Top 10 Tallest Trees in Westchester

Westchester, Illinois, situated in a temperate climate zone, benefits from abundant rainfall, shaping an environment where majestic trees thrive in its verdant parks and streets. Towering above the rest are Common douglas-fir, Western red cedar, and Norfolk island pine, each contributing to the city's ecological health and aesthetic grandeur. These botanical giants are not only a source of local pride but also often entwined with community folklore, adding a mystical canopy to Westchester's urban charm.

List of Tallest Trees

1. Common douglas-fir

The Common douglas-fir is named after Scottish botanist David Douglas, who discovered it. Small mammals rely heavily on the seeds for nutrition. Many Native American tribes utilized the bark, resin, and pine needles to prepare herbal remedies for various ailments. Common douglas-fir is often used in heavy timber buildings due to its sturdy wood.

Plant Height:

20 m to 100 m

2. Western red cedar

Western red cedar (Thuja plicata) is a cedar tree species native to the western United States. Despite its name, the western red cedar is not considered a true cedar. Instead, it belongs to the Cypress family. This species is commercially used to make decks, siding, and the soundboards of guitars.

Plant Height:

65 m to 70 m

3. Eastern white pine

Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) is a long-lived evergreen tree native to mixed forests of temperate zones in eastern North America. It is considered one of the tallest trees in its native area. Eastern white pine has a straight-grained lightweight wood, highly valued in construction.

Plant Height:

30 m to 67 m

Your Essential Companion for Global Plant Exploration

From American natives to Philippine tropics, discover plants worldwide with our app.

Download the App for Free

4. Norfolk island pine

Norfolk island pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is a conifer tree native to Norfolk Island, a small island in the Pacific Islands. Now, it is a popular houseplant all around the world. However, norfolk island pine is in danger of dying out in the wild.

Plant Height:

50 m to 65 m

5. Norway spruce

The fastest-growing of all spruces, the norway spruce (Picea abies) makes for a good roosting spot for owls and hawks. Its wood is used for paper, construction lumber, and musical instruments, and its needles can be used to brew spruce beer. It is also a popular choice for Christmas trees.

Plant Height:

30 m to 62 m

6. Sugar Pine

Dubbed by David Douglas, its discoverer, as the most regal among all the pines, sugar Pine is the highest and largest among its species. Aside from being grown for timber, Native Americans used the sweet-tasting sap of this tree as a culinary ingredient. Birds, butterflies, and moths are drawn to this tree which is native to North America's Pacific regions.

Plant Height:

37 m to 61 m

7. Eastern cottonwood

Eastern cottonwood is a fast-growing, short-lived commercial hardwood of America. It is known for its method of regeneration, where the fluff-covered seeds are dispersed by the wind and create the effect of ‘snow’ for a short period of time. The tree is cultivated for its lightweight wood to make a variety of furniture, plywood, and other wood products.

Plant Height:

20 m to 60 m

8. Eastern hemlock

Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) really takes its time to mature. In fact, it may take up to 300 years to reach what's considered adulthood among evergreen trees. It can even live for another 100 years if conditions are right. Other names for this majestic species include hemlock spruce and Canada hemlock.

Plant Height:

31 m to 53 m

9. English oak

The english oak (*Quercus robur*) is a deciduous tree native to Europe. It is a very long-lived tree; the oldest known specimens have been living for more than a thousand years. It is commonly represented in European mythologies as a symbol of strength, longevity, nobility, morale, and knowledge.

Plant Height:

10 m to 50 m

10. Bald cypress

Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) is a long-lived deciduous conifer native to swamps, creeks, and rivers in southeastern areas of North America. These trees grow quite slow, but due to their longevity, they can reach remarkable heights. Bald cypress is often cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate and subtropical regions worldwide.

Plant Height:

15 m to 50 m

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

North America > United States > Illinois > Westchester

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

More Plants in Westchester

Most Common Toxic Plants

Nestled amid the metropolitan mosaic, Westchester, Illinois, offers lush parks and residential greenery, creating pockets where toxic flora such as , , and could thrive. Despite the city's efforts in urban planting, this verdant haven inconspicuously nurtures such species, posing challenges to local efforts in environmental management and public health vigilance.

Most Common Flowers

Nestled in Westchester, Illinois, a city known for its urban landscape, hides a thriving ecological heart teeming with native flowers. These blossoms have found their home in the city's green spaces and parks, adding a touch of natural beauty amidst the concrete jungle. In this urban tapestry, three representative plants, , , and , stand tall, showcasing their vibrant colors and contributing to the visual splendor of Westchester. With their presence, these native flowers symbolize the city's commitment to preserving biodiversity and creating a greener environment for its residents.

Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Spring breathes new life into Westchester, Illinois, the landscape transforms under its tender touch, unfurling a tapestry of color and vitality. Indigenous urban blossoms such as the resilient , the vibrant , and the culturally treasured emerge, heralding the season's awakening. These flowers, embraced by the community, thread themselves through the city's fabric, marking a time of rejuvenation and new beginnings against Westchester's urban tableau.

Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Westchester, Illinois, bursts with life, painting the urban landscape with blooming fruit plants. Among these, brings a burst of freshness, while heralds the season's warmth with its sweet offerings. The notable also thrives, contributing to the community's green canopy and urban garden charm. Together, they define the essence of Spring's bounty in this vibrant city.

Most Common Fruits

Westchester, Illinois, nurtures fruit plants within its temperate climate, leveraging a constellation of urban gardens and structured greening initiatives. The local flora includes diverse fruit-bearers such as , , and , each harmoniously woven into the cultural tapestry of the community. These plants benefit from the city's collective efforts towards sustainability and play a pivotal role in bolstering the urban ecosystem, shining as both cultural emblems and sources of local nourishment.

Most Common Trees

Westchester, Illinois, United States, boasts an urban greenscape that harmoniously coexists with its developing environment. Amidst the city's progress, the presence of native trees like , , and contributes to its distinct green character. These hallmark trees not only enhance the city's aesthetic appeal but also embody cultural and ecological significance. With information sourced from reliable references, this summary sheds light on the invaluable role these trees play in shaping Westchester's natural landscape.

Most Common Weeds

In the verdant embrace of Westchester, Illinois, garden weeds flourish amidst the region's rich soils and humid continental climate. The persistent invasion of , , and symbolizes a ceaseless battle for homeowners and landscapers. Despite diligent efforts, these botanical invaders assert dominance in manicured lawns and wilder patches alike, challenging the community to tirelessly defend their green havens against these unwelcome guests.

Most Common Plants

In Westchester, 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.