The Chi Gardener
Sign in

USDA zone 6a · Chicago

Plants for a Near West Side lot.

408 plants for a Chicago zone 6a lot. 225 are Chicago-region natives. The rest are ornamentals, shrubs, trees, fruit, and food crops that stay outside here. A photograph of the whole plant sits under every name.

Match your spot

Light and moisture first. Size on the card tells you whether it fits a 25-foot city lot.

Light
Moisture
Also show

408 plants in the zone 6a list

  • Allegheny Blackberry

    Allegheny Blackberry (Rubus allegheniensis)

    Rubus allegheniensis

    Thorny native cane with summer fruit

    Full sunMedium4–6 ft

    ModerateEdibleNative

  • Allegheny Serviceberry

    Allegheny Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis)

    Amelanchier laevis

    Edible small tree with strong fall color

    Full sun–part shadeMedium12–25 ft

    EasyEdibleNative

  • American Basswood

    American Basswood (Tilia americana)

    Tilia americana

    Large pollinator-supporting shade tree

    Full sun–part shadeMedium50–80+ ft

    ModerateNative

  • American Bittersweet

    American Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens)

    Celastrus scandens

    Native bittersweet for a heavy trellis

    Full sun–part shadeDry–medium10–30 ft vine

    AdvancedNative

  • American Elderberry

    American Elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis)

    Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis

    Fast edible shrub and pollinator plant

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist8–15 ft

    ModerateEdibleRain gardenNative

  • American Elm

    American Elm (Ulmus americana)

    Ulmus americana

    The street tree, if you buy a resistant one

    Full sunMedium60–80 ft

    ModerateNative

  • American Hazelnut

    American Hazelnut (Corylus americana)

    Corylus americana

    Edible nut hedge and wildlife cover

    Full sun–part shadeDry–medium6–10 ft

    EasyEdibleNative

  • American Highbush Cranberry

    American Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum opulus var. americanum)

    Viburnum opulus var. americanum

    Native fruiting viburnum and hedge

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist6–10 ft

    AdvancedEdibleRain gardenNative

  • American Hophornbeam

    American Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana)

    Ostrya virginiana

    Tough small understory tree

    Part shade–sunDry–medium12–25 ft

    EasyNative

  • American Hornbeam

    American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana ssp. virginiana)

    Carpinus caroliniana ssp. virginiana

    Small understory tree for shade

    Part shade–shadeMedium–moist12–25 ft

    EasyNative

  • American Plum

    American Plum (Prunus americana)

    Prunus americana

    Edible small tree or thicket; early bloom

    Full sunDry–medium12–25 ft

    ModerateEdibleNative

  • American Wild Mint

    American Wild Mint (Mentha arvensis)

    Mentha arvensis

    Native mint for moist soil

    Full sun–part shadeMoist1–2 ft

    EasyEdibleRain gardenNative

  • American Wisteria

    American Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens)

    Wisteria frutescens

    Lilac flowers on a vine that stays a vine

    Full sunMediumVine 15–25 ft

    ModerateZone 6a

  • Anise Hyssop

    Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)

    Agastache foeniculum

    Anise-scented tea herb and long-blooming flower

    Full sun–part shadeDry–medium2–4 ft

    EasyEdibleNative

  • Aniseroot

    Aniseroot (Osmorhiza longistylis)

    Osmorhiza longistylis

    Anise-scented woodland herb

    Part shade–shadeMedium1–2 ft

    ModerateEdibleNative

  • Annabelle Hydrangea

    Annabelle Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)

    Hydrangea arborescens

    Big white mopheads on new wood

    Full sun–part shadeMedium3–5 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Apple

    Apple (Malus domestica)

    Malus domestica

    Fruit tree that needs a pollinating partner

    Full sunMedium12–20 ft on dwarf stock

    ModerateEdibleZone 6a

  • Aromatic Aster

    Aromatic Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium)

    Symphyotrichum oblongifolium

    Compact aromatic fall aster

    Full sunDry2–4 ft

    EasyNative

  • Arrowwood

    Arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum)

    Viburnum dentatum

    A straight native viburnum with flat white flowers

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist6–10 ft

    EasyNative

  • Arugula

    Arugula (Eruca vesicaria)

    Eruca vesicaria

    Peppery cool-season green

    Full sun–part shadeMedium1 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Asparagus

    Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)

    Asparagus officinalis

    Perennial spring spear for a permanent bed

    Full sunMedium4–5 ft

    ModerateEdibleZone 6a

  • Astilbe

    Astilbe (Astilbe chinensis)

    Astilbe chinensis

    Feathery plumes for a moist shady bed

    Part shade–shadeMedium–moist1–2 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Autumn Moor Grass

    Autumn Moor Grass (Sesleria autumnalis)

    Sesleria autumnalis

    A low evergreen grass that looks finished all year

    Full sun–part shadeMedium12–18 in

    EasyZone 6a

  • Autumn Stonecrop

    Autumn Stonecrop (Hylotelephium spectabile)

    Hylotelephium spectabile

    Fleshy fall flowers that stand all winter

    Full sunDry–medium1–2 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Bald Cypress

    Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)

    Taxodium distichum

    A deciduous conifer for a wet, roomy spot

    Full sunMedium–wet50–70 ft

    EasyRain gardenZone 6a

  • Balloon Flower

    Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus)

    Platycodon grandiflorus

    Blue balloons that open into stars

    Full sun–part shadeMedium2–3 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Barrenwort

    Barrenwort (Epimedium grandiflorum)

    Epimedium grandiflorum

    Dry-shade groundcover with small spring flowers

    Part shade–shadeDry–medium1 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Basil

    Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

    Ocimum basilicum

    Tender summer herb that dies at frost

    Full sunMedium1–2 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Bearded Iris

    Bearded Iris (Iris germanica)

    Iris germanica

    May flags for a dry sunny edge

    Full sunDry–medium2–3 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Beautyberry

    Beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma)

    Callicarpa dichotoma

    Purple fruit along the stems in fall

    Full sun–part shadeMedium3–4 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Beet

    Beet (Beta vulgaris)

    Beta vulgaris

    Root and greens for spring and fall

    Full sunMedium1 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Bicknell's Sedge

    Bicknell's Sedge (Carex bicknellii)

    Carex bicknellii

    Sunny prairie sedge matrix

    Full sunDry–medium1–2 ft

    EasyNative

  • Big Bluestem

    Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)

    Andropogon gerardii

    Tall prairie structure for large beds

    Full sunDry–medium5–8 ft

    EasyNative

  • Bigleaf Aster

    Bigleaf Aster (Eurybia macrophylla)

    Eurybia macrophylla

    A coarse groundcover for dry shade, pale fall flowers

    Part shade–shadeDry–medium1–2 ft

    EasyNative

  • Black Cherry

    Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)

    Prunus serotina

    White racemes, then fruit the birds take

    Full sun–part shadeMedium40–60 ft

    ModerateNative

  • Black Chokeberry

    Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)

    Aronia melanocarpa

    Edible hedge; flowers, fruit, fall color

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist3–6 ft

    EasyEdibleRain gardenNative

  • Black Cohosh

    Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)

    Actaea racemosa

    White wands above ferny leaves in June shade

    Part shade–shadeMedium4–6 ft

    EasyNative

  • Black Eyed Susan

    Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

    Rudbeckia hirta

    Fast first-year color

    Full sunDry–medium2–4 ft

    EasyNative

  • Black Gum

    Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica)

    Nyssa sylvatica

    Strong fall color and wet-soil tolerance

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist25–45 ft

    ModerateRain gardenNative

  • Black Raspberry

    Black Raspberry (Rubus occidentalis)

    Rubus occidentalis

    Edible bramble and wildlife cover

    Full sun–part shadeMedium3–6 ft

    ModerateEdibleNative

  • Black Walnut

    Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)

    Juglans nigra

    Large edible-nut and timber tree

    Full sunMedium50–80+ ft

    AdvancedEdibleNative

  • Blackhaw Viburnum

    Blackhaw Viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium)

    Viburnum prunifolium

    Dry-tolerant flowering small tree/shrub

    Full sun–part shadeDry–medium8–15 ft

    EasyNative

  • Bladdernut

    Bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia)

    Staphylea trifolia

    A native shrub with white bells and papery seed pods

    Part shade–shadeMedium8–12 ft

    EasyNative

  • Blanket Flower

    Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata)

    Gaillardia aristata

    Red-and-yellow daisies for a hot dry spot

    Full sunDry1–2 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Bleeding Heart

    Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis)

    Lamprocapnos spectabilis

    Spring hearts for the north side

    Part shade–shadeMedium2–3 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Bloodroot

    Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)

    Sanguinaria canadensis

    Early white spring flower

    Part shade–shadeMedium1–2 ft

    ModerateNative

  • Blue False Indigo

    Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis)

    Baptisia australis

    Long-lived prairie perennial with May spikes

    Full sunDry–medium3–4 ft

    EasyNative

  • Blue Flag Iris

    Blue Flag Iris (Iris virginica var. shrevei)

    Iris virginica var. shrevei

    Blue flag for rain garden or pond edge

    Full sun–part shadeMoist–wet2–4 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • Blue Vervain

    Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata)

