February 2012

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Native plants provide not only beauty but also food and shelter for wildlife. Are you using native plants in your yard and garden? Native species are adapted to the Illinois climate. They require little or no watering and are resistant to drought, insects and most diseases. Because they are perennials, you can welcome their presence year after year.

downy serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)

Photo © Joe McFarland, Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Photo rights are available for purchase.

Downy serviceberry is also known as shadbush or Juneberry. This small tree may grow to about 20 feet in height with a maximum trunk diameter of eight inches. It has slender branches. Its clusters of white flowers are produced from March to May before the tree’s leaves appear. Flowers each have five petals. The leaves are simple, alternate and finely toothed. The fruit is applelike, up to one-fourth inch in diameter and with a red-purple coloration. The tree grows naturally in Illinois on wooded bluffs and slopes statewide.

For more information about native Illinois plants, including where to purchase them and planting guides, the following publications are available through the order form at http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/publications.

Prairie Establishment and Landscaping

Landscaping for Wildlife

Butterfly Gardens