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Illinois Native Plants

FAQs about native plants in Illinois

Illinois is home to a diverse array of native plants, which provide critical habitat and food for the state's wildlife. Our selection of Illinois native plant collections has been carefully curated to provide everything you need to create a beautiful and sustainable landscape. Whether you're looking for Illinois wildflowers or grasses, we have a native plant collection that will suit your needs. So why wait? Get started today and help Illinois wildlife thrive. Read more.

If you want to learn more about the best native plants for other areas of the U.S., you can shop by state, use our native plant finder, or shop by zip code.

Single Species Curated Collections Native Shrubs
Pollinator Power Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Pollinator Power

from $98.00
from $98.00
On Sale
Buttonbush Shrub Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Buttonbush Shrub

from $69.00
from $69.00
$145.00
Anise Hyssop Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Anise Hyssop Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Pollinator Pleaser Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Pollinator Pleaser

from $98.00
from $98.00
Sold Out
Spicebush Shrub Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Spicebush Shrub

$69.00
$69.00
Prairie Dropseed Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Prairie Dropseed Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Purple Pollinator Paradise Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Purple Pollinator Paradise

from $98.00
from $98.00
Path Rush Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Path Rush Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Blissful Bees Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Blissful Bees

from $98.00
from $98.00
Golden Alexander Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Golden Alexander Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Firefly Delight Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Firefly Delight

from $105.00
from $105.00
Fragrant Flowers Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Fragrant Flowers

from $98.00
from $98.00
Rain Garden Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Rain Garden

from $98.00
from $98.00
Spring Bee Buffet Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Spring Bee Buffet

from $98.00
from $98.00
Hummingbird Heroes Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Hummingbird Heroes

from $98.00
from $98.00
Summer Songbird Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Summer Songbird

from $98.00
from $98.00
Grassy Gala Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Grassy Gala

from $98.00
from $98.00
Shady Sanctuaries Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Shady Sanctuaries

from $98.00
from $98.00
Little Bluestem Grass Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Little Bluestem Grass Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Virginia Mountain Mint Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Virginia Mountain Mint Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Sneezeweed Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Sneezeweed Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Jacob's Ladder Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Jacob's Ladder Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Grayleaf Goldenrod Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Grayleaf Goldenrod Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Bigleaf Aster Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Bigleaf Aster Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Obedient Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Obedient Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Foxglove Beardtongue Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Foxglove Beardtongue Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Black Eyed Susan Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Black Eyed Susan Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Purple Lovegrass Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Purple Lovegrass Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Side Oats Grama Grass Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Side Oats Grama Grass Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Zig Zag Goldenrod Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Zig Zag Goldenrod Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Slender Mountain Mint Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Slender Mountain Mint Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Blue Wood Aster Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Blue Wood Aster Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Wild Geranium Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Wild Geranium Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Spotted Joe Pye Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Spotted Joe Pye Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Blue Flag Iris Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Blue Flag Iris Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Oxeye Sunflower Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Oxeye Sunflower Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Downy Woodmint Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Downy Woodmint Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Purple Coneflower Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Purple Coneflower Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Rough Blazing Star Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Rough Blazing Star Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Great Blue Lobelia Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Great Blue Lobelia Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Eastern Columbine Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Eastern Columbine Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Smooth Blue Aster Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Smooth Blue Aster Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Whorled Milkweed Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Whorled Milkweed Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Great St. John's Wort Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Great St. John's Wort Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Bee Balm Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Bee Balm Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Lanceleaf Coreopsis Plant Sets (I) Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Lanceleaf Coreopsis Plant Sets (I)

from $38.00
from $38.00
Cardinal Flower Plant Sets (I) Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Cardinal Flower Plant Sets (I)

from $38.00
from $38.00
Swamp Milkweed Plant Sets (I) Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Swamp Milkweed Plant Sets (I)

from $38.00
from $38.00
Yellow coneflower Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Yellow coneflower Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00
Sky-blue Aster Plant Sets Plants - Garden for Wildlife

Sky-blue Aster Plant Sets

from $38.00
from $38.00

Support your local wildlife.

Help birds, pollinators such as bees, butterflies, other insects, amphibians and small mammals, and reptiles.

Have a global impact.

