> Moderately flammable\/risk of fire<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maintenance Needs:<\/strong> Low; deadhead blooms as needed, cut back in late summer<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-2-swamp-milkweed-asclepias-incarnata-\"><span id=\"2-swamp-milkweed-asclepias-incarnata\">2. Swamp milkweed (<em>Asclepias incarnata)<\/em><\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"799\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_15209417905_51c02dab23_c.jpg\" alt=\"cluster of small pink swamp milkweed\" class=\"wp-image-4782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_15209417905_51c02dab23_c.jpg 799w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_15209417905_51c02dab23_c-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_15209417905_51c02dab23_c-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_15209417905_51c02dab23_c-610x407.jpg 610w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_15209417905_51c02dab23_c-390x260.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/40855483@N00\/15209417905\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Justin Meissen<\/a> | Flickr | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Swamp milkweed has dainty flowers that bloom in clusters in a delicate dark pink color. A native Illinois pollinator plant, swamp milkweed attracts various beneficial insects, but the milkweed is especially important to the monarch butterfly. This endangered species has milkweed as its host plant, and the monarch larvae are among the few that can eat milkweed leaves.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why not use swamp milkweed and other wildflowers to <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-create-a-butterfly-garden\/\">create a butterfly garden<\/a>?<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>3 to 9<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sun: <\/strong>Full sun to partial shade<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Soil: <\/strong>Organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Duration: <\/strong>Perennial<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fragrance: <\/strong>Sweet-smelling<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bloom time: <\/strong>June through August<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water needs: <\/strong>High<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mature height: <\/strong>2 to 6 feet tall<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Potential hazards:<\/strong> Poisonous to humans and animals in large quantities<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maintenance:<\/strong> Low<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-3-purple-prairie-clover-dalea-purpurea-\"><span id=\"3-purple-prairie-clover-dalea-purpurea\">3. Purple prairie clover (<em>Dalea purpurea<\/em>)&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/3750735349_f09c789270_k-1.jpg\" alt=\"closeup of Purple prairie clover plant\" class=\"wp-image-25073\" style=\"object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/3750735349_f09c789270_k-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/3750735349_f09c789270_k-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/3750735349_f09c789270_k-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/3750735349_f09c789270_k-1-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/3750735349_f09c789270_k-1-610x458.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/plant_diversity\/3750735349\/in\/photolist-ok1Q9W-ok22w5-2mdWDAR-778sS2-ok2aYp-oBf3DK-ok2pKS-ok2mLr-oBf2ax-oBiH9s-6HruWR-6Hvyjo-2mdWDzJ-2mRxAaM-6HruNH-2me1FEE-6HvxK5-6Hvysd-77coGf-2mdVtYK-2me1FLX-AJXzbx-oQAwKq-jXhRcz-feJd4o-DSDqnk-EPZtyx-6HvybN-2mRzE5n-2mi8Xpk-JJb9kp-2mRD7ZB-diTfb4-VmMyMS-2jWHrRr-djmGtT-8mi7sZ-2cZQWFf-Jv4WPp-G6C3pn-29a5cj7-Yz339F-diTf3T-djmGjx-diTcom-diTcNb-HFG9WZ-2fdnTfs-JJb2Qv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Matt Lavin<\/a> | Flickr | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A native Illinois prairie plant, purple prairie clover is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also adds nitrogen to your garden soil. The pink, red, or purple flowers bloom from June to September. Purple prairie clover will also attract bees and butterflies, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/why-pollinators-are-important-for-your-garden\/\">pollinators that are important to your garden<\/a>.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>3 to 8<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sun: <\/strong>Full sun<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Soil: <\/strong>Dry to mesic soil<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Duration:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fragrance: <\/strong>No noticeable scent<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bloom time: <\/strong>June through September<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water needs: <\/strong>Low<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mature height: <\/strong>1 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Potential hazards:<\/strong> N\/A<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maintenance: <\/strong>Tolerates drought, and has low maintenance needs.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-4-common-mountain-mint-pycnanthemum-virginianum-\"><span id=\"4-common-mountain-mint-pycnanthemum-virginianum\">4. Common mountain mint (<em>Pycnanthemum virginianum<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/ycnanthemum-virginianum-1.jpg\" alt=\"closeup of pycnanthemu virginianum-1 plant\" class=\"wp-image-25092\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/ycnanthemum-virginianum-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/ycnanthemum-virginianum-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/ycnanthemum-virginianum-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/ycnanthemum-virginianum-1-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/ycnanthemum-virginianum-1-610x458.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commons.m.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Pycnanthemum_virginianum_2016-07-19_2828.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Salicyna<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Occurring more frequently in the northern half of Illinois, common mountain mint is found in fens, prairies, and marshes. The white flowers bloom in late summer, adding a touch of white to the bright green foliage.