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Native Plant List for Illinois, Iowa & Missouri

Last updated: September 4, 2026

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This is a "starter" list of native plants for Illinois, Iowa & Missouri. It is intended for residential or commercial landscapers who want to create attractive and varied native landscapes.

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Illinois, Iowa & Missouri Trees

Common Name Scientific Name Sun Moisture Height Comments
Black maple Acer nigrum F-P A 60-80 ft Like Sugar Maple but tolerates alkaline, clay soils
Red Maple Acer rubrum F W-D 50–75 ft Buds & young twigs are red; great red fall color
Sugar Maple Acer saccharum F-P A 50–75 ft Excellent fall color; produces maple syrup
Ohio Buckeye Aesculus glabra F-P A 30–50 ft Yellow flowers; yellow/orange fall color; nuts messy
Hercules' Club Aralia spinosa F-S A-D 10–20 ft Thorny; attracts birds/butterflies; yellow-red fall foliage
Pawpaw Asimina triloba P-S A 40 ft Unique fruit resembles & tests like banana
River Birch Betula nigra F A-W 40–70 ft Modest yellow fall color; seed attracts birds
Water Hickory Carya aquatica F-P W-A 60-100 ft Bottomland tree of flooded clay flats and sloughs; bitter inedible nut
Pecan Carya illinoinensis F A-W 70-100 ft Large bottomland tree; needs 2nd tree to pollinate well
Shagbark Hickory Carya ovata F-P A 70–90 ft Yellow to gold-brown fall color; Squirrels eat nuts
Mockernut Hickory Carya tomentosa F-P A-D 50-80 ft Slow-growing; thick-shelled nuts; very dry-tolerant on uplands
American Chestnut Castanea dentata F-P A 60–100 ft Chestnut blight-susceptible; mostly stump sprouts now
Northern Catalpa Catalpa speciosa F-P A-W 40–70 ft Fast grower; huge leaves; long pods; brittle wood; small native range
Rough-leaved Dogwood Cornus drummondii F D 20 ft White flowers in spring
Stiff Dogwood Cornus foemina F-P A-W 10–25 ft Wetland shrub; white spring flowers, blue fall berries
American Smoke Tree Cotinus obovatus F-P D 20-30 ft Rare on limestone glades; slow-growing; brilliant fall color
Dotted Hawthorn Crataegus punctata F-P A 15–30 ft Thorny, flat-topped crown; red fruit persists, feeds birds in winter
Fleshy Hawthorn Crataegus succulenta F-P A-W 13-26 ft Most wide-ranging US hawthorn; thorny thicket shrub, red fleshy fruit
Green hawthorn Crataegus viridis F-P A-W 20-35 ft Small tree, white spring flowers, red fruit holds into winter
Persimmon Diospyros virginiana F-S D-A 30–50 ft Yellow, orange to mauve fall color; butterfly larval plant
White Ash Fraxinus americana F-P A 60–80 ft Yellow, maroon to purple fall color; butterfly larval plant
Black Ash Fraxinus nigra F-P W 40-60 ft Swamp tree; Critically Endangered due to emerald ash borer
Green Ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica F-P A 50–60 ft Grows fast; yellow fall color
Kentucky Coffee Tree Gymnocladus dioica F A 60–75 ft Doubly-compound leaves; pods on female trees messy
Butternut Juglans cinerea F A 40-60 ft Edible nuts; declining from butternut canker disease
Ashe Juniper Juniperus ashei F-P D 15-30 ft Rocky limestone soils; key warbler habitat; causes cedar fever
Sweet Crabapple Malus coronaria F-P A 15-30 ft Fragrant pink spring blooms; sour fruit feeds birds; forms thickets
Water Tupelo Nyssa aquatica F-P W 80–100 ft Swamp tree with buttressed base; source of tupelo honey
Black Gum Nyssa sylvatica F A-D 30–60 ft Scarlet red autumn color
