Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Continue Reading
Img leaf leftImg leaf right

Top 20 Most Popular Spring Flowers in Chicago

As Chicago thaws from its wintry grip, Spring breathes new life across the urban expanse, painting the city in a sweep of verdant hues. The Common milkweed heralds the season's arrival with vibrant splashes, while Mayapple adds a delicate texture to the concrete jungle. Butterfly weed captures the essence of Chicago's reawakening, its blooms an emblem of the city's enduring energy and resilience in the face of change.

Icon common plants
Most Popular Spring Flowers
Common milkweed
1. 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.
Bloom Time:
Late spring, Summer, Fall
Mayapple
2. 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.
Bloom Time:
Spring
Virginia bluebells
3. 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.
Bloom Time:
Spring
Your Essential Companion for Global Plant Exploration
From American natives to Philippine tropics, discover plants worldwide with our app.
Download the App for Free
Butterfly weed
4. 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.
Bloom Time:
Late spring, Summer, Fall
Common blue violet
5. 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.
Bloom Time:
Spring, Early summer
Virginia springbeauty
6. 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.
Bloom Time:
Spring
Wild geranium
7. Wild geranium
The wild geranium is a perennial woodland plant native to eastern North America. It has been historically used in ritual ceremonies by Native Americans. Many cultivars have been selected for horticulture usage due to their unique flowers and beaklike seed pods. Among the geraniums, wild geranium has the largest flowers.
Bloom Time:
Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
Black-eyed susan
8. Black-eyed susan
The black-eyed susan is a flowering black and yellow plant with curving leaves. It is culturally important in the Southern U.S., and is often used to attract butterflies to gardens. It long ago spread throughout North America and much of the world. Black-eyed susan is the state flower of Maryland and was important in the history of the University of Southern Mississippi.
Bloom Time:
Late spring, Summer, Fall
Garden phlox
9. Garden phlox
The garden phlox is a flowering plant that is native to the United States. The name, phlox, comes from the Latin for "flame," reflecting its bright colors. Garden phlox flowers can become important food sources for insects and hummingbirds.
Bloom Time:
Mid spring, Late spring, Summer
Swamp milkweed
10. Swamp milkweed
Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is a plant species native to Canada and the continental United States. Swamp milkweed attract butterflies with its nectar. Swamp milkweed gives off a subtle vanilla scent. The stems contain a poisonous milky sap.
Bloom Time:
Late spring, Summer, Fall
Bloodroot
11. Bloodroot
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is a plant species native to eastern North America. In the wild its early spring blooms can be seen spreading across the forest floor or along riverbanks. Its common name comes from its reddish orange-sap, which can be made into a dye. Bloodroot seeds are often spread by ants who take them back to their nests.
Bloom Time:
Spring
Foxglove beardtongue
12. Foxglove beardtongue
Foxglove beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) is an herbaceous plant related to plantains. Penstemon digitalis means "finger-like" due to the plant's flowers resemblance to the fingers of a gloved hand. Foxglove beardtongue is easily grown and often cultivated on roadsides for landscaping purposes.
Bloom Time:
Mid spring, Late spring, Summer
Amur honeysuckle
13. Amur honeysuckle
Amur honeysuckle is a massively-branched, perennial shrub with dark green leaves, aromatic white flowers, and luscious burgundy berries that are inedible to humans but relished by birds propagating the seeds. This East Asian native shrub has been utilized in landscape decoration, wildlife cover, and erosion control. However, it is no longer recommended for planting due to invasiveness issues.
Bloom Time:
Mid spring, Late spring, Summer
Common dandelion
14. Common dandelion
*Taraxacum officinale*, widely known as common dandelion, is a herbaceous perennial that can be found in temperate regions all over the world, in habitats with moist soils. The most popular feature of this plant is its fruits, furry spheres that are easily carried by the wind. Although it is generally considered a weed, common dandelion is actually edible and very nutritious.
Bloom Time:
Spring, Early summer, Mid summer
Ohio spiderwort
15. Ohio spiderwort
Tradescantia ohiensis is named after John Tradescant (1608 - 1662), the gardener to King Charles 1. This cheerful blue flowering plant is common along roadsides, in ditches and makes a great addition to any garden. It has a unique tendency to bloom in the morning and then close in the afternoon sun.
Bloom Time:
Late spring, Summer
Gray-headed Coneflower
16. Gray-headed Coneflower
The yellow coneflower is also known as a gray-headed Coneflower or Ratibida pinnata. The coneflower has showy yellow flowers with petals that look like they are drooping. These plants are drought resistant and easy to grow. The bright cheery flowers are in the daisy family and work great in cut flower arrangements.
Bloom Time:
Late spring, Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Ditch lily
17. Ditch lily
The ditch lily is a perennial plant known for its captivating lily-like blooms. Its natural habitats are meadows and forests, but it is also a common garden plant in temperate regions around the world. Each individual flower lasts only a day, but the plant will bloom new ones for weeks. Ditch lily's young buds and flowers are edible either raw or cooked. As a bonus to vegetarians, the flowers contain more fats than most vegetables.
Bloom Time:
Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
Cutleaf toothwort
18. Cutleaf toothwort
Cutleaf toothwort (Cardamine concatenata) is a perennial wildflower that attracts bees, butterflies, caterpillars and other insects. Insects are attracted to the sweet nectar from this flower. Cutleaf toothwort reproduces by rhizomes and through seeds. Its common name comes from its tooth-shaped edible rhizomes. The rhizomes have a peppery taste and can be added to salads and other foods.
Bloom Time:
Spring
Common yarrow
19. Common yarrow
Common yarrow is a wildflower that has feathery leaves and flowers in white, yellow or pink. In China, the plant is considered to be good luck while for some time in Scotland it was believed to have magical properties. It has been brewed into beer, tea, and liquors, but it has low toxicity. Do not consume in large quantities. Common yarrow's bitter leaves are toxic to pets and horses. Other livestock can eat it, though it gives cow milk an unpleasant flavor.
Bloom Time:
Late spring, Summer
Virginia waterleaf
20. Virginia waterleaf
Virginia waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginianum) is a native North American flowering herb that grows in the eastern United States. The plant spreads through underground root structures to form large colonies in the wild. When exposed to sunlight, the flowers of the species bleach their color.
Bloom Time:
Spring, Summer, Fall
Discover 4 Exciting Reasons to Choose PictureThis
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Identify toxic plants around you
Easily find your perfect green friends
Get full care tips and tricks for your plants
Download the App for Free
Icon code

