Looking for Bog Plants Native to Chicagoland

16 years ago

After much excavation, I've finally begun to fill the new bog with peat moss and sand, and can look towards what to plant. I'd very much like to have all the plants be native to my region (Chicago, IL). I have a few plants in mind, but wonder if there are any that I'm omitting. I'd also be curious to know possible plants sources (e.g. internet vendors).

Here are the plants that I'm considering at the moment:

Drosera rotundifolia

Drosera intermedia

Sarrecenia Purpurea

Cypripedium Acaule

Calopogon Tuberosus

Iris shrevei

and perhaps cattails (although I know these could quickly get out of hand).

Thanks for any help you can provide in this endeavor of mine.

Josh

Comments (2)

ecopit
16 years ago
At Volo Bog, in addition to species you have listed, I have seen:
Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea)
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis)
Blueberry (Vaccinium sp.)
Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)
and Leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata)
yarthkin
16 years ago
You're unlikely to find a responsible source for Acaule. While it'll like the acid, it isn't likely to appreciate the sun required for a bog.

Here are some other species:

Rose Pogonia
Calopogon
Labrador Tea
Small Leaved Cranberry
Gautheria hispidula (if you can find a source for it)
Crowberry
Bog Rosemary
Swamp Pink (Helonias bullata)
Cotton Grass

Some of these species might be native a bit more north of you, but they are all Northern American Natives and should do well.
Related Professionals
Stamford Landscape Contractors · Haverhill Landscape Contractors · Kearny Landscape Contractors · Longmont Landscape Contractors · Lorain Landscape Contractors · Middle River Landscape Contractors · Peoria Landscape Contractors · Pompton Lakes Landscape Contractors · Wanaque Landscape Contractors · Chicago Roofing & Gutters · Wilmington Roofing & Gutters · Ponte Vedra Beach Roofing & Gutters · Laurel Siding & Exteriors · Pike Creek Valley Siding & Exteriors · Livingston Handyman