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>3 to 7<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sun: <\/strong>Full to part sun<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Soil: <\/strong>Moist to mesic soil<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Duration: <\/strong>Perennial<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fragrance: <\/strong>Spearmint scent when leaves are crushed<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bloom time: <\/strong>July through September<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water needs: <\/strong>Moderate<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mature height: <\/strong>1 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Potential hazards:<\/strong> N\/A<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maintenance: <\/strong>Low.<strong> <\/strong>It survives drought, but leaves may droop and turn yellow.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-5-smooth-blue-aster-symphyotrichum-laeve-\"><span id=\"5-smooth-blue-aster-symphyotrichum-laeve\">5. Smooth blue aster <em>(Symphyotrichum laeve)<\/em><\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"535\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_1024px-smooth_blue_aster_symphyotrichum_laeve_washington_island_wisconsin.jpg\" alt=\"four blooms of smooth blue aster flowers\" class=\"wp-image-4851\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_1024px-smooth_blue_aster_symphyotrichum_laeve_washington_island_wisconsin.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_1024px-smooth_blue_aster_symphyotrichum_laeve_washington_island_wisconsin-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_1024px-smooth_blue_aster_symphyotrichum_laeve_washington_island_wisconsin-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_1024px-smooth_blue_aster_symphyotrichum_laeve_washington_island_wisconsin-610x408.jpg 610w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_1024px-smooth_blue_aster_symphyotrichum_laeve_washington_island_wisconsin-390x261.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Smooth_blue_aster_Symphyotrichum_laeve_Washington_Island_Wisconsin.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Joshua Mayer<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The smooth blue aster is a native plant in northern Illinois and some counties in the central part of the state. Its stems and leaves are green-blueish, while the daisy-like flowers are violet or blue. Its late-season flowering adds interest to your garden until the fall.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>4 to 8<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sun: <\/strong>Full sun<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Soil: <\/strong>Dry soils<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Duration: <\/strong>Perennial<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fragrance: <\/strong>No fragrance<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bloom time: <\/strong>July &#8211; October<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water needs: <\/strong>Medium<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mature height: <\/strong>2 to 4 feet tall<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Potential hazards:<\/strong> No hazards<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maintenance: <\/strong>Medium<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-native-trees-for-illinois\"><span id=\"native-trees-for-illinois\">Native trees for Illinois<\/span><\/h2>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-1-river-birch-betula-nigra-\"><span id=\"1-river-birch-betula-nigra\">1. River birch (<em>Betula nigra<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Betula-Nigra.jpg\" alt=\"closeup of Betula Nigra plant\" class=\"wp-image-25090\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:800px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Betula-Nigra.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Betula-Nigra-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Betula-Nigra-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Betula-Nigra-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Betula-Nigra-610x458.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/50697352@N00\/39238713944\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">F. D. Richards<\/a> | Flickr | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The river birch can enrich your home landscape when used as an ornamental. This tree is known for its shedding and curling bark, revealing a pink-brown color. In the fall, the foliage turns into a beautiful yellow. In natural habitats, the river birch is common to bottomland forests in the southernmost part of Illinois and along the Mississippi River.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hardiness zones:<\/strong> 4 &#8211; 9<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sun:<\/strong> Full sun to partial shade<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Soil:<\/strong> It survives best in moist and acidic conditions, but tolerates drier soils.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Foliage:<\/strong> Deciduous<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bloom time: <\/strong>April to May<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water needs: <\/strong>Moderate to high<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mature height:<\/strong> Grows up to 40 to 70 feet tall and 40 to 60 feet wide<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Potential hazards: <\/strong>N\/A<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maintenance: <\/strong>Moderate<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-2-box-elder-acer-negundo-\"><span id=\"2-box-elder-acer-negundo\">2. Box elder (<em>Acer negundo<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Box-elder-1.jpg\" alt=\"closeup of Box elder plant\" class=\"wp-image-25076\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Box-elder-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Box-elder-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Box-elder-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Box-elder-1-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Box-elder-1-610x458.