December 2011

Listen to the podcast of this information.

Native plants provide beauty as well as food and shelter for wildlife. Native species are adapted to the Illinois climate. They require little or no watering and are resistant to drought, insects and most diseases. Because they are perennials, you can welcome their presence year after year. Consider adding a few native plant species to your garden soon!

flowering dogwood (Cornus florida)

Photo © 2011, Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Photo rights available for purchase.

The flowering dogwood is a small tree that can reach up to 40 feet in height. It grows naturally in Illinois in woodlands in the southern one-half of the state. Flowering occurs from April through June. The yellow-green flowers are very small and arranged in clusters with each cluster surrounded by four large white bracts that are commonly referred to as petals. Flower buds have a distinctly different shape than leaf buds on this tree. The bark is brown and divided into square-shaped sections. Leaves are arranged oppositely on the stem. Each leaf has a smooth edge, oval shape and pointed tip. Leaves turn shades of red in the fall. The fruits are bright red berries that are a good source of food for wildlife in winter.

For more information about native Illinois plants, including where to purchase them and planting guides, the following publications are available through the order form at http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/publications.

Prairie Establishment and Landscaping

Landscaping for Wildlife

Butterfly Gardens