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Key Protections for Homeowners Under the new law, homeowners now have explicit legal protections when establishing native plant gardens and landscapes. The most significant changes include:


• Restrictions on HOA Limitations: HOAs can no longer prohibit homeowners from planting native species that are appropriate to the Northern Illinois and Upper Great Lakes region.


• Legal Recognition of Native Landscapes: Native gardens are now legally recognized as valid landscaping choices, protecting homeowners from potential community association fines or mandated removal of native plantings.


• Pollinator Garden Allowances: Homeowners can now establish pollinator gardens without fear of reprisal from HOA boards, even if these gardens differ from traditional lawn aesthetics.


What Kinds of Plants Can Homeowners Plant Now?


The act opens a world of landscaping possibilities for Illinois residents. Native plants that were previously discouraged or outright prohibited are now celebrated. Some standout options include:


• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): A stunning perennial that attracts butterflies and provides late- summer color.


• Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): A bright, hardy flower that supports local pollinators.


• Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium): A native grass that provides winter interest and erosion control.


• Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis): A delicate spring bloomer that supports early-season pollinators.


• Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum): A unique woodland plant that adds intrigue to shaded areas.


• Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis): A vibrant red perennial that attracts hummingbirds.


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erfere with traffic or utilitie Why Native Plants Matter


Native plants are an aesthetically beautiful choice, but they are also much more than that. They are a critical component of our local ecosystem. In Illinois, these plants have evolved over thousands of years to support local wildlife, manage water resources, and maintain ecological balance.


Native plants are well-adapted to the region’s climate, soil, and weather patterns, which means they typically require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance. This makes them a more sustainable and eco-friendly choice for landscaping.


Beyond their environmental benefits, native plants also help preserve biodiversity and protect against the spread of invasive species. They stabilize soil, improve water quality, and support the complex web of life that keeps natural systems in balance. Choosing native plants is a simple yet powerful way to support the local environment.


The Importance of Pollinator Gardens The new law gives residents the freedom to plant their own pollinator gardens. These can serve as mini ecosystems that benefit local wildlife and environmental health. Each plant can provide the necessary food and refuge for local pollinators such as birds, bees, and butterflies.


These gardens create connectivity between fragmented natural landscapes, allowing wildlife to move, feed, and reproduce in areas that have been increasingly disrupted by human development. By establishing native plant gardens, homeowners become active participants in conservation, transforming small parcels of land into vital ecological corridors that support biodiversity.


Improve Water Management


Native plants have deep root systems that dramatically reduce erosion. When you have native plants on your property you are improving water infiltration into the soil and decreasing runoff and flood risk. It also serves as a natural filter for clean water as it moves through your native landscape.


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58 | COMMON INTEREST®


• Summer 2025 • A Publication of CAI-Illinois Chapter


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