    Verbena hastata

    Blue spikes for a wet sunny corner

    Full sunMoist–wet3–5 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod

    Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod (Solidago caesia)

    Solidago caesia

    Shade-tolerant graceful goldenrod

    Part shade–shadeDry–medium2–4 ft

    EasyNative

  • Bluebeard

    Bluebeard (Caryopteris × clandonensis)

    Caryopteris × clandonensis

    Blue flowers in August on a shrub that dies to the ground

    Full sunDry–medium3 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Bluejacket

    Bluejacket (Tradescantia ohiensis)

    Tradescantia ohiensis

    Blue early-summer foliage mass

    Full sun–part shadeDry–medium2–4 ft

    EasyNative

  • Bluestar

    Bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana)

    Amsonia tabernaemontana

    May blue stars and yellow fall leaves

    Full sun–part shadeMedium2–3 ft

    EasyNative

  • Bok Choy

    Bok Choy (Brassica rapa)

    Brassica rapa

    Fast fall or spring green

    Full sun–part shadeMedium1 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Bottle Gentian

    Bottle Gentian (Gentiana andrewsii)

    Gentiana andrewsii

    Late blue flower for moist beds

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist2–4 ft

    ModerateRain gardenNative

  • Bottlebrush Buckeye

    Bottlebrush Buckeye (Aesculus parviflora)

    Aesculus parviflora

    White flower candles in deep shade

    Part shade–shadeMedium8–12 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Bottlebrush Grass

    Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus hystrix)

    Elymus hystrix

    Shade-tolerant bottlebrush grass

    Part shade–shadeDry–medium3–5 ft

    EasyNative

  • Boxwood

    Boxwood (Buxus microphylla)

    Buxus microphylla

    Evergreen edge, if you accept the winter burn

    Full sun–part shadeMedium2–4 ft

    ModerateZone 6a

  • Broccoli

    Broccoli (Brassica oleracea)

    Brassica oleracea

    Cool-season heads, best as a fall crop

    Full sunMedium1–2 ft

    ModerateEdibleZone 6a

  • Brown-Eyed Susan

    Brown-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba)

    Rudbeckia triloba

    A cloud of small fall daisies for a city lot

    Full sun–part shadeDry–medium3–5 ft

    EasyNative

  • Brunnera

    Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla)

    Brunnera macrophylla

    Heart-shaped leaves and forget-me-not flowers

    Part shade–shadeMedium1 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Brussels Sprouts

    Brussels Sprouts (Brassica oleracea)

    Brassica oleracea

    Tall fall brassica that wants a long cool finish

    Full sunMedium2–3 ft

    ModerateEdibleZone 6a

  • Bugleweed

    Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

    Ajuga reptans

    A purple carpet in shade, and it will enter the lawn

    Part shade–shadeMedium4–6 in

    EasyZone 6a

  • Bur Oak

    Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)

    Quercus macrocarpa

    Signature Chicago-region canopy tree and wildlife mast

    Full sunDry–medium50–80+ ft

    ModerateEdibleNative

  • Bush Bean

    Bush Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

    Phaseolus vulgaris

    Fast summer bean for succession sowing

    Full sunMedium1–2 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Bush Honeysuckle

    Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera)

    Diervilla lonicera

    Low tough shrub for dry shade

    Part shade–sunDry–medium3–6 ft

    EasyNative

  • Butterfly Weed

    Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

    Asclepias tuberosa

    Dry-site monarch host and orange accent

    Full sunDry2–4 ft

    EasyNative

  • Buttonbush

    Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

    Cephalanthus occidentalis

    Button flowers for wet ground

    Full sun–part shadeMoist–wet6–10 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • Cabbage

    Cabbage (Brassica oleracea)

    Brassica oleracea

    Heading brassica for spring or fall

    Full sunMedium1–2 ft

    ModerateEdibleZone 6a

  • Calamint

    Calamint (Clinopodium nepeta)

    Clinopodium nepeta

    A haze of tiny white flowers into fall

    Full sunDry–medium1–2 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Calico Aster

    Calico Aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum)

    Symphyotrichum lateriflorum

    A fall aster that takes the east side

    Part shadeMedium2–3 ft

    EasyNative

  • Canada Anemone

    Canada Anemone (Anemone canadensis)

    Anemone canadensis

    White flowers in May, then a carpet that does not stop

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist1–2 ft

    EasyNative

  • Candytuft

    Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)

    Iberis sempervirens

    White April sheets on an evergreen mat

    Full sunDry–medium1 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Cardinal Flower

    Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

    Lobelia cardinalis

    Red hummingbird flower

    Part shade–sunMoist–wet2–4 ft

    ModerateRain gardenNative

  • Carrot

    Carrot (Daucus carota)

    Daucus carota

    Root crop that needs loose soil

    Full sunMedium1 ft

    ModerateEdibleZone 6a

  • Catmint

    Catmint (Nepeta racemosa)

    Nepeta racemosa

    Long gray-green bloom for a hot edge

    Full sunDry–medium1–2 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Cauliflower

    Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea)

    Brassica oleracea

    Fussy heading brassica

    Full sunMedium1–2 ft

    AdvancedEdibleZone 6a

  • Celandine Poppy

    Celandine Poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum)

    Stylophorum diphyllum

    Long-blooming yellow shade flower

    Part shade–shadeMedium–moist2–4 ft

    EasyNative

  • Chamomile

    Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

    Matricaria chamomilla

    Self-sowing tea flower

    Full sunDry–medium1–2 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Cheddar Pinks

    Cheddar Pinks (Dianthus gratianopolitanus)

    Dianthus gratianopolitanus

    Clove-scented mats for a dry edge

    Full sunDry6–10 in

    ModerateZone 6a

  • Chinkapin Oak

    Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii)

    Quercus muehlenbergii

    The oak that likes Chicago’s alkaline soil

    Full sunDry–medium40–60 ft

    EasyNative

  • Chives

    Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

    Allium schoenoprasum

    Perennial onion grass for the doorstep

    Full sun–part shadeMedium1 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Chokecherry

    Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)

    Prunus virginiana

    Edible preserve fruit and wildlife shrub

    Full sun–part shadeDry–medium8–15 ft

    ModerateEdibleNative

  • Christmas Fern

    Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)

    Polystichum acrostichoides

    Evergreen woodland fern

    Part shade–shadeDry–medium2–4 ft

    EasyNative

  • Cilantro

    Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)

    Coriandrum sativum

    Cool-season herb that bolts in June

    Full sun–part shadeMedium1–2 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Cinnamon Fern

    Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomeum)

    Osmunda cinnamomeum

    Large fern for moist shade

    Part shade–shadeMoist2–4 ft

    ModerateRain gardenNative

  • Climbing Hydrangea

    Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala)

    Hydrangea anomala

    A clinging vine with white lace flowers

    Part shade–shadeMediumVine 20–40 ft

    ModerateZone 6a

  • Climbing Prairie Rose

    Climbing Prairie Rose (Rosa setigera)

    Rosa setigera

    A native rose that can cover a fence

    Full sunMediumVine or sprawling shrub 6–12 ft

    ModerateNative

  • Collards

    Collards (Brassica oleracea)

    Brassica oleracea

    Big heat-and-cold greens

    Full sunMedium2–3 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Colorado Spruce

    Colorado Spruce (Picea pungens)

    Picea pungens

    Blue evergreen for a yard that can hold it

    Full sunMedium40–60 ft

    ModerateZone 6a

  • Common Boneset

    Common Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)

    Eupatorium perfoliatum

    White late-summer rain-garden flower

    Full sun–part shadeMoist–wet4–7 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • Common Juniper

    Common Juniper (Juniperus chinensis)

    Juniperus chinensis

    Evergreen shrub for a hot dry corner

    Full sunDry–medium4–10 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Common Lilac

    Common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)

    Syringa vulgaris

    May fragrance for a sunny corner

    Full sunMedium8–12 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Common Milkweed

    Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

    Asclepias syriaca

    Monarch host that runs through a sunny bed

    Full sunDry–medium3–5 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • Common Pawpaw

    Common Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)

    Asimina triloba

    Native fruit tree and woodland understory

    Part shade when young; sun for fruitMedium–moist12–25 ft

    ModerateEdibleNative

  • Common Yarrow

    Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

    Achillea millefolium

    Flat white flower heads on a ferny native

    Full sunDry–medium1–2 ft

    EasyNative

  • Compass Plant

    Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum)

    Silphium laciniatum

    Cut leaves and a very tall yellow stalk

    Full sunMedium6–10 ft

    EasyNative

  • Concord Grape

    Concord Grape (Vitis labrusca)

    Vitis labrusca

    Seeded backyard grape for a real trellis

    Full sunMediumVine 15 ft

    ModerateEdibleZone 6a

  • Coral Bells

    Coral Bells (Heuchera sanguinea)

    Heuchera sanguinea

    Foliage mounds for shade or morning sun

    Part shade–sunMedium1 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Cosmos

    Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)

    Cosmos bipinnatus

    Airy annual that shrugs off poor soil

    Full sunDry–medium3–5 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Crabapple

    Crabapple (Malus ioensis)

    Malus ioensis

    Prairie crabapple, a small native-region tree

    Full sunMedium15–25 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Cream Gentian

