List of Native Trees for Use Along Roadsides in Illinois.

Developed for the Corridors for Tomorrow Project"

Kenneth R. Robertson
Center for Biodiversity
Illinois Natural History Survey
607 East Peabody Drive
Champaign, IL 61820 USA

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EVERGREEN TREES

Scientific Name	Common Name	Natural Habitat in Illinois1	Regions Where Native in Illinois2	Pollination3	Fruit Type4	Wildlife Attracted5	Special Features6	Establishment & Problems6	Adaptability & Growth Rate6
Juniperus virginiana	eastern redcedar	bluffs; rocky outcrops; old fields; dry woods; moist woods	N, C, S	dioecious; wind	fleshy, dark blue berry-like cones, 1/4" in diameter, with several seeds	songbirds, small and game mammals; high value; nesting cover	pyramidal shape; fine, scale-like leaves; exfoliating bark; 40-50' tall	transplants easily, B & B; can be mass planted for windbreaks; host for cedar apple and cedar hawthorn rusts	very adaptable from very dry to moist soils; don't plant near apples and hawthorns; medium growth rate
Pinus strobus	eastern white pine	moist woods	N, c, s	monoecious; wind	cones, 6-8" long, winged seeds	songbirds, game birds, small mammals; high value	pyramidal shape with horizontal layers; fine texture; 50-80' tall	transplants easily; white pine blister rust, white pine weevil; don't plant near Ribes species	best on moist, well-drained soils but adaptable to dry soil; intolerant of air pollution and salt spray; fast growing

