Flowering Trees in Illinois

American Linden

• American linden (Tilia americana), also referred to as "basswood," is a native tree of Illinois. The tree grows to a mature height of 60 to 80 feet and blooms with fragrant clusters of creamy yellow flowers in early summer. American linden grows best in full sun to partial shade and in moist, well-drained soil. The tree is tolerant of alkaline soil and develops an oval to rounded mature form. American linden commonly produces root sprouts at the base of the tree and is susceptible to aphids, mites, leaf miners, verticillium wilt, and borers. The tree is commonly used as a specimen tree in landscapes.

American Yellowwood

• American yellowwood (Cladrastis kentuckea/Cladrastis lutea) is a medium-sized flowering tree that is native to the United States. The tree grows to a mature height of 30 to 50 feet and bears clusters of white, pea-type flowers in late spring. American yellowwood grows best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Though the tree tolerates acidic soils, it prefers alkaline ground. American yellowwood matures into an oval or broad rounded-shape and flowers more heavily in alternate years. The tree is susceptible to decays and wood rots.

Carolina Silverbell

• Carolina silverbell (Halesia tetraptera or Halesia Carolina) is a flowering Illinois tree that grows to a mature height of 20 to 35 feet. The tree bears white, bell-shaped flowers during spring and the foliage changes to yellow or a yellow-green color during fall. Carolina silverbell develops a rounded shape and grows best in slightly acidic soil, full sun and moist, well-drained soil. The tree has a good tolerance for wind and is commonly used as a specimen tree. Carolina silverbell grows as an understory tree in the wild in the shade of larger trees. Carolina silverbell is susceptible to decays and wood rots.