You’ll find plenty of neighbors going green with local plants found throughout the state. These plants make gardening easier since they need little maintenance or water. They’re good for the environment and attract local pollinators. Native plants also pair well with the most popular grass type in Arkansas– Bermuda grass. Check out these native plants for a flourishing garden in your yard this year.
American Beautyberry
There is nothing quite like a healthy beautyberry growing in the yard. This stunning plant offers gorgeous purple berries along the branches, making for a show stopper in your garden. The American Beautyberry is a native Arkansas shrub that usually grows to about 4 feet tall and wide. Some plants can reach up to 9 feet tall making it quite the star of the garden. The berries that hug the branches are an essential food source for area birds. Prepare to lose some of the leaves if you live in an area with a deer population. The American Beautyberry enjoys growing in wet soil and doesn’t mind slopes or the edges of your yard.
Purple Coneflower
Also known as Echinacea, the Purple Coneflower is a native plant that grows throughout Arkansas. You’ll find this little beauty in sunny areas with dry to medium soil conditions. Purple Coneflowers are often used to help add color and fill in spots of the garden. The plant itself can grow from two to five feet tall but only about one to two feet wide. The dropped slender petals feature a daisy-like center that attracts birds and butterflies. Plant a few together or mix them with the native Black-eyed Susan to create a blanket of color in the garden.
Solomon’s Seal
For those shady spots, plant Solomon’s Seal for some added movement and variety to the yard. This native plant features arching stems that help create interest to a garden bed. You’ll find small white bell-shaped blooms that hang from the arching stems in the spring giving your garden a touch of romance. Some varieties feature green or pink blossoms. The flowers eventually turn to berries which are an important source of energy for area wildlife. Solomon’s Seal is a smaller garden plant that can reach up to three feet high and two feet wide. Use this plant in a bed of other native shrubs and groundcovers to create a flourishing garden.
Florida Anise
Instead of the traditional hedges, consider opting for the less common Florida Anise this year. This native shrub is a hardy evergreen that adds beauty to the garden year-round. The dark green leaves give off a spicy scent. You may want to keep the Florida Anise away from a walkway since the maroon flowers can give off a fish-like odor. The plant can grow up to 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide making it an excellent option to add privacy to your backyard.
Black Willow Tree
Trees are a must have for Arkansas homeowners who want to add some shade to the yard. Black Willow Trees are one of the many native varieties found within the state. This medium sized tree is great for your yard since it provides a fair amount of shade without becoming too massive. The tree can grow to a height of 35 to 100 feet tall, but the slender branches make it feel smaller than varieties. Black Willow trees are essential to the environment as they are one of the first pollen sources for honeybees. Plant this tree in a sloped spot where you have problems with run off to help bind the soil.
There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to using native plants in the garden. From large trees to small flowers, there is enough variety in Arkansas to keep your garden looking beautiful all year round. Stick with the native plants for a flourishing garden this year.
READ MORE: Growing Happy Houseplants
