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Carya laciniosa (Shellbark hickory)

Also known as:

shellbark hickory, big shellbark hickory, kingnut hickory, big-leaved shagbark hickory

Shellbark hickory is a large tree with shaggy bark and good yellow fall color. It has a deep taproot, so it is difficult to transplant. The nuts produced are edible.
Size Range:
- Large tree (more than 40 feet)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Native Locale:
- Chicago area,
- Illinois,
- North America
Carya ovalis (Red hickory)

Also known as:

red hickory, pignut hickory, false shagbark, small pignut

Red hickory is sometimes referred to as pignut hickory or false shagbark hickory. It has a slightly shaggy bark and good golden-yellow fall color. The nuts are edible and are attractive to wildlife.
Size Range:
- Large tree (more than 40 feet)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
Native Locale:
- Chicago area,
- Illinois,
- North America
Carya ovata (Shagbark hickory)

Also known as:

shagbark hickory

Plant a shagbark hickory in a large landscape for excellent shade. This Midwest native is named for its bark, which peels away in large, flat, curving plates, giving the tree a shaggy appearance. As a member of the walnut family, the hickory produces edible nuts.
Size Range:
- Large tree (more than 40 feet)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Native Locale:
- Chicago area,
- Illinois,
- North America
Carya tomentosa (Mockernut hickory)

Also known as:

mockernut hickory, white hickory

Mockernut hickory, like all hickories, is tap-rooted and thus difficult to transplant. This Illinois native tolerates dry sites fairly well and produces good golden-yellow fall color. It may be difficult to find in nurseries.
Size Range:
- Large tree (more than 40 feet)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Native Locale:
- Chicago area,
- Illinois,
- North America
Caryopteris incana (Hoary bluebeard)

Also known as:

Hoary bluebeard

An open, loose, woody shrub reaching 2 to 3 feet tall with violet-blue flowers in late summer and fragrant, silvery-green foliage. Though hoary bluebeard is technically a shrub, it should be treated as a perennial in the Midwest because it tends to die back in harsh winters.
Size Range:
- Small shrub (3-5 feet),
- Low-growing shrub (under 3 feet)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Native Locale:
- Non-native
Caryopteris x clandonensis (Bluebeard)

Also known as:

Bluebeard

A mounded woody plant with cornflower-blue flowers in late summer and fragrant, silvery-green foliage. Though bluebeard is technically a shrub, it should be treated as a perennial in the Midwest because it tends to die back in harsh winters.
Size Range:
- Small shrub (3-5 feet),
- Low-growing shrub (under 3 feet)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Native Locale:
- Non-native
Castanea dentata (American chestnut)

Also known as:

American chestnut

The American chestnut was once the king of the forest. It was a magnificent tree used for lumber and for food. Then the chestnut blight came in and began to decimate this species in the early 1900s. The American chestnut is not extinct. It survives in the wild in the form of root systems and stump sprouts. There are also ongoing efforts to develop trees that are resistant to the disease.
Size Range:
- Large tree (more than 40 feet)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Native Locale:
- Illinois,
- North America
Castanea mollissima (Chinese chestnut)

Also known as:

Chinese chestnut

Chinese chestnut is resistant to chestnut blight which has almost wiped out the American chestnut. This non-native species produces spikes of creamy white flowers in summer. The edible nuts develop in sharp, spiny husks.
Size Range:
- Large tree (more than 40 feet)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
Native Locale:
- Non-native
Catalpa bignonioides (Southern catalpa)

Also known as:

Southern Catalpa, Common Catalpa, Eastern Catalpa, Cigar Tree

Southern catalpa is a short-trunked tree with a rounded to irregular form that can reach 30 to 40 feet in height. Attractive, large panicles of white bell-shaped flowers with yellow and purple spots bloom in early summer and are long-lasting.
Size Range:
- Large tree (more than 40 feet),
- Medium tree (25-40 feet)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Native Locale:
- North America
Catalpa erubescens (Hybrid catalpa)

Also known as:

hybrid catalpa

Hybrid catalpa is the result of a cross between the Chinese catalpa and the native southern catalpa. Like other catalpas, this tree has showy white flowers in spring, followed by bean-like seed pods.
Size Range:
- Large tree (more than 40 feet)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Native Locale:
- Non-native
Catalpa ovata (Chinese catalpa)

Also known as:

Chinese catalpa, yellow catalpa

The Chinese catalpa thrives in Midwestern urban environments. It has showy blossoms that appear in the spring, followed by bean-like seed pods. This tree can withstand a range of soil types, including wet and dry conditions, which makes it useful in difficult sites such as moist low spots and dry sites with poor soils.
Size Range:
- Medium tree (25-40 feet),
- Small tree (15-25 feet)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Native Locale:
- Non-native
Catalpa speciosa (Northern catalpa)

