Rain Garden Plants for Illinois

Overview

Rain gardens are depressions that capture runoff, letting it infiltrate rather than enter storm drains. Native plants filter pollutants and recharge aquifers. Fast-growing, robust species are essential for water purification.

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

Tall prairie grass to 4 feet high, 2 feet wide. Central clump with 3-foot stalks, whitish waxy coating, metallic lavender-blue fading to yellow-orange in fall. Reddish-brown seed heads. Likes moist soil, tolerates flooding.

Leadplant (Amorpha canescens)

Perennial shrub to 3 feet, associated with prairie grasses. Legume—fixes nitrogen, benefiting rain garden nutrient cycling. Reddish-purple flower racemes, gray-green leaves with fine white hairs.

Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa)

Herbaceous perennial shrub, 3–6 feet tall. Bright yellow pyramidal flower stalks in August–September attract birds, bees, butterflies. Prefers full sun to part shade. Thrives in dry sandy soil but tolerates wet rain garden conditions; survives dry periods.