DECIDUOUS SMALL TREES

Scientific Name	Common Name	Natural Habitat in Illinois1	Regions Where Native in Illinois2	Pollination3	Fruit Type4	Wildlife Attracted5	Special Features6	Establishment & Problems6	Adaptability & Growth Rate6
Aesculus pavia	see "Shrubs" table
Amelanchier arborea (Amelanchier canadensis of some authors)	downy serviceberry, juneberry, shadbush, servicetree	wooded slopes; open rocky woods; edge of cliffs	N, C, S	flowers perfect; long-tongued bees (6), short-tongued bees (27), other Hymenoptera (1), Diptera (17)	fleshy pomes, purple- maroon, 1/4-1/3" in diameter	songbirds, gamebirds, small and game mammals; high value in early summer	beautiful form; white flowers; red fall color; smooth gray bark	transplants fairly easily, B & B; several rusts, fire blight, minor insect pests	needs well to moderately drained, moist soil; medium growth rate
Aralia spinosa	devil's-walking stick, Hercules' club	rich woods; edges of streams and woods	n, c, S	flowers perfect or polygamous; insects, probably many Diptera and Hymenoptera	fleshy, black drupes, 1/4" in diameter, with several small stones, produced in great quantity	songbirds, small and game mammals; high value	unusual habit with spiny, coarse stems and very large leaves; huge clusters of white flowers; produces suckers	transplants easily, BR; no serious diseases or insect pests	very adaptable to poor conditions; thrives with neglect; use with caution where people present due to spines; fast growing
Asimina triloba	pawpaw	low woods; wooded slopes; along streams	N, C, S	flowers perfect; Diptera (8)	fleshy, large, yellow berries, 2-5" long, with few seeds	wild turkey, game mammals; low value for others	unusual flowers; yellow fall color; root suckers, form colonies	somewhat difficult, transplant small trees B & B or container in early spring; few pests	best in moist soil; medium growth rate
Carpinus caroliniana	American hornbeam, blue-beech, musclewood	moist woods; ravines; rocky slopes along streams	N, C, S	monoecious; wind	small nuts, 1/3" long, covered by larger green bracts, the cluster 1" long	songbirds, gamebirds, small mammals; minor importance	smooth, gray bark; showy fruit clusters; yellow or orange fall color	somewhat difficult, transplant small trees B & B or container in early spring; minor diseases, none serious	best in moist soil, but can tolerate drier conditions; slow growing
Cercis canadensis	eastern redbud	rich woods; edges of woods; along streams; rocky openings; often with Cornus florida	N, C, S	flowers perfect; long-tongued bees (22), short-tongued bees (19), Diptera (4), Lepidoptera (5)	brown, flat pods, 2-3" long, persisting through winter	generally unused by wildlife	flowers in early spring; yellow fall color	transplants well B & B; cankers, Verticillium wilt	suitable for many soil conditions, except poorly drained, clay; medium growth rate
Cornus alternifolia	alternate-leaved dogwood, Pagoda dogwood	rich woods; wooded slopes and bluffs	N, C, S	flowers perfect; insects, probably Diptera and Hymenoptera	dark blue drupes, 1/4-1/3" in diameter, on red pedicels	upland gamebirds, songbirds, mammals; very important in late summer; nesting cover	beautiful horizontally layered habit; white flowers; maroon fall color	transplants easily B & B, slow to reestablish; many minor fungal diseases and insect pests, rarely serious	best in moist, acid to neutral soils; growth rate initially slow, becoming medium
Cornus drummondii	see "Shrubs" table
Cornus florida	flowering dogwood	woods; wooded slopes; ravines; along bluffs; edges of prairies	C, S	flowers perfect; long-tongued bees (3), short-tongued bees (15), other Hymenoptera (2), Diptera (7)	fleshy red drupes, ovoid, 1/3" long, 3-4 in a cluster	wild turkey, bobwhite, songbirds; very high value in fall	showy white flower clusters; red fruits; red fall color	somewhat difficult to transplant, B & B in early spring; many potential diseases and pests, but trees generally do well anyway	prefers moist, well-drained acid soil; sensitive to pollutants; avoid strong drying summer and winter winds; growth rate initially slow, becoming medium
Crataegus crus-galli	cockspur hawthorn	wooded slopes; thickets; rocky areas; hill prairies	N, C, S	flowers perfect; long-tongued bees (9), short-tongued bees (26), other Hymenoptera (10), Diptera (23), Lepidoptera (3), Coleoptera (4)	fleshy, deep red pomes, 3/8-1/2" in diameter	upland game birds, songbirds; not relished, mostly late winter emergency food; good nesting cover	attractive flowers and fruits; glossy leaves	B & B in early spring as a small tree; cedar hawthorn rust and other rusts, fireblight	does well in poor, dry soil and city conditions; don't use where people are present due to thorns, thornless cultivar available; slow to medium growth rate
Crataegus mollis	downy hawthorn, red haw	moist woods; thickets; woodland borders	N, C, S	flowers perfect; long-tongued bees (4), short-tongued bees (28), other Hymenoptera (4), Diptera (30), Coleoptera (6)	fleshy, dull red pomes, 1/2-1" in diameter	see C. crus-galli above	attractive flowers and fruits	rather difficult to transplant, B & B in early spring; cedar hawthorn rust and other rusts, fireblight	does well in poor, dry soil; don't use where people are present due to thorns; slow growing
