Native Plants

Events
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Blog Posts
silhouette of panic grass
Taking a closer look at the Panicum genus
Recently I led a three-day online course on grass identification. Thanks to those of you who participated! One of the things I focused on is how...
naturalistic gardening
Tips for gardening with nature: fall edition
I used to think fall was the time to clean up. Now I know fall is the time to prepare. When I was very small, I remember the leaves dropping...
Cluster of Spotted bee balm blooms with pink bracts
When familiar plants surprise us: A look at spotted bee balm
Do you ever ‘rediscover’ a plant? And by ‘rediscover’ I mean, you are fully aware of the plant, you can identify it, it is abundant in the landscape...
Royal Catchfly: A rare Illinois native worth growing
Royal Catchfly: A rare Illinois native worth growing
Royal catchfly (Silene regia) is one of the few Illinois native plants that sports a red bloom, making it a sought-after plant both...
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News Releases
Collage featuring Jenny Lee, the new horticulture educator, along with photos of Illinois Extension outreach, native plants, insects, and a gardening activity.
Jenny Lee transitions to Horticulture Educator role with Illinois Extension
MATTOON, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension is pleased to announce Jenny Lee as the Horticulture Educator serving Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie, and Shelby counties.In her new role, Lee develops and delivers educational programs that help individuals and communities create...
People observe a hands-on soil sampling demonstration during an Illinois Extension training.
Serve your community, become a Master Naturalist
MATTOON, Ill. – From neighborhood parks to the Shawnee National Forest, University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists volunteer as environmental stewards, helping protect Illinois' natural resources while connecting people with the outdoors.Illinois Extension is accepting...
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Videos
Native grasses and pollinators

Native grasses are often overlooked when it comes to pollinators, but they can play a crucial role in supporting many different types of pollinators. Discover how native grasses provide nesting and overwintering habitats, serve as larval food sources, offer pollen, and much more!

Native Grasses in the Prairie and Your Yard

Explore native grasses and how to use them in our landscapes. Dive into how these grasses function in a prairie and how that translates to your yard, and get suggestions for what native grasses might work best to transform your landscape!
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