Native Wildflowers of Illinois

Before moving to my current home five years ago, I had a garden full of beautiful, native Illinois wildflowers. I tried to move some of them to my new home, but the weather and soil conditions were not good, so they perished. After getting my garden established the following summer at my new home, I decided to have a vegetable garden instead of wildflowers, and now, four years later, I find myself wanting my Illinois wildflowers back.

The nursery where I obtained my wildflowers before has since closed, so I started looking for a new one that would have the selection I wanted to purchase. During my internet search, I discovered some interesting facts about native wildflowers that I had long forgotten.

According to the University of Illinois Extension office, native plants, "are usually defined as plants recorded as growing wild in an area at the time that scientific collection began in that area." On the other hand, non-native plants are considered as being introduced.

There are several hundred documented varieties of native Illinois wildflowers and choosing the right one for your garden or yard may seem easy. You may be thinking that because you live in Illinois you will be able to grow any wildflower that is native to the state. You would be wrong. Although some plants may require similar growing conditions, there are also those that are different. Some may need a drier climate, more shade or sandy soil. Before buying native wildflowers, be sure to read about the conditions needed for each plant to grow and determine if your garden or yard meets these conditions. Also, keep in mind that many native wildflowers are invasive, tending to take over garden areas.

Buying plants are the best way to start native Illinois wildflowers. You can start them with seeds however; you may have better luck with a well-established plant in a container. Nurseries are the best places to buy native wildflowers, because the people that work here will have the most knowledge and be able to answer any questions you may have. If you are the type of person who collects seeds from year to year, it is advised that you not do this in the wild. Some native wildflowers may be on the endangered list and it could be against the law to harvest their seeds. This is also the reason why you should never dig up any plants in the wild.

Some Native Illinois Wildflowers

Angelica, Angelica atropurpurea
Aromatic Aster, Aster oblongiflorus
Arrowhead, Sagittaria latifolia
Bird's Foot Violet, Viola pedata
Bloodroot, Sanguinaria canadensis
Bristly Buttercup, Ranunculus hispidu s
Common Blue-eyed Grass, Sisyrinchium angustifolium
Common sundrops, Oenothera fruticos a
Doll's Eyes, White Baneberry, Actaea pachypoda
False Solomon's Seal, Smilacina racemosa
Jack in the Pulpit, Arisaema triphyllum
Leadplant, Amorpha canescen s
Prairie Dock, Silphium terebinthinaceum
Prairie Blazing Star, Liatris pycnostachya
Showy Evening Primrose, Oenothera speciosa
Spiderwort, Tradescantia ohiensis
Spring Larkspur, Delphinium tricorne
Water Parsnip, Sium suave
White Turtlehead, Chelone glabra
Wood Anemone, Anemone quinquefolia

Sources: University of IL Extension, Personal Experience