Types of trees in Illinois are over 250 species, both native and introduced. Out of these, over 200 species grow in Chicago alone, providing the wildlife and bird species with a habitat.
The diversity of tree species in Illinois makes spring a particular time in this state. Here is a list of trees you can add to your landscape in Illinois to get that beautiful feeling in the spring.
A Detailed List of Types of Trees in Illinois
1. Oak Tree
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This is an excellent large tree to grow as it provides perfect shade. Over 50 oaks are grown worldwide, with some endangered and almost extinct. In addition to this, oak trees often support more shelter to animals than any other American tree; doing so, they provide habitat and food for birds, wildlife, and countless insects and spiders.
When you plant these trees, they will grow to their utmost potential in zones seven to 10, and as long as the soil is rich in humus, with well-draining properties, they will be prone to grow more than 60 feet high. Most often, you will see these trees located in a place where they will receive six to eight hours of daily sunlight, and this is how they will grow so well.
2. White Oak
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White oak is the state tree of Illinois and plays a significant role in the local ecosystems. It provides a home and food for many wildlife species and is an excellent addition to any landscape.
This tree thrives in partial shade and full sun, growing without much maintenance. It can tolerate frigid or high temperatures, making them best for the Illinois climate. They are not the type of trees that will go to a dormant state; on the contrary, they will resist the coldness and thrive again in spring.
3. Black Oak
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Black oak is a native Illinois tree that provides food for many wildlife animals, as you would see it growing in zones three to nine. Its acorns are highly sought after by rodents, deer, birds, and bears. Anywhere these trees grow in plenty, the deer population is relatively high since it is their shelter.
The outer bark is black, with the inner part being orange-yellow and a source of tannin and a yellow dye. Most of the time, it has been seen as a beneficial species to the Illinois ecosystem and should be conserved whenever possible, so that it wouldn’t get chopped.
4. Flowering Dogwood Trees
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This flowering tree is deciduous, identified by the white flower clusters, berries, and barks. There are several types of dogwood trees that Illinois hosts. These trees do not grow as tall, but they are common and grow fast.
These have smooth-edged leaves and curving veins, and in spring, you would see them thriving with their flowers blossoming up, with the help of bees, wasps, and even birds. Most people love having this tree in front of their house because it is known to add unique vibrancy.
5. Ash Trees
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These trees are tall flowering trees with beautiful simple leaves. These leaves grow opposite each other on their coils, with flowers growing in clusters. The most common varieties are green and white trees growing in Illinois because they are known to establish well in those growing regions.
Unfortunately, they are disappearing due to the destruction by the jewel beetle, because these pests are infesting them and harming them when they are not tackled. Early prevention of this pest will cause your plant to survive, which is a positive notion.
6. Sassafras Tree
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Sassafras is native to Illinois and grows commonly in the Chicago area. It is a deciduous tree that can reach up to 40 feet tall. It is famous for its distinct fragrance and different leaf patterns from one sassafras tree to another. Its flowers bloom in the summer with a bright yellow color.
The female sassafras trees also bear dark blue drupe berries, and that is how they get pollinated, through male and female trees. This tree has a brilliant autumn foliage display and an aromatic smell, and they would do so well if you have a garden and are in need of a beautiful deciduous tree.
7. Willow Tree
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The willow tree comes in many different varieties, each growing in its style, and it gives a unique touch to the area where it’s located. The most common willow tree grows to about 40 feet tall and has elongated leaves with feather veins, they do have different species too, such as the black willow, but only their foliage differs.
Its blooms give the plant its signature look as it causes the branches to sag; they would also produce little flowers in February if the area where it is placed in a warm one. On another note, these trees have a unique characteristic, which is having aggressively grown roots, that would have a strong grip, in order to absorb moisture and water from the soil.
8. Maple Trees
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Maple trees are recognizable trees in Illinois, because they are popular ones, which are also known for their different variety of the acre tree. They have about 200 species of trees and shrubs widely distributed in the northern temperate zone.
They come in a variety of sizes, forms, and foliage. Most of these trees display a striking autumn color, with some providing dense hardwood for furniture and other uses. As the seasons change, and the climate changes as well, the leaves would change their color, too from orange to even shades of purple, due to their chlorophyll type.