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commons.m.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Acer_negundo_Bozeman_1.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Matt Lavin<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Box elder is found throughout Illinois and is a perfect native tree for central Illinois homes. The light-brown bark becomes more and more creased as the tree matures. Opt for a male tree, as they are less messy than female ones. With toothed, bright green leaves, box elder is frequently mistaken for poison ivy.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hardiness zones:<\/strong> 3 to 9<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sun:<\/strong> Full sun to partial shade<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Soil: <\/strong>Moist clay soil<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Foliage:<\/strong> Deciduous<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bloom time: <\/strong>April and May<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water needs: <\/strong>Moderate<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mature height:<\/strong> 60 feet tall and 3 feet wide<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Potential hazards:<\/strong> N\/A<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maintenance: <\/strong>Low<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-native-vines-for-illinois\"><span id=\"native-vines-for-illinois\">Native vines for Illinois<\/span><\/h2>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-1-virginia-creeper-parthenocissus-quinquefolia-\"><span id=\"1-virginia-creeper-parthenocissus-quinquefolia\">1. Virginia creeper (<em>Parthenocissus quinquefolia<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/rsz_virginia-creeper-gbe961ff3c_1280.jpg\" alt=\"closeup of virginia creeper with red leaves and a stem\" class=\"wp-image-11121\" style=\"object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/rsz_virginia-creeper-gbe961ff3c_1280.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/rsz_virginia-creeper-gbe961ff3c_1280-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/rsz_virginia-creeper-gbe961ff3c_1280-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/rsz_virginia-creeper-gbe961ff3c_1280-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/de\/photos\/virginia-creeper-bl%c3%a4tter-herbst-6735576\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Virginia creeper is a perennial woody vine from the same family as the grape. Its red and purple shades add a beautiful hue to the fall landscape. You can use this vine on a vertical screen or a trellis, or let it grow freely on slopes.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hardiness zones:<\/strong> 3-10<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sun:<\/strong> Full sun to part shade<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Soil: <\/strong>Well-drained, moderately moist soil<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Foliage:<\/strong> Deciduous<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bloom time: <\/strong>Spring and summer<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water needs: <\/strong>Moderate<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mature height:<\/strong> 30 to 60 feet long and 5 feet to 10 feet wide<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Potential hazards:<\/strong> It is highly poisonous to humans, and eating its fruit can even be fatal. It also is highly flammable and should not be planted near your home.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maintenance: <\/strong>Average. It needs no support to climb but if left unchecked, it can ruin painted walls and damage gutters, wires, and other structures around the home.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11-2-moonseed-menispermum-canadense-\"><span id=\"2-moonseed-menispermum-canadense\">2. Moonseed (<em>Menispermum canadense<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"725\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Menispermum-canadense-1.jpg\" alt=\"closeup of Menispermum canadense plant\" class=\"wp-image-25078\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Menispermum-canadense-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Menispermum-canadense-1-300x272.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Menispermum-canadense-1-768x696.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Menispermum-canadense-1-610x553.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commons.m.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Menispermum_canadense_5057.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Randy Nonenmacher<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Named after its crescent moon-shaped seeds, the moonseed is an Illinois native shade plant. This woody vine grows in woodlands all over Illinois. It climbs by twining its way up in nearby vegetation, but if left with no support, it spreads horizontally, forming a ground cover.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hardiness zones: <\/strong>5-8<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sun:<\/strong> Partial shade<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Soil: <\/strong>Moist, loam soil<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Foliage:<\/strong> Deciduous<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bloom time: <\/strong>Late spring to early summer<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water needs: <\/strong>High<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mature height:<\/strong> 8 to 20 inches long<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Potential hazards:<\/strong> Highly poisonous; if eaten, can cause fatalities<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maintenance: <\/strong>Moderate<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12-3-american-wisteria-wisteria-frutescens-\"><span id=\"3-american-wisteria-wisteria-frutescens\">3. American wisteria (<em>Wisteria frutescens<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/American-wisteria.jpg\" alt=\"American Wisteria flower, with lilac petals\" class=\"wp-image-25064\" style=\"object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/American-wisteria.