Top 20 Most Common Trees in Prospect Heights

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Top 20 Most Common Trees in Prospect Heights

Prospect Heights, Illinois, United States boasts an environmental backdrop conducive to the growth of native trees despite urban development. The city showcases the charm of Mulberry, Box elder, and Common hackberry, which play pivotal roles in shaping its green identity. These trees not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of Prospect Heights but also contribute to its cultural heritage and provide ecological benefits. Trusted sources provide accurate information on the hallmark local trees of this vibrant city.

Most Common Trees

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.

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.

Silver maple

3. Silver maple

Silver maple (Acer saccharinum) is one of the most common deciduous trees in the United States and southeast Canada. It is a 15 to 25 m tall, fast-growing, sun-loving tree. Its leaves have deeper angular notches between the five lobes than many other maple species. Silver maple is often found along waterways and wetlands, earning it an alternative name 'Water maple'.

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Common hackberry

4. Common hackberry

Common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) is a medium-sized deciduous tree, native to North America. It looks similar to elms and some other hackberry trees at first glance, but you can distinguish it by looking at the bark - if it is verrucous and has corky texture, then it is probably common hackberry.

Black walnut

5. Black walnut

Black walnut is a large riparian zone tree native to North America. It is cultivated for nutritious walnuts and high-quality dark timber. Black walnut produces juglone, a compound that inhibits the growth of other plants in the black walnut tree’s proximity, so it may be undesirable near lawns and gardens. It is susceptible to a Thousand Cankers Disease.

Rose of sharon

6. Rose of sharon

Hibiscus syriacus is a deciduous shrub with trumpet-shaped pink, lavender, or white flowers. Although it was first collected by Western botanists from Syrian gardens, “rose of sharon” is native to south-central and southeastern China. Because of its hardiness and prolific blooming, it is cultivated all around the world. It is the national flower of South Korea, mentioned in its national anthem.

Eastern redbud

7. Eastern redbud

Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a small understory tree native to North America. In spring or early summer clusters of purple-pink flowers appear on bare branches and sometimes on the trunk. The characteristic seed pod reveals that Eastern redbud belongs to the legume family, which makes it a cousin to peas, and locust trees.

Black cherry

8. Black cherry

Black cherry (Prunus serotina) is a medium-sized, deciduous forest tree native to the Americas, but also naturalized in parts of Europe. It features inflorescence with small white blooms that become clusters of dark cherries, edible when pitted. Mature trees have gray-to-black, distinctly crackled bark. The glossy leaves are poisonous to livestock. It is a highly reproductive pioneer species with invasive potential.

Common lilac

9. Common lilac

Common lilac is a shrub native to the Balkan Peninsula that blooms with a fragrant blossom. It grows on rocky terrain and has a suckering habit. The blossoms are used to flavor honey, sugars, food, and other delights and farmed for its fragrant flowers in the spring.

Norway maple

10. Norway maple

The norway maple is a tree species native to Europe and West Asia. It is 20 to 30 m tall and has bright green, lobed leaves which turn yellow or red in the autumn. Introduced as an ornamental shade tree in the United States, it is now considered invasive. Outside its northern range, it can be short-lived and susceptible to disease and damage.

Tree of heaven

11. Tree of heaven

While the tree of heaven has a lovely name, it has a bad reputation in many areas of the US. Several states consider it an invasive species because of its aggressive growth, rapid reproduction, and ability to thrive in poor conditions. The root system of this tree routinely damages sidewalks, sewer systems and other structures.

Eastern cottonwood

12. 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.

American elder

13. American elder

American elder (Sambucus canadensis) is a North American native deciduous shrub with enormous inflorescence of grouped small white flowers and dangling bunches of mauveine berries. When cooked, the fruits can be added to pies, pancakes, and jellies. Wine can also be produced from its flowers and fruits. The bushy leaves and arching branches attract wildlife, providing nesting space for birds.

Bur oak

A deciduous tree native to North America, the bur oak is large and reaches mature heights over 46 m tall. The acorns that come from this tree are the largest of all the oak trees. Bur oak is used most often for shade, in shelterbelts, or as an ornamental.

American basswood

15. American basswood

American basswood (Tilia americana) is a deciduous tree with a wide, rounded crown, very similar to its European cousin Tilia Cordata. A subtle difference between the species can be found on the bark - if an orange hue is present in the valleys on the bark, then it is T. Cordata.

Honey locust

16. Honey locust

Gleditsia triacanthos is a deciduous tree that is native to the central part of North America. The trunk of the honey locust is covered in thorns that are soft and green when young, but age to be hard and brittle. These thorns are relatively large and can reach up to 20 cm in length.

