Natives & Nativars: Differences & Which We Carry
Last spring, a customer paused in our perennial greenhouse, holding a pot of Echinacea—a vivid orange variety that one of our staff recommended. She looked up and asked, half curious, half skeptical, “Is this still a real native plant?” It’s a question we hear often at Westwood Gardens, and it opens the door to a discussion: the role of nativars in Northwest Arkansas landscapes.
What Exactly Is a Nativar?
A nativar (a mash‑up of native and cultivar) is a naturally occurring native species that’s been selected or bred for specific traits—richer flower color, more compact habit, or improved disease resistance—while maintaining the genetic backbone of the local species. Think of it as nature’s plant with a little tailoring.
- Native or Straight Native: The straight species you’d find in local meadows or woodlands.
- Cultivar: A plant bred or selected for desirable characteristics.
- Nativar: A cultivar whose parents are 100 % native to our region.
Why We Carry Nativars at Westwood
1. Ecological Muscle With Market Appeal
Straight natives are the gold standard for supporting local pollinators, but certain gardeners shy away from them because the plants can be leggy, sprawl, flop, or bloom for a very short window. Nativars let us keep ecological benefits and deliver a tidy form or extended flower show—qualities that convince more homeowners to plant them in the first place.
2. Better Fit for Small Urban Lots
In Fayetteville or Bentonville, many gardens don’t have the acres of space a straight native might prefer. A compact nativar like Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ gives you the same regional genetics in a size that respects the neighbor’s property line.
3. Improved Resilience
Our summers are hot, our winters swing, and humidity invites every fungal spore to the party. Breeders have identified native selections that shrug off rust, powdery mildew, and late‑season wilt, traits that keep plants looking good without chemical interventions.
4. Extended Bloom and Color Options
Pollinators love a long buffet. If a coneflower that flowers eight weeks instead of four keeps bees fed deeper into summer, we see that as a win. Similarly, foliage with burgundy tones or flowers in sunset shades can help nativar plantings blend seamlessly with existing perennial borders.
How We Vet the Nativars We Sell
Not every pretty cultivar makes the cut. Before a nativar lands on our benches, we look at:
- Regional Origin – We focus on selections derived from species native to the Ozarks, the Ouachitas, or the broader Southeast.
- Ecological Studies – We keep tabs on research (Monarch Joint Venture, Mt. Cuba Center trials, university extension data) that evaluates how nativars interact with the area.
- Garden Performance – Our staff trial beds are the real proving ground. If a plant can’t handle July heat without coddling, it doesn’t get a price tag.
Planting Tips: Getting the Most from Nativars
Right Plant, Right Place
Match the nativar’s light and moisture requirements to your site just as you would the straight species.
Start With Good Soil
Loosen clay, add compost, and avoid high‑phosphorus fertilizers. Native roots like lean, well‑drained ground.
Water to Establish, Then Dial Back
It depends on your site and moisture retention, but deep weekly waterings in the first season help roots dive. After that, most nativars are as drought‑tough as their wild cousins.
Skip the Cosmetic Shear
Let seed heads stand into winter for birds, then cut back in late February. Many nativars hold their structure beautifully through frost.
Balancing Purity and Practicality
We are champions of true natives. But we also recognize that gardeners vote with their shovels. If a coral‑orange Echinacea convinces a new homeowner to plant pollinator‑friendly perennials instead of another slab of turf, the ecosystem still comes out ahead.
That’s why we carry both straight species and well‑chosen nativars. We want you to have tools that fit your design goals and nurture Northwest Arkansas wildlife. Pick the palette that moves you, plant with intention, and watch the garden—and its visiting bees and butterflies—thrive.
Have questions about a specific nativar? Stop by the nursery or drop us a message. We’re always happy to talk plants, science, and the sweet spot where the two meet.
Below, you will find a full list of the Natives (marked with a *) and Nativars we carry at our stores. Inventory will vary, so come in to check out what we’ve got in stock!
