![]() The American chestnut is native to much of the eastern and central United States. Maximum Age: While old specimens are very rare nowadays and the species is listed as critically endangered, the American chestnut’s lifespan can exceed 500 years! Sadly, most modern individuals rarely live more than 10 years. Growth Rate: A fast-growing species, the American chestnut can grow between 4 and 7 feet each year. Spread: 50-75 feet under ideal circumstances. Height: A healthy specimen can reach up to 100 feet tall but, owing to the proliferation of chestnut blight, trees maxing out at 30 feet are more common. Varieties: While the American chestnut is the only native variety to our continent, the Chinese, Japanese, and European chestnuts are the other common varieties that can be found across the world. While it was once among the most dominant and majestic native tree species in North America, invasive diseases have both significantly reduced the standing population and resulted in smaller mature trees. ![]() Additionally, it can be identified by its long, bright green leaves which can reach up to 9 inches in length, terminating in a fine point. The American chestnut grows thick, robust bark with a distinctive orange-brown hue. The fruits can attract potentially unwanted wildlife to your yard.Vulnerable to tent caterpillars and various moth species, as well as diseases like black knot and cherry leaf spot.Provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.High quality of wood in furniture making.Are prized for their aesthetically-pleasing flowers and nutritious and flavorful fruits.Black cherries so well in both urban and rural settings.The black cherry is native to both the midwest and the eastern United States. Maximum Age: While some specimens have reached more than 250 years old, the average lifespan is closer to 15-30 years. Varieties: While several subvarieties of the black cherry exist, the black cherry itself is a subspecies of the cherry tree having been cross-pollinated with the American serviceberry plant. Cherry trees are also relatively resistant to disease and pests. It is known for its beautiful blossoms, and it is also a very hardy tree. The cherry tree is another excellent choice for Illinois. Birch sap can attract insects to your yard.Won’t flourish in soil with inadequate acidity.Vulnerable to invasive pests, as well as excess heat and humidity.The river birch variety excels at preventing soil erosion.Mature birches are highly-prized for their ornamental value.The wood makes for outstanding firewood, even when damp.Birch trees are a favorite of local birds.Native to Illinois: Yes, the varieties listed above are all native to the state. However, yellow birches can exceed 300 years old in the wild in rare cases! Maximum Age: A healthy birch tree usually lives between 40-50 years with the white variety rarely reaching more than 20 years old. Growth Rate: Generally an average of 1-2 feet per year. Height: 40-70 feet, depending on the variety in question. Varieties: Yellow, gray, sweet, river, and paper birch trees are all common here in Illinois. The native yellow or golden birch is the most common variety encountered with river birches making up substantial portions as well. Requires space and quality sunlight to reach maturity.Īlso commonly found in Illinois, birch trees can be identified by their characteristic papery bark, tight cylindrical flower clusters, and brilliantly red and yellow coloration in the fall.Vulnerable to the highly-destructive Emerald Ash Borer.The white ash will generally live to be about 260 years but can keep producing leaves in spring for more than 40 years after that. Maximum Age: The average lifespan of the green ash is 120 years, with some specimens reaching more than 175 years old. Depending on the variety, ash trees can take anywhere from 16-60 years to reach their full size. Height: 40-60 feet, with some white ashes reaching 80 feet when fully mature. Of those, white and green are the most common in Illinois. Varieties: There are 13 commonly found species of ash including black, green, white, and blue ash, California ash, Carolina ash, European ash, Gregg’s ash, manna ash, narrow leaf ash, pumpkin ash, velvet ash, and Manchurian ash. Type of Tree: Most continental ash trees are deciduous-meaning that their leaves will go dormant and fall during the winter-but some subtropical varieties, such as the Shamel Ash, are classified as evergreens. Additionally, while some varieties produce small paddle-shaped seeds, seedless specimens are both common and widespread. Ashes can easily be identified by their compound leaves made up of seven small, glossy, green leaflets. Commonly found in Illinois’ yards and native to our forests, the white and green ash tree makes up as much as 20% of the trees used in local parkland.
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