    Cream Gentian (Gentiana alba)

    Gentiana alba

    Closed cream flowers in September

    Full sun–part shadeMedium1–2 ft

    ModerateNative

  • Cream Wild Indigo

    Cream Wild Indigo (Baptisia bracteata)

    Baptisia bracteata

    Cream spring prairie flower

    Full sunDry2–4 ft

    AdvancedNative

  • Creeping Phlox

    Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)

    Phlox subulata

    A sheet of April color on a sunny edge

    Full sunDry–medium6 in

    EasyZone 6a

  • Crocus

    Crocus (Crocus vernus)

    Crocus vernus

    Early cups before the yard wakes up

    Full sun–part shadeMedium4–6 in

    EasyZone 6a

  • Cucumber

    Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

    Cucumis sativus

    Vining or bush cukes for summer salads

    Full sunMedium1–6 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Culver's Root

    Culver's Root (Veronicastrum virginicum)

    Veronicastrum virginicum

    Tall vertical summer accent

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist4–7 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • Cup Plant

    Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

    Silphium perfoliatum

    Tall yellow flowers, leaves that hold water

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist6–8 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • Daffodil

    Daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus)

    Narcissus pseudonarcissus

    Spring bulbs the squirrels leave alone

    Full sun–part shadeMedium1–2 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Dahlia

    Dahlia (Dahlia pinnata)

    Dahlia pinnata

    Tender tubers for a hot summer show

    Full sunMedium2–4 ft

    ModerateZone 6a

  • Dawn Redwood

    Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)

    Metasequoia glyptostroboides

    A feathery conifer that drops its needles and gets huge

    Full sunMedium–moist70–100 ft

    ModerateZone 6a

  • Daylily

    Daylily (Hemerocallis fulva)

    Hemerocallis fulva

    Tough clumps for a parkway or alley

    Full sun–part shadeDry–medium2–3 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Dense Blazing Star

    Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)

    Liatris spicata

    Moist-soil blazing star

    Full sunMedium–moist2–4 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • Dill

    Dill (Anethum graveolens)

    Anethum graveolens

    Feathery herb and swallowtail host

    Full sunMedium2–4 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Downy Hawthorn

    Downy Hawthorn (Crataegus mollis)

    Crataegus mollis

    Small regional tree with May flowers and fruit

    Full sunMedium20–30 ft

    ModerateEdibleZone 6a

  • Downy Serviceberry

    Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)

    Amelanchier arborea

    Edible small tree; spring flowers; bird habitat

    Full sun–part shadeMedium12–25 ft

    EasyEdibleNative

  • Drummond's Aster

    Drummond's Aster (Symphyotrichum drummondii)

    Symphyotrichum drummondii

    The fall aster that belongs on a Chicago east side

    Part shadeMedium2–4 ft

    EasyNative

  • Duck Potato

    Duck Potato (Sagittaria latifolia)

    Sagittaria latifolia

    Edible aquatic tuber for pond edge

    Full sunWet / shallow water2–4 ft

    AdvancedEdibleRain gardenNative

  • Dutchman's Breeches

    Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria)

    Dicentra cucullaria

    Early spring ephemeral

    Part shade–shadeMedium1–2 ft

    AdvancedNative

  • Eastern Arborvitae

    Eastern Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

    Thuja occidentalis

    Native evergreen screen for moist soil

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist25–45 ft

    ModerateRain gardenNative

  • Eastern Red Cedar

    Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

    Juniperus virginiana

    Evergreen screen for dry sites

    Full sunDry–medium25–45 ft

    EasyNative

  • Eastern Redbud

    Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

    Cercis canadensis

    Early pink-flowering small tree

    Part shade–sunMedium12–25 ft

    EasyNative

  • Eastern Wahoo

    Eastern Wahoo (Euonymus atropurpureus)

    Euonymus atropurpureus

    The native euonymus. Not burning bush.

    Full sun–part shadeMedium8–12 ft

    EasyNative

  • Eastern White Pine

    Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

    Pinus strobus

    Large soft-textured evergreen

    Full sun–part shadeMedium50–80+ ft

    ModerateNative

  • Eggplant

    Eggplant (Solanum melongena)

    Solanum melongena

    Heat-loving fruit for the warmest corner

    Full sunMedium2–3 ft

    ModerateEdibleZone 6a

  • Fall Sneezeweed

    Fall Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale)

    Helenium autumnale

    Late yellow flower for moist soil

    Full sunMedium–moist4–7 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • False Solomon's Seal

    False Solomon's Seal (Maianthemum racemosum)

    Maianthemum racemosum

    Architectural woodland perennial with berries

    Part shade–shadeMedium2–4 ft

    EasyNative

  • Feather Reed Grass

    Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis acutiflora)

    Calamagrostis acutiflora

    Upright grass for a narrow city bed

    Full sun–part shadeMedium4–5 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Fennel

    Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

    Foeniculum vulgare

    Bronze or green herb, and Florence fennel for bulbs

    Full sunMedium3–5 ft

    ModerateEdibleZone 6a

  • Fig

    Fig (Ficus carica)

    Ficus carica

    Pot tree that must be stored for winter

    Full sunMedium5–8 ft in a pot

    AdvancedEdibleZone 6a

  • Flowering Cherry

    Flowering Cherry (Prunus serrulata)

    Prunus serrulata

    A short-lived cloud of pink in April

    Full sunMedium15–25 ft

    ModerateZone 6a

  • Flowering Spurge

    Flowering Spurge (Euphorbia corollata)

    Euphorbia corollata

    Airy white bracts for a dry sunny bed

    Full sunDry2–3 ft

    EasyNative

  • Foamflower

    Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)

    Tiarella cordifolia

    Spring foam and patterned leaves

    Part shade–shadeMedium–moist1 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Forsythia

    Forsythia (Forsythia intermedia)

    Forsythia intermedia

    Yellow April shoots on a big shrub

    Full sun–part shadeMedium8–10 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Fothergilla

    Fothergilla (Fothergilla major)

    Fothergilla major

    White bottlebrushes before the leaves, then fall color

    Full sun–part shadeMedium5–8 ft

    ModerateZone 6a

  • Fountain Grass

    Fountain Grass (Cenchrus alopecuroides)

    Cenchrus alopecuroides

    A fountain of plumes for a sunny bed

    Full sunMedium2–3 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Fox Sedge

    Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoidea)

    Carex vulpinoidea

    Fast rain-garden filler sedge

    Full sun–part shadeMoist–wet2–4 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • Foxglove

    Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

    Digitalis purpurea

    Tall bells for part shade, usually a biennial

    Part shade–sunMedium3–5 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Foxglove Beardtongue

    Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis)

    Penstemon digitalis

    Early-season pollinator flower

    Full sun–part shadeMedium2–4 ft

    EasyNative

  • Fragrant Sumac

    Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica)

    Rhus aromatica

    Low dry-site shrub and slope cover

    Full sun–part shadeDry3–6 ft

    EasyNative

  • Fringe Tree

    Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus)

    Chionanthus virginicus

    White fringe in late spring on a small tree

    Full sun–part shadeMedium12–20 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Garden Mum

    Garden Mum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)

    Chrysanthemum morifolium

    Fall color, hardy only if planted in spring

    Full sunMedium1–2 ft

    ModerateZone 6a

  • Garden Phlox

    Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata)

    Phlox paniculata

    Tall midsummer flowers, mildew and all

    Full sun–part shadeMedium3–4 ft

    ModerateZone 6a

  • Garden Strawberry

    Garden Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa)

    Fragaria x ananassa

    June-bearing or everbearing berries

    Full sunMedium6–8 in

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Garlic

    Garlic (Allium sativum)

    Allium sativum

    Fall-planted staple for every open bed

    Full sunMedium1–2 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Ginkgo

    Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

    Ginkgo biloba

    Tough city tree, if you plant a male

    Full sunMedium40–70 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Globe Thistle

    Globe Thistle (Echinops ritro)

    Echinops ritro

    Steel-blue balls that bees cover

    Full sunDry–medium3–4 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Goatsbeard

    Goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus)

    Aruncus dioicus

    Cream plumes for a moist shady corner

    Part shade–shadeMedium–moist4–6 ft

    EasyNative

  • Golden Alexanders

    Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea)

    Zizia aurea

    Early beneficial-insect flower

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist2–4 ft

    EasyNative

  • Golden Ragwort

    Golden Ragwort (Packera aurea)

    Packera aurea

    Fast evergreen-ish groundcover for moist shade

    Part shade–sunMedium–moist1–2 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • Grape Hyacinth

    Grape Hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum)

    Muscari armeniacum

    Blue spring spikes that multiply

    Full sun–part shadeMedium6 in

    EasyZone 6a

  • Gray Dogwood

    Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa)

    Cornus racemosa

    Tough gray dogwood screen

    Full sun–part shadeDry–medium6–10 ft

    EasyNative

  • Gray-Headed Coneflower

    Gray-Headed Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata)

    Ratibida pinnata

    Tall airy summer coneflower

    Full sunDry–medium4–7 ft

    EasyNative

  • Gray's Sedge

    Gray's Sedge (Carex grayi)

    Carex grayi

    Ornamental mace-like sedge

    Part shade–sunMoist2–4 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • Great Blue Lobelia

    Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica)

    Lobelia siphilitica

    Blue late-summer moist-soil flower

    Full sun–part shadeMoist2–4 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • Groundnut

    Groundnut (Apios americana)

    Apios americana

    Edible tuber vine and nitrogen-fixing legume

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist10–30 ft vine

    ModerateEdibleRain gardenNative

  • Hackberry

    Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)

    Celtis occidentalis

    The street tree that already grows in the alley

    Full sun–part shadeDry–medium40–60 ft

    EasyNative

  • Hairy Beardtongue

    Hairy Beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus)

    Penstemon hirsutus

    Compact dry-site beardtongue

    Full sun–part shadeDry–medium1–2 ft

    EasyNative

  • Hakone Grass

    Hakone Grass (Hakonechloa macra)

    Hakonechloa macra

    Soft shade grass for the north foundation

    Part shade–shadeMedium1–2 ft

    ModerateZone 6a

  • Hardy Geranium

    Hardy Geranium (Geranium sanguineum)

    Geranium sanguineum

    Low mounding perennial, not a bedding geranium

    Full sun–part shadeDry–medium1 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Hardy Hibiscus

    Hardy Hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos)

    Hibiscus moscheutos

    Dinner-plate flowers for a moist sunny bed

    Full sunMedium–moist3–5 ft

    EasyRain gardenZone 6a

  • Hardy Kiwi

    Hardy Kiwi (Actinidia arguta)

    Actinidia arguta

    A strong vine with small smooth fruit

    Full sunMediumVine 15–20 ft

    AdvancedEdibleZone 6a

  • Heath Aster

    Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides)

    Symphyotrichum ericoides

    A froth of tiny white asters on a dry site

    Full sunDry–medium1–3 ft

    EasyNative

  • Hellebore

    Hellebore (Helleborus orientalis)

    Helleborus orientalis

    Evergreen clumps that flower in March

    Part shade–shadeMedium1–2 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Highbush Blueberry

    Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)

    Vaccinium corymbosum

    Edible fruiting shrub for acidic soil

    Full sun–part shadeAcidic, moist–well-drained6–10 ft

    AdvancedEdibleRain gardenNative

  • Hoary Vervain

    Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta)

    Verbena stricta

    Purple candelabras on a hot, dry parkway

    Full sunDry2–4 ft

    EasyNative

  • Hollyhock

    Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)

    Alcea rosea

    Tall spires for a sunny wall

    Full sunMedium5–8 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Honey Locust

    Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos)

    Gleditsia triacanthos

    Open shade tree native to the Chicago region

    Full sunDry–medium40–70 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Honeyberry

    Honeyberry (Lonicera caerulea)

    Lonicera caerulea

    Very early blue fruit, if you plant two varieties

    Full sun–part shadeMedium4–6 ft

    ModerateEdibleZone 6a

  • Hosta

    Hosta (Hosta sieboldiana)

    Hosta sieboldiana

    Big leaves for the north side of the house

    Part shade–shadeMedium1–3 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Indian Grass

    Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans)

    Sorghastrum nutans

    Golden tall prairie grass

    Full sunDry–medium5–8 ft

    EasyNative

  • Inkberry

    Inkberry (Ilex glabra)

    Ilex glabra

    A native-east evergreen that can replace boxwood

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist3–6 ft

    ModerateZone 6a

  • Ivory Sedge

    Ivory Sedge (Carex eburnea)

    Carex eburnea

    Fine low sedge for dry shade

    Part shade–shadeDry–medium1–2 ft

    EasyNative

  • Jack-in-the-Pulpit

    Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)

    Arisaema triphyllum

    A hooded flower, then a club of red fruit

    Part shade–shadeMedium–moist1–2 ft

    EasyNative

  • Jackman Clematis

    Jackman Clematis (Clematis × jackmanii)

    Clematis × jackmanii

    Big purple flowers on a trellis

    Full sun–part shadeMediumVine 8–12 ft

    ModerateZone 6a

  • Jacob's Ladder

    Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium reptans)

    Polemonium reptans

    Blue bells over ladder leaves in spring shade

    Part shadeMedium12–18 in

    EasyNative

  • Japanese Anemone

    Japanese Anemone (Eriocapitella hupehensis)

    Eriocapitella hupehensis

    Fall pink or white on wiry stems

    Part shade–sunMedium2–4 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Japanese Maple

    Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

    Acer palmatum

    A small tree for a protected east side

    Part shade–sunMedium10–20 ft

    ModerateZone 6a

  • Japanese Painted Fern

    Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum)

    Athyrium niponicum

    Silver and burgundy fronds for the north side

    Part shade–shadeMedium1–2 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Japanese Sedge

    Japanese Sedge (Carex morrowii)

    Carex morrowii

    An evergreen sedge for dryish shade

    Part shade–shadeMedium12 in

    EasyZone 6a

  • Japanese Tree Lilac

    Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata)

    Syringa reticulata

    A small street tree with cream flowers in June

    Full sunMedium20–30 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • June Grass

    June Grass (Koeleria macrantha)

    Koeleria macrantha

    Compact cool-season dry grass

    Full sunDry1–3 ft

    ModerateNative

  • Kale

    Kale (Brassica oleracea)

    Brassica oleracea

    Cold-tough green that sweetens after frost

    Full sun–part shadeMedium1–2 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Katsura

    Katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum)

    Cercidiphyllum japonicum

    Heart-shaped leaves and a caramel smell in fall

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist30–50 ft

    ModerateZone 6a

  • Kentucky Coffeetree

    Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus)

    Gymnocladus dioicus

    Architectural drought-tolerant shade tree

    Full sunDry–medium50–80+ ft

    EasyNative

  • Kerria

    Kerria (Kerria japonica)

    Kerria japonica

    Yellow April flowers on green winter stems

    Part shade–shadeMedium4–6 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Knock Out Rose

    Knock Out Rose (Rosa 'Radrazz')

    Rosa 'Radrazz'

    Repeat-blooming shrub rose for a sunny corner

    Full sunMedium3–4 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Kohlrabi

    Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea)

    Brassica oleracea

    Crunchy stem for spring and fall

    Full sunMedium1 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Korean Spice Viburnum

    Korean Spice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii)

    Viburnum carlesii

    Pink-white May flowers you can smell from the walk

    Full sun–part shadeMedium4–6 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Kousa Dogwood

    Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa)

    Cornus kousa

    June flowers and a small tree that handles Chicago better than flowering dogwood

    Full sun–part shadeMedium15–25 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Lady Fern

    Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)

    Athyrium filix-femina

    A lacy fern for ordinary shade

    Part shade–shadeMedium–moist2–3 ft

    EasyNative

  • Lady's Mantle

    Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla mollis)

    Alchemilla mollis

    Scalloped leaves and chartreuse foam

    Part shade–sunMedium1 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Lamb's Ear

    Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina)

    Stachys byzantina

    Silver leaves for a dry sunny edge

    Full sunDry1 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Lance Leaf Tickseed

    Lance Leaf Tickseed (Coreopsis lanceolata)

    Coreopsis lanceolata

    Early summer yellow flower

    Full sunDry–medium2–4 ft

    EasyNative

  • Large White Trillium

    Large White Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum)

    Trillium grandiflorum

    Classic white spring woodland flower

    Part shade–shadeMedium2–4 ft

    AdvancedNative

  • Large-Flower Bellwort

    Large-Flower Bellwort (Uvularia grandiflora)

    Uvularia grandiflora

    Yellow spring woodland flower

    Part shade–shadeMedium2–4 ft

    ModerateNative

  • Lavender

    Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

    Lavandula angustifolia

    Dry-loving flowers for a raised sandy pocket

    Full sunDry1–2 ft

    ModerateEdibleZone 6a

  • Leadplant

    Leadplant (Amorpha canescens)

    Amorpha canescens

    Low nitrogen-fixing prairie subshrub

    Full sunDry3–6 ft

    ModerateNative

  • Leatherwood

    Leatherwood (Dirca palustris)

    Dirca palustris

    A small yellow-flowered shrub for real shade

    Part shade–shadeMedium3–6 ft

    ModerateNative

  • Leek

    Leek (Allium ampeloprasum)

    Allium ampeloprasum

    Long-season allium that stands into fall

    Full sunMedium1–2 ft

    ModerateEdibleZone 6a

  • Lemon Balm

    Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

    Melissa officinalis

    Lemon leaf for tea, in a pot

    Full sun–part shadeMedium1–2 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Lettuce

    Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

    Lactuca sativa

    Cool-season leaves for spring and early fall

    Full sun–part shadeMedium6–12 in

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Ligularia

    Ligularia (Ligularia dentata)

    Ligularia dentata

    Big round leaves and yellow-orange daisies in damp shade

    Part shadeMoist3–4 ft

    ModerateZone 6a

  • Lilyturf

    Lilyturf (Liriope muscari)

    Liriope muscari

    A grassy clump with purple spikes in August

    Part shade–shadeMedium12–18 in

    EasyZone 6a

  • Limber Honeysuckle

    Limber Honeysuckle (Lonicera dioica)

