National Arbor Day | Native Trees to Plant in Chicagoland
Illinois is home to a host of native tree species that are as diverse as they are beautiful, but they are often substituted for more popular tree varieties that can lessen or even damage the biodiversity of the area. This Arbor Day, you can help maintain the natural beauty of our urban and suburban landscapes by choosing to plant native tree species in your yard or garden. For more information on the best varieties to plant for the Chicagoland area, be sure to read through our guide below. Happy National Arbor Day from Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty!
American Hornbeam (Carpinus Caroliniana)
This native forest tree is small- to medium-sized, growing up to 25 feet tall. Offering a myriad of colors throughout the year, from reddish-purple new growth, to dark green summer leaves, to yellow and orange-red in the fall, this tree is a colorful addition to any landscape. The american hornbeam also develops a ropy bark pattern as it ages, which is why it is also commonly called musclewood. It can tolerate periods of wet soil and some shade.
Oaks (Quercus)
A classic and magnificent long-living tree, the oak also supports abundant wildlife through its acorns. Of the oak species native to the Chicago region, some can tolerate conditions in developed areas such as suburbs and cities better than others. Swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor), a tall and impressive shade tree, chinkapin oak (Quercus muehlenbergii), with glossy green leaves, and the stately bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) are all good choices for large yards.
Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus Alternifolia)
This four-season tree, which grows up to 20 feet tall and 30 feet wide, is interesting all year long. It has white flowers in spring, green leaves in summer that turn burgundy-red in fall, and a horizontal branching habit that can catch snow attractively in winter. Native to the Chicago region, this tree makes the perfect small addition to a shade garden or other natural area.
Tupelo (Nyssa Sylvatica)
This tree, also called a sour gum, is pyramidal tree in its youth and takes on more of an irregular habit when it grows more mature. The dark green glossy summer foliage takes center stage in fall when the leaves turn bright scarlet. It is a medium to large tree that grows up to 50 feet tall, and can tolerate clay soil as well as intermittent wet soil and drought.
Ironwood (Ostrya Virginiana)
This medium to large tree with birch-like leaves, flaky bark, drooping branches, and hop-like fruits, grows up to 40 feet tall. Ironwood is considered one of Illinois’ toughest native hardwoods and is not only ornamental but resistant to many disease and insect problems. This makes it ideal for naturalized landscapes and spaces that require a hardy species.