Short-leaf Pine Pinus echinata F-P D 80–90 ft Dark blue-green needles; seed eaten by birds
American Sycamore Plantus occidentalis F-P A-W 70–90 ft Leaves drop all summer; white mottled bark
Native Cottonwood Populus deltoides F A 70–90 ft Modest fall color; can be messy
Chickasaw Plum Prunus angustifolia F-P A-D 6–25 ft Thorny thicket-forming plum; early white bloom, red-orange fruit
Mexican Plum Prunus mexicana F-P A-D 15-25 ft Fragrant early white bloom; exfoliating bark; plums feed wildlife
Black Cherry Prunus serotina F-P D 50–80 ft Messy tree; small edible berries in summer attract birds
White Oak Quercus alba F-P D 60–90 ft Brown, red, wine fall color; acorns attract birds/squirrels
Northern Pin Oak Quercus ellipsoidalis F D 50-70 ft Red fall color; dry sandy soil; avoid pruning in summer (oak wilt)
Shingle Oak Quercus imbricaria F A-W 50-65 ft Willow-like unlobed leaves; tolerates clay/wet soil; avoid spring cuts
Overcup Oak Quercus lyrata F A-W 40-60 ft Bottomland tree; flood-tolerant; acorn cup encloses most of nut
Bur Oak Quercus macrocarpa F W-D 60–75 ft Mild yellow-brown fall color; most widespread oak
Blackjack Oak Quercus marilandica F A-D 20–50 ft Tolerates poor, dry, rocky soil; very slow-growing
Chinkapin Oak Quercus muehlenbergii F-P A-D 40-60 ft Limestone-loving shade tree; sweet low-tannin acorns feed wildlife
Water Oak Quercus nigra F-P A-W 50–80 ft Fast-growing oak; weak wood, short-lived; heavy acorn producer
Shumard Oak Quercus shumardii F-P A 60-100 ft Fast-growing large shade tree, tolerant of alkaline soil
Swamp Post Oak Quercus similis F W-A 50-80 ft Bottomland oak for wet, calcareous soils; slow-growing, long-lived
Black Locust Robinia pseudoacacia F-P A-D 30–50 ft Fast nitrogen-fixer; suckers freely; toxic parts; Appalachian/Ozark
Bald Cypress Taxodium distichum F A-W 50–75 ft Deciduous needles change to russett in fall then fall off
American Basswood Tilia americana P-S A-W 60–80 ft Wood used for carving; nector makes honey; seeds
Slippery Elm Ulmus rubra F-P A 40-60 ft Fast shade tree; mucilaginous inner bark; some Dutch elm disease risk

Illinois, Iowa & Missouri Shrubs

Common Name Scientific Name Sun Moisture Height Comments
Red Buckeye Aesculus pavia P-F A 10–20 ft Erect clusters of red flowers; poisonous nuts are messy
Smooth Alder Alnus serrulata F-S W 15–20 ft Yellow & orange fall color; fruit eaten by birds
Roundleaf Serviceberry Amelanchier sanguinea F-P A-D 4-10 ft Thicket-forming shrub for dry, sandy or rocky soil; sweet edible fruit
Lead Plant Amorpha canescens F A-D 24–36 in Iridescent purple flowers, silvery foliage; fixes nitrogen
Indigo Bush Amorpha fruticosa P A-W 6–20 ft Butterflies are attracted to flower spikes; prune early
Bog Birch Betula pumila F-P W 2-10 ft Wetland obligate shrub; calcareous fens & bogs; not for dry sites
American Beauty Berry Callicarpa americana F-P D-A 4–6 ft Clusters of pink-purple berries attract birds
Shellbark Hickory Carya laciniosa F A-W 70–90 ft Yellow to golden-bronze fall color. nuts can be messy
New Jersey Tea Ceanothus americanus F-P D 36 in Short spikes of tiny white flowers in June
Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis F-P W 6–12 ft Goldball-like fragrant flowers attract hummingbirds
Leatherleaf Chamaedaphne calyculata F-P W 1-3 ft Evergreen bog shrub; acidic, saturated soil; early white flowers
Silky Dogwood Cornus amomum P-S A-W 6–15 ft Flat white flower head mid spring, not fragrant