    Lonicera dioica

    Native honeysuckle for trellis

    Part shade–sunMedium10–30 ft vine

    ModerateNative

  • Little Bluestem

    Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

    Schizachyrium scoparium

    Four-season dry garden grass

    Full sunDry–medium3–5 ft

    EasyNative

  • Littleleaf Linden

    Littleleaf Linden (Tilia cordata)

    Tilia cordata

    A common street tree with fragrant June flowers

    Full sunMedium40–60 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Low Serviceberry

    Low Serviceberry (Amelanchier humilis)

    Amelanchier humilis

    Low edible shrub for sunny edge

    Full sun–part shadeDry–medium3–6 ft

    ModerateEdibleNative

  • Lowbush Blueberry

    Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium)

    Vaccinium angustifolium

    Low edible blueberry groundcover

    Full sun–part shadeAcidic, well-drained1–2 ft

    AdvancedEdibleNative

  • Lungwort

    Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis)

    Pulmonaria officinalis

    Early blue-pink flowers and spotted leaves

    Part shade–shadeMedium1 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Mapleleaf Viburnum

    Mapleleaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium)

    Viburnum acerifolium

    The viburnum that actually likes dry shade

    Part shade–shadeDry–medium4–6 ft

    EasyNative

  • Marginal Wood Fern

    Marginal Wood Fern (Dryopteris marginalis)

    Dryopteris marginalis

    An evergreen fern for a north foundation

    Part shade–shadeMedium18–24 in

    EasyNative

  • Marigold

    Marigold (Tagetes patula)

    Tagetes patula

    Short annual for the front of a sunny bed

    Full sunMedium6–12 in

    EasyZone 6a

  • Mayapple

    Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)

    Podophyllum peltatum

    A colony of umbrellas, one white flower under the leaf

    Part shade–shadeMedium12–18 in

    EasyNative

  • Meadow Blazing Star

    Meadow Blazing Star (Liatris ligulistylis)

    Liatris ligulistylis

    The blazing star monarchs actually sit on

    Full sunMedium3–5 ft

    EasyNative

  • Meadow Garlic

    Meadow Garlic (Allium canadense)

    Allium canadense

    Edible native allium and pollinator plant

    Full sun–part shadeDry–medium1–2 ft

    EasyEdibleNative

  • Meadowsweet

    Meadowsweet (Spiraea alba)

    Spiraea alba

    A white native spirea for wet sun

    Full sun–part shadeMoist–wet3–5 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • Melon

    Melon (Cucumis melo)

    Cucumis melo

    Short-season melon for a hot south bed

    Full sunMediumVine 6 ft

    AdvancedEdibleZone 6a

  • Michigan Lily

    Michigan Lily (Lilium michiganense)

    Lilium michiganense

    A native turk’s-cap lily, orange and spotted

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist3–5 ft

    ModerateNative

  • Missouri Gooseberry

    Missouri Gooseberry (Ribes missouriense)

    Ribes missouriense

    Edible gooseberry for woodland edge

    Part shade–full sunMedium3–6 ft

    ModerateEdibleNative

  • Miterwort

    Miterwort (Mitella diphylla)

    Mitella diphylla

    Delicate spring woodland flower

    Shade–part shadeMedium–moist1–2 ft

    AdvancedNative

  • Mock Orange

    Mock Orange (Philadelphus coronarius)

    Philadelphus coronarius

    White June flowers with a citrus smell

    Full sun–part shadeMedium6–10 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Nannyberry

    Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago)

    Viburnum lentago

    Large flowering and fruiting screen

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist8–15 ft

    EasyNative

  • New England Aster

    New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

    Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

    High-value fall pollinator flower

    Full sunMedium–moist4–7 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • New Jersey Tea

    New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus)

    Ceanothus americanus

    Compact dry-site shrub and tea-history plant

    Full sun–part shadeDry–medium3–6 ft

    ModerateEdibleNative

  • Ninebark

    Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

    Physocarpus opulifolius

    Tough flowering screen shrub

    Full sun–part shadeDry–moist6–10 ft

    EasyNative

  • Nodding Onion

    Nodding Onion (Allium cernuum)

    Allium cernuum

    Edible ornamental onion

    Full sun–part shadeDry–medium1–2 ft

    EasyEdibleNative

  • Northern Maidenhair Fern

    Northern Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)

    Adiantum pedatum

    Fine-textured woodland fern

    Part shade–shadeMedium–moist2–4 ft

    ModerateNative

  • Northern Red Oak

    Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

    Quercus rubra

    Fast-growing large shade oak

    Full sunDry–medium50–80+ ft

    EasyNative

  • Northern Sea Oats

    Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)

    Chasmanthium latifolium

    Flat oat-like seed heads for part shade

    Part shade–sunMedium–moist3–4 ft

    EasyNative

  • Oakleaf Hydrangea

    Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)

    Hydrangea quercifolia

    Peeling bark and leaves for part shade

    Part shade–sunMedium5–7 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Obedient Plant

    Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana)

    Physostegia virginiana

    Pink or white spikes that run in moist soil

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist3–4 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • Ohio Buckeye

    Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra)

    Aesculus glabra

    Yellow-green candles in spring, then it drops leaves early

    Full sun–part shadeMedium30–40 ft

    EasyNative

  • Okra

    Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

    Abelmoschus esculentus

    Heat crop for a Chicago August

    Full sunMedium3–5 ft

    ModerateEdibleZone 6a

  • Onion

    Onion (Allium cepa)

    Allium cepa

    Bulb onion from sets or transplants

    Full sunMedium1 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Orange Coneflower

    Orange Coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida)

    Rudbeckia fulgida

    The gold daisy nurseries sell as Goldsturm

    Full sun–part shadeMedium2–3 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Oregano

    Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

    Origanum vulgare

    Sprawling perennial for a hot dry edge

    Full sunDry–medium1 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Oriental Poppy

    Oriental Poppy (Papaver orientale)

    Papaver orientale

    Big crepe flowers in late May, then a gap

    Full sunDry–medium2–3 ft

    ModerateZone 6a

  • Ornamental Allium

    Ornamental Allium (Allium hollandicum)

    Allium hollandicum

    Purple globes in late spring, then the leaves vanish

    Full sunDry–medium2–3 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Ostrich Fern

    Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)

    Matteuccia struthiopteris

    Edible spring fiddleheads and tall fern

    Part shade–shadeMoist2–4 ft

    ModerateEdibleRain gardenNative

  • Pagoda Dogwood

    Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)

    Cornus alternifolia

    Small layered woodland tree/shrub

    Part shade–sunMedium–moist12–25 ft

    ModerateNative

  • Pale Purple Coneflower

    Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida)

    Echinacea pallida

    Dry prairie coneflower

    Full sunDry–medium2–4 ft

    EasyNative

  • Palm Sedge

    Palm Sedge (Carex muskingumensis)

    Carex muskingumensis

    Palm-like sedge for moist shade

    Part shade–sunMoist2–4 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • Panicle Hydrangea

    Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)

    Hydrangea paniculata

    White summer cones that take full sun

    Full sun–part shadeMedium6–10 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Pansy

    Pansy (Viola x wittrockiana)

    Viola x wittrockiana

    Cool-weather face for April and October

    Full sun–part shadeMedium6–8 in

    EasyZone 6a

  • Paperbark Maple

    Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum)

    Acer griseum

    Cinnamon peeling bark on a small tree

    Full sun–part shadeMedium20–30 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Parsley

    Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

    Petroselinum crispum

    Biennial herb for pots and bed edges

    Full sun–part shadeMedium1 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Partridge Pea

    Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata)

    Chamaecrista fasciculata

    Annual yellow pea that feeds bees and reseed

    Full sunDry–medium1–3 ft

    EasyNative

  • Pea

    Pea (Pisum sativum)

    Pisum sativum

    Cool-season crop for early spring and a short fall try

    Full sunMedium2–6 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Peach

    Peach (Prunus persica)

    Prunus persica

    Marginal fruit tree for a protected south wall

    Full sunMedium12–15 ft

    AdvancedEdibleZone 6a

  • Peach-leaved Bellflower

    Peach-leaved Bellflower (Campanula persicifolia)

    Campanula persicifolia

    Blue or white bells on a thin stem in June

    Full sun–part shadeMedium2–3 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Pear

    Pear (Pyrus communis)

    Pyrus communis

    Upright fruit tree for a sunny yard

    Full sunMedium12–20 ft

    ModerateEdibleZone 6a

  • Pennsylvania Sedge

    Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica)

    Carex pensylvanica

    Dry-shade lawn alternative

    Part shade–shadeDry–medium1–2 ft

    EasyNative

  • Peony

    Peony (Paeonia lactiflora)

    Paeonia lactiflora

    Long-lived May flowers for a settled bed

    Full sunMedium2–3 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Pepper

    Pepper (Capsicum annuum)

    Capsicum annuum

    Sweet and hot peppers for a hot bed

    Full sunMedium2–3 ft

    ModerateEdibleZone 6a

  • Persimmon

    Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)

    Diospyros virginiana

    A Chicago-edge fruit tree, sweet after frost

    Full sunMedium30–50 ft

    ModerateEdibleNative

  • Pigsqueak

    Pigsqueak (Bergenia cordifolia)

    Bergenia cordifolia

    Big evergreen leaves and pink flowers at the thaw

    Part shade–shadeMedium12–18 in

    EasyZone 6a

  • Plantain-Leaved Sedge

    Plantain-Leaved Sedge (Carex plantaginea)

    Carex plantaginea

    Broad-leaved ornamental sedge

    Part shade–shadeMedium–moist1–2 ft

    EasyNative

  • Potato

    Potato (Solanum tuberosum)

    Solanum tuberosum

    Cool-season tuber for a deep bed

    Full sunMedium2 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Prairie Alumroot

    Prairie Alumroot (Heuchera richardsonii)

    Heuchera richardsonii

    Low foliage mound and airy flowers

    Part shade–sunDry–medium1–2 ft

    EasyNative

  • Prairie Blazing Star

    Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya)

    Liatris pycnostachya

    A dense purple spike that wants its feet damp

    Full sunMedium–moist3–5 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • Prairie Coreopsis

    Prairie Coreopsis (Coreopsis palmata)

    Coreopsis palmata

    Short yellow prairie flower for a dry edge

    Full sunDry–medium1–2 ft

    EasyNative

  • Prairie Dock

    Prairie Dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum)

    Silphium terebinthinaceum

    Huge basal leaves and a tall yellow stalk

    Full sunMedium6–10 ft

    EasyNative

  • Prairie Dropseed

    Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)

    Sporobolus heterolepis

    Fine-textured dry garden matrix grass

    Full sunDry–medium3–5 ft

    EasyNative

  • Prairie Ironweed

    Prairie Ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata)

    Vernonia fasciculata

    Purple late-summer vertical accent

    Full sunMedium–moist4–7 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • Prairie Milkweed

    Prairie Milkweed (Asclepias sullivantii)

    Asclepias sullivantii

    Showy monarch host for mesic prairie

    Full sunMedium–moist2–4 ft

    ModerateNative

  • Prairie Phlox

    Prairie Phlox (Phlox pilosa)

    Phlox pilosa

    Pink early-summer prairie flower

    Full sun–part shadeDry–medium2–4 ft

    ModerateNative

  • Prairie Smoke

    Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum)

    Geum triflorum

    Low dry prairie spring flower

    Full sunDry1–2 ft

    ModerateNative

  • Prairie Trillium

    Prairie Trillium (Trillium recurvatum)

    Trillium recurvatum

    Prairie-woodland trillium

    Part shade–shadeMedium2–4 ft

    AdvancedNative

  • Pumpkin

    Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo)

    Cucurbita pepo

    Sprawling fall fruit for a big patch

    Full sunMediumVine 10–15 ft

    ModerateEdibleZone 6a

  • Purple Coneflower

    Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

    Echinacea purpurea

    Reliable midsummer pollinator flower

    Full sun–part shadeMedium2–4 ft

    EasyNative

  • Purple Giant Hyssop

    Purple Giant Hyssop (Agastache scrophulariaefolia)

    Agastache scrophulariaefolia

    Tall aromatic pollinator plant

    Full sun–part shadeMedium4–7 ft

    ModerateEdibleNative

  • Purple Lovegrass

    Purple Lovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis)

    Eragrostis spectabilis

    A pink cloud of grass in late summer

    Full sunDry1–2 ft

    EasyNative

  • Purple Moor Grass

    Purple Moor Grass (Molinia caerulea)

    Molinia caerulea

    A see-through grass that turns gold and does not run

    Full sun–part shadeMedium4–7 ft in flower, low mound of leaves

    EasyZone 6a

  • Purple Poppy Mallow

    Purple Poppy Mallow (Callirhoe involucrata)

    Callirhoe involucrata

    A magenta mat for a baking parkway

    Full sunDry6–12 in, trailing

    EasyNative

  • Purple Prairie Clover

    Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea)

    Dalea purpurea

    Nitrogen-fixing dry prairie flower

    Full sunDry2–4 ft

    EasyNative

  • Queen of the Prairie

    Queen of the Prairie (Filipendula rubra)

    Filipendula rubra

    Big pink plumes in a wet sunny spot

    Full sun–part shadeMoist4–8 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • Radish

    Radish (Raphanus sativus)

    Raphanus sativus

    Three-week spring and fall root

    Full sun–part shadeMedium6 in

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Ramps

    Ramps (Allium tricoccum)

    Allium tricoccum

    Slow woodland edible

    Part shade–shadeMedium–moist1–2 ft

    AdvancedEdibleNative

  • Raspberry

    Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)

    Rubus idaeus

    Cane fruit for a dedicated row

    Full sunMedium4–5 ft

    ModerateEdibleZone 6a

  • Rattlesnake Master

    Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium)

    Eryngium yuccifolium

    Spiny silver yucca leaves and white balls

    Full sunDry–medium3–5 ft

    EasyNative

  • Red Columbine

    Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

    Aquilegia canadensis

    Spring hummingbird flower

    Part shade–sunDry–medium1–2 ft

    EasyNative

  • Red Currant

    Red Currant (Ribes rubrum)

    Ribes rubrum

    Translucent fruit for part sun

    Full sun–part shadeMedium3–5 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Red Maple

    Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

    Acer rubrum

    Fall color for a moist sunny yard

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist40–60 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Red Mulberry

    Red Mulberry (Morus rubra)

    Morus rubra

    Large fruiting shade tree

    Full sun–part shadeMedium25–45 ft

    ModerateEdibleNative

  • Red-Osier Dogwood

    Red-Osier Dogwood (Cornus alba)

    Cornus alba

    Red-stemmed wet-soil shrub

    Full sun–part shadeMoist–wet6–10 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • Rhubarb

    Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum)

    Rheum rhabarbarum

    Perennial tart stalks for spring pies

    Full sunMedium2–3 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • River Birch

    River Birch (Betula nigra)

    Betula nigra

    Multi-season bark tree for moist soil

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist25–45 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • Riverbank Grape

    Riverbank Grape (Vitis riparia)

    Vitis riparia

    Edible native grape for a dedicated trellis

    Full sunMedium–moist10–30 ft vine

    ModerateEdibleNative

  • Rodgersia

    Rodgersia (Rodgersia aesculifolia)

    Rodgersia aesculifolia

    Horse-chestnut leaves and a pink plume, in damp shade

    Part shade–shadeMoist3–4 ft

    ModerateZone 6a

  • Rose of Sharon

    Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)

    Hibiscus syriacus

    Late summer hollyhock flowers on a shrub

    Full sun–part shadeMedium8–12 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Rosemary

    Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

    Salvia rosmarinus

    Tender woody herb that must come inside

    Full sunDry–medium1–3 ft

    AdvancedEdibleZone 6a

  • Rosinweed

    Rosinweed (Silphium integrifolium)

    Silphium integrifolium

    A smaller silphium, still a real prairie plant

    Full sunMedium3–6 ft

    EasyNative

  • Rough Blazing Star

    Rough Blazing Star (Liatris aspera)

    Liatris aspera

    Dry-site blazing star

    Full sunDry2–4 ft

    ModerateNative

  • Roundhead Bush Clover

    Roundhead Bush Clover (Lespedeza capitata)

    Lespedeza capitata

    A silver prairie legume with round flower heads

    Full sunDry–medium3–5 ft

    EasyNative

  • Rue Anemone

    Rue Anemone (Thalictrum thalictroides)

    Thalictrum thalictroides

    A small white spring flower on wire stems

    Part shadeMedium4–8 in

    ModerateNative

  • Rugosa Rose

    Rugosa Rose (Rosa rugosa)

    Rosa rugosa

    Tough shrub rose with hips

    Full sunDry–medium4–6 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Russian Sage

    Russian Sage (Salvia yangii)

    Salvia yangii

    Airy late-summer haze

    Full sunDry3–4 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Sage

    Sage (Salvia officinalis)

    Salvia officinalis

    Woody perennial herb

    Full sunDry–medium1–2 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Salvia

    Salvia (Salvia nemorosa)

    Salvia nemorosa

    Purple spikes for the sunny border

    Full sunDry–medium1–2 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Sassafras

    Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)

    Sassafras albidum

    Three leaf shapes, spice, and a thicket if it suckers

    Full sun–part shadeMedium30–50 ft

    ModerateNative

  • Saucer Magnolia

    Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana)

    Magnolia x soulangeana

    Early pink cups, some years nipped by frost

    Full sun–part shadeMedium15–25 ft

    ModerateZone 6a

  • Scarlet Avens

    Scarlet Avens (Geum coccineum)

    Geum coccineum

    Small orange-red flowers over a green mound

    Full sun–part shadeMedium12 in

    EasyZone 6a

  • Scarlet Bee Balm

    Scarlet Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

    Monarda didyma

    Red summer flowers for hummingbirds

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist2–4 ft

    ModerateZone 6a

  • Sea Holly

    Sea Holly (Eryngium planum)

    Eryngium planum

    Blue thistles that like a mean, sunny spot

    Full sunDry2–3 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Sensitive Fern

    Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis)

    Onoclea sensibilis

    A simple fern for a wet shady corner

    Part shade–shadeMoist–wet1–2 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • Seven-Son Flower

    Seven-Son Flower (Heptacodium miconioides)

    Heptacodium miconioides

    September flowers, then red calyxes and peeling bark

    Full sun–part shadeMedium10–20 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Shagbark Hickory

    Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata)

    Carya ovata

    Large edible-nut canopy tree

    Full sun–part shadeMedium50–80+ ft

    AdvancedEdibleNative

  • Sharp-lobed Hepatica

    Sharp-lobed Hepatica (Hepatica acutiloba)

    Hepatica acutiloba

    The first flower on a north-facing lot

    Part shade–shadeMedium4–6 in

    ModerateNative

  • Shasta Daisy

    Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum)

    Leucanthemum × superbum

    White June daisies for a sunny bed

    Full sunMedium2–3 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Shellbark Hickory

    Shellbark Hickory (Carya laciniosa)

    Carya laciniosa

    Large edible-nut tree for moist ground

    Full sunMedium–moist50–80+ ft

    AdvancedEdibleRain gardenNative

  • Shingle Oak

    Shingle Oak (Quercus imbricaria)

    Quercus imbricaria

    An oak with unlobed leaves, good on a city street

    Full sunMedium40–60 ft

    EasyNative

  • Shooting Star

    Shooting Star (Primula meadia)

    Primula meadia

    Spring prairie flowers that sleep by July

    Full sun–part shadeMedium1 ft

    ModerateNative

  • Showy Goldenrod

    Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa)

    Solidago speciosa

    Showy restrained goldenrod

    Full sunDry–medium2–4 ft

    EasyNative

  • Showy Sunflower

    Showy Sunflower (Helianthus pauciflorus)

    Helianthus pauciflorus

    A real prairie sunflower, shorter than a sunchoke jungle

    Full sunDry–medium3–6 ft

    EasyNative

  • Shrubby Cinquefoil

    Shrubby Cinquefoil (Dasiphora fruticosa)

    Dasiphora fruticosa

    A small yellow-flowered shrub that takes heat and salt

    Full sunDry–medium2–4 ft

    EasyNative

  • Shrubby St. John's Wort

    Shrubby St. John's Wort (Hypericum prolificum)

    Hypericum prolificum

    Compact yellow-flowering dry shrub

    Full sun–part shadeDry–medium3–6 ft

    EasyNative

  • Siberian Iris

    Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica)

    Iris sibirica

    Narrow leaves and June flowers for a damp sunny bed

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist2–3 ft

    EasyRain gardenZone 6a

  • Side-Oats Grama

    Side-Oats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula)

    Bouteloua curtipendula

    Short dry prairie grass

    Full sunDry1–3 ft

    EasyNative

  • Silky Dogwood

    Silky Dogwood (Cornus obliqua)

    Cornus obliqua

    A dogwood for the wet corner, flat white flowers

    Full sun–part shadeMoist–wet6–10 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • Sky Blue Aster

    Sky Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum oolentangiense)

    Symphyotrichum oolentangiense

    Fall blue for a dry prairie edge

    Full sunDry–medium2–3 ft

    EasyNative

  • Slender Deutzia

    Slender Deutzia (Deutzia gracilis)

    Deutzia gracilis

    A low mound of white in May

    Full sun–part shadeMedium2–3 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Slender Mountain Mint

    Slender Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum tenuifolium)

    Pycnanthemum tenuifolium

    Fine-textured tea herb and pollinator plant

    Full sunDry–medium2–4 ft

    EasyEdibleNative

  • Smokebush

    Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria)

    Cotinus coggygria

    Purple leaves and a smoke of spent flowers

    Full sunDry–medium8–15 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Smooth Blue Aster

    Smooth Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve)

    Symphyotrichum laeve

    Smooth blue fall aster

    Full sun–part shadeDry–medium2–4 ft

    EasyNative

  • Smooth Oxeye

    Smooth Oxeye (Heliopsis helianthoides)

    Heliopsis helianthoides

    Long-blooming yellow border perennial

    Full sun–part shadeDry–medium4–7 ft

    EasyNative

  • Smooth Rose

    Smooth Rose (Rosa blanda)

    Rosa blanda

    Native rose hedge

    Full sunDry–medium3–6 ft

    ModerateNative

  • Smooth Sumac

    Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra)

    Rhus glabra

    Red fruit and red fall color, on a plant that runs

    Full sunDry–medium8–15 ft

    EasyNative

  • Snapdragon

    Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)

    Antirrhinum majus

    Cool-season spikes for spring and fall

    Full sunMedium1–2 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Snowdrop

    Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis)

    Galanthus nivalis

    The first white bells, often in March

    Part shade–sunMedium6 in

    EasyZone 6a

  • Solomon's Seal

    Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum biflorum)

    Polygonatum biflorum

    Arching woodland structural plant

    Part shade–shadeDry–medium2–4 ft

    EasyNative

  • Sour Cherry

    Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus)

    Prunus cerasus

    Pie cherry that handles a 6a winter

    Full sunMedium12–18 ft

    ModerateEdibleZone 6a

  • Spearmint

    Spearmint (Mentha spicata)

    Mentha spicata

    Aggressive mint for a buried pot

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist1–2 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Spicebush

    Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

    Lindera benzoin

    Aromatic woodland shrub and swallowtail host

    Part shade–shadeMedium–moist6–10 ft

    EasyEdibleNative

  • Spike Speedwell

    Spike Speedwell (Veronica spicata)

    Veronica spicata

    Blue spikes for the front of a sunny bed

    Full sunMedium1–2 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Spinach

    Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)

    Spinacia oleracea

    Cold-hardy spring and fall green

    Full sun–part shadeMedium6–12 in

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Spirea

    Spirea (Spiraea japonica)

    Spiraea japonica

    Low summer-flowering shrub

    Full sunMedium2–3 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Spotted Bee Balm

    Spotted Bee Balm (Monarda punctata)

    Monarda punctata

    Aromatic tea herb for dry soil

    Full sunDry2–4 ft

    EasyEdibleNative

  • Spotted Crane's Bill

    Spotted Crane's Bill (Geranium maculatum)

    Geranium maculatum

    Spring woodland flower

    Part shade–sunDry–medium2–4 ft

    EasyNative

  • Spotted Joe-Pye Weed

    Spotted Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum)

    Eutrochium maculatum

    Large late-summer pollinator plant

    Full sun–part shadeMoist6–10 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • Staghorn Sumac

    Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina)

    Rhus typhina

    Fuzzy stems, red spires, and a colony if you let it

    Full sunDry–medium10–15 ft

    EasyNative

  • Star Magnolia

    Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata)

    Magnolia stellata

    Early white stars on a large shrub

    Full sun–part shadeMedium10–15 ft

    ModerateZone 6a

  • Stiff Goldenrod

    Stiff Goldenrod (Solidago rigida)

    Solidago rigida

    Flat-topped goldenrod for prairie matrix

    Full sunDry–medium4–7 ft

    EasyNative

  • Sugar Maple

    Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)

    Acer saccharum

    Large shade tree for well-drained soil

    Part shade–sunMedium50–80+ ft

    ModerateNative

  • Summersweet

    Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia)

    Clethra alnifolia

    Fragrant white spikes in July, in some shade

    Part shade–sunMedium–moist4–6 ft

    EasyRain gardenZone 6a

  • Sunflower

    Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

    Helianthus annuus

    Annual sunflowers for the back of a south bed

    Full sunDry–medium4–8 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Swamp Milkweed

    Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

    Asclepias incarnata

    Monarch host for moist beds

    Full sunMoist4–7 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • Swamp White Oak

    Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)

    Quercus bicolor

    Adaptable canopy oak for periodic wetness

    Full sunMedium–moist50–80+ ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • Sweet Black-Eyed Susan

    Sweet Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia subtomentosa)

    Rudbeckia subtomentosa

    Tall late-summer flower

    Full sun–part shadeMedium4–7 ft

    EasyNative

  • Sweet Corn

    Sweet Corn (Zea mays)

    Zea mays

    Space-hungry summer grass

    Full sunMedium6–8 ft

    ModerateEdibleZone 6a

  • Sweet Joe-Pye Weed

    Sweet Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

    Eutrochium purpureum

    Dusky pink domes on a tall moist-border plant

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist5–7 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • Sweet Potato

    Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas)

    Ipomoea batatas

    Hot-summer tuber, dug before frost

    Full sunMediumVine 4–8 ft

    ModerateEdibleZone 6a

  • Sweetbay Magnolia

    Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)

    Magnolia virginiana

    Lemon-scented white flowers over a long stretch

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist15–25 ft

    ModerateZone 6a

  • Sweetshrub

    Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus)

    Calycanthus floridus

    Maroon flowers that smell like fruit, in the shade

    Part shadeMedium6–8 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Swiss Chard

    Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris)

    Beta vulgaris

    Heat-tolerant green for all summer

    Full sun–part shadeMedium1–2 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Switchgrass

    Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

    Panicum virgatum

    Tall adaptable grass and screen

    Full sunMedium–moist5–8 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • Tall Bellflower

    Tall Bellflower (Campanulastrum americanum)

    Campanulastrum americanum

    A tall spike of blue stars, then it seeds and dies

    Part shadeMedium3–6 ft

    EasyNative

  • Tall Meadow Rue

    Tall Meadow Rue (Thalictrum dasycarpum)

    Thalictrum dasycarpum

    A tall cloud of creamy flowers, no petals to speak of

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist3–6 ft

    EasyNative

  • Threadleaf Bluestar

    Threadleaf Bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii)

    Amsonia hubrichtii

    Pale blue in May, a gold mound in October

    Full sun–part shadeMedium3 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Threadleaf Coreopsis

    Threadleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata)

    Coreopsis verticillata

    Fine leaves and yellow flowers for weeks

    Full sunDry–medium1–2 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Thyme

    Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

    Thymus vulgaris

    Low woody herb for a sunny crack

    Full sunDry–medium6–10 in

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Tiger Lily

    Tiger Lily (Lilium lancifolium)

    Lilium lancifolium

    Hardy summer lily for a sunny border

    Full sun–part shadeMedium2–3 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Toad Lily

    Toad Lily (Tricyrtis hirta)

    Tricyrtis hirta

    Speckled fall flowers for deep shade

    Part shade–shadeMedium–moist2 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Tomatillo

    Tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica)

    Physalis philadelphica

    Husking fruit that needs a friend

    Full sunMedium3–4 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Tomato

    Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

    Solanum lycopersicum

    Warm-season fruit for the south bed

    Full sunMedium3–6 ft

    ModerateEdibleZone 6a

  • Trumpet Honeysuckle

    Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)

    Lonicera sempervirens

    Coral tubes for hummingbirds, on a trellis

    Full sun–part shadeMediumVine 8–15 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Trumpet Vine

    Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)

    Campsis radicans

    Orange trumpets, and a vine that will take the house if you let it

    Full sunMediumVine 30 ft

    ModerateNative

  • Tufted Hair Grass

    Tufted Hair Grass (Deschampsia cespitosa)

    Deschampsia cespitosa

    A fine native grass for moist sun or the east side

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist2–3 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • Tulip

    Tulip (Tulipa gesneriana)

    Tulipa gesneriana

    Spring bulbs, best treated as annuals in a city bed

    Full sunMedium1–2 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Tulip Tree

    Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)

    Liriodendron tulipifera

    A huge tree with tulip-shaped flowers up in the crown

    Full sunMedium70–90 ft

    ModerateNative

  • Turnip

    Turnip (Brassica rapa)

    Brassica rapa

    Fast fall root and greens

    Full sunMedium1 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

  • Tussock Sedge

    Tussock Sedge (Carex stricta)

    Carex stricta

    Tussock-forming wetland sedge

    Full sun–part shadeWet2–4 ft

    ModerateRain gardenNative

  • Twinleaf

    Twinleaf (Jeffersonia diphylla)

    Jeffersonia diphylla

    Distinctive spring woodland perennial

    Part shade–shadeMedium2–4 ft

    AdvancedNative

  • Virgin's Bower

    Virgin's Bower (Clematis virginiana)

    Clematis virginiana

    Late white-flowering native vine

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist10–30 ft vine

    EasyNative

  • Virginia Bluebells

    Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)

    Mertensia virginica

    Spring ephemeral bluebells

    Part shade–shadeMedium–moist2–4 ft

    ModerateNative

  • Virginia Creeper

    Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

    Parthenocissus quinquefolia

    Wall/trellis vine with fall color

    Shade–sunDry–medium10–30 ft vine

    EasyNative

  • Virginia Mountain Mint

    Virginia Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum)

    Pycnanthemum virginianum

    Tea herb; exceptional beneficial-insect plant

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist2–4 ft

    EasyEdibleRain gardenNative

  • Virginia Sweetspire

    Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica)

    Itea virginica

    White tassels and red fall color for a damp bed

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist3–5 ft

    EasyRain gardenZone 6a

  • Virginia Waterleaf

    Virginia Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginianum)

    Hydrophyllum virginianum

    A quick native cover under trees, pale flowers in May

    Part shade–shadeMedium–moist12–18 in

    EasyNative

  • Watermelon

    Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)

    Citrullus lanatus

    Sprawling melon for a large hot bed

    Full sunMediumVine 8–12 ft

    AdvancedEdibleZone 6a

  • Weigela

    Weigela (Weigela florida)

    Weigela florida

    May–June trumpets on an easy shrub

    Full sun–part shadeMedium4–6 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • White Baneberry

    White Baneberry (Actaea pachypoda)

    Actaea pachypoda

    Doll’s eyes: white berries with a black pupil

    Part shade–shadeMedium2–3 ft

    ModerateNative

  • White Oak

    White Oak (Quercus alba)

    Quercus alba

    Premier large canopy and wildlife tree

    Full sunDry–medium50–80+ ft

    ModerateNative

  • White Prairie Clover

    White Prairie Clover (Dalea candida)

    Dalea candida

    White cylinders on a fine prairie plant

    Full sunDry–medium1–2 ft

    ModerateNative

  • White Trout Lily

    White Trout Lily (Erythronium albidum)

    Erythronium albidum

    Early trout-lily colony

    Part shade–shadeMedium4–12 in

    AdvancedNative

  • White Turtlehead

    White Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)

    Chelone glabra

    Late white turtlehead and butterfly host

    Part shade–sunMoist2–4 ft

    EasyRain gardenNative

  • White Wild Indigo

    White Wild Indigo (Baptisia alba var. macrophylla)

    Baptisia alba var. macrophylla

    Architectural white-flowering prairie perennial

    Full sunDry–medium4–7 ft

    ModerateNative

  • White Wood Aster

    White Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata)

    Eurybia divaricata

    A small white fall aster for dry shade

    Part shade–shadeDry–medium1–2 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Whorled Milkweed

    Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata)

    Asclepias verticillata

    A fine-leaved milkweed for a dry, hot parkway

    Full sunDry–medium1–2 ft

    EasyNative

  • Wild Bergamot

    Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

    Monarda fistulosa

    Tea herb and high-value pollinator flower

    Full sun–part shadeDry–medium2–4 ft

    EasyEdibleNative

  • Wild Black Currant

    Wild Black Currant (Ribes americanum)

    Ribes americanum

    Edible shade-tolerant currant

    Part shade–full sunMedium–moist3–6 ft

    ModerateEdibleNative

  • Wild Ginger

    Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)

    Asarum canadense

    Dense woodland groundcover

    Part shade–shadeMedium–moist4–12 in

    EasyNative

  • Wild Hyacinth

    Wild Hyacinth (Camassia scilloides)

    Camassia scilloides

    Pale blue spring spikes from a bulb

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist1–2 ft

    EasyNative

  • Wild Hydrangea

    Wild Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)

    Hydrangea arborescens

    Native woodland hydrangea

    Part shade–shadeMedium–moist3–6 ft

    EasyNative

  • Wild Petunia

    Wild Petunia (Ruellia humilis)

    Ruellia humilis

    Low lavender flowers for the front of a dry bed

    Full sun–part shadeDry–medium1 ft

    EasyNative

  • Wild Quinine

    Wild Quinine (Parthenium integrifolium)

    Parthenium integrifolium

    White prairie matrix flower

    Full sunDry–medium2–4 ft

    EasyNative

  • Wild Senna

    Wild Senna (Senna hebecarpa)

    Senna hebecarpa

    Yellow pea flowers and a fine texture

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist4–6 ft

    EasyNative

  • Wild Strawberry

    Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana)

    Fragaria virginiana

    Edible living groundcover

    Full sun–part shadeDry–medium4–12 in

    EasyEdibleNative

  • Winter Squash

    Winter Squash (Cucurbita moschata)

    Cucurbita moschata

    Storage squash for a large south bed

    Full sunMediumVine 8–12 ft

    ModerateEdibleZone 6a

  • Winterberry

    Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)

    Ilex verticillata

    Winter berry display for moist soil

    Full sun–part shadeMedium–moist6–10 ft

    ModerateRain gardenNative

  • Witch Hazel

    Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

    Hamamelis virginiana

    Late-fall flowering woodland shrub

    Part shade–sunMedium8–15 ft

    EasyNative

  • Wood Nettle

    Wood Nettle (Laportea canadensis)

    Laportea canadensis

    Cooked spring green for moist shade

    Part shade–shadeMoist2–4 ft

    AdvancedEdibleNative

  • Woodland Phlox

    Woodland Phlox (Phlox divaricata)

    Phlox divaricata

    Fragrant spring ground-layer flower

    Part shade–shadeMedium1–2 ft

    EasyNative

  • Yew

    Yew (Taxus x media)

    Taxus x media

    Evergreen that actually takes shade

    Part shade–sunMedium4–10 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Zigzag Goldenrod

    Zigzag Goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis)

    Solidago flexicaulis

    Goldenrod that blooms in the shade

    Part shade–shadeMedium1–3 ft

    EasyNative

  • Zinnia

    Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

    Zinnia elegans

    Hot-season annual for cutting

    Full sunMedium1–3 ft

    EasyZone 6a

  • Zucchini

    Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo)

    Cucurbita pepo

    Summer squash that takes over a corner

    Full sunMedium2–3 ft

    EasyEdibleZone 6a

Zone 6a means a winter around −10°F. That is the careful choice for the Near West Side. A sheltered courtyard can run a little warmer, but rosemary, figs, and peaches in the ground are still a gamble. Photographs are real field photos. Timing uses a May 15 last frost and an October 15 first frost.

Map a yardSources