Perennials
| Native Species (Botanical / Common) |
Nativar Cultivar(s) We Grow |
Why You Might Choose the Nativar |
| Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) | ‘Magnus’, ‘PowWow Wild Berry’, ‘White Swan’ | Extended bloom window, richer colors, sturdier stems |
| Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan) | ‘Goldsturm’, ‘Little Goldstar’ | Compact habit, heavy bud set, prolonged flowering |
| Liatris spicata (Gayfeather) | ‘Kobold’ | Shorter spikes perfect for borders, uniform flowering |
| Baptisia australis (Blue False Indigo) | ‘Blueberry Sundae’, ‘Lemon Meringue’, 'American Goldfinch', 'Deluxe Pink Lemonade', 'Pink Truffle', 'Plum Rosy’, 'Sparkling Sapphires' | Intense flower colors, more compact clumps, repeat bloom spikes |
| Amsonia hubrichtii (Arkansas Bluestar) | ‘Storm Cloud’, 'Starstruck', ‘Blue Ice’ | Darker spring stems and denser habit—same gold fall color |
| Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox) | 'Fashionably Early Crystal', 'Fashionably Early Flamingo', 'Flame Red', 'Luminary Opalescence', 'Luminary Ultraviolet', 'Nicky' | Superior mildew resistance, magnet for butterflies |
| Solidago rugosa (Goldenrod) | 'Little Lemon' | Dwarf form with bright yellow blooms that stay compact and well-behaved |
| Monarda didyma (Bee Balm) | 'Buzz Blue Moon', 'Buzz Bubblegum Blast', 'Buzz Cherry Pops', 'Buzz Grape Gumball', 'Buzz Pink Frosting', 'Pardon My Purple', 'Rockin Raspberry' | Longer bloom times, more vivid colors |
| Coreopsis lanceolata (Tickseed) | 'Li'l Bang Daybreak', 'Li'l Bang Enchanted Eve', 'Li'l Bang Red Elf', 'Pom Pom Yellow', 'Sizzle & Spice Hot Paprika', 'Sizzle & Spice Zesty Zinger', 'Uptick Cream' | Longer bloom times, more vivid colors |
| Agastache foeniculum (Anise Hyssop) | 'Blue Boa', 'Kudos Red', 'Mango Tango', 'Rosie Posie' | Aromatic foliage, pollinator favorite, compact and floriferous |
| Physostegia virginiana (Obedient Plant) | ‘Crystal Peak White’ | Clump-forming habit with tidy white spikes that won’t spread aggressively |
| Dryopteris autumnalis (Autumn Fern) | 'Brilliance Autumn' | Coppery new fronds add seasonal interest to shady spots |
| Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia Creeper) | Engleman, Star Showers | Variegated or refined foliage for dramatic walls or groundcover with fall color |
| Campsis radicans (Trumpet Creeper) | Lots of cultivars - shades of orange and yellow | Brighter colors that last longer and bring more bees and hummingbirds to the yard |
Shrubs
| Native Species (Botanical / Common) |
Nativar Cultivar(s) We Grow |
Why You Might Choose the Nativar |
| Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea) | ‘Snow Queen’, ‘Ruby Slippers’, ‘Alice’, ‘Alice N Wonderland’, ‘Jetstream’, ‘Munchkin’, ‘Pee Wee’, ‘Snowcicle’, ‘Snowflake’ | Larger blooms, improved stem strength, compact habits, or double flowers for four-season appeal |
| *Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon Holly) | ‘Schillings’ | Dense, compact growth and no berries—ideal for hedging or formal shapes |
| Callicarpa americana (Beautyberry) | ‘Pearl Glam’, ‘Profusion’, ‘Purple Pride’ | Striking purple berries, colorful foliage, and a more upright or compact habit |
| Calycanthus floridus (Sweet Shrub or Carolina Allspice) | ‘Aphrodite’ | Larger, more fragrant red blooms with a longer flowering window |
| Rhododendron (Native Azaleas) | ‘Honey Butter’, ‘Wine & Roses’, ‘Blue Barron’, many other varieties in store | Unique bloom colors, compact sizes, and extended bloom times for woodland gardens |
| Clethra alnifolia (Summersweet) | ‘Hummingbird’, ‘Pink Spires’, ‘Ruby Spice’, ‘Sixteen Candles’, ‘Vanilla Spice’ | Compact size, strong fragrance, and bloom color variations that attract pollinators |
| Amelanchier arborea (Downy Serviceberry) | ‘Autumn Brilliance’, ‘Cumulus’, ‘Spring Flurry’, ‘Standing Ovation’ | Improved fall color, upright forms, and disease resistance for multi-season interest |
| *Ilex opaca (American Holly) | | Classic evergreen for structure and wildlife, with selections offering better branching or berry production |
Trees
| Native Species (Botanical / Common) |
Nativar Cultivar(s) We Grow |
Why You Might Choose the Nativar |
| *Pinus echinata (Shortleaf Pine) | — | Native pine for dry soils and wildlife habitat; drought- and wind-tolerant |
| Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel) | ‘Arnold’s Promise’, ‘Jelena’ | Longer bloom time |