Flowering Dogwood Cornus florida F-S D-A 25–30 ft White flowers in spring; berries attract birds
Hazelnut Corylus americana F-S A 12–15 ft Edible nuts; suckering
Swamp Loosestrife Decodon verticillatus F-P W 3-8 ft Wetland shrub for pond margins; tolerates standing water
Northern Bush Honeysuckle Diervilla lonicera F-P A-D 2-4 ft Suckering shrub for dry rocky sites; yellow flowers age red
Trailing Arbutus Epigaea repens P-S A 4-6 in Fragrant evergreen groundcover; acidic soil; never dig from wild
Strawberry Bush Euonymus americanus P-S A 4–6 ft In Sept bumpy scarlet fruit capsules open to red seeds
Wahoo Euonymus atropurpureus F-S A 20 ft Red fruit enjoyed by birds; bright red fall foliage
Swamp Privet Forestiera acuminata F-P W-A 10-20 ft Wetland shrub; tolerates standing water; blooms before leaves
Ozark Hamamelis vernalis F-P A-D 6–10 ft Yellow, orange, red fragrant flowers in winter to spring
Wild Hydrangea Hydrangea arborescens P-S A 3–6 ft Clusters of Greenish-white flowers Jun-Jul
Shrubby St. Johns Wort Hypericum prolificum F A-D 1–4 ft Bright yellow flowers
Deciduous Holly Ilex decidua F-P A 12 ft Drops it's leaves to reveal showy red berries on females
Spice Bush Lindera benzoin P-S A 6–12 ft Tiny fragrant yellow flowers; berries for birds
Staggerbush Lyonia mariana F-P A-D 2-6 ft Needs dry, sandy, acidic soil; avoid clay and lime
Ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius F-P A-D 5–10 ft Wild plants have green leaves; purple forms are cultivars. Dry seed follicles, not berries.
Wild Plum Prunus spp. F-P A-D 25 ft Edible fruit attracts wildlife
Hop Tree Ptelea trifoliata F-S A 15–20 ft Small greenish-white fragrant flowers; yellow fall color
Indian Cherry Rhamnus caroliniana P-S A-D 15–25 ft Beautiful sweet fruit turns red to black; orange fall color
Fragrant Sumac Rhus aromatica F-P D 2–6 ft Showy orange to reddish-purple fall color
Smooth Sumac Rhus glabra F D-A 9–15 ft Velvety red fruit on female plants persists into winter
Golden Currant Ribes odoratum F-P A 6–12 ft Many yellow flowers in spring, strong clove scent, berrie
Prairie Wild Rose Rosa arkansana F-P A-D 12–36 in Prickly-stemmed beautiful pink flowers w/yellow centers
Pasture Rose Rosa carolina F-P D-A 12–36 in 1" pink flowers in July
White Prairie Rose Rosa foliolosa F-P A-D 1-3 ft Low, nearly thornless suckering rose; dry prairies/limestone hills
Northern Dewberry Rubus flagellaris F-P D-A 6-12 in (trails 3-8 ft) Trailing bramble, roots at tips; prickly stems; spreads readily
Black Raspberry Rubus occidentalis F-P A 3-6 ft Fast-spreading edge bramble; cut spent canes after fruiting
Elderberry Sambucus canadensis F-S A-W 5–12 ft Showy white flowers in July; edible fruit in Sept
Three-Toothed Cinquefoil Sibbaldiopsis tridentata F-P A-D 2-6 in Evergreen mat for rocky, lean soil; rare/high-elev only south of VA
Meadow-sweet Spirea alba F A 6 ft Attracts butterflies; white blooms Jul-Aug
Poison Sumac Toxicodendron vernix F-P W 6-30 ft Severely allergenic wetland shrub; identification only, do not plant

Illinois, Iowa & Missouri Flowering Perennials

Common Name Scientific Name Sun Moisture Height Comments
Lavender Hyssop / Anise Hyssop Agastache foeniculum F-P D-A 2-4 ft Fragrant, long-blooming prairie native; superb bee and butterfly plant
White Snakeroot Ageratina altissima P-S A-W 1-4 ft Toxic woodland perennial; part shade, moist soil; spreads by rhizome