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/American-wisteria-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/American-wisteria-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/American-wisteria-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/American-wisteria-610x458.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/sneezypb\/3415286389\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ezra S F<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This Illinois native climbing plant has fragrant purple flowers. A host plant for butterflies, its nectar attracts various beneficial pollinators, making it a great addition to a pollinator garden. What about adding it to a rock wall for a vertical element in your landscape?<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hardiness zones: <\/strong>5-9<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sun:<\/strong> Prefers full sun but can survive in partial shade<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Soil: <\/strong>Well-drained, moist, and acidic soil<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Foliage: <\/strong>Deciduous<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bloom time: <\/strong>April to May<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water needs: <\/strong>Moderate<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mature height:<\/strong> 15 to 40 feet tall and 4 to 8 feet wide<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Potential hazards: <\/strong>Contains saponin, which is toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and horses.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maintenance: <\/strong>Moderate<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13-native-ground-cover-plants-for-illinois\"><span id=\"native-ground-cover-plants-for-illinois\">Native ground cover plants for Illinois<\/span><\/h2>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"14-1-bearberry-arctostaphylos-uva-ursi-\"><span id=\"1-bearberry-arctostaphylos-uva-ursi\">1. Bearberry (<em>Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)<\/em><\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Bearberry-Arctostaphylos-uva-ursi.jpg\" alt=\"Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) with green leaves and red berries\" class=\"wp-image-25065\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Bearberry-Arctostaphylos-uva-ursi.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Bearberry-Arctostaphylos-uva-ursi-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Bearberry-Arctostaphylos-uva-ursi-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Bearberry-Arctostaphylos-uva-ursi-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Bearberry-Arctostaphylos-uva-ursi-610x458.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commons.m.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Arctostaphylos_uva-ursi03.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">User:Tigerente<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bearberry \u201cbears\u201d its name for being a favorite among bears. This plant is in fact a shrub, but it has a prostrate growing habit that makes it perfect for ground cover. In the summer, its fruits add a nice visual element to its green foliage. And although these berries are also suitable for consumption, they are not very tasty for humans. Let\u2019s leave it to the bears.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>USDA hardiness zone: <\/strong>2 to 6<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sun: <\/strong>Full sun or partial shade<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Soil: <\/strong>Sandy, acidic; can be dry or moist but no standing water<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Duration:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Foliage:<\/strong> Evergreen<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fragrance:<\/strong> Autumn leaves\/pine<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bloom time: <\/strong>Early spring to early summer<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water needs: <\/strong>Low<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mature height: <\/strong>2 to 8 inches tall<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Potential hazards: <\/strong>Arbutin in foliage hinders melanin production\/can lighten skin<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maintenance:<\/strong> Low; tolerant of drought, salt, and pollution.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"15-2-creeping-juniper-juniperus-horizontalis-\"><span id=\"2-creeping-juniper-juniperus-horizontalis\">2. Creeping juniper (<em>Juniperus horizontalis<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Creeping-juniper-1.jpg\" alt=\"Creeping juniper as groundcover in a landscape bed\" class=\"wp-image-25066\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Creeping-juniper-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Creeping-juniper-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Creeping-juniper-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Creeping-juniper-1-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Juniperus_horizontalis_Mother_Lode_0zz.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">David J. Stang<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Creeping juniper\u2019s native range is restricted to sandy habitats around Lake Michigan, in northeastern Illinois. Although naturally occurring in sandy soil, this low-growing shrub is known for its versatility, adapting to various soil types.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Drought- and deer-resistant, creeping juniper is perfect for rock gardens. It has interesting foliage that resembles scales and gets a purple hue during winter.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>USDA hardiness zone: <\/strong>3-9<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sun: <\/strong>Full sun<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Soil: <\/strong>Well-drained, sandy or rocky, and acidic to neutral soil<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Duration:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Foliage:<\/strong> Evergreen<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fragrance:<\/strong> Sweet and tangy fragrance<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bloom time: <\/strong>Creeping juniper has no flowers, only cones that bloom in late spring and summer.