Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Monday - April 21, 2008
From: Cary, IL
Region: Midwest
Topic: Trees
Title: Water-loving evergreen for Chicago
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Is there a water loving evergreen that will do well in the Chicago weather?ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants isn't sure whether you are looking exclusively for evergreen trees, or just any evergreen plant. Also, we're a uncertain as to how wet "wet" is. So, here are a few native evergreen trees that are found in Illinois or neighboring states (Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin) that will grow in wet or moist soil.TREES
The one that tolerates the wettest soil is Picea mariana (black spruce). Check here for a photo and more information.
Pinus strobus (eastern white pine), is native to Illinois will grow in poorly drained soils. Click here for another photo and more information.
Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock). Click here for a photo and more information.
Picea glauca (white spruce). Click here for a photo and more information.
Thuja occidentalis (arborvitae). Clich here for a photo and further information.
SHRUBS
There are several shrubs and sub-shrubs that are evergreen, native to Illinois or adjacent states and grow in moist soils:
Andromeda polifolia (bog rosemary)
Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf)
Epigaea repens (trailing arbutus)
Gaultheria procumbens (eastern teaberry)
Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry)
Ledum groenlandicum (bog Labrador tea)
More Trees Questions
Native replacement for bamboo from Houston
May 21, 2013 - I've read one reply where you do not advise using Bamboo as a privacy fence plant. What do you suggest in its place? The suggestions on the one I read will not work for me. Your suggestions were My...
view the full question and answer
What are the differences between Arbutus xalapensis, A. unedo and A. marina
August 29, 2013 - One nursery lists madrone trees as arbutus uneda compacta and arbutus marina. The other lists it as arbutus xalapensis, which is the only name I can find in the data base. There is a very large pric...
view the full question and answer
Pacific dogwood not fruiting
September 30, 2009 - We have a beautiful Pacific Dogwood in front of our balcony. In some years it has fruit (berries) but has not for the past two years. When it does, it becomes a magnet for Northern Flickers. Is the pr...
view the full question and answer
Where to plant the Texas Olive tree?
November 11, 2009 - I need to know where to plant the Texas Olive Tree, and what kind of care is required, such as watering, pruning, fertilization.
view the full question and answer
Small to medium specimen native tree for Texas Hill Country
August 20, 2004 - Can you recommend a small to med. 'specimen' tree to plant near our patio? Full sun, drought tolerant, interesting during different seasons. Thought about Blanco Crabapple, Rusty Blackhaw, Smoke Tr...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |