24 Common Types of Trees in Illinois (with Pictures)

The Prairie State is known for its forests, farmlands, forests, and hills. If you’re familiar with Illinois or have simply driven through the state, you know that there are countless trees everywhere you look. Over 250 tree species can be found in Illinois, including those that are native and introduced. Over 75% of the state’s wildlife make their homes in these trees, with over 120 bird species nesting in Illinois’ forests.

Here are 24 of the most common trees in Illinois so you can learn more about them. The next time that you’re in Illinois, you may be able to recognize a few of these beauties!

The 24 Common Types of Trees in Illinois

1. White Oak

The White Oak tree is the state tree of Illinois. These trees play a large role in local ecosystems because they provide food and homes for many species of wildlife. This tree is a beautiful addition to any landscape. It’s also very large! If there’s room for this tree that can reach up to 100 feet tall and 90 feet wide, it’s sure to attract many species of birds, butterflies, and pollinators while offering shade to people. Young White Oak trees can do well in partial shade, but mature trees need full sun to stay healthy and show a wide range of fall colors. The trees can tolerate frigid or high temperatures, making them great options for the Illinois climate.

2. Red Maple

The Red Maple is a common landscape tree due to its beautiful coloring and rounded crown. The green leaves of this tree turn red in the fall, with the hue ranging from crimson to burgundy. The tree is native to the eastern United States and Canada. This tree, like many other Maple trees, produces the samara fruit. You’ll see the seeds flying through the air, commonly called “helicopters,” as they are wrapped in green leaves that resemble wings. These seeds have developed to travel far distances to increase the chances of repopulation.

3. American Elm

The graceful American Elm tree has branches that spread like fountains, and its leaves turn golden in the fall. This was a favorite tree in the 19^th century, and many paths and streets were lined with American Elms in the 20^th century. The trees provide shade and produce samara seeds that get dispersed with the wind. Unfortunately, many American Elm trees were destroyed by Dutch elm disease in the 1950s. This is a fungus that is spread from tree to tree by elm bark beetles that feed on them. This disease taught planters that a diversity of trees should be planted along streets, in parks, and in landscapes so one disease or pest can’t destroy every tree.

4. River Birch

The River Birch tree is a common sight along the western edge of Illinois and throughout southern Illinois. It’s seen alongside streams, growing well in alluvial soils formed by running water. Young tree trunks are usually pink or light brown, with a curling bark that easily peels away to show tan or reddish inner bark. Older trees have bark that is gray to black.

The trees often have multiple branches growing from the trunk that will need to be pruned. Pruning too early can cause sap to leak and form an unsightly mess. Pruning in the fall after the tree has lost its leaves can keep the sap to a minimum. During fall, the oval-shaped leaves turn red, orange, and yellow.

5. Locust

Two types of Locust trees are commonly seen in Illinois: the Honey Locust tree and the Black Locust tree. Each tree has thorns that can be found in the branches and leaves. The trees produce fragrant flowers that grow in drooping clusters and are green, white, pink, or purple, depending on the type of tree. The leaves are green in the spring and turn yellow in the fall. The trees’ thorns help protect them from predators, but they are still susceptible to various diseases and harmful insects like the locust borer and the honey locust plant bug. These insects damage leaves and bark, which can weaken the trees.

6. Crabapple

There are hundreds of Crabapple tree varieties, and many of them are popular throughout Illinois. These small trees are easy to plant to fill out landscapes. They produce white, pink, or red flowers. Leaves change in the fall from green to orange, red, or gold. The edible crabapples are red and small, resembling cherries. Some varieties of crabapples can be yellow, orange, or purple. The trees are susceptible to diseases like mildew and scab, as well as pests like the Japanese beetle.

7. Black Willow

Black Willow trees are native to Illinois and grow in wet conditions. They grow quickly and can live for up to 50 years. The tree requires pruning to keep it controlled. You can usually find these trees in parks and residential areas throughout the state. They serve as homes to various species of birds and pollinators.

Unfortunately, the roots of these trees can cause damage to sewer systems. The trees are also vulnerable to ice damage. Since they are such fast growers, mindful planting is necessary with Black Willows.

8. Blue Ash

Healthy Blue Ash trees can live for up to 150 years. They are mostly seen in the southeast section of Illinois, identified by their rounded, irregular crowns and bluish-gray bark. The twigs of this tree are square, another distinguishing feature. The tree’s name comes from the blue dye that is produced when the inner bark comes in contact with water. The sap from the tree also turns blue when it’s exposed to the air. The tree produces heavy, firm wood that is usually used for flooring. The Blue Ash is considered a threatened species due to the emerald ash borer, an exotic, woodboring beetle that can destroy Ash trees.