| Lindera benzoin (Northern Spice Bush) | ‘Lindera’ | Host plant for spicebush swallowtails with fragrant foliage and early spring blooms |
| Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood) | ‘Cherokee Princess’, ‘Snow White’, many varieties in store | Bigger blooms, longer bloom time |
| *Nyssa sylvatica (Blackgum) | Wildfire, Afterburner, ‘Fire Starter’, Sherri’s Cloud | Intense red fall color |
| *Quercus rubra (Red Oak) | Scarlet Oak | Holds scarlet red leaves deep into winter |
| *Quercus alba (White Oak) | — | Majestic native shade tree with high wildlife value and excellent longevity |
| Celastrus scandens (American Bittersweet) | ‘Autumn Revolution’ | Larger, showier berries and fewer seedlings from self-pollinating habit |
| *Decumaria barbara (Climbing Hydrangea) | Barbara Ann, Moonlight, Miranda | Fragrant blooms and lush foliage for vertical or groundcover use |
| *Acer rubrum (Red Maple) | Autumn Blaze, Autumn Flame, Ruby Sunset | Brilliant fall color, fast growth, and strong structure |
| *Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) | Autumn Fest, Fall Fiesta, Green Mountain, Oregon Trail, Powder Keg | Vibrant fall foliage and better heat or drought tolerance depending on cultivar |
| Amelanchier canadensis (Serviceberry) | Autumn Brilliance, Cumulus, Spring Flurry, Standing Ovation | Improved fall color, upright forms, and disease resistance for multi-season interest |
| *Asimina triloba (Pawpaw Tree) | — | Unique tropical-looking foliage with edible native fruit and great understory tolerance |
| *Betula nigra (River Birch) | Dura Heat | Peeling bark with better heat resistance and compact form |
| *Carpinus caroliniana (American Hornbeam) | — | Elegant branching with strong wood and excellent fall color for shade or street planting |
| *Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud) | Oklahoma, Weeping, Rising Sun, other varieties | Unique foliage colors or shapes, from golden leaves to weeping habits |
| *Chionanthus virginicus (Fringe Tree) | — | Wispy, fragrant white blooms and yellow fall color for small gardens or naturalizing |
| *Cladrastis kentukea (Yellowwood) | — | Fragrant white flowers in cascades and smooth bark; great specimen tree |
| Diospyros virginiana (Persimmon) | Fuyu, Weeping | Edible fruit with unique growth forms like weeping or compact habits |
| Gleditsia triacanthos (Honey Locust) | Shade Master, Sunburst | Thornless with fine-textured foliage; dappled shade and easy maintenance |
| *Juniperus virginiana (Eastern Red Cedar) | — | Tough evergreen screen; highly adaptable and excellent for wildlife cover |
| *Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum Tree) | Rotundiloba | Rounded, seedless form that minimizes cleanup while preserving fall color |
| *Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip Poplar) | Arnold | Tall, stately form with large tulip-shaped flowers and bright yellow fall foliage |
| *Magnolia virginiana (Sweetbay Magnolia) | — | Fragrant summer blooms with glossy evergreen foliage in milder climates |
| Platanus occidentalis (Sycamore) | — | Iconic exfoliating bark and rapid growth for shade or restoration plantings |
| *Pinus strobus (White Pine) | Weeping, Strawberry | Soft needles with graceful forms; selections offer unique color or structure |
| *Pinus taeda (Loblolly Pine) | — | Fast-growing pine for screens or reforestation; good in wet or clay soils |
| *Quercus macrocarpa (Bur Oak) | — | Massive acorns and strong drought tolerance make this a prairie-adapted champion |
| *Quercus palustris (Pin Oak) | — | Pyramidal form with brilliant red fall foliage; great for lawn or streetscape |
| *Quercus shumardii (Shumard Oak) | — | Bold branching and deep red fall color; adaptable and fast-growing for a red oak |
| *Sassafras albidum (Sassafras) | — | Distinctive mitten-shaped leaves, fall color, and wildlife-friendly berries |
| *Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress) | — | Elegant feathery foliage with striking orange fall color; thrives in wet or dry sites |
References:
https://www.uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/in-the-garden/native-plants.aspx
https://anps.org/know-your-natives-archive/arkansas-native-plants-shrubs/
https://www.faylib.org/native-landscaping
https://biology.uark.edu/herbarium/AtlasVascularPlantsArkansas2013_fullres.pdf
