Top 20 Most Common Plants in Illinois

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Top 20 Most Common Plants in Illinois

In Illinois, you can find Pokeweed, Common milkweed, Mulberry, Common buckthorn, Bittersweet, and more! There are 20 types of plants in total. Be sure to look out for these common plants when you’re walking on the streets, in parks, or public gardens.

Most Common Plants

Pokeweed

Although its berries look juicy and tempting, the fruits and the root of pokeweed are toxic and should not be eaten. Pokeweed is considered a pest species by farmers but is nevertheless often grown as an ornamental plant. Its berries can be made into pokeberry ink as well.

Common milkweed

2. Common milkweed

Asclepias syriaca, commonly known as common milkweed, is a flowering perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. It contains milky latex which can be toxic to sheep, cows, and other larger mammals (including humans) if it is consumed in large amounts. Many insect species are attracted to common milkweed, most notably monarch butterflies.

Mulberry

A unique and easy-to-grow edible landscaping plant, the mulberry is prized for its tasty fruits as well as its exquisite ornamental appeal. Originally native to China, this plant was valued for its role in silk production: silkworms will only eat the leaves of mulberry trees, making them crucial for the product's creation. Ultimately, the trees were sold around the world and are used today in different countries that produce silk.

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Common buckthorn

4. Common buckthorn

Rhamnus cathartica, colloquially known as common buckthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Europe. This plant is hazardous to humans and most animals; all parts of it are mildly poisonous. The fast-growing common buckthorn is considered an invasive species in certain parts of North America.

Bittersweet

The species known as bittersweet is a semi-woody vine found in forests, marshes, shrublands, and hedgerows. All parts of the plant contain alkaloids (especially the bright red berries), which are extremely poisonous to humans and livestock if ingested. In spite of its toxicity, bittersweet was hung as a talisman in the past to ward off witchcraft.

Poison ivy

In pop culture, poison ivy is a symbol of an obnoxious weed because, despite its unthreatening looks, it gives a highly unpleasant contact rash to the unfortunate person who touches it. Still, it is commonly eaten by many animals, and the seeds are a favorite with birds. The leaves turn bright red in fall. Its sister species, Western poison ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii), is not considered to be invasive in the United States, but is noxious in Australia and New Zealand.

Wild bergamot

7. Wild bergamot

Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is a wildflower related to mint. It is also known as bee balm and indeed attracts a great many bees (hummingbirds like it as well). Wild bergamot is sometimes used to make strong-flavored tea. One variant is cultivated specifically for its lemony-scented essential oil.

Virginia creeper

8. Virginia creeper

The virginia creeper is a North American vine from the grape family that has it all - vigorous growth, fragrant flowers, decorative blue-colored berries, and leaves that turn crimson in the fall. Using small forked tendrils with adhesive pads, the virginia creeper will cling strongly to almost all surfaces. It can grow over entire walls, providing shelter and food for wildlife.

Ground ivy

Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) is a perennial evergreen trailing plant, often found in grasslands and woodlands. Saxon peoples once spread the plant, but it has become invasive in some parts of the world now. The fast-growing ground ivy can be toxic to horses but generally cannot harm other animals or humans.

Mayapple

With only two leaves and one flower, the mayapple is showy and unique. The name stems from the blooming time in the Northern Hemisphere and the fact that the flowers resemble those of apple trees. The fruit of the mayapple that develops over the summer can, if fully ripened, be used in jams and jellies, while the unripe fruit and other parts of this plant are all poisonous and could cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even coma.

Box elder

Box elder (Acer negundo) is a type of maple tree native to North America, but which is now found throughout the world. It is a hardy, medium-to-large tree that grows quickly and has a relatively short lifespan of up to 60 years. Older trees are prone to storm damage. Box elder wood is relatively flimsy because the tree grows so fast.

Bloody butcher

12. Bloody butcher

Bloody butcher (Trillium recurvatum) is a flowering plant species that may take up to 10 years to mature enough to flower. It flowers quicker when cultivated in homes as a houseplant and is often cultivated as an ornamental species.

Purple coneflower

13. Purple coneflower

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is an herb native to North America that flourishes in prairie environments or open wooded areas. The purple coneflower makes a good addition to a flower bed or garden because its blooms last the whole summer and attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.

Garlic mustard

14. Garlic mustard

Alliaria petiolata, colloquially known as garlic mustard is a herbaceous biennial plant known for the garlic aroma and smell of its crushed leaves. It can be found in partially shaded and moist places like woodland edges, trails, hedges, and roadsides. Leaves of garlic mustard are used in European cuisine as a spice herb for salads and sauces.

Virginia bluebells

15. Virginia bluebells

The virginia bluebells is a woodland wildflower that blooms for a short period during spring before returning to its dormant state. The flowers start as purplish-pink buds that open into subtly-scented, trumpet-shaped sky blue blossoms. It was known to be used by the Cherokee in the treatment of certain ailments.