Crataegus phaenopyrum	Washington hawthorn	open woods; woodland borders; thickets	n, C, S	flowers perfect; insects	fleshy, bright red, glossy pomes, 1/4" in diameter, abundant	see C. crus-galli above	attractive flowers and fruits; lustrous dark green foliage turning orange to purple in fall	transplants well B & B in early spring or late autumn; cedar hawthorn rust and other rusts, fireblight	does well in poor, dry soil; don't use where people are present due to thorns; fast growing
Hamamelis virginiana	common witchhazel	moist woodlands; ravines	N, C, S	flowers perfect; insects	capsules, 1/2" long, maturing 1 year after flowering	upland game birds, fox squirrel; limited value	fragrant yellow flowers in fall; yellow fall color	rather difficult to transplant, B & B or container in early spring; no serious problems	avoid dry soils; somewhat tolerant of city conditions; medium growth rate
Ilex decidua	possomhaw, swamp holly, winterberry	bottomland woods; bases of bluffs; shaded cliffs	C, S	dioecious; insects	fleshy drupes, red, 1/4-1/3" in diameter, with several small pits; need a few male plants for fruit set	wild turkey, bobwhite, songbirds; high value	red fruits persist through winter on bare gray branches; forms thickets	transplants easily, B & B; no serious problems	adapts to open conditions with dry soil; slow to medium growth rate
Malus coronaria	sweet crab apple	woods; edges of fields; edges of prairies	N, C, S	flowers perfect; insects	fleshy, yellow-green pomes, fragrant, waxy, 1-1 1/2" in diameter	bobwhite, pheasant, songbirds; high value; nesting cover	large pink flowers before leaves unfold; forms thickets	transplants easily B & B; cedar apple rust, apple scab, fire blight	adaptable to dry soils; don't plant near junipers; medium growth rate
Malus ioensis	prairie or Iowa crab apple	edges of prairies and woodlands; rocky hillsides; fields	N, C, s	flowers perfect; insects	fleshy, yellow-green pomes, fragrant, waxy, 1-1 1/2" in diameter	see M. coronaria above	large pink flowers before leaves unfold; forms thickets; host to cedar apple rust; susceptible to apple scab & fire blight	transplants easily B & B; cedar apple rust, apple scab, fire blight	adaptable to dry soils; don't plant near junipers; medium growth rate
Ostrya virginiana	Eastern hophornbeam, ironwood	dry soil on rocky slopes; upland woods	N, C, S	monoecious; wind	nutlets, 1/4-1/3" long, enclosed in a hop-like sac, the cluster 1- 1 1/2" long	songbirds, small mammals; limited value	beautiful habit; ornamental fruit pods; yellow fall color	difficult to transplant, slow to recover, B & B or container as small tree in early spring; no serious problems	sensitive to salt spray; best planted in moist soils, although tolerates dry conditions when established; slow growing
Prunus americana	see "Shrubs" table
Ptelea trifoliata	common hop tree, wafer-ash, stinking-ash	low woods in ravines; rocky open woods; hill prairies; limestone cliffs	N, C, S	flowers polygamous; long-tongued bees (5), short-tongued bees (28), other Hymenoptera (14), Diptera (19), Lepidoptera (2)	flat, round samaras, yellow-green, 2/3-1" in diameter, produced in clusters	songbirds, upland ground birds, small mammals; intermediate value; nesting cover	glossy foliage; conspicuous fruits; tendency to sucker	transplants easily; no serious problems	adaptable to dry soil, full sun to shade; slow to medium growth rate
Rhus copallina	see "Shrubs" table
Rhus glabra	see "Shrubs" table
Rhus typhina	see "Shrubs" table
Salix interior	sandbar willow	along streams; sandbars; bottomlands	N, C, S	dioecious; insects	capsules,1/2-3/4" long, produced in catkins, seeds with a ring of silky hairs	songbirds, game mammals; nesting cover; seeds used to line bird nests	fine textured, narrow foliage	transplants easily, BR or B & B; many bacterial and fungal diseases and insect pests	one of several native willows to consider planting in wet areas; fast growing
Viburnum lentago	nannyberry, sheepberry	moist woods; borders of streams; wooded slopes; uplands	N, C, S	flowers perfect; probably many Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, and Lepidoptera	fleshy drupes, red turning blue-black, oval, 1/2" in diameter; produced in clusters on red pedicels	upland gamebirds, songbirds, small and game mammals; high value in winter	creamy white flowers; fruit display; suckers to form thickets	transplants easily, B & B; no serious problems	very adaptable from moist to dry soils and shade to full sun; medium growth rate
Viburnum prunifolium	blackhaw, nannyberry	rocky upland woods; bluffs; upper slopes of ravines; edges of woods	N, C, S	flowers perfect; long-tongued bees (11), short-tongued bees (27), other Hymenoptera (2), Diptera (36), Lepidoptera (7)	fleshy drupes, red turning blue-black oval, 1/2" in diameter, produced in clusters on red pedicels	see V. lentago above	creamy white flowers; fall color often red; appearance similar to hawthorns (Crataegus)	transplants easily B & B; no serious problems	very adaptable from moist to dry soils and shade to full sun; slow to medium growth rate

