10 Evergreen Trees in Illinois

The Illinois landscape consists of many different types of trees, including evergreen trees. Evergreen trees are unique in that they retain their leaves throughout winter. While there are many different types of evergreens, some of the most common ones found in Illinois include the white pine, red cedar, and Douglas fir. Each type of evergreen has its own distinctive characteristics and benefits. For example, the white pine is a fast-growing tree that is ideal for privacy hedges, while the red cedar is a hardy tree that can survive in harsh climates.

The climate of Illinois can vary significantly from one region to the next, so it is important to choose an evergreen that is suited for your specific area. For example, the Douglas fir is a native of the Pacific Northwest and is not well-suited for Illinois’ climate. Conversely, the red cedar can tolerate both hot and cold weather conditions.

If you are thinking of adding an evergreen tree to your Illinois landscape, be sure to consider the climate and location. With so many different types of evergreens to select from, there is sure to be one that is perfect for your home.

Evergreen trees are a unique and beautiful addition to any Illinois landscape. With so many different types of evergreens available, Illinois homeowners are sure to find one that is perfect for their landscape.

Related: 23 Most Common Trees In Illinois

1. Bald Cypress (taxodium distichum)

Bald Cypress
Chris M Morris Bald Cypress

The bald cypress is a deciduous conifer that is found in wetlands throughout Illinois. It is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 60-70 feet. The bald cypress has needle-like leaves that turn a beautiful bronze color in the fall.

The bald cypress is an excellent choice for wetland areas or low areas that are commonly flooded by Illinois waterways. It is also tolerant of poor soil conditions, making it a versatile addition to any Illinois landscape.

2. Sweetbay Magnolia (magnolia virginiana)

sweetbay magnolia
Yay sweetbay magnolia

The Sweetbay magnolia is a deciduous tree that is found throughout Illinois. It has beautiful, fragrant blooms that can be white, pink, or purple in color. The Sweetbay magnolia grows to a height of 30-40 feet and has broad, lush leaves that turn bronze in the fall.

The Sweetbay magnolia is a wonderful choice for Illinois landscapes. It can tolerate poor soil conditions and thrives in Illinois’ climate, making it well-suited to the Illinois landscape.

Related: 20 Beautiful Flowering Trees For Illinois Gardens

3. Leyland Cypress Tree (cupressus × leylandii)

cupressus × leylandii
W. Baumgartner cupressus × leylandii

Leyland cypress is a fast-growing evergreen that was originally bred in England. Its branches are covered with sharp needles and can grow up to four inches long. The Leyland cypress grows between 10-15 feet per year, making it ideal for Illinois homeowners who are seeking privacy or screening from Illinois waterways.

4. Eastern White Pine (pinus strobus)

Pinus strobus Eastern White Pine
Frank Richards Pinus strobus (Eastern White Pine)

The Eastern white pine is a fast-growing evergreen that can reach a height of up to 100 feet. It has soft, green needles and beautiful cones. Illinois homeowners will appreciate its ability to grow in poor soil conditions as well as its tolerance for Illinois climates.

5. Douglas Fir (pseudotsuga menziesii)

Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii
Tom Brandt Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

The Douglas fir is a native of the Pacific Northwest and is not well-suited for Illinois’ climate. It has long, soft needles and grows to a height of 200-300 feet. The Douglas fir is an excellent choice for homeowners who live in areas with cold winters.

6. Eastern Red Cedar (juniperus virginiana)

Eastern red cedar Juniperus virginiana
Nicholas A. Tonelli Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

The Eastern red cedar is a hardy evergreen that can survive in harsh climates. It has small, scale-like leaves and grows to a height of 30-40 feet. The Eastern red cedar is a magnificent choice for Illinois homeowners who want to add privacy or screening to their landscape.

Related: 7 Cedar Tree Benefits

7. White Pine (pinus strobus)

White Pine Pinus strobus
Plant Image Library White Pine (Pinus strobus)

The white pine is a native Illinois evergreen. It has soft, blue-green needles that grow to be five inches long. The Illinois white pine can handle Illinois’ severe winters and humid summers, making it an ideal choice for Illinois homeowners who want a tree that will survive Illinois climates.

8. Common Juniper (juniperus communis)

Juniperus communis
Tero Laakso Juniperus communis

The common juniper is a small evergreen tree that thrives in Illinois climates. It has sharp needles and can grow to a height of 20-25 feet. The common juniper is an excellent choice for Illinois landscapes, as it provides privacy and screening quickly.

9. American Holly (ilex opaca)

The American holly is an evergreen that is native to Illinois. It has dark green leaves and red berries that are a favorite food of birds. The American holly can grow up to 50 feet tall and makes a wonderful addition to any Illinois landscape.

10. Carolina Hemlock (tsuga caroliniana)

Tsuga caroliniana
Crusier | wikimedia Tsuga Caroliniana

The Carolina hemlock is a fast-growing evergreen. It has blue-green needles that grow to be one inch long. Illinois homeowners will appreciate the Carolina hemlock’s ability to survive Illinois winters and summers, as well as its resistance to disease and insects.