If you are an Illinois resident, there is a high chance that you have encountered several native plants which you may not find in other parts of the country. You may want to know about these plants for educational purposes, as a hobby, or to have an Illinois-inspired home garden. When talking about native plants, we refer to the flora that has been around a particular area for a long time, typically a thousand years. In the case of Illinois, we focus on plants that were present before European settlement. They differ from invasive or exotic plants, which came later. Plants native to Illinois are well-adapted to its extreme climate. However, you may find the plants in various midwestern states with an environment similar to Illinois. Illinois’ plants are still flourishing, even in the face of increased urbanization, which encroaches into their habitat, and competition from exotic and invasive species. The plants are hardy, and their adaptations allow them to thrive. Furthermore, the state and various organizations do their best to preserve the original flora. The Illinois Native Plant Society is one of the prominent bodies dedicated to educating people about the significance of Illinois flora. Read on to learn more about plants native to Illinois, popularly known as the Land of Lincoln.
1. The Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia)
Starting our list is Illinois’ state flower, also known as the purple violet or wooly blue violet. It is a perennial plant native to the eastern regions of North America, extending from Canada, the USA, and parts of Mexico. The common blue violet mainly grows on forest floors and can thrive in sunny and shaded conditions. This plant is easily recognizable courtesy of its broad leaves, shaped like a heart. The flowers are purple with whitish throats. An impressive characteristic of the common blue violet is its double flowering: it produces different flowers twice a year. In spring, the violet shows off its signature bright purple bloom. Later, it will have small enclosed flowers resembling buds that produce most of its seeds.
Significance of the Common Blue Violet
This flower is widespread in Illinois; hence, its adoption as the state flower. It is also the state flower of Rhode Island and Wisconsin. In addition, many people appreciate the bright bloom of the common blue violet, which decorates several lawns in the country. The blue violet is edible and has been extensively used for food and medicine by Native Americans. You can eat the leaves and flower buds, which are rich in vitamins A and C. Preparation methods of this flower include cooking, using it raw in salads, or processing it into tea, candy, and jelly. This flower is an excellent pollinator, and it is deer-resistant. You can include it in your home garden if you want to repel deer, which can be destructive. Despite its importance, some people consider the blue violet a weed due to its fast growth and spreading rate. It may compete with other plants in areas where it is not native.
2. The Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja coccinea)
The Indian paintbrush is the other Illinois original, a member of the broomrape family, known for its parasitism and mainly grows in the state’s sandy areas. A definitive characteristic of this plant is its bright red to orange flowers that resemble spikes. The Indian paintbrush is a hemiparasite, meaning it can convert light to food, like other plants, but it can also rely on other plants for nutrients. It blooms around May to June and grows to a maximum height of two feet.
Significance of the Indian Paintbrush
This plant is a source of nectar for many pollinators, primarily bees. In addition, it is significant in plant dynamics, courtesy of its parasitism, where it controls aspects like competition, thus, balancing the flora ecosystem. The Indian paintbrush is a worthy addition to your perennial lawn garden. It will bloom from late spring to early summer, decorating your surroundings with a fiery reddish-orange hue. Its flowers are edible, and the Native Americans used them as a condiment. However, you should avoid other parts of this plant as it absorbs high levels of selenium, which can be toxic.
3. The Nodding Onion (Allium cernuum)
Are you looking for the ideal herb for your Illinois-inspired kitchen garden? If yes, look no further than the nodding onion. It belongs to the genus allium, similar to onions and garlic. It grows in open areas of North America, vastly distributed from the United States, Canada, and parts of Mexico. It has simple leaves, with capsule-like fruits and a distinct bluish-purple bloom, but at times may be pink. It is very similar to the toxic death camas, known scientifically as Toxicoscordion venenosum. The toxic plants are also known as meadow death camas and are native to western North America. Consequently, you want to be careful not to confuse these toxic plants with the nodding onion.
Significance of the Nodding Onion
Like most of its allium cousins, the nodding onion has a strong scent, and you may use it to spice your food. In addition, it is an ideal plant for your kitchen garden due to its bright flowers, giving the surrounding a personality.
4. The Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Purple petals surrounding a yellowish-brown head are the distinct elements of this plant native to Illinois and several eastern and midwestern states of the USA. This perennial herb grows to a height of about 47 inches and a width of 10 inches when mature. The achene fruit of the purple coneflower is highly-sought by birds.