DECIDUOUS MEDIUM-SIZED TREES

Scientific Name	Common Name	Natural Habitat in Illinois1	Regions Where Native in Illinois2	Pollination3	Fruit Type4	Wildlife Attracted5	Special Features6	Establishment & Problems6	Adaptability & Growth Rate6
Acer rubrum	red maple	swamps; low woods; uplands, slopes; bluff tops	N, C, S	flowers polygamous; primarily wind	samaras, 3/4-1" long	songbirds, bobwhite small and game mammals; high value in early summer	often outstanding fall color; smooth gray bark	transplants easily BR or B & B in larger sizes; minor insect pests	adaptable to different soil types, but does best in moist conditions; medium to fast growth rate
Aesculus glabra	Ohio buckeye	moist woods, bottomland woods,	N, C, S	flowers perfect; insects, especially Hymenoptera	leathery, prickly capsule enclosing 1-3 nut-like seeds, each 1-1 1/2" in diameter	squirrels; low value; poisonous to humans	greenish-yellow flowers in late spring; unusual palmately compound leaves	moderately difficult to transplant, B & B; leaf blotch, minor fungal diseases and insect pests	best in moist soils; develops leaf scorch in windy, hot, droughty conditions; medium growth rate
Diospyros virginiana	common persimmon	dry woods; rich bottomlands; edges of fields; fence rows	n, C, S	flowers polygamous, often dioecious; long-tongued bees (6), short-tongued bees (2), Lepidoptera (1)	fleshy berries, 1-1 1/2" in diameter, dull orange	songbirds, gamebirds, small and game mammals; valuable winter food	checked bark; yellow to reddish purple fall color; forms thickets	difficult to transplant, B & B as small tree in early spring; no major problems	very adaptable to dry, infertile soils; tolerant of city conditions; slow to medium growth rate
Morus rubra	red mulberry	edge of woodlands; lowland to upland woods; thickets	N, C, S	dioecious; wind	fleshy, clusters resembling blackberries, 1" long, composed of tiny drupes, red turning purple	songbirds, gamebirds, game and small mammals; high value in summer	glossy leaves; broad spreading habit; wildlife spread fruits widely and species becomes weedy	transplants easily BR or B & B; many bacterial and fungal diseases and insect pests	very adaptable to city conditions and poor soil, but best in moist soil; fast growing
Populus tremuloides	quaking aspen	woods; along streams; sandy areas	N, C	dioecious; wind, long-tongued bees (1)	capsules 1/4-1/3" long, produced in catkins, seeds with a tuft of silky hairs	songbirds, pheasant; limited value	leaves flutter in the breeze; yellow fall color; pale gray bark; suckers to form colonies	transplants easily, BR or B & B; many disease and insect pest problems	indifferent to most soil conditions; salt tolerant; fast growing
Prunus virginiana	common chokecherry	rich woods; thickets; sandy soil; lakeshores; dunes; dry exposed rocky cliffs	N, C, s	flowers perfect; long-tongued bees (14), short-tongued bees (26), other Hymenoptera (3), Diptera (23), Lepidoptera (7), Coleoptera (3)	fleshy drupes, red turning purple-black, 1/3" in diameter, abundant in hanging clusters	upland gamebirds, songbirds, small and game mammals; high value	white flowers in long racemes; suckers form colonies	transplants easily B & B; host to many pests, but trees still grow well	does well in moist to dry soils; salt tolerant; especially suitable to northern Illinois; medium growth rate
Quercus marilandica	blackjack oak	dry rocky uplands; sandy areas	C, S	monoecious; wind	acorns 3/4-1" long, maturing in 2 seasons	upland gamebirds, large songbirds, small and game mammals; high value	scrubby tree with interesting coarse winter silhouette	difficult to transplant; B & B in early spring; some fungal diseases, none serious	adapted to dry, poor soils; slow growing
Quercus phellos	willow oak	along streams; around lakes and ponds	S	monoecious; wind	acorns 1/2 " long, maturing in 2 seasons	upland gamebirds, large songbirds, small and game mammals; high value	narrow, willow-like leaves; excellent dense oval crown	easier to transplant than most oaks, B & B when dormant; no serious problems	prefers moist soils, but adaptable to very poor conditions; medium growth rate
Quercus stellata	post oak	dry, rocky upland woods; dry bluffs; flatwoods	n, C, S	monoecious; wind	acorns 1/2-1" long, maturing in 1 season	upland gamebirds, large songbirds, small and game mammals; high value	picturesque twisted limbs, coarse texture; brown leaves persist through winter	somewhat difficult to transplant, B & B in early spring; no serious problems	adapted to dry, poor soils; slow growing
Salix amygdaloides	peachleaf willow	edges of streams and ponds; low woods	N, C, S	dioeicous; long-tongued bees (7), short-tongued bees (27), Diptera (7)	capsules 1/4-1/3" long, produced in 1" long catkins; seeds hairy	large and small mammals feed on leaves, shoots and bark; moderate value	peach-like leaves; branches somewhat weeping	readily transplanted BR or B & B; many fungal and bacterial diseases and insect pests; weak wooded	can tolerate wet to dry soil, does well in poor compacted soil; fast growing
Sassafras albidum	sassafras	dry cliffs; wooded slopes; dry soils at edges of woods and prairies; sandy soil; old fields	N, C, S	dioecious; long-tongued bees (1), short-tongued bees (26), other Hymenoptera (12), Diptera (57), Lepidoptera (1), Coleoptera (3), Hemiptera (1)	fleshy drupes, 1/2" long, oval, blue-black on red stalks; produced in every 2-3 years	songbirds, gamebirds; high value	magnificant fall color; small yellowish flowers in spring	very difficult to transplant, B & B or container in early spring; few problems	best in moist soil, will tolerate dry soil when established; some chlorosis in high pH soils; medium to fast growth rate
Ulmus alata	winged elm, cork elm, wahoo	rocky upland woods; bluffs; ravine bottoms; along streams	c, S	perfect; wind	samaras, 1/4-1/3" long	minor use by birds, small and game mammals	winged stems; habit reminiscent of a small American elm	transplants easily, B & B; some individual trees susceptible to powdery mildew	adaptable to moist or dry soils

