When planning your home gardens, we recommend using native plants whenever possible. Here we have gathered a list of native species that you might consider. This list is divided into four parts based on type and habitat, including: Prairie Plants; Wetland Plants; Woodland Plants; and Shrubs, Trees and Vines.
Prairie Plants
Shrubs, Trees and Vines
Wetland Plants
Woodland Plants
Many people ask "what does the District plant?" Our Plant Ecologists have worked hard to design custom seed mixes for different habitats and restoration projects.
Dry Prairie Mix
Fen Mix
Marsh Mix
Mesic Prairie Mix
Savanna Mix
Sedge Meadow Mix
Wet Prairie Mix
Woodland Mix
The following are nearby providers of native plants. This is not a comprehensive list, and some species may also be available at your local garden center. Some species, however, will be harder to find. Note that it is important when planting native plants to consider where the plant is coming from.
We recommend purchasing plants as locally as possible in order to find plants with a local genotype. Over time, plants of the same species but located in different areas will adapt and develop different genetic markers (genotypes). Ensuring you plant plants grown locally and possessing local genotypes will increase your chances of success.
NURSERIES
Missouri Wildflowers Nursery
9814 Pleasant Hill Rd.
Jefferson City, MO 65109
573-496-3492
Natives Haven
13809 Durkee Road, Harvard, IL 60033
815-344-6623
Natural Communities
812 North Washington Avenue
Batavia, IL 60510
331-248-1016
The Natural Gardens, Inc.
38W443 Highway 64
St. Charles, IL 60175
630-584-0595
Possibility Place Nursery
7548 W. Monee-Manhattan Road,
Monee, IL 60449
708-534-3988
Prairie Moon Nursery
Route 3 Box 163
Winona, MN 55987
507-452-1362
Prairie Nursery
P.O. Box 306
Westfield, WI 53964
1-800-296-2741
Red Buffalo Nursery
5515 HIll Road,
Richmond, IL 60071
815-648-4848
SEASONAL PLANT SALES
The Wildflower Preservation & Propagation Committee (WPPC) Plant Sale
Openlands Native Tree & Plant Sale
Friends of Volo Bog Plant Sale
Citizens for Conservation Plant Sale
Chicago Living Corridors Plant Sale List
Illinois Wildflowers
Prairie Moon Nursery's Cultural Guide
The Wildflower Preservation & Propagation Committee (WPPC)
Illinois Master Gardeners
Flora of the Chicago Region