Nodding Wild Onion Allium cernuum F-P A-D 8–20 in Dry soil; nodding white-pink summer flowers; deer resistant
Narrowleaf Bluestar Amsonia ciliata F-P D-A 1.5-2 ft Thread-like foliage; blue flowers; gold fall color; deer-proof
Wood Anemone Anemone quinquefolia P-S A 4–8 in Spring-ephemeral groundcover; toxic sap, disappears by early summer
Field Pussytoes Antennaria neglecta F-P D-A 2–12 in Drought-tolerant mat-forming groundcover; host plant for American lady
Mountain Death Camas Anticlea elegans F-P A-D 1-2.5 ft HIGHLY TOXIC bulb/foliage; do not confuse with edible Camassia
Columbine Aquilegia canadensis S-F A-D 24–36 in Interesting red & yellow flowers attract hummingbirds
Wild Sarsaparilla Aralia nudicaulis P-S A 1-2 ft Rhizomatous woodland ground cover; white umbels, dark berries
Wild Ginger Asarum canadense S A 4–6 in Deciduous groundcover; soft, hairy heart-shaped leaves
Showy Milkweed Asclepias speciosa F-P A-D 2-4 ft Monarch host plant; toxic sap; spreads by rhizome
Butterfly Weed Asclepias tuberosa F-P A 24–36 in Clusters of brilliant orange flowers attract butterflies
New England Aster Aster novae-angliae F-P A 3⅓–5 ft Bright lavender flowers with yellow centers late summer
Blue Wild Indigo Baptisia australis F A-D 2½–5 ft Blue spikes of pea-shaped flowers; compound foliage
Yellow Wild Indigo Baptisia sphaerocarpa F A-D 2–3 ft Deep-rooted prairie legume; do not transplant once established
American Sea Rocket Cakile edentula F D 6-18 in Annual beach dune pioneer; salt-tolerant; not native on Pacific coast
Wild Calla Calla palustris P-S W 6-12 in Bog/pond-margin arum; needs saturated soil or shallow water
Bush's Poppy Mallow Callirhoe bushii F-P D 1-2 ft Rare Ozark wildflower; sprawling, magenta blooms, needs rocky drainage
Creeping Sedge Carex laxiculmis P-S A-D 0.3–1.5 ft Evergreen dry-shade sedge; slow clumping groundcover, deer resistant
Seersucker Sedge Carex plantaginea P-S A 8–12 in Puckered-leaf shade sedge; rich moist soil, slow clump, deer resistant
Indian Paintbrush Castilleja coccinea F D-A 10–20 in Upper leaves are deeply cleft, red-orange-pink in color
Rose Turtlehead Chelone obliqua F-P A-W 2-3 ft Late-summer hooded pink flowers; bumblebee favorite for moist soil
Water Hemlock Cicuta maculata F-P W 3-6 ft Extremely toxic; wetlands/ditches only, not for gardens
Atlantic Pigeonwings Clitoria mariana F-P D 1–2 ft Twining vine; dry sandy/rocky soil; showy upright lavender flowers
Large-flowered Coreopsis Coreopsis grandiflora F-P A-D 1-2 ft Short-lived perennial, self-seeds readily; lean sandy soil
Plains Coreopsis Coreopsis tinctoria F D-A 2–4 ft Reseeding annual, not a persistent perennial; yellow-maroon flowers; prefers adequate moisture with drainage
American Dittany Cunila origanoides F-P A-D 8-18 in Fragrant, late-blooming; needs lean rocky soil, not rich beds
Carolina Larkspur Delphinium carolinianum F-P A-D 1-3 ft Toxic to livestock & pets; blue flowers; dry, sharp drainage
Tall Larkspur Delphinium exaltatum F-P A 4–6 ft Spikes of bright blue flowers attract hummingbirds
Squirrel Corn Dicentra canadensis P-S A 6–10 in Spring ephemeral woodland wildflower; toxic, deer resistant
Shooting Star Dodecatheon meadia F-P D-A 10–16 in Delicate white to pink petals; red & yellow centers
Purple Coneflower Echinacea purpurea F-P A 30–40 in Daisy-like flower with rose-purple rays; lengthy bloom
Glade Coneflower Echinacea simulata F D-A 2–4 ft Glade specialist; full sun, rocky soil; never collect wild.
