Plants

Top Native Plants for Chicago Gardens: Sustainable Choices for Prairie, Savanna, and Woodland Landscapes

As part of NBN's 2025 Native Planting Service, we are cultivating a diverse selection of beautiful, low-maintenance native plant species perfect for enhancing your new or existing garden. 

Here's how our Planting Service works:

  • You get your garden space ready —you can DIY or consider our Garden Together/Garden Stewardship. 
  • We come out and plant your space with a mix of foundational native plant species, working alongside YOU to teach the basics of what we’re planting, how we choose what goes where, and how to care for your new garden.
  • We generally plant with 12-15" spacing depending on the species and charge $7/SF (plants and labor included). Plants are chosen from a select group that work well for your site conditions. 
  • Need an estimate for your space? Measure the total square footage (SF) of your prepped area and multiply by $7/SF.

Our planting groups are tailored to specific site conditions, including prairie, savanna, and woodland environments. Planting recommendations may vary based on your garden's location, existing landscape, plant availability, and personal preferences.

 

Here’s a sneak peek and some info on a few of our go-to combinations!

Prairie

South-facing front yards, larger back yards, community garden plots, and open areas with minimal tree canopy are ideal for creating prairie or meadow-like landscapes in Chicago and the Midwest. Native prairie plants in these environments thrive in dry, nutrient-poor soils and withstand hot microclimates. A diverse mix of native grasses and wildflowers not only adds vibrant beauty but also supports vital pollinators like bees and butterflies.


Savanna

Characterized by a mix of full sun and tall canopy shade, savanna-like conditions can be found in places such as Chicago's tree-lined parkways. Native savanna plants are highly adaptable, thriving in various soil types and tolerating harsh urban elements like winter road salt. These resilient species also provide essential food sources for pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and native birds.

Woodland

North-side foundations and backyards with tree canopy cover are common urban spaces in Chicago that mimic woodland environments. Native woodland plants thrive in these shaded conditions, tolerating dry soil while producing flowers throughout the growing season and adding structure and texture to your garden. Shorter native species can be layered beneath taller plantings to create visual interest. 

These plants are especially vital for supporting early-season pollinators, such as queen bumblebees emerging in spring to establish new nests. Flowers like Mertensia and Geranium play a crucial role in providing much-needed nectar.