Illinois Native Plants

Native plants in Illinois are diverse and can provide a rich and colorful garden while promoting local ecosystems. Here are a few exceptional choices:

• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): A quintessential prairie plant, it’s hardy, drought-tolerant, and boasts striking purple-pink flowers that attract pollinators.
• Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum): A woodland perennial with delicate pink flowers, it’s ideal for a shady garden spot, and its deeply lobed leaves provide great texture.
• Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum): Named for its large, deeply cut leaves that align north to south, this sunflower-like plant is an impressive sight in prairie-style gardens.
• Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum): This ground cover plant features unique, feathery seed heads that resemble smoke. Its low-growing habit makes it perfect for rock gardens and borders.

For a thriving native plant garden in Illinois, consider these tips:

• Know Your Site: Understanding your garden’s soil type, sunlight exposure, and moisture levels are key to selecting plants that will thrive there.
• Consider Layers: In nature, plants grow in layers – tall plants with shorter ones beneath. Mimic this to create a natural-looking, diverse garden.
• Plant in Groups: Native plants often grow in clusters in the wild. Grouping the same species together can be more visually appealing and beneficial for pollinators.
• Seasonal Care: Although natives are generally low-maintenance, some may benefit from seasonal care such as fall mulching or spring pruning.

Planting Illinois native plants can be a rewarding journey, cultivating beauty and biodiversity in your garden.