White Trout Lily Erythronium albidum P-S A 4–10 in Spring ephemeral; slow to establish, never dig from the wild
Sweet Joe-Pye Weed Eutrochium purpureum (syn. Eupatorium purpureum) F-P A 5–7 ft Large pink flowers attract butterflies in droves Aug-Sept
Queen of the Prairie Filipendula rubra F-P A 4–5 ft Showy large pink plumes Jun-Jul
Sweet-scented Bedstraw Galium triflorum P-S A 6-24 in trailing groundcover Fragrant shade groundcover for rich, consistently moist soil
Wild Geranium Geranium maculatum F-S A 16–22 in 1" lavender purple slowers in the spring
Prairie Smoke Geum triflorum F A-D 6–16 in Feathery pink seedheads are beautiful in spring
Indian Physic Gillenia stipulata P-S D-A 2-3 ft Airy white flowers; dry shade perennial; root historically emetic
Dakota Mock Vervain Glandularia bipinnatifida F-P D-A 6–12 in Great Plains native; long-blooming; pink-purple mat
Woodland Sunflower Helianthus divaricatus F-P A-D 2½–6 ft Rhizomatous colonizer for dry shade; yellow blooms July–Sept
Western Sunflower Helianthus occidentalis F-P A-D 2–4 ft Naked flower stalk above basal rosette; dry sun, not aggressive
Cow parsnip Heracleum maximum F-P A-W 4-8 ft Striking wildflower; sap is phototoxic, causes skin burns in sun
Hairy Alumroot Heuchera villosa P-S A-D 8-12 in (to 3 ft bloom) Rock-dwelling native parent of 'Bronze Wave' & other cultivars
Zigzag Iris Iris brevicaulis F-P A-W 8-20 in Shade-tolerant wild iris; violet-blue blooms; rhizomes toxic
Crested Iris Iris cristata F-P D-A 5–10 in Pale lavender-blue crested flowers Apr-May
Copper Iris Iris fulva F-P A 18–24 in Beardless, crestless flowers attract hummingbirds
Dwarf Violet Iris Iris verna P D-A 4-6 in Tiny fragrant woodland iris; needs sandy, dry, well-drained soil
Tall Blue Lettuce Lactuca biennis F-P A-W 3–8 ft Biennial; milky sap can irritate skin
Wood Nettle Laportea canadensis P-S A-W 1-5 ft Stinging hairs; moist shade; red admiral butterfly host
Cusp Blazing Star Liatris mucronata F A-D 1–3 ft Rocky-soil fall bloomer on a deep corm; key late nectar for monarchs
Eastern Blazing Star Liatris scariosa F-P D-A 2–5 ft Broad L. scariosa incl. var. nieuwlandii; native IL/MO; verify Iowa locally.
Twinflower Linnaea borealis P-S A-W 2-4 in Evergreen groundcover for cool, acidic, shaded sites; slow to spread
Cardinal Flower Lobelia cardinalis F-P A 2–4½ ft Terminal clusters of bright red 1.5" flowers in fall
Blue Lobelia Lobelia siphilitica F-P A 12–24 in Elongated clusters of pale to dark blue flowers sum-fall
Lanceleaf Loosestrife Lysimachia lanceolata P-F A-W 1-2 ft Nodding yellow blooms on prairie perennial; needs consistent moisture
Starry False Lily Maianthemum stellatum P-S A-D 8-18 in Rhizomatous woodland groundcover; starry flowers; berries inedible
American Wild Mint Mentha arvensis F-P W-A 6in-2ft Native wetland mint; spreads by rhizome; flowers at leaf joints
Bluebells Mertensia virginica F-S A 12–24 in Pink flowers buds open to sky blue flowers Mar-Apr
Sensitive Briar Mimosa quadrivalvis F-P D-A 3–4 ft Leaflets fold when touched; ball-shaped flower heads
Winged Monkeyflower Mimulus alatus P-S W-A 1-3 ft Wet-soil wildflower; violet blooms July-Sept; shade to part shade
White Four O'Clock Mirabilis albida F-P D 1-2.5 ft Prairie taproot perennial, evening pink blooms; very drought tolerant
Lemon Beebalm Monarda citriodora F-P A-D 1-2.5 ft Aromatic annual wildflower; reseeds freely; magnet for native bees
Wild Bergamot Monarda fistulosa F-P A 3–4 ft Intricate lavender flowers attract butterflies Jul-Sep
Spotted Beebalm Monarda punctata F D 1-3 ft Thyme-scented; purple-spotted flowers draw wasps and bees
Indian Pipe Monotropa uniflora S A-W 3-10 in Non-photosynthetic; parasitizes fungi; never dig or transplant
Missouri Primrose Oenothera macrocarpa F D-A 6–12 in 3-4" lemon-yellow flowers
Pink Primrose Oenothera speciosa F D-A 12–20 in Spreads vigorously; native IA/MO, introduced IL (Kew).
