North Short Plant Club Mar 25, 2026

What is a “Native Plant”?

A native plant is one that naturally occurred in the Chicagoland region before European settlement. These plants existed alongside local wildlife, soil, and climate conditions. Because of this long relationship, native plants form important ecological connections. Many beneficial insects, birds, and pollinators rely on specific native plants for food and habitat.

“Native” can also be defined at different scales:

Local ecotype: native to your specific region (best adapted)
Regional native: native to the Midwest
U.S. native: native somewhere in the United States, but not necessarily our area

Choosing plants native to the Midwest will provide the strongest ecological benefits and the best performance in our local conditions.

Here are the Plant Club's best-selling Illinois native plants

Tags: Illinois Native , Native to North America

Topics: Grasses , Ground Covers , Native Plants , Perennials , Plant Recommendations , Shrubs , Trees

Limited Availability

We try very hard to source exactly what you’d like, but sometimes growers run out of plants! While this variety is a great deal at the price shown, we know that it has limited availability. If you want the plant even if it might be more expensive, or in a different size or quantity -- after you place your order, just send us a quick note at help@northshoreplantclub.com. Then, we’ll try to get you some version of this from one of our growers. And if we can’t get it from anywhere, of course, we’ll send a refund!

Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.

Estimated Recipe Cost

The cost of this recipe's ingredients will vary depending on the season and the sizes and varieties you select.

Benefits of Membership

Want a better way to get great plants and make your yard look awesome? Create your account below and get:

The best plants… from the same sources the pros use, but at near wholesale prices
More plants in more sizes than anywhere else… whether you’re looking for classics or rarities; annuals, perennials or shrubs; one plant or a whole yardful!
"No Contact" delivery or easy pick-up at a site near you without fighting the retail crowds. You choose!

Membership is free, but — since we rely on delivery and local pick-up — you have to live near one of our hubs (or be willing to drive to a site to pick them up). If you live farther away, and would like to help us bring the club to your neighbors, please email helpusgrow@northshoreplantclub.com.

Already a member?