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water needs:<\/strong> Low<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mature height: <\/strong>6 inches to 1.5 feet tall and 4 to 20 feet wide<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Potential hazards:<\/strong> N\/A<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maintenance:<\/strong> Low<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"16-native-bushes-for-illinois\"><span id=\"native-bushes-for-illinois\">Native bushes for Illinois<\/span><\/h2>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"17-1-red-buckeye-aesculus-pavia-\"><span id=\"1-red-buckeye-aesculus-pavia\">1. Red buckeye (<em>Aesculus pavia<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"531\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Red-buckeye-1.jpg\" alt=\"closeup of Red buckeye plant\" class=\"wp-image-25082\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Red-buckeye-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Red-buckeye-1-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Red-buckeye-1-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Red-buckeye-1-610x405.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commons.m.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Aesculus_pavia_2.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Eric Hunt<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A native plant of southern Illinois, the red buckeye is actually difficult to find in wild landscapes. A member of the maple family, its tubular flowers add a beautiful pop of red to your spring landscape. They also <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/attract-hummingbirds-yard\/\">attract hummingbirds<\/a> and other pollinators. In the fall, the leaves turn red, adding fall interest.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone:<\/strong> 5-9<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sun:<\/strong> Full to partial sun<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Soil:<\/strong> Well-drained, tolerates a wide variety of soil types<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Duration: <\/strong>Perennial<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Foliage:<\/strong> Deciduous<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fragrance:<\/strong> None<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bloom Time:<\/strong> Mid-spring to summer<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water Needs:<\/strong> Low to moderate<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mature Height:<\/strong> 6 to 24 feet tall<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Potential Hazards:<\/strong> Seeds, leaves, and sprouts are toxic to both humans and animals when ingested<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maintenance Needs:<\/strong> Low<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"18-2-downy-serviceberry-amelanchier-arborea-\"><span id=\"2-downy-serviceberry-amelanchier-arborea\">2. Downy serviceberry (<em>Amelanchier arborea)<\/em><\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Downy-serviceberry.jpg\" alt=\"Downy serviceberry with white flowers\" class=\"wp-image-25068\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Downy-serviceberry.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Downy-serviceberry-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Downy-serviceberry-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Downy-serviceberry-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Downy-serviceberry-610x458.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commons.m.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Amelanchier_arborea_2019-04-16_0720.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Salicyna<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Occasionally found in river banks, swamp edges, and woodlands in Illinois, the downy serviceberry adapts well to different soil conditions. In the spring, white flowers bloom with long petals and exude a faint fragrance. It provides great fall color to your garden.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And why not use this shrub in your landscape as an ornamental, understory tree, or border? See our article on <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-landscape-with-shrubs\/\">how to landscape with shrubs<\/a> for more ideas.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone:<\/strong> 4-9<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sun:<\/strong> Full sun to partial shade<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Soil:<\/strong> Can be cultivated in clay, sandy, or loamy soil. Prefers moist, well-drained soil&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Duration: <\/strong>Perennial<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Foliage: <\/strong>Deciduous<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fragrance:<\/strong> A faint fragrance that some can find unpleasant<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bloom Time:<\/strong> Spring<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water Needs:<\/strong> Low to average<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mature Height:<\/strong> 10 to 30 feet tall<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Potential Hazards:<\/strong> N\/A<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maintenance Needs: <\/strong>Low<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"19-native-plants-for-northern-illinois\"><span id=\"native-plants-for-northern-illinois\">Native plants for northern Illinois<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"791\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/IL300_HS-791x1024.jpg\" alt=\"illinois plant hardiness zone map\" class=\"wp-image-25058\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/IL300_HS-791x1024.jpg 791w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/IL300_HS-232x300.jpg 232w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/IL300_HS-768x994.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/IL300_HS-610x789.jpg 610w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/IL300_HS.