9. Mockernut Hickory

The Mockernut Hickory is also called the White Hickory. The tree can be found in the dry forests of Illinois. It can be identified by its dark-gray bark with a diamond pattern of ridges. It produces greenish-yellow leaves with hairy upper and lower surfaces. The tree grows flowers that form in drooping clusters and oval nuts around 2 inches long. The nuts ripen in the fall and are eaten by wild animals. Mockernut Hickory wood is typically used for fence posts and tool handles. The wood is prone to splitting at the annual rings.

10. Red Mulberry

The Red Mulberry tree is a popular shade tree because of its many branches at the crown. These trees can be found throughout Illinois and the United States. They are commonly seen in moist forests or along streams on well-draining soil. The bark of the tree is yellowish-brown, turning orangish grey as the tree matures. The Red Mulberry produces clusters and spikes of greenish-yellow flowers. The berries are also formed in clusters and start out red, turning dark purple as they ripen. They can serve as food for animals and even people, but they easily fall from the tree and can stain your property. Decks, patios, cars, and your clothing can end up with a reddish residue that is hard to remove.

11. American Redbud

The American Redbud is a short tree with a short lifespan. However, it produces beautiful, fragrant, pink flowers in April. The leaves change from purple to dark green to yellow. They form a wide-spreading crown, making them suitable options for shade trees in areas with power lines or where large trees would be impractical. The flowers attract pollinators and butterflies, but the trees need regular pruning. They also don’t bloom more than once per year. They need plenty of water to maintain their health, or else they can be eaten by insects or animals.

12. Sassafras

The Sassafras tree produces a lovely, aromatic fragrance. These trees are known for their autumn colors, changing from deep-green leaves in the summer to deep yellow, orange, purple, and scarlet red in the fall. Their crowns resemble mittens. The tree produces small, dark-blue fruit in the fall that serves as food for wildlife. This tree can attract the Japanese beetle, which deposits a fungus into the tree’s sap. Over time, this fungus can kill the tree. If the tree remains healthy, it can live for over 30 years.

13. Flowering Dogwood

Flowering Dogwood trees have white flowers that bloom in April or May. This is a small, decorative tree with oval-shaped, smooth leaves. In the fall, the leaves turn scarlet and purple. The Flowering Dogwood also produces red berries that grow in clusters. These berries can remain on the trees in the winter. They are eaten by wildlife and migrating birds. While these trees are beautiful, they’re delicate. They don’t tolerate pruning well and are susceptible to decay and fungal infections. If the tree is damaged, it heals slowly.

14. Silver Maple

The Silver Maple tree is a common sight in Illinois, often used as a shade tree. Its silver underside can appear to shimmer in the sunlight. These trees were once widely used and are still seen in older landscapes. They have a moderate drought tolerance, and their blooms serve bees and other pollinators. The trees produce seeds that are eaten by wildlife. The roots of these trees can damage sewer systems and sidewalks, so the trees are no longer commonly planted. They also have soft wood that can be easily damaged and is prone to grub infestations. Hybrids of the Silver Maple and other Maple trees, such as the Red Maple, have been created to form a more durable tree with a wider variety of fall colors. The Silver Maple’s leaves turn yellow. Hybrid leaves turn yellow, red, and orange.

15. Sycamore

Sycamore trees are also called Buttonwood or Buttonball trees. Each winter, balls approximately 1 inch wide grow from the tree branches and fall to the ground in the spring. These trees are commonly used for shade in parks or along stream banks, but they’re usually too big for residential use. They create litter on sidewalks, and their roots can cause damage to sidewalks and paths. This tree is identified by its bark. It peels off, leaving a camouflage pattern of brown outer bark on white wood. Older Sycamores are susceptible to fungal diseases. If these diseases don’t kill the tree, the wood will be attacked, making the tree weak and hollow. Hollow Sycamore trees serve as shelter and areas for wildlife to store their food.

16. Eastern White Pine

Eastern White Pine trees are hardy and useful. They form clusters of bluish-green needles. These trees grow quickly, increasing more than 2 feet in height each year. This is a widely used option for a Christmas tree because of how quickly it grows and how easily it’s transported. The trees also work well to block the wind. Various bird species make their nests in these pine trees, and the bark is eaten by wildlife like rabbits, beavers, and porcupines. If the tree stays healthy, it can live for over 1,000 years! They do form pinecones, which eventually fall from the tree along with the needles, creating litter. Pine trees also are known for having sticky sap, which can attract insects that then damage the tree.