Green ash

If you are looking for an excellent shade tree, consider planting a green ash. This tree is capable of completely blocking sunlight with its dense canopy of compound leaves, which make a brilliant yellow display in the fall. Aggressive growth of over 61 cm per year makes this a tree that can quickly be providing shade in your backyard.

Red maple

The red maple is a common North American tree with distinctive red leaves and flower buds. Its sap can be made into maple syrup and the wood is good for furniture. Though non-toxic to humans, the leaves are very toxic to horses. According to the U.S. Forest Service, red maple is the most common tree in eastern North America.

Corn plant

Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) is an evergreen, slow-growing perennial shrub native to tropical Africa. Also, it is a classic houseplant, grown in Europe since the 1800s. Its glossy green foliage that resembles corn leaves grow on top of a thick cane, which is why the plant is sometimes called “false palm tree.”

American elm

20. American elm

American elm (Ulmus americana) is a deciduous hermaphroditic tree which can be found in a variety of habitats - swamps, low-laying lands, areas surrounding rivers, hillsides, and highlands. It was a very dominant tree species in North America before Dutch elm disease was introduced during the first half of the 20th century, which caused massive die-offs.

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More Plants in Prospect Heights

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Nestled amidst the suburban rhythm, Prospect Heights, Illinois, is a mosaic of green pockets where invasive flora such as , , and surreptitiously thrive. Despite its urban anatomy, this city's parks, gardens, and untamed verges provide a fertile canvas for these toxic interlopers, challenging the ecological harmony and posing latent risks to human and animal residents. The prevalence of such species underscores the pressing need for vigilant horticultural management.

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Most Common Flowers

Prospect Heights, Illinois, United States boasts a unique blend of urban development and natural beauty. With an abundance of green spaces and carefully maintained parks, the city provides the perfect environment for native flowers to flourish. Among these blossoms are , , and , which add a vibrant touch to the urban tapestry. These flowers not only contribute to the visual splendor of Prospect Heights but also serve as symbols of its commitment to preserving the local ecosystem.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Spring reawakens Prospect Heights, the city's landscapes are reinvigorated, setting the stage for a floral renaissance. The regal , a beacon of growth, effortlessly juxtaposes the urban terrain, while the show-stopping adds pops of color to local gardens. The culturally iconic , symbolizing renewal, festoons the city, completing the trio of botanical heralds marking the season's cheerful return.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Prospect Heights bursts into a mosaic of floral brilliance, invigorating the growth of city-adapted fruiting flora. Signature among these are , known for its zestful contribution to local cuisine; , an urban orchard favorite; and , whose fruits add a splash of color and flavor to the community's springtime celebrations. Each plant not only endorses the city's green thumb but also reflects the dynamic, fruitful essence of the season.

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Most Common Fruits

Prospect Heights, Illinois, an urban enclave with a moderate continental climate, flourishes with green spaces, nurturing a variety of urban fruit plants ideally suited to its distinct seasons. The city's park districts and community gardens support growth of , , and , nourished by effusive local engagement. Cultural initiatives and green policies in this metropolis not only enhance biodiversity but also strengthen community bonding through agricultural practice.

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Most Common Weeds

In the verdant sprawl of Prospect Heights, Illinois, garden weeds thrive, bolstered by the region's fertile soils and temperate climate. Among them, , , and stake their claim, entwining residential gardens and public spaces alike. These notorious invaders pose a tenacious challenge to both amateur gardeners and professional landscapers, demanding consistent efforts to maintain the aesthetic and ecological balance of this urban oasis.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Nestled in the Midwest, Prospect Heights, Illinois is characterized by a humid continental climate conducive to a variety of verdant growth. Amid its parks and residential areas, majestic tree species rise, including the robust , the stately , and the towering . These arboreal giants stand as natural landmarks, providing critical habitat and air purification, while some are shrouded in local lore, weaving their roots into the fabric of community identity.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Situated in the United States, Prospect Heights, Illinois, experiences harsh winter conditions that affect local flora. Nevertheless, three noted species endure - , , and . follows an annual life cycle, where its delicate, feathery foliage supports vibrant blooms late into winter. Factors such as abundant sunlight and well-draining soil foster the survival of this species. Echoing similar resilience is . Its small yet vivid flowers typically bloom throughout winter when reduced light triggers blooming. It thrives in mild, dry over-winter conditions found within homes. Finally, showcases bright yellow flowers in late winter, thriving under full sunlight to partial shade, with sufficiently moist, acidic soil. These species’ endurance amidst the winter season reflects Prospect Heights' natural biodiversity and signifies precise environmental conditions supporting diverse winter-flowering plants.

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Most Common Plants

In Prospect Heights, you can find Pokeweed, Common buckthorn, Common milkweed, Mulberry, 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.

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