What Makes Native Plants a Smart Choice?
Native plants are perfectly adapted to Chicagoland’s Zone 5 climate, meaning they thrive with less maintenance. They offer food and shelter for birds, bees, and butterflies, enrich biodiversity, and help safeguard water quality. Choosing natives is a beautiful and eco-smart way to design your landscape.
Best Native Trees for Chicagoland Gardens
Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
A spring favorite with pink blossoms and heart-shaped leaves, perfect as a statement tree for smaller yards.
Serviceberry (Amelanchier)
A four-season gem with spring blooms, summer berries for birds, and fiery fall color.
Native Shrubs That Add Seasonal Beauty
Northern Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
A fragrant native shrub that brightens shady spots with yellow spring blooms and provides berries loved by birds.
American Hazelnut (Corylus americana)
A hardy, multi-stemmed shrub that produces edible nuts for wildlife and stunning golden foliage in fall.
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
A winter standout with bright red berries that birds love. Plant in pairs (male + female) for best berry production.
Pollinator-Friendly Native Perennials
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
A Chicagoland staple with bold blooms that attract butterflies and bees.
Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
Tall and graceful, with mauve-pink flower clusters that pollinators can’t resist.
Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)
A graceful ornamental grass with a soft, flowing texture and a subtle, popcorn-like fragrance.
Designing Your Native Garden
- Combine trees, shrubs, and perennials for four-season interest.
- Use ornamental grasses for texture and movement.
- Rely on pollinator-friendly perennials to support local wildlife.
Native Plant FAQs for Chicagoland Zone 5
Q: What native plants grow best in Zone 5 (Chicagoland)?
A: Top picks include Redbud, Serviceberry, American Hazelnut, Winterberry, Purple Coneflower, Joe Pye Weed and Prairie Dropseed.
Q: Why should I plant native plants in my garden?
A: They’re low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and provide food and shelter for birds, bees, and butterflies.
Q: Are native plants good for landscaping?
A: Yes — they add four-season beauty, create habitat, and blend seamlessly into local landscapes.
Q: Do native plants require less water?
A: Most natives are naturally drought-tolerant once established, making them ideal for Chicagoland summers.
Bring Chicagoland’s Natural Beauty Home
Planting natives is more than a trend — it’s a way to create a sustainable garden that thrives year after year. With the right mix of trees, shrubs, and perennials, you’ll enjoy a landscape that’s both stylish and eco-friendly.
Visit us in Bloomingdale or Carpentersville to explore our wide selection of natives and other garden favorites. Let’s grow something beautiful together!