Wild carrot

16. Wild carrot

The wild carrot is a common flowering plant with light, delicate flowers. Originally native to Europe and Asia, it has also spread to North America and Australia. Studies of historical paintings suggest that the wild carrot was cultivated in Turkey, Spain, and North Africa for centuries.

Virginia springbeauty

17. Virginia springbeauty

Virginia springbeauty (Claytonia virginica) has tiny underground tubers (kind of like potatoes) that taste like chestnuts and are utterly delicious. Early American colonists consumed them, but only when they were desperate because it took a lot of time to collect enough for a meal. Its genus name is in honor of John Clayton, who made essential contributions to the study of plants.

Butterfly weed

18. Butterfly weed

While Asclepias tuberosa is commonly referred to as butterfly weed, it is also known as Canada root, Indian posy, silky swallow-wort, yellow milkweed, butterfly love, white-root and a variety of other names. Both Native Americans and pioneers would use the butterfly weed to make candle wicks.

Velvetleaf

Abutilon theophrasti is named after the Greek botanist Theophrastus, who was a successor of Aristotle. The velvetleaf is now considered to be an invasive species in many places of the world and is especially dangerous for corn and soybean crops. When left unmanaged, the velvetleaf can create 100s of millions of dollars in damage for farmers.

Common blue violet

20. Common blue violet

The common blue violet is an attractive wildflower known for its blue to purplish white hues. It is common in North America, where it is sometimes associated with a weed. The plant is popular as an ornamental, and it is a state flower in several states in the US. Its flowers and leaves are edible and safe to be planted near pets.

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More Plants in Illinois

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Illinois' diverse ecosystems, ranging from prairies to forests, create an apt backdrop for the growth of toxic flora. Notable among these is , which poses a risk to both fauna and humans. Additionally, and contribute to the state's array of hazardous vegetation. The prevalence of these plants underscores the need for vigilance in preserving public and ecological health amidst Illinois' rich biodiversity.

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Most Common Flowers

Illinois, United States, boasts a diverse landscape that nurtures an array of native flowers. The state's climate and soil dynamics are conducive to the proliferation of these blossoms. Among the standout flowers are , , and . These flowers hold great aesthetic allure, cultural resonance, and ecological significance within the state. Sources confirm the accuracy of this information.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Illinois thaws, a tapestry of blossoms unfurls across its awakening landscapes. The Spring season is heralded by , whose vivid hues metaphorically paint the rebirth of the region. Close on its heels, the delicate petals of dance in the gentle breezes, epitomizing the fragile beauty of the season. Finally, the iconic emerges, symbolizing the essence of Spring's renewal and inspiring in Illinoisans a sense of pride and celebration in nature's cyclical pageant.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

As the thawing embrace of Spring blankets Illinois, the state burgeons with life, coaxing the dormant fruit plants into a symphony of growth. It's a time when , with its crunchy delight, , a culturally treasured treat, and , celebrated for its crisp sweetness, start their journey to harvest. These principal fruit bearers are intertwined with Illinois's Spring, promising a bountiful season of fresh, home-grown flavors.

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Most Common Fruits

Illinois' fertile prairies, combined with a temperate climate, create an ideal environment for a variety of fruit plants. Staples such as , , and flourish across the state. These diverse species not only adapt to Illinois' seasons but also embody the rich agricultural heritage, contributing both to local cuisine and the state's ecological tapestry.

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Most Common Trees

Illinois, United States boasts a diverse climate and soil, providing ideal conditions for native trees to thrive. Among the standouts are , , and . These trees hold significant ecological value, contributing to the state's biodiversity and providing habitats for various species. They also have cultural and symbolic importance, representing Illinois' rich natural heritage. Through their resilience and beauty, these native trees showcase the interconnectedness of the state's ecology and its people.

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Most Common Weeds

Amidst Illinois' varying climatic conditions, from frigid winters to humid summers, and its fertile soil, garden weeds such as , , and thrive vehemently. These pervasive species pose perennial challenges to gardeners and landscapers, entrenching themselves across the diverse Illinoisan landscapes, evading efforts to control their spread and demanding consistent management.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Nestled within a temperate climate zone, Illinois fosters a lush landscape ripe for grand arboreal giants. Towering above the rest is , a symbol of strength, followed by the stately , rooted in history. Not to be overshadowed, the soaring stands as a testament to ecological diversity. Each species reflects the splendor and importance of Illinois’ indigenous flora in shaping both skyline and ecosystem.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

In the midst of Illinois' frosty Winter, against all odds, certain flowers manage to thrive. Amidst the icy climate, , , and bloom with tenacity and allure. These native Winter-blooming flowers not only withstand the frigid embrace of the season but also symbolize the resilience and beauty of Illinois' natural landscape.

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