Also known as:

Northern catalpa, Catalpa, Cigar-tree, Hardy catalpa, Western catalpa

Catalpa is a Midwest native tree grows 40 to 60 feet tall, with a narrow, open, irregularly rounded crown and spreading branches. It has large, heart-shaped leaves and large clusters of fragrant, white flowers. The long, interesting seed pods persist through the winter. Northern catalpa is very adaptable to adverse conditions, but has weak wood and branch structure.
Size Range:
- Large tree (more than 40 feet)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
Native Locale:
- Illinois,
- North America
Ceanothus americanus (New Jersey tea)

Also known as:

New Jersey tea, wild snowbell, redroot

During June and July this low-growing, rounded shrub is a cloud of white flowers; use it in masses for best affect, as a tall ground cover, or on steep slopes. Despite its name, New Jersey tea is a Chicago-area native.
Size Range:
- Small shrub (3-5 feet)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Native Locale:
- Chicago area,
- Illinois,
- North America
Celastrus orbiculatus (Oriental bittersweet (Illegal to sell in Illinois))

Also known as:

Oriental bittersweet, Chinese bittersweet

Oriental bittersweet has been a popular plant for many years. Unfortunately it has become invasive in many areas of the Eastern United States and is no longer recommended. In Illinois, it is classified as a exotic weed and is illegal to sell.
Size Range:
- Large plant (more than 24 inches)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Native Locale:
- Non-native
Celastrus scandens (American bittersweet)

Also known as:

American bittersweet, Climbing bittersweet

American bittersweet is a climbing vine that twines around its support. Its attractive feature is its autumn fruit, a yellow-orange three-lobed capsule with showy orange-red seeds. For fruit, American bittersweet needs both male and female vines and should be should be sited in full sun and pruned in early spring. Do not confuse this vine with Oriental bittersweet, Celastrus orbiculatus, an invasive plant. This species is native to the Chicago region according to Swink and Wilhelm's Plants of the Chicago Region, with updates made according to current research.
Size Range:
- Large plant (more than 24 inches)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Native Locale:
- Chicago area,
- Illinois,
- North America
Celtis laevigata (Sugarberry)

Also known as:

sugarberry, sugar hackberry, southern hackberry

Native to southern Illinois, sugarberry is closely related to a more northern species, common hackberry. Sugarberry has fewer problems with leaf galls and witches broom, which are seen regularly on common hackberry. The bark is also smoother and less warty than that of common hackberry.
Size Range:
- Large tree (more than 40 feet)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily),
- Full shade (4 hrs or less of light daily)
Native Locale:
- Illinois,
- North America
Celtis occidentalis (Hackberry)

Also known as:

Hackberry

Hackberry is a Chicago-area native and a sturdy, tolerant shade tree for streets and parkways, or parks and other large areas. Its fleshy, purple-brown berries ripen in late summer and persist through winter.
Size Range:
- Large tree (more than 40 feet)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Native Locale:
- Chicago area,
- Illinois,
- North America
Cephalanthus occidentalis (Buttonbush)

Also known as:

Buttonbush

Buttonbush is great shrub for naturalizing in wet areas. The glossy green leaves and fragrant, round flower clusters during mid-summer attract butterflies. Round, persistent fruits add to winter interest. Native to Chicago area and eastern U.S.
Size Range:
- Large shrub (more than 8 feet),
- Medium shrub (5-8 feet)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Native Locale:
- Chicago area,
- Illinois,
- North America
Cerastium tomentosum (Snow-in-summer)

Also known as:

Snow-in-summer

Snow-in-summer is a ground cover that provides both flowering and silvery foliage once the flowers have faded. It is a good ground cover for dry, sunny areas.
Size Range:
- Small plant (6-12 inches)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
Native Locale:
- Non-native
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides (Leadwort)

Also known as:

Leadwort, plumbago, dwarf plumbago, Chinese leadwort

Despite its somewhat understated common name, leadwort can add some zing to the garden, with truly blue flowers and a little red leaf color in autumn.
Size Range:
- Small plant (6-12 inches)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Native Locale:
- Non-native
Cercidiphyllum japonicum (Katsura tree)

Also known as:

katsura tree, katsuratree, katsura-tree, Japanese katsura

The katsura tree, native to Japan, makes an excellent specimen or shade tree in Midwestern landscapes. Its foliage offers an array of color throughout the year. In spring, heart-shaped leaves emerge reddish-purple, changing to blue-green as they mature. In autumn the color display changes again as leaves turn clear yellow or apricot color.
Size Range:
- Large tree (more than 40 feet)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Native Locale:
- Non-native
Cercis canadensis (Redbud)

Also known as:

Redbud, Eastern redbud, Red bud

In April and May, many neighborhoods are brightened by the purplish-pink flowers lining the dark branches of redbuds before their leaves open. This Chicago native plant, evolved in the understory and wood edges of forests. It works especially well among evergreens that contrast with its color and shelter it from intense sunlight.
Size Range:
- Medium tree (25-40 feet),
- Small tree (15-25 feet)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Native Locale:
- Chicago area,
- Illinois,
- North America
Chaenomeles japonica (Japanese flowering quince)

Also known as:

Japanese flowering quince, flowering quince

Japanese flowering quince is a low-growing, spring-flowering shrub with dark green shiny leaves. Growth habit changes with cultivars often reaching 3 to 4 feet high. Bright orange-scarlet flowers appear after the leaves emerge. Most stems have thorns, so avoid planting near sidewalk and heavy traffic areas.
Size Range:
- Small shrub (3-5 feet)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Native Locale:
- Non-native
Chaenomeles speciosa (Common flowering quince)

Also known as:

Common flowering quince, flowering quince

Common flowering quince is a tall, deciduous shrub reaching 6 to 10 feet high. Shiny, dark green leaves appear before the scarlet-red flowers emerge in spring. Dense tangles of stems have spiny thorns, best used as a hedge, back of the border or in mass. Edible fruit is used to make jam and jellies.
Size Range:
- Large shrub (more than 8 feet),
- Medium shrub (5-8 feet)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Native Locale:
- Non-native
Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (Alaska cedar)

Also known as:

Alaska cedar, Alaska-cedar, Yellow cypress, Nootka falsecypress

Alaska cedar in an interesting medium-sized evergreen tree with gray-green to blue-green foliage that droops from widely spaced branches. Native to moist bottomlands in the Pacific Northwest, it needs consistently moist soil. This plant is also known as false cypress.
Size Range:
- Large tree (more than 40 feet),
- Medium tree (25-40 feet)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
Native Locale:
- North America
Chamaecyparis obtusa (Hinoki-cypress)

Also known as:

Hinoki-cypress, Hinoki falsecypress, Japanese cypress

Hinoki-cypress is a graceful spreading with branches that droop at the tips. The small cones and attractive red peeling bark add winter interest. There are a number of dwarf and compact cultivars available and add nice accent in the garden.
Size Range:
- Medium tree (25-40 feet),
- Small tree (15-25 feet),
- Compact tree (10-15 feet),
- Large shrub (more than 8 feet),
- Medium shrub (5-8 feet),
- Small shrub (3-5 feet),
- Low-growing shrub (under 3 feet)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
Native Locale:
- Non-native
Chamaecyparis pisifera (Sawara-cypress)

Also known as:

Sawara-cypress, Sawara Falsecypress, Japanese Falsecypress, sawara cypress

Its pyramidal habit, loose open branching and scale-like, dark green foliage make the sawara-cypress a notable option for specimen plantings or in groups in a large landscape. Besides its remarkable foliage, this evergreen has handsome reddish-brown bark that peels off in strips and tiny, reddish-brown cones on short stalks.
Size Range:
- Large tree (more than 40 feet),
- Medium tree (25-40 feet),
- Small tree (15-25 feet),
- Compact tree (10-15 feet),
- Large shrub (more than 8 feet),
- Low-growing shrub (under 3 feet)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
Native Locale:
- Non-native
Chamaecyparis thyoides (Atlantic white-cedar)

Also known as:

Atlantic white-cedar, Swamp white-cedar, Southern white-cedar

Atlantic white-cedar is an attractive plant, but is not commonly found in landscapes. It may be difficult to find in nurseries as well. This tree requires moist to wet sites and is very intolerant of drought.
Size Range:
- Large tree (more than 40 feet)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
Native Locale:
- North America
Chasmanthium latifolium (Northern sea-oats)

Also known as:

Northern sea-oats, wild oats, wood oats, Indian wood-oats, spangle grass

Northern sea-oats is a grass native to the southern half of Illinois. This warm season, clumping grass has interesting oat-like seed heads that rustle easily in the wind, adding movement to the garden.
Size Range:
- Large plant (more than 24 inches)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Native Locale:
- Illinois,
- North America
Chelone glabra (White turtle-head)

Also known as:

White turtle-head

White turtle-head is an upright vase-shaped plant that carries white flowers tinged with pink over thick, dark green leaves. The hooded flowers bloom at the end of the stems in late summer to early fall. The plant likes consistent moisture and can tolerate wet soil, so it is useful near the edges of streams or ponds.

"This species is native to the Chicago Region according to Swink and Wilhelm's Plants of the Chicago Region, with updates made according to current research."
Size Range:
- Large plant (more than 24 inches)
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Native Locale:
- Chicago area