Prairie pride: Discover Illinois’ flower, tree and more

Have you ever heard Illinois called “the Prairie State?” That’s the official nickname given to the state. Why? The first settlers here were awed by the large amounts of prairie covering the state. Imagine tall grasses, colorful flowers of all shapes and sizes and open skies as far as the eye could see.

Common milkweed. (Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)

Unsurprisingly, some of Illinois’ other state symbols can be found growing in these prairies. Let’s take a look at a few of these state symbols.

Illinois state flower: Violet 

Common blue violets. (Photo by Anthony Schalk)

One of the oldest state symbols, the violet (Viola sp.), was selected as the state flower by schoolchildren back in 1908. This is not just a specific species of violet, such as the common blue violet we all might be familiar with, but the genus. The genus Viola is a group that contains over 680 species! The common blue violet is just one.  

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Words to know

Abundant: Existing or available in large quantities.

Genus: A taxonomic category that rands above species and below family.

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Violets grow in many places, including prairies, woods, wetlands and even your front lawn! Beginning in spring, you’ll find blooms in purple, but also flowers that are yellow, white, blue-violet, lilac purple and even green. It’s easy to spot them next to dandelions because yellow and purple are complementary colors, meaning they make each other stand out. 

It’s also easy to think of violets as weeds because some people think of dandelions this way. However, violets are native plants that provide food for rabbits, who enjoy munching on the entire plant, or other species like mice, wild turkeys and mourning doves, who seek out the seeds. Historically, they have been a colorful addition to the meals of some Indigenous peoples and settlers too!  

Illinois state wildflower: Milkweed 

Common milkweed. (Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)

What did you picture when you read “milkweed?” A plant with pink flowers? Orange? There are actually 24 species of milkweed that grow across Illinois, but the one most people are familiar with is common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca). But it doesn’t matter which species you were thinking of because the entire genus Asclepias (meaning all 24 species) was designated as the state wildflower back in 2017. (Just like those violets are the state flower!) 

Milkweed flowers look a little bit different depending on the species. Some grow in the shape of a ball, while others droop. Colors also vary by species. They can bloom in white, pink, red, orange, green, reddish-purple or purplish-pink.

Whatever shape or color, milkweed is an important nectar sources for pollinators, especially the monarch butterfly! 

State prairie grass: Big bluestem 

Big bluestem. (Photo via Shutterstock)

Also growing in the prairies is a native grass called big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii). It was the most abundant grass growing in the prairies, so it is no surprise it was named the official state prairie grass in 1989.  

Big bluestem grows statewide in moist soils and lowlands beginning in April. You can recognize this grass by its three finger-like branches. It blooms from July through September, when you can see the flower stalks with blue-green stems that inspired the plant’s name.  

Fun fact: Big bluestem is Illinois’ tallest prairie grass, growing up to 8 feet tall. That might be as tall as you standing on a friend’s shoulders! Its roots can grow as deep as the plant is tall. These deep roots help the plant survive when there is little moisture in the ground.  

Illinois state tree: White oak 

Leaves and an acorn from a white oak tree. (Photo via Shutterstock)

Back in 1908, Illinois schoolchildren voted for the state tree and selected oak. However, there are many kinds of oaks in Illinois. A special vote was then taken in 1973 to pick which type of oak for the state tree, and the white oak (Quercus alba) took the title.  

A skyscraper of the forest, the white oak can grow to 100 feet tall and 3 feet in diameter. These trees can also live for 350 to 400 years, which means some of the oaks that were alive in 1908 for the vote are still alive today.

Fun fact: The white oak can be found in every county in Illinois. You can identify the white oak by the seven to nine rounded lobes on each leaf. Another way is the light grayish-white bark. Larger trees have wide spreading branches, perfect to provide shade during the warmer months.  

The white oak is a valuable food source for wildlife. Deer, wild turkey, birds, squirrels and other animals all have a healthy appetite for its acorns! 

Keep an eye out for these state symbols next time you visit the preserves!