Guide to Native Plants in the Midwest

Whether you're landscaping or just trying to find your way through the woods, here's a quick guide to native plants in the Midwest.

Trees

There are tons of native tree species in the Midwest. After all, the whole area was covered with them just a couple hundred years ago. Here are a few common native Midwest trees you might still find today.

When settlers were first making their way west through this part of the country, they would look up at night for the moon reflecting off of tall, white branches and trunks. These old Sycamore trees would show the settlers where water sources were, because the trees are often found near large sources of water. If there wasn't water nearby, the pioneers could tap the Sycamore tree and use its sap as water instead. Sycamore trees have broad simple leaves and grow more "sick" looking farther up the trunk. Sycamore trees are beautiful, but not very useful as lumber or even firewood.

A common state tree in the Midwest is the Tulip Poplar. Tulip Poplars are easy to identify; just look for the straightest, tallest tree in the woods. This native Midwest tree also has unique, four-pronged simple leaves. Tulip Poplars have been said to be the best tree to plant for reducing carbon-dioxide, because they grow large so quickly. However, they also have a shorter-than-average lifespan, about 40 years or so. So, to prevent all that carbon from being released again when the tree decays, plan to make it into furniture before it falls over on its own. Tulip Poplars are great trees to grow if you're impatient to have tall trees in your yard, but their root structure is equally immense, so be cautious about planting around the house.

Finally, a fun native Midwest tree is the Sassafras. Sassafras trees have simple one-, two-, or three-pronged leaves that turn brilliant red and yellow in the fall. Crushed leaves or broken sticks have a distinctive smell, sometimes described as smelling like Fruit Loops. Sassafras roots are made into root beer and tea. Its wood is very good for starting fires, as its waxy nature means it will burn, even when wet or green.

Flowers

You have the best chance of having a beautiful, thriving flower bed if you plant flowers that are designed to thrive and grown in your climate. But planting native flowers does not have to be a compromise. Here are a few native Midwest flowers that will look great in your garden.

The Black-Eyed Susan is a native Midwest flower with brilliant yellow petals surrounding a dark brown-black center. This flower is said to be deer resistant and attract birds in the fall. Royal Catchfly has small, bright red star-shaped flowers and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. This sticky plant also catches small insects, removing pests from your garden. Finally, Showy Goldenrod produces long yellow cones of flowers that attract birds and butterflies. However, this may not be the ideal native flower for those with allergies.

Green Plants/ Groundcover

This the one area where you must be absolutely sure to plant native species. Kudzu, garlic mustard, and many other invasive species that now pose a serious threat to native plants, all got their start when well-intentioned but poorly informed gardeners sought to improve their garden. Here are some native Midwest plants that will thrive in, and not take over, your yard.

Bottlebrush grass feeds caterpillars and grows in moist conditions. Switch grass is great for preventing erosion on slopes in the full sun. June grass will bring birds and other wildlife to your yard or garden.

Where to Buy

The Arbor Day Foundation offers trees for every part of the country. Check their zone listings to be sure that trees are suited for your climate. You can also buy native trees, plants, and flowers through the Indiana Wildlife Federation.