Scan QR code to download

Icon plant

More Plants in Chicago

Mask group

Most Common Toxic Plants

Nestled amid Chicago's urban mosaic, the confluence of expansive parks and untamed lots provides a haven for , , and . This juxtaposition of natural and built environments, despite keen city landscaping efforts, presents a persistent concern with the inadvertent cultivation of toxic flora. The inadvertent nurturing of toxic plants in the city's verdant pockets echoes environmental challenges, underscoring the need for informed public interaction with these hidden botanical hazards.

Mask group

Most Common Flowers

Chicago, known for its urban tapestry, also boasts an ecological heart where native flowers flourish. Amidst the city's green spaces, such as parks and gardens, , , and bloom splendidly. These flowers, representative of Chicago's natural beauty, contribute to its visual splendor and urban symbolism. While brings vibrant colors to the city streets, adds a touch of elegance to its parks. Finally, enhances the city's green contributions, making Chicago an urban oasis for both residents and visitors alike.

Mask group

Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Chicago ushers in a rejuvenation of urban greenery, with the city landscape speckled by blossoming fruit plants, heralding warmer days. Among these, captivates with its early yield, becoming a local delicacy. follows, adorning city gardens with vibrant hues and juicy offerings. Lastly, peaks in popularity, its fruits savored in community harvests, embodying Chicago's robust spirit of springtime growth and renewal.

Mask group

Most Common Fruits

Nestled between the temperate climate and innovative urban agriculture of Chicago lies a rich canvas promoting , , and growth. Green rooftops and community gardens thrive, harmonizing with the city’s robust cultural mosaic. This blend of environmental aptitude and metropolitan ingenuity forms a nurturing bedrock for these fruit plants, which stand as both sustenance and symbols of community within the Windy City’s expanding green frontier.

Mask group

Most Common Trees

Chicago, an urban metropolis in Illinois, United States, boasts a unique environment that nurtures a variety of native trees amidst its urban development. The city is adorned with , , and , which contribute to its distinctive green identity. These hallmark trees not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of Chicago's avenues and parks but also play significant ecological and cultural roles. Trusted sources anchor the accuracy of this information.

Mask group

Most Common Weeds

Thrust into Chicago's fluctuating climes and fertile soils, garden weeds find a hospitable haven, punctuating its verdant expanses with persistent intruders. Amidst this metropolitan oasis, , , and reign as the triumvirate of temerarious weeds. Efforts to rein in their rampant sprawl highlight the city's continual battle with these green guerillas, underscored by their resilience in urban gardens and parks.

Mask group

Most Common Tall Trees

Chicago's unpredictable climate, with biting winters and warm summers, is alleviated by green spaces vibrant with arboreal giants, providing both respite and spectacle. The city's parks and boulevards are graced by the majesty of , standing not just as natural skyscrapers but as symbols of resilience. In the midst of urban buzz, towers offer ecological fortitude, supporting diverse wildlife. Meanwhile, the legendary remains shrouded in stories, contributing to Chicago's unique urban forest landscape.

Mask group

Most Common Flowers of Winter

In the cold, crisp winter of Chicago, Illinois, a few plant species can still be seen flowering against the snow-laden landscape. The vibrant blossoms of brighten up the garden in late autumn and early winter. Known for its symmetrical feathery leaves and daisy-like petals in a variety of hues, this plant thrives in the area's full sun and well-drained soil. Though native to tropical regions, the is a popular indoor plant in Chicago due to its resilience against cooler climates. Bearing clusters of small, wax-like flowers, its bloom peaks around December, adding a splash of color indoors amidst the grays of winter outside. Then there's , a deciduous shrub that blooms in late fall, often persisting into December. Its sparse, yellow flowers are uniquely resistant to cold weather and serve as a testament to life in the frosty Midwest winters. These plant species' ability to bloom in winter make them a noteworthy part of Chicago’s winter flora.

Mask group

Most Common Plants

In Chicago, you can find Pokeweed, Common milkweed, Mulberry, Common buckthorn, Bittersweet, and more! There are 50 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.

close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app