Scarlet Beeblossom Oenothera suffrutescens F D 1–3 ft Full sun, dry soil; moths pollinate; spreads by rhizomes
Eastern Prickly-pear Opuntia humifusa F D 4–12 in (spreads 2–6 ft) Native cactus, yellow flowers, sharp glochids, sandy/rocky soil
Yellow wood sorrel Oxalis stricta F-S W-A 4-12 in Weedy native groundcover; oxalate leaves, not for eating
Small Palafox Palafoxia callosa F A-D 1-2 ft Annual wildflower; pink fading white blooms Aug-Oct; rocky soil
American Ginseng Panax quinquefolius P-S A 8-24 in Shade woodland herb; wild roots scarce/protected, buy nursery stock
Wild Quinine Parthenium integrifolium F-P A-D 2-4 ft Long-blooming white prairie forb; handle foliage with gloves
Foxglove Beardtongue Penstemon digitalis F-P A 2½–4⅙ ft Long-blooming pure white flowers Jun-Jul
Fameflower Phemeranthus calycinus F D 4-10 in Rock-garden succulent; afternoon magenta blooms; needs sharp drainage
Sand Phlox Phlox bifida F-P A-D 4–12 in Mat-forming; deeply notched lavender flowers; needs sharp drainage
Wild Sweet William Phlox divaricata F-S A 12–16 in Covered with 1.5" lavender to pink flowers in spring
Spotted Phlox Phlox maculata F-P A-W 2-3 ft Fragrant pink wet-meadow perennial; blooms June-Aug
Texas Frogfruit Phyla nodiflora F-P W-D 2-6 in, spreading 3+ ft Mat-forming lawn alternative; butterfly host; tolerates mowing
Pokeweed Phytolacca americana F-P A 4-10 ft Poisonous perennial; exceptional fall bird food; self-sows
Jacob's Ladder Polemonium reptans S A 12–18 in Terminal clusters of light blue bell-shaped flowers Apr
Common Cinquefoil Potentilla simplex F-P A-D 4-10 in Mat-forming groundcover; tolerates mowing, poor soil; deer resistant
Rabbit Tobacco Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium F-P A-D 1-3 ft Annual/biennial; dry poor soils; cream everlasting flowers fall
Gray-headed Coneflower Ratibida pinnata F-P A-D 3-5 ft Long-blooming prairie perennial with drooping yellow rays, anise scent
Orange Coneflower Rudbeckia fulgida F-P A-W 18-36 in Long-blooming rhizomatous native; good pollinator & finch food plant
Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta F-P A 24–36 in 2-4" flower heads with 10-20 bright yellow petals
Sweet Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia subtomentosa F-P A-W 3-6 ft Fragrant foliage, long bloom; prefers consistently moist soil
Wild Petunia Ruellia humilis F-P D-A 6-18 in Low bushy prairie/glade native; drought-tolerant, butterfly host plant
Lyreleaf Sage Salvia lyrata F-P A-D 0.5-2 ft Flat lobed rosette; lavender spikes; tolerates mowing, self-seeds
Royal Catchfly Silene regia F A 2-5 ft Scarlet prairie flower; hummingbird magnet; rare, use nursery stock
Fire Pink Silene virginica F-P D-A 10–16 in Deep red star-like flowers draw hummingbirds Apr-May
Prairie Dock Silphium terebinthinaceum F A 4-10 ft Giant basal leaves; bare flower stalk; deep taproot, drought-tough
Tall Goldenrod Solidago altissima F-P A-D 3–7 ft Spreads by rhizome; vital late-season pollinator nectar source
Canada Goldenrod Solidago canadensis F-P A 2-5 ft Fast-spreading fall bloomer, superb for pollinators; needs room
Zigzag Goldenrod Solidago flexicaulis P-S A 1–3 ft Shade-loving goldenrod with zigzag stem; blooms late summer-fall
Showy Goldenrod Solidago speciosa F-P D-A 2–4 ft Foot long spikes of blazing yellow flowers in early fall