DECIDUOUS LARGE TREES

Scientific Name	Common Name	Natural Habitat in Illinois1	Regions Where Native in Illinois2	Pollination3	Fruit Type4	Wildlife Attracted5	Special Features6	Establishment & Problems6	Adaptability & Growth Rate6
Acer saccharinum	silver, soft, or white maple	low and bottomland woods; margins of ponds and lakes	N, C, S	polygamous; wind; long-tongued bees (1)	samaras, 1 1/2-3" long	songbirds, upland game birds, small mammals; high value in early summer	fine-textured leaves that are silver below; very rapid rate of growth	transplants easily BR or B & B; many fungal, bacterial, and insect problems; weak wooded	adaptable to moist or dry soils; fast growing
Acer saccharum	sugar, hard, or rock maple	moist upland woods; along rivers and streams	N, C, S	dioecious; wind	samaras, 1 1/4-1 1/2" long	songbirds, upland game birds, small and game mammals; high value in early fall	outstanding fall color, variable from tree to tree	transplant B & B; leaf scorch in droughts, numerous potential pests, but rarely serious	prefers somewhat moist soil; not very tolerant of compacted soil, salt or air pollution; slow growing
Betula nigra	river or red birch	bottomland woods	N, C, S	monoecious; wind	tiny winged nutlets produced within woody cone-like structures, 1-1 1/2" long	songbirds, gamebirds, small mammals; moderate value	young bark flaking and peeling, light to bright cinnamon brown	transplants easily B & B; leaf chlorosis in high pH soils; few pests	best suited to moist soils, but adapts to dry conditions; medium to fast growth rate
Carya cordiformis	bitternut hickory	bottomland woods, swamps, stream banks	N, C, S	monoecious; wind	3/4-1 1/2" long, roundish, 4-ridged; husk splitting to release 1 nut; nut smooth, round,, laterally flattened, kernel bitter	songbirds, woodpeckers, upland game birds, squirrels, other small mammals; moderate value	yellow-brown fall color	transplant B & B in spring, easier than other hickories to move; no major disease or pest problems	best in moist soils; slow to medium growth rate
Carya illinoensis	pecan	low, shaded woods of floodplains and river valleys	N, C, S	monoecious; wind	1 1/4-2" long, oblong, with 4 narrow wings; husk splitting to release 1 nut; kernel sweet	see C. cordiformis above, but higher value due to sweet kernel	glossy, narrow leaflets; can develop into beautiful shade tree	difficult to transplant, B & B in early spring; no major disease or pest problems	best in moist soils; plants planted in north should come from sources in northern part of range; slow to medium growth rate
Carya ovata	shagbark or shellbark hickory	dry upland woods and slopes; moist valleys	N, C, S	monoecious; wind	1 1/4-2 1/2" long, round, 4-angled; husk splitting to release 1 nut; kernel sweet	see C. cordiformis above, but higher value due to sweet kernel	picturesque habit; striking shaggy bark; yellow-brown fall color	difficult to transplant, B & B in early spring; leaf blotch, anthracnose, hickory bark beetle	best in moist soils, but adaptable to many soil conditions; slow growing
Carya tomentosa	mockernut or white hickory	dry upland woods and ridges	n, C, S	monoecious; wind	1 1/2-2" long, round, 4-angled; husk splitting to release 1 nut; kernel sweet	see C. cordiformis above, but higher value due to sweet kernel	picturesque habit; yellow-brown fall color	difficult to transplant, B & B in early spring; no major problems	best in moist soils, but adaptable to many soil conditions; slow growing
Catalpa speciosa	Northern or Western catalpa	bottomland woods; floodplains	n, c, S	flowers perfect; insects, especially Hymenoptera	narrow capsules, 8-20" long and 1/2" in diameter; seeds winged, extremely numerous	low value	beautiful large white flowers in upright clusters; fruits persist through winter	transplant B & B in spring; minor diseases in insect pests; weak wooded	adaptable to wet or dry soils, tolerates high alkalinity; medium to fast growth rate
Celtis occidentalis	hackberry	rich woods; river valleys; upland slopes and bluffs	N, C, S	perfect; wind	fleshy drupes, orange-red becoming purple-black 3/8" in diameter	songbirds, woodpeckers, upland game birds, game mammals; fairly high value	good shade or street tree; light gray bark with corky ridges and warty projections; yellow fall color	transplants easily BR or B & B in larger sizes; witches broom and galls frequent, several other pests, but seldom serious	tolerates many soil conditions, moderately wet to very dry; withstands city conditions; medium to fast growth rate
Fagus grandifolia	American beech	bottomlands; rich, moist soils; wooded slopes	n, c, S	monoecious; wind	prickly burs 1/2-3/4" long, enclosing usually 2 nuts, each 3-angled and 5/8-7/8" long	songbirds, woodpeckers, upland game birds, small and game mammals; high value	beautiful shape, nearly as broad as tall; smooth gray bark; slow growing and long-lived, plant for future generations	B & B in spring; several pests and diseases, but rarely serious	best in moist, well-drained soils; not suited to wet or compacted soils; slow growing
Fraxinus americana	white ash	bottomland forests	N, C, S	dioecious; wind	samaras 1-2 1/2" long, hanging in clusters; some cultivars are nonfruiting male trees	songbirds, yellow-bellied sapsucker, upland game birds and mammals; fairly high value	large shade tree; leaves dark gloss green in summer, turning yellow to maroon in fall; some cultivars selected for fall color	transplants easily B & B; suseptible to many disease and insect problems but vigorously growing trees generally trouble-free	best in moist, well-drained soil, but drought tolerant; medium growth rate
