Native Shrubs of the Midwest

Tagged as: native, shrubs, Midwest

A native plant is considered to be a species that existed in the Midwest prior to the arrival of European settlers, as opposed to a naturalized plant, which has been introduced into a new habitat by human influence. Native shrubs are part of the rich and complex relationships among plants, animals, insects, and microorganisms in natural ecosystems (woodlands, prairies, wetlands, etc.) of the Midwest. The diversity of native plants provides texture, color, shape, and interesting flowers and foliage. Planting native species is a way to re-establish natural diversity and restore our regional landscapes, and they help to sustain habitats for many of our native birds and insects.

Uses in the Landscape

Create privacy or a sense of enclosure
Define boundaries
Screen unwanted views
Provide seasonal interest with flowers, fruits, nuts, seedpods, fall color, color and texture on stem and bark, and form.
Provide food and shelter for wildlife
Promote biodiversity
Provide a focal point in the landscape
Create structure or "bones" in a mixed border
Provide a backdrop against which other plants can be highlighted

Advantages of Native Shrubs

When properly planted, native plants have the advantage of being adapted to Midwest growing conditions: they are vigorous and hardy, enabling them to survive cold winters and hot, dry summers
Once established, native shrubs are more adapted to resist the negative effects of native insect and disease problems
Using native shrubs in the landscape, or in combination with cultivated plants, enhances our natural surroundings

Factors to Consider

Ultimate size

A shrub is a woody plant that branches at its base and usually does not have a central leader. It is safe to say shrubs do not exceed 25 feet in height. If your site is limited by walkways, driveways, patios, and buildings, or by surrounding plantings, keep in mind the ultimate height and width of the plant you're selecting. A plant that outgrows its space will need to be severely pruned or removed, both of which can be difficult and expensive.

Maintenance

Native deciduous shrubs can offer seasonal interest with outstanding flowers, fruits, nuts, and seed pods. Choose wisely, however, because these attributes can also be messy, especially when planting near patios, walkways, entries, and driveways.

Most shrubs require only occasional pruning to keep them healthy and looking good. Pruning schedules are determined by whether the flower buds form on new wood (this year’s growth) or old wood (last year’s growth). A good annual maintenance schedule includes removing dead, damaged, or diseased wood. Occasional thinning of older canes promotes new vigorous wood and helps control the size of a plant. Always prune to enhance the natural shape of your shrub.

Availability

Native plants should not be removed from the wild but purchased from commercial nurseries. Collecting from the wild damages plant habitat and may deplete natural plant communities. Most retail nurseries and garden centers sell only plants that are familiar and popular, or ones that are easy to propagate in large quantities. Less familiar native plants are likely to be available only in smaller nurseries or those that specialize in native plants. If you have trouble locating a specific plant, contact The Morton Arboretum’s Plant Clinic or Sterling Morton Library for catalog information.

The chart provides information about the size and other important characteristics of native shrubs recommended by The Morton Arboretum for their suitability and desirability in the Midwest. All shrubs listed are native to Illinois.