Significance of the Purple Coneflower
The bright flowers of this midwestern native make it popular as a yard plant. Additionally, it is easy to grow and suitable for beginner florists. It attracts several pollinators, including monarch and swallowtail butterflies, bumblebees, honeybees, and finches. In addition, the young foliage is a source of food for slugs and rodents. Native Americans used the purple coneflower as a remedy for various conditions, including:
ColdsSore throatsInflammationToothachesPoisonous stings and bites
Generally, Native Americans considered the purple coneflower a botanical miracle that could cure all ailments. As a result, it was the most used medicinal plant in the Native American culture.
5. The Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea)
It seems there is a strong relationship between Illinois and the bluish-purple color. The purple prairie clover occurs naturally in the northern and central parts of the state and is noticeable via its unique conical purple flowers. It grows to heights between eight and 35 inches, with large taproots, which can extend up to 6.5 feet below the surface. Its fruit is a leguminous two- to three-seeded pod.
Significance of the Purple Prairie Clover
This summer bloomer attracts many pollinators, such as butterflies, wasps, bees, and birds. Other species eat the leaves and stems, and it hosts the larva of the southern dogface. The purple prairie clover is crucial for revegetation when rejuvenating wasted land such as mines. It steps into its role by preventing soil erosion and fixing nitrogen, supported by its long taproot system. It is a food source for various herbivores, such as the pronghorn, and is hay for livestock. In addition, the leaves and roots are edible: you can eat, chew or make tea out of these parts. The purple prairie clover has therapeutic properties courtesy of its active components, such as pawhuskin A. This component binds to opioid receptors.
6. The Spiderwort (Tradescantia)
The other plant that is native to the Land of Lincoln and suitable for your lawn garden is the spiderwort. It is an original of the eastern part of the USA, extending to parts of Canada like Ontario. This plant grows one to two feet tall and adapts well to sunny and shaded areas. Spiderworts may resemble long grasses or lilies, depending on their flowering season. The flowers are blue, with the middle part appearing pale. The spiderwort can form hybrids with other species under the tradescantia genus.
Significance of the Spiderwort
Spiderworts are ornamental plants that you can have in your garden or house. They are easy to grow due to their sturdiness. Unfortunately, spiderworts are weeds in some areas due to their fast growth rate. You should be keen when handling this plant, as some hybrids can be toxic, leading to allergic reactions, primarily in pets. Native Americans have long used parts of these plants as food or medicine for stomachaches. Furthermore, the leaves are crucial for bioassay to test for radiation levels.
7. The Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)
The cup plant has a blossom resembling a daisy, although with a yellowish-brown center. It stands steadily at three to eight feet with toothed leaves. This Illinois native is hardy and vastly adapted to the extreme winters experienced in the midwestern region. For instance, its roots go dormant when the temperatures dip.
Significance of the Cup Plant
The cup plant is attractive to pollinators, especially birds that feed on its seeds and drink water from its receptacles. It is an excellent backyard plant that brightens its surroundings with its radiant flowers. It is more favored than corn in biomass production due to lesser associated production costs. Moreover, the cup plant is resistant to herbivores and extreme climates. When harvested, it makes excellent animal food.
8. The Bergamot Flower (Monarda fistulosa)
The wild bergamot, or bee balm, is a plant that grows extensively in Illinois and neighboring states. It occurs in large clumps, growing up to three feet tall, with two to three-inch-long toothed leaves. This perennial herb blooms in summer, showing off pink or lavender blossoms. It is a member of the mint family and possesses a rich fragrance. The wild bergamot is a historical plant in Rhode Island.
Significance of the Bergamot flower
The bergamot flower is fragrant; thus, a perfect source of thyme oil, which has several uses, such as getting rid of internal parasites. Many Native Americans appreciate the medicinal value of this plant, which they use as a tea to treat colds. In addition, it is an antiseptic and can handle infections and simple wounds. It is a honey plant, attracting many bee and bird species that love its nectar. In addition, you can grow the wild bergamot in your yard to improve its aesthetic appeal.
Final Thoughts
Illinois State is home to several plant species, as highlighted in this piece. The plants can withstand harsh weather, most flourishing in sunny and shaded conditions. The flowering plants have catchy blossoms, making them ideal garden additions. Also, they are easy to tend to due to their hardy nature. You can get more info about the native species from the many botanical organizations in Illinois.
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