Fraxinus pennsylvanica	green ash	rich bottomland forests	N, C, S	dioecious; wind	samaras 1-2 1/2" long, hanging in clusters; some cultivars are nonfruiting male trees	see F. americana above	large shade tree; leaves dark glossy green in summer; fall color variable, usually yellow	transplants easily, B & B; same problems as F. americana above	exceptionally adaptable to soil conditions, drought and salt tolerant; fast growing
Gleditsia triacanthos	common honeylocust	river floodplains; upland forests	N, C, S	monoecious; insects	flat, twisted pods 6-18" long and 1-1 1/2" wide, persisting through winter; most cultivars are nonfruiting male trees	small and game mammals; game birds; minor value	fine textured foliage, does not kill out grass underneath; trunks with massive clusters of thorns; cultivars lack thorns	transplants easily, BR or B & B; a great many disease, insect problems, maybe a result of overplanting this species	extremely adaptable; plant with caution due to diseases and pests; fast growing
Gymnocladus dioicus	Kentucky coffeetree	rich bottomlands; ravines; moist lower slopes	N, C, S	monoecious to dioecious; long-tongued bees (3), Lepidoptera (1)	thick large pods 4-7" long and 2" wide, persistent through winter	minor use	picturesque coarse habit; persistent pods; large bipinnately compound leaves; flowers fragrant, inconspicuous	transplant B & B; no serious problems	best in moist soils, but very adaptable to dry soils and city conditions; salt tolerant; medium growth rate
Juglans nigra	black walnut	bottomland and floodplain woods	N, C, S	monoecious; wind	round drupes, 1 1/2-2 1/2" in diameter, with a thin green husk enclosing a single large nut	songbirds, woodpeckers, game mammals; high value	large shade tree for open areas; valuable wood	somewhat difficult to transplant, B & B in early spring; caterpillars can defoliate trees; roots produce a chemical toxic to some other plants	best in deep, rich moist soils; Juglans cinerea, butternut, is similar but more tolerant of dry soils; growth fast on good sites
Liquidambar styraciflua	sweetgum, redgum	bottomland and floodplain woods; ravines	n, C, S	monoecious; wind	small capsules clustered into a woody round structure 1-1 1/2" in diameter, persistent through winter	songbirds, upland gamebirds, yellow-bellied sapsucker game mammals; minor value	superb fall color with shades of yellow-purple-red; beautiful shape	somewhat difficult to transplant, B & B in early spring; slow to reestablish; several pests, none usually serious	best in deep moist soil; some chlorosis in high pH soils; medium to fast growth rate
Liriodendron tulipifera	yellow-poplar, tuliptree, tulip-magnolia, tulip-poplar	rich woodlands; ravines	C, S	perfect; insects	cone-like, 2-3" long, separating into many samaras	songbirds, bobwhite yellow-bellied sapsucker, small mammals; intermediate value	orange and green flowers; large shade tree, plant where size is not a problem; golden yellow fall color	transplants easily B & B in early spring; many diseases and insects, especially aphids, but trees generally do well	best suited to moist, well-drained soils, not tolerant of drought or compacted soils; fast growing
Magnolia acuminata	cucumber tree or magnolia	moist woods; along streams	c, S	perfect; insects, especially Coleoptera	follicles in a woody cone-or cucumber-like structure, 2-3" long; seeds hanging from a thread, covered with a fleshy red aril	songbirds; low value because seeds not produced in quantity each year	good shade tree for large areas; excellent habit	transplant B & B in early spring; few problems	best in moist, deep soil; not tolerant of excessive wet or dry conditons or pollution; medium to fast growth rate
Nyssa sylvatica	black tupelo, blackgum	bottomland woods; dry ridges	n, C, S	dioecious; insects	fleshy drupes, 3/8-1/2" long, ellipsoid, blue-black	songbirds, upland gamebirds, woodpeckers, game mammals; high value	glorious brilliant yellow to orange and scarlet fall color	difficult to transplant, B & B in early spring; no serious problems	best in moist soil but adapts to dry; does not tolerate high pH soils; slow to medium growth rate
Platanus occidentalis	American sycamore or planetree, buttonwood, buttonball-tree	bottomlands woods; floodplains; along streams; around lakes and ponds	N, C, S	monoecious; wind	many nutlets in a bristly ball, 1-1 1/4" in diameter	purple finch, goldfinch, rodents; minor value	mottled bark with darker outer layer peeling to expose light inner bark; large shade tree with a thick trunk	transplants easily BR or B & B; anthracnose in moist cool springs, many other diseases and pests	adaptable to many soil conditions; tolerates city conditions; medium to fast growth rate
Populus deltoides	Eastern cottonwood	bottomland woods; along streams	N, C, S	dioecious; mostly wind, long-tongued bees (1)	capsules 3/8" long, produced in catkins, seeds with a tuft of silky hairs	songbirds, yellow-bellied sapsucker; fairly high value	large shade tree for use in areas with lots of space; because of weak wood plant away from buildings and roads	transplants easily BR or B & B; susceptible to many diseases and insect pests; weak wooded	adaptable from wet to dry soils and low to high pH; tolerates city conditions, salt spray; be aware of limitations before using; fast growing
Prunus serotina	black cherry	moist woods; edge of woods; roadsides; fence rows	N, C, S	perfect; long-tongued bees (7), short tongued bees (23), other Hymenoptera (2), Diptera (29), Lepidoptera (2), Coleoptera (1)	fleshy drupes, red turning black, 1/3" in diameter, abundant in hanging clusters	songbirds, upland gamebirds, woodpeckers, small and game mammals; high value in late summer	white flowers in long racemes; yellow to red fall color; wildlife spread fruits widely and plants become weedy	somewhat difficult to transplant, B & B in early spring or late fall; host to many pests, but trees thrive anyway	very adaptable, does well in moist to dry soils; moderately fast growth rate