Celadine Poppy Stylophorum diphyllum S A 16–24 in 2" wide lemon-yellow flowers
Aromatic Aster Symphyotrichum oblongifolium F D-A 1-2.5 ft Dry/rocky sites; cultivar 'October Skies' widely sold
Skunk Cabbage Symplocarpus foetidus P-S W-A 1–2 ft Deep-shade wetland forb; thermogenic spring bloom; toxic raw
Tall Meadow-rue Thalictrum pubescens F-S A-W 3-6 ft Airy white summer bloom; moist to wet soil; sun to shade
Bracted Spiderwort Tradescantia bracteata F-P A-D 10–18 in Blue 3-petal flowers close by midday; blooms June-July
Ohio Spiderwort Tradescantia ohiensis F-P A 3–4 ft Deep blue flowers bloom late spring & early summer
Virginia Spiderwort Tradescantia virginiana F-P A-W 1-2 ft Grass-like clumps; purple flowers close by afternoon
Prairie Trillium Trillium recurvatum P-S A 12 in Beautiful foliage & deep red flowers with 3 petals
American Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica ssp. gracilis P-S A-W 3–7 ft Stings on contact, wear gloves; native butterfly host plant
Wingstem Verbesina alternifolia F-P A-W 3-8 ft Spreads by rhizome in moist soil; late-summer yellow blooms
Western Ironweed Vernonia baldwinii F-P A-D 2–5 ft Magenta prairie bloomer, avoided by livestock; great for monarchs
Common Blue Violet Viola sororia F-S A-W 3-8 in Spreads by rhizome; fritillary butterfly host
Barren Strawberry Waldsteinia fragarioides P-S A 3-6 in Evergreen woodland groundcover; yellow flowers; fruit not edible

Illinois, Iowa & Missouri Perennial Ferns

Common Name Scientific Name Sun Moisture Height Comments
Maindenhair Fern Adiantum pedatum P-S A 18–36 in Airy fan-shaped deep green frond, delicate black stems
Dragon's Tail Fern Asplenium ebenoides P-S A 6–8 in Forms low evergreen moung of trangular fronds
Lady Fern Athyrium felix-femina S A-W 18–24 in Delicate arching fronds, dark red stems when mature
Woolly Lip Fern Cheilanthes tomentosa F-P D 6-15 in Rock-crevice fern; curls in drought, regreens with rain; no rich soil
Leatherwood Fern Dryopteris marginalis S A 24–36 in Dark green leathery-looking evergreen fern
Scouring Rush Equisetum hyemale F-P W-A 2-5 ft Evergreen, jointed stems; spreads by rhizome; toxic to livestock
Oak Fern Gymnocarpium dryopteris P-S W-A 6-14 in Spreading colony fern for cool, moist deep shade
Sensitive Fern Onoclea sensibilis F-P W 12–24 in Deeply pinnate leaves; poisonous to livestock
Cinnamon Fern Osmunda cinnamomea P-S A-W 2–4 ft iClusters of arching fronds, fertile fronds are brown
Purple Cliffbrake Pellaea atropurpurea F-P D 4-12 in Evergreen rock fern; needs limestone crevices, not garden soil
Broad Beech Fern Phegopteris hexagonoptera P-S A-W 8-20 in Deciduous colonial fern, winged rachis; spreads by rhizome in shade
Resurrection Fern Pleopeltis michauxiana P-S D 2-10 in fronds Epiphytic fern on bark; shrivels when dry, greens up after rain
Christmas Fern Polystichum acrostichoides P-S A 12–36 in Stiff deep green fronds are once-pinnate
Marsh Fern Thelypteris palustris F-P W 1-2.5 ft Spreads by rhizome; wetland fern, tolerates more sun than most ferns
Sun Exposure Soil Moisture Drought Tolerance
F = Full Sun W = Wet E = Excellent
P = Part Sun A = Average G = Good
S = Shade D = Dry M = Moderate
P = Poor

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