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 791px) 100vw, 791px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/system\/files\/IL300_HS.png\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">USDA<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most of northern Illinois is in hardiness zone 5a or 5b, with some areas, like Chicago, in 6a. Generally speaking, it is the coldest region of the state. Some plants that work well in the area are:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Staghorn sumac (<em>Rhus hirta<\/em>)<\/li>    <li>Northern red oak (<em>Quercus rubra<\/em>)<\/li>    <li>Joe-Pye weed (<em>Eutrochium purpureum<\/em>)<\/li>    <li>Northern white cedar (<em>Thuja occidentalis<\/em>)<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"20-native-plants-for-central-illinois\"><span id=\"native-plants-for-central-illinois\">Native plants for central Illinois<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Central Illinois comprises hardiness zones 6a and 6b, with minimum winter averages of -10 to -5 F and -5 to 0 F. Some native plants for central Illinois are:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Purple coneflower (<em>Echinacea purpurea<\/em>)<\/li>    <li>Butterweed (<em>Packera glabella<\/em>)<\/li>    <li>Cardinal flower (<em>Lobelia cardinalis<\/em>)<\/li>    <li>Doll&#8217;s eyes (<em>Actaea pachypoda<\/em>)<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"21-native-plants-for-southern-illinois\"><span id=\"native-plants-for-southern-illinois\">Native plants for southern Illinois<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Southern Illinois is the warmest part of the state, comprising mostly zones 6b and 7a (and a small area in Pulaski County in zone 7b). Some native plants for southern Illinois are:&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Spicebush (<em>Lindera benzoin<\/em>)<\/li>    <li>Eastern redbud (<em>Cercis canadensis<\/em>)<\/li>    <li>Purple-headed sneezeweed (<em>Helenium flexuosum<\/em>)<\/li>    <li>Mistflower (<em>Conoclinium coelestinum<\/em>)<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"22-other-illinois-resources\"><span id=\"other-illinois-resources\">Other Illinois resources<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019d like to learn more about lawn care in Illinois, we have other pieces that will help you achieve the best lawn in the neighborhood:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-grass-seed-illinois\/\">The Best Grass Seed for Illinois Lawns<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-time-to-plant-grass-seed-illinois\/\">The Best Time to Plant Grass Seed in Illinois<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/illinois-lawn-care-schedule\/\">Month-to-Month Illinois Lawn Care Schedule<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/common-weeds-illinois\/\">Common Weeds in Illinois and How to Get Rid of Them<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"23-faq-about-illinois-native-plants\"><span id=\"faq-about-illinois-native-plants\">FAQ about Illinois native plants<\/span><\/h2>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"24-why-choose-native-plants\"><span id=\"why-choose-native-plants\">Why choose native plants?<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Native plants require less fertilizing, pesticides, and herbicides than non-native species. Additionally, native plants have great environmental value: They have an intricate beneficial relationship with the local wildlife, providing it with food and shelter.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"25-where-to-buy-illinois-native-plants\"><span id=\"where-to-buy-illinois-native-plants\">Where to buy Illinois native plants?<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can buy native plants in trusted nurseries. The Illinois Native Plant Society has a <a href=\"https:\/\/illinoisplants.org\/native-plant-nurseries\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">native plant nurseries list<\/a> where you can find the best seeds for your garden.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"26-what-is-illinois%E2%80%99-usda-hardiness-zone\"><span id=\"what-is-illinois-usda-hardiness-zone\">What is Illinois\u2019 USDA hardiness zone?<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Illinois comprises the USDA hardiness zones <strong>5a to 7b<\/strong>. Knowing your hardiness zone is crucial to choosing plants that will adapt and thrive in your area.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"27-find-a-pro-near-you\"><span id=\"find-a-pro-near-you\">Find a pro near you<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019d like a helping hand on your routine lawn care tasks, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/illinois\">contact an Illinois lawn care pro<\/a>. That way, you won\u2019t have to worry about your lawn: Just leave it to a competent pro so you can focus your time and effort on your landscaping project.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.m.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Wisteria_frutescens_Amethyst_Falls_2zz.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">David J. Stang<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this article, we bring you 14 beautiful Illinois native plants to add to your home landscape: columbine, river birch, creeping juniper, and more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":99,"featured_media":25080,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[212],"tags":[132,222,560],"class_list":["post-25057","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-illinois","tag-gardening","tag-landscaping","tag-lawn-care-il"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Wisteria-frutescens-1.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Teresa Joaquim","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/teresa-joaquim\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25057","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/99"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25057"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25057\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40066,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25057\/revisions\/40066"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25080"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25057"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25057"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25057"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}