Quercus alba	white oak	mesic woods; wooded slopes; dry upland woods	N, C, S	monoecious; wind	acorns 1/2-1" long, maturing in 1 season	game birds, small and game mammals; high value	state tree of Illinois; picturesque habit when grown in open; large shade tree; fall color often wine red	difficult to transplant, B & B in early spring; many potential pests and diseases, such as oak wilt, but none usually serious	best in moist soil but tolerates dry conditions; salt tolerant; sensitive to soil compaction and grade changes; slow to medium initial growth rate, becoming very slow
Quercus bicolor	swamp white oak	bottomland woods	N, C, S	monoecious; wind	acorns 1/2-1" long, maturing in 1 season	see Q. alba	large shade tree	fairly easy to transplant, B & B in early spring; few disease or pest problems; chlorosis in high pH soils	best in moist soil but adaptable; tolerates drought; growth rate medium, becoming slow
Quercus imbricaria	shingle oak	upland woods; dry exposed sandstone cliffs; moist soils along streams	N, C, S	monoecious; wind	acorns 1/2-3/4" long, maturing in 2 seasons	see Q. alba	simple, entire, lanceolate leaves; yellow to russet fall color; leaves persist through winter	fairly easy to transplant, B & B in early spring; same problems as Q. alba	best in moist soil but adaptable to dry soils; pH adaptable; slow to medium growth rate
Quercus macrocarpa	bur oak	dry ridges to bottomland woods	N, C, S	monoecious; wind	acorns 3/4-2" long, maturing in 1 season	see Q. alba	large shade tree for spacious areas; coarse interesting habit	transplant as Q. alba; few problems	adaptable to many soil conditions; prefers high pH; tolerates city conditions; slow growing
Quercus muehlenbergii	chinquapin oak, yellow chestnut oak	dry limestone cliffs; upland woods	N, C, S	monoecious; wind	acorns 1/2-1" long, maturing in 1 season	see Q. alba	handsome habit; fall color variable, yellow to orange or brown	transplant as Q. alba; few problems	best in moist well-drained soils, but adaptable to poor dry soils; prefers high pH; initial growth rate medium, becoming slow
Quercus palustris	pin oak	mesic soil; floodplain woods; along streams; flatwoods; edges of ponds and swamps	N, C, S	monoecious; wind	acorns 1/2" long, maturing in 2 seasons	see Q. alba	attractive pyramidal habit with pendulous lower branches; fall color scarlet, russet, or bronze	transplants easily B & B; few diseases and pests; chlorosis in high pH soils	best in moist to wet, well-drained soils; tolerant of city conditions; don't plant in high pH soils; medium to fast growth rate
Quercus rubra (Q. borealis)	northern red oak	rich, upland woods; along river banks; on well drained slopes	N, C, S	monoecious; wind	acorns 1/2-1" long, maturing in 2 seasons	see Q. alba	excellent shade tree; fall color russet to scarlet	transplants easily B & B in spring; oak wilt, few other serious problems; chlorosis in high pH soils	best in well-drained, moist soil; tolerant of city conditions, salt, and air pollutions; medium to fast growth rate
Quercus shumardii	Shumard oak	bottomland woods; stream banks; limestone ridges	n, C, S	monoecious; wind	acorns 5/8-1" long, maturing in 2 seasons	see Q. alba	pyramidal habit; fall color russet to red	transplants easily B & B in spring; few problems	adaptable to wet or dry soils; drought tolerant; growth rate medium
Quercus velutina	black oak	upland woods; rocky ridges; sandy soil; savannahs	N, C, S	monoecious; wind	acorns 1/2-3/4" long, maturing in 2 seasons	see Q. alba	can have an unkempt appearance due to dead branches; fall color dull red	transplant as Q. alba; very susceptible to oak wilt, few other problems	prefers moist, well-drained acid soils, but adaptable to very dry conditions; medium growth rate
Robinia pseudoacacia	black locust	woodlands; thickets; roadsides	n, c, S	perfect; long-tongued bees (7), Lepidoptera (3)	flat pods 2-4" long	little used by wildlife	fragrant and showy white flowers; produces suckers forming colonies; nitrogen fixing; spreads into adjacent areas	transplants easily BR or B & B; locust borers a major problem, other minor diseases and pests	very adaptable to most soil types, except those very wet; thrives in poor conditions; tolerates salt & drought; fast growing
Salix nigra	black willow	wet ground; frequently along rivers and streams	N, C, S	dioecious; long-tongued bees (14), short-tongued bees (43), other Hymenoptera (3), Diptera (32), Lepidoptera (2), Coleoptera (3)	capsules, 3/16" long, produced in catkins, seeds with a ring of silky hairs	evening and pine grosbeaks; moderate value	largest North American willow	transplants easily BR or B & B; many diseases and insect pests	grows in almost any soil, wet to dry; growth very fast
Taxodium distichum	bald cypress	swamps and low, wet woods	c, S	monoecious; wind	round cones 1" in diameter	little used by wildlife	deciduous conifer with delicate foliage; attractive pyramidal habit; fall color russet; reddish brown fibrous bark in winter	transplants readily B & B in spring; few diseases or pests; chlorosis in high pH soils	native to southern swamps, but adaptable to dry conditons; salt tolerant; plant in acid soils; medium growth rate
Tilia americana	American basswood, or linden	moist woodlands; ravines; upland woods	N, C, S	perfect; long-tongued bees (2), short-tongued bees (11), other Hymenoptera (3), Diptera (11), Lepidoptera (1), Coleoptera (1)	nut-like, 1/2" in diameter, several in a cluster below a large bract	small and game mammals; low value	fragrant and showy cream flowers; large shade tree for spacious areas	transplants easily B & B in spring; host to many diseases and pests, but not often serious	best in moist, deep soils, but adaptable to rather dry conditions; sensitive to air pollution, drought, and compacted soils; medium growth rate

