LATE SPRING NATIVE PLANTSOF THE

ALFRED CALDWELL LILY POOL

FOXGLOVE BEARDTONGUE(Penstemon digitalis) Figwort FamilyPurple lines run down the throat of this small flower. It is common in many habitats throughout the state. The common name “foxglove” and the species name digitalis refer to the similarity of the flower to Digitalis purpurea, the foxglove from England used to treat heart ailments.Flowers May to July.

SPIDERWORT(Tradescantia ohiensis) Dayflower FamilyThe plant was thought to cure spider bites. Native Americans used the stems as potherbs. Each showy flower lasts one day. Flowers are 1½” across, with 3 blue to purple, rounded petals, and 6 yellow-tipped stamens covered with long purple hairs.Flowers May to August.

COMMON MILKWEED(Asclepias syriaca) Milkweed FamilyThis robust, tall plant has large flower clusters and an unbranched stem with fine hairs and a milky sap (hence “milkweed”). Used by Native Americans for many ailments. Very important larval food source for Monarch Butterflies.Flowers May to August.

WHITE AVENS(Geum canadense) Rose FamilyThis plant’s fruit has numerous hooked ends that attach to clothing and fur, which aids in the plant’s dispersal. It likes moist areas near open water and is common throughout the state. Its leaves are browsed by white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys eat the seeds in fall and winter.Flowers May to September.

LINCOLN PARK CONSERVANCYLATE SPRING NATIVE PLANTSOF THE ALFRED CALDWELL LILY POOL

P a g e | 2STAGHORN SUMAC(Rhus typhina) Sumac FamilyIts name comes from its antler (typhina in Latin) shaped flower clusters. Spreads by seed and through rhizomes to form colonies, with the oldest plant at the center. Its fuzzy stems easily distinguish it from Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra)Flowers June to July but flowers remain through winter.

WILD COLUMBINE(Aquilegia canadensis) Buttercup FamilyThis plant’s drooping flower makes it easy to spot. It’s pollinated by hummingbirds, moths, and butterflies, which have tongues long enough to reach the nectar. It was rubbed on one’s hand and used as a love or persuasion “potion”.Flowers April to June.

PASTURE ROSE(Rosa carolina) Rose FamilyThis plant is common across all of Illinois and can grow in seemingly any environment. It has considerable resistance to drought, and recovers readily from occasional wildfires and cuttings. Long-tongued bees are common pollinators, as these flowers have no nectar.Flowers June to August.

EARLY MEADOW RUE(Thalictrum dioicum) Buttercup FamilyThis plants’ flowers have no petals and the sepals drop early. The flower blooms just as the trees are leafing out, giving it its common name. Its Latin name alludes to the fact that the male and female flowers are on separate plants, and is derived from the Greek word meaning two households.Flowers May to June.

WOODLAND SUNFLOWER(Helianthus divaricatus) Aster FamilyThe nectar and pollen of this flower attracts many insect pollinators, including, bees, flies, beetles, butterflies, and moths. Its seeds are also a common food for many birds and smaller mammal species.Flowers May to June.

LINCOLN PARK CONSERVANCYLATE SPRING NATIVE PLANTSOF THE ALFRED CALDWELL LILY POOL

P a g e | 3BLUE FLAG IRIS(Iris virginica shrevei) Iris FamilyThis water-loving plant is a favorite of butterflies. Whole colonies of plants often develop from the rhizomes, which can be poisonous. It is common in most of Illinois, aside from some southern and western counties.Flowers May to July

YELLOW WATER LILY(Nymphaea tuberosa) Lily FamilyAn aquatic plant with round, floating leaves, its bright yellow flowers open from midday to late afternoon.Flowers June to July.

WHITE WATER LILY(Nymphaea advena) Lily FamilyIt’s the only native water lily found in almost all bodies of fresh water throughout most of the United States.Flowers May to June.

Eastern Ninebark(Physocarpus opulifolius) Rose FamilyNinebark can be recognized by its lobed leaves, peculiar shredded bark, and drooping clusters of inflated fruits. The flowers are quite attractive during the relatively short period when they are in bloom. This is the only Physocarpus in Illinois, although there are other species in this small genus in some of the western states.Flowers May to June.

COMMON ELDERBERRY(Sambucus canadensis)This plant’s fruit and flowers are edible, but other parts of the plant are poisonous. Be sure not to mistake it for Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) whose berries grow on long stalks. Its fruit can be used to make jelly, wine, dye and medicinal products.Flowers June to August.

LINCOLN PARK CONSERVANCYLATE SPRING NATIVE PLANTSOF THE ALFRED CALDWELL LILY POOL

P a g e | 4

Thank you for participating in our Wildflower Walkat the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool!

If you’ve enjoyed your tour, please consider donating to help keep programs like this going.

Please visit our website to learn about our past and present park improvement projects, volunteer programs, and upcoming events.

www.LincolnParkConservancy.org

Or follow us at Facebook.com/ChicagoLincolnPark

The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is restored and managed by the Lincoln Park Conservancy in partnership with the Chicago Park District.

Restoring Lincoln Park’s Art, Architecture and Nature Since 1984