Help create habitats for declining wildlife, reduce urban heat islands and manage storm water runoff.

Bring nature home.

There’s no easier place to get a daily dose of nature and the physical, mental and spiritual benefits.

Support our mission.

All orders benefit our non-profit to help declining wildlife and expand native plant availability nationwide.

FAQs about native plants in Illinois

If you're new to Illinois gardening, you may have questions about the native plants in the area. There's no need to worry – we've got you covered! The information here will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about Illinois native plants. Keep reading for more information!

A native plant is a plant that is indigenous to a particular area. In Illinois, native plants are well-suited to the local climate and soil. These plants are often more resistant to pests and diseases and require less water than non-native plants and no fertilizer.

When choosing plants for your Illinois garden, you can shop for Illinois native plants by state here. Be sure to select plants for the amount of sun and shade in your garden, as well as the soil type and moisture level. With a little research, you can create a beautiful and sustainable pollinator garden filled with Illinois native plants.

Illinois is home to many native plants — each of which plays a vital role in the ecosystem. Many people believe that native plant landscapes are messy and unkempt, but in reality, Illinois native plants are one of the best ways to keep your landscape looking neat and tidy.

Native plants are already accustomed to the Illinois climate, so they don't need to be constantly watered nor fertilized. They also don't require special treatments or pest control measures. As a result, you can create stunning gardens by planting Illinois native plants in your landscape.

The benefits and advantages of growing and cultivating native plants suited to your state can’t be understated. The benefits of a wildlife habitat garden are proven by science!

Illinois is a state rich in biodiversity, with a wide variety of native plants that have evolved to thrive in the state’s unique climate. Not only are Illinois native plants beautiful and hardy, but they also provide essential habitat and food for local wildlife. If you’re thinking of starting a garden, consider going native! Here are a few reasons Illinois native plants are the way to go:

Less work

Illinois native plants are perfectly adapted to thrive in our climate and soil. They require less water and pesticides than non-native species, need no fertilizer, and are more resistant to pests and diseases. They are also perennials which means they will come back each year on their own. As a result, Illinois native plants are easier to care for and will save you time and money in the long run. 

Help local wildlife

Gardeners who want to help support and attract butterflies, birds, fireflies, and other local wildlife will find Illinois native plants an absolute game-changer. Illinois native plants are an important food source for Illinois' wildlife and provide shelter and nesting sites, so they naturally attract local wildlife to your garden.

They look spectacular

Illinois native plants are beautiful, perennial plants that add interest and color to your garden throughout the year. Illinois is home to many different native plants, so you're sure to find something that will fit your gardening needs.

The general rule of thumb is that the more local, the better. Illinois native plants have evolved over thousands of years to adapt to the Illinois climate and soil, so they will generally do their best in Illinois gardens. However, if you live in Illinois but are close to the border with another state, plants from that state may also do well in your garden.

To be sure, you can shop for native plants by zip code. This will ensure that you're getting Illinois native plants that are well-suited to your particular garden.

Illinois is home to a wide variety of native plants that support an equally diverse wildlife. Birds, butterflies, bees, fireflies, and other important wildlife species find food and shelter in Illinois' native vegetation.

In turn, these animals help to spread the pollen of native plants, ensuring the continuation of these important species. By planting Illinois native plants in your garden or landscape, you can attract a variety of local wildlife and help to support the Illinois ecosystem.

A monoculture is a garden or yard in which only one type of plant is grown. A typical example of a monoculture is a lawn. Monocultures are often practical for decorative purposes. Ideally those areas are counterbalanced with abundant plantings of diverse species of native flowers and trees.

Monocultures reduce biodiversity. When you have only one type of plant in your garden, it creates a very limited habitat for the local wildlife. Traditional landscaping practices are also bad for the local wildlife because they often involve using harmful chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides. These chemicals can pollute the air and water, and they can also kill indiscriminately, harming beneficial insects as well as pests.

You can help to create a healthy environment for the local wildlife by planting a variety of Illinois native plants in your garden.