Click here for published references consulted for this project.

¹ Information on natural habitat based primarily on: Elias (1989); Fernald (1950); Little (1980); Miller & Tehon (1929); Mohlenbrock (1986).

² Information on region based primarily on: Mohlenbrock & Ladd (1978); Mohlenbrock (1986); "n" = north of Interstate 80; "c" = central, between Interstate 80 and Interstate 64; "s" = south of Interstate 64. A capital letter indicates that the species is native to that region while a lower case letter indicates that the species can be cultivated in the region although it is not native there.

³ Information on pollinators mostly from Robertson (1929) supplemented by personal observations. Perfect flowers = flowers have both male & female parts; monoecious= separate male and female flowers on the same plant; dioecious = separate male and female flowers on different plants; polygamous =a mix of perfect and/or male and female flowers on the same plant. The numbers in parentheses refer to the number of species reported visiting this species by Robertson (1929)

⁴ Information on fruit primarily based on: Dirr (1990); Elias (1989); Fernald (1950); Little (1980); Rehder (1940).

⁵ Information on wildlife primarily based on: DeGraaf & Witman (1979); Ehrlich et al. (1988); Elias (1989); Gill & Healy (1974); Hightshoe (1988); Martin et al. (1951).

⁶ Information on Special, Establishment & Problems, and Adaptability & Growth Rate based primarily on: Dirr (1990); Flint (1983); Hightshoe (1988); Walker & Giles (1985); Yiesla & Giles (1992). B & B = balled & burlapped; BR = bare root. NOTE: The information on disease and insect pests can be viewed two different ways. In traditional landscape approaches, such problems are considered deleterious and attempts are made to use species with few diseases and pests and to control them with pesticides. However, in the context of Corridors for Tomorrow, native pathogenic organisms are part of the original biodiversity of Illinois, and hence their continued presence in the state could be encouraged.

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