9. American Elm
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Ulmus Americana is a large deciduous tree that withstands harsh weather in the Midwest. These elm trees used to be more trendy, but their population decreased after the introduction of the Dutch elm trees. However, you can still find them growing in Illinois, and they are known for their large canopies.
Their leaves turn golden yellow in the fall (depending on the Elm tree type), making them so beautiful. Moreover, they are often found around streets, with their beautiful urn-shaped top, and as they grow to reach 60 to 80 feet tall when providing the right requirements.
10. Eastern Redbud
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Cercis Canadensis is a medium-sized deciduous tree grown for ornamental purposes. It has bright purplish-pink flowers that bloom on the dark branches in early spring. The leaves beautifully turn yellow in the autumn, giving such great vibes.
This tree is an excellent addition to the landscape, and the leaves are known to have medicinal properties such as helping with fever or even stomach upsets.
11. Red Mulberry
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Morus Rubra is a tall tree that reaches up to 70 feet tall the tree’s bark would grow broad as well and the branches spread almost 35 to 50 feet wide. This tree is known to last many years while producing red berries similar to blackberries; in parallel to this, these berries are edible, with most people using them to make jams.
When you have this tree growing, you must make sure that you would prune it well, and locate it in a spot where it receives full sun. As for the soil needs, the type should be one that drains well, and no moisture would be kept, because doing so, the roots will become weaker, and you will see that the leaves have changed their color and turned yellow. If it is not possible to revert this, then you should “kill” the Mulberry tree using this simple guide.
12. Eastern Red Cedar
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Juniperus Virginiana is a hardy coniferous tree that produces cones and berries. The male red cedar trees produce a small cone that makes pollen. On the other hand, the female produces blue-gray berry-like fruits.
You must remember that when you grow this tree, the berries should not be consumed because they have an intoxicating property. However, a positive side that they have is that these trees are known to release chemicals along with their fragrance, which would repel different pests.
13. Crabapple Trees
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Malus is a famous tree in the Midwest region, including Illinois, because of the zone that they would grow in. It is a small tree and a great addition to many landscapes, that will grow from 13 to 24 inches annually.
It has brilliant and colorful spring flowers in shades of pink, purple, and red, and these are known to add color and vibrancy to wherever they are planted. The fruits appear after the flowers in various colors: green, red, purple, orange, and yellow.
14. Mockernut Hickory
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The scientific name of these hickory trees are Carya Tomentosa, and they are tall deciduous trees growing up to 100 feet and would live for so many years. This tree is common in Illinois growing in abundance with a few dozen species, and they are known to be producing their little seeds.
It grows slowly, reaching a height of 80 feet maximum. The crown is dense and rounded and can take about 25 years to produce edible fruits, and they would thrive when the weather is 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
15. Eastern White Pine
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Pinus Strobus is a hardy tree that forms clusters of bluish-green needles, and it is famously known of how it grows quickly by at least two feet each year, reaching up to 80 feet throughout their lifespan. It is widely used as a Christmas tree because it grows fast and is easily transported.
This tree is also best for blocking the wind, housing, and feeding wildlife, they are also ones that add a cottage-like feature to your house. It creates pine cones after increasing for a long time, and they are known for their elongated shapes.
16. Shagbark Hickory
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Carya Ovata is a tree that features long, peeling strips of bark, and most commonly it is known as the shagbark hickory. The reason why it is unique is that most animals, like Indiana bats, make their homes in the spaces beneath the loose bark.
The branches and leaves are oval-shaped, and the tree is one that would grow from 60 to 80 feet tall. This deciduous tree has beautiful autumn leaves that turn yellowish brown.
Conclusion
Types of trees in Illinois are as many as this list and many more that we could not include here. Before you go, how about a few pointers to remind you of the essential facts?
- Carefully choose your planting area, as most trees require ample growing space.
- Go for trees that can fit in your landscape; there are both small and large trees, so you have many options.
- If you want a tree to provide excellent shade, go for oak, elm, and maple trees that are easy to maintain and offer you shade for many years.
This gives you the comfort of knowing you have a wide range to choose from when adding trees to your landscape. Have a fun-filled tree-planting session in your landscape, and don’t forget to share how it’s going with us.
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