Plants You Might See While Camping at Camp Lakewood Campground

At Camp Lakewood Campground in Effingham, Illinois, you’ll find a mix of native plants that thrive in the region’s woodland and wetland environments. Here’s a list of plants you might encounter while camping there:

Trees and Shrubs

1. White Oak (Quercus alba): A majestic tree and the state tree of Illinois. Its leaves have deep lobes, and it produces acorns that are a food source for wildlife.
2. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum): Known for its brilliant fall colors, this tree is common in Illinois forests.
3. Red Maple (Acer rubrum): Another tree with stunning fall foliage, often found in wetter areas.
4. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis): A small tree that produces beautiful pink flowers in the spring.
5. American Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana): A shrub that blooms in late fall with yellow, fragrant flowers.

Wildflowers and Grasses

1. Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum): A common wildflower with pink to purple flowers, often found in wooded areas.
2. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Recognizable by its bright yellow petals and dark brown center, this flower is a common sight in open fields.
3. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Known for its distinctive purple petals and central cone, it’s a favorite among pollinators.
4. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.): A tall plant with clusters of small yellow flowers, often found in meadows and fields.
5. Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii): A tall prairie grass that’s native to Illinois and provides habitat for various wildlife.

Ground Cover and Other Plants

1. Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum): A low-growing plant with umbrella-like leaves, it produces a single white flower in spring.
2. Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum): A unique woodland plant with a hooded flower structure that hides the “Jack” inside.
3. Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia): A climbing vine with five-part leaves, it turns a vibrant red in the fall.
4. Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans): Recognizable by its “leaves of three,” it’s a plant to avoid due to its irritating oil.
5. Trillium (Trillium spp.): A beautiful woodland wildflower with three leaves and three petals, typically white or pink.

These plants reflect the diverse habitats found at Camp Lakewood Campground, from shaded woods to sunny open areas. Keep an eye out for these species as you explore the natural beauty of the campground.