17. Blue Beech

The Blue Beech is a small tree that is found in the wet forests of Illinois and across the eastern United States. These trees have smooth, grey trunks that resemble flexed muscles, earning them the nickname, “Musclewood.” They grow well in wet soil and tolerate periods of flooding. This tree produces flowers in the spring and tiny nuts at the base of its leaves that ripen from August through October. These nuts are often eaten by birds. Since the tree is small, it isn’t normally used for wood. If the wood is used for certain products, it should be sealed well because it absorbs water and tends to crack after a few years. It’s also more expensive than many other types of wood.

18. Black Walnut

The Black Walnut tree is native to the Chicago area and is used as a shade tree. The tree produces a chemical that will poison other plants, so it must be planted with placement consideration. The tree produces nuts that serve as food for squirrels and other wildlife. You’ll often see caterpillars on this tree because it attracts butterflies. The bark is medium brown with thick ridges, and the leaves change from green to yellow in the fall. The nuts can be messy when they drop from the tree. Black Walnuts can be difficult to locate if you’re looking to plant one of them.

19. Box Elder

The Box Elder tree is actually a Maple tree that grows quickly and is cold hardy. It earns its name because it attracts box elder bugs, which then enter the closest homes that they can find during cold months. When the tree is mature, the wood is often weak and brittle. In the wild, the trees are considered useful because they stabilize stream banks and give wildlife homes. In cities, they are considered a weed. There are male and female Box Elder trees. Only the female trees bear fruit. The trees are often damaged by ice and can be messy because of their fruit and seeds.

20. Eastern Cottonwood

The Eastern Cottonwood tree grows tall and has a spreading crown with hanging branches. These trees grow best in well-draining, fine soil. The bark is smooth and yellowish grey when the tree is young. It becomes brownish grey when the tree is mature. The tree has one single trunk with coarse ridges. The leaves of the tree are shiny and glisten in the sunlight. The seeds of the tree are wrapped in cotton, which can be a major source of allergies for some people. The cotton can also block vents and filters on homes and in backyard pools. Their shallow roots often break up sidewalks and damage the ground.

21. Sweet Gum

The Sweet Gum tree is interesting because it’s resistant to the toxicity of the Black Walnut tree. This tree produces unique leaves that are shaped like stars. They turn beautiful shades of red, purple, and yellow in the fall. The tree produces small fruit covered in spines that change from green to brown as they ripen. Near sidewalks and residential areas, these trees are considered messy because of the fruit, which resembles gumballs.

22. Black Cherry

The Black Cherry tree is native to the Midwest and part of the Rose family. They are mostly seen in residential areas and parks. The tree produces white flowers in early spring that develop into pea-sized cherries over the summer. When the cherries are ripe, they will become a dark purplish-black color. Some people find the fragrance of the flowers to be unpleasant. The bark is quite dark, nearly black. While the trees are homes to nesting birds and other animals, they are susceptible to ice damage and can be messy. The cherries can stain whatever they land on and can be difficult to remove.

23. Magnolia

Magnolia trees are large and have been around for millions of years. The Magnolia Acuminata is the only species that is native to Illinois, but there are eight species native to the United States. These trees are known for their lovely, waxy flowers that bloom in the summer. These flowers are cup shaped and have a floral, lemony scent that is often used in aromatherapy. The downside to this tree is that it’s often damaged by frost.

24. Hackberry

The Hackberry tree can withstand a broad range of temperatures and climates. It’s a durable tree that resembles an American Elm. It grows quickly and forms a vase shape, so it’s commonly used as a shade tree in residential areas. It produces berries that are food for wildlife. The tree can tolerate periods of flooding and drought. A downside to the tree is that it’s susceptible to mold. If the tree molds, it will turn the entire tree black, leaving you with no choice but to have it removed.

Conclusion

We hope that you’ve enjoyed learning about some of the most common trees in Illinois. Whether for shade or ornamental purposes, each tree plays an important role in the ecosystem and offers benefits to landscapes around the state. Maybe you’ve even chosen a few to add to your property. Keep your eyes peeled for these trees the next time that you’re in the Midwest and see how many you can identify!

Featured Image Credit: Irina Iriser, Pexels