Arkansas Native Plants

Arkansas, with its diverse landscapes ranging from the Mississippi Delta to the Ozark Mountains, is home to many native plants that have adapted to these unique conditions.

• In the lowlands and Delta regions, you’ll find the majestic Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) thriving in wet soils, along with the Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnate), providing a splash of color and a vital resource for monarch butterflies.
• The Piney Woods region of southern Arkansas is dominated by the Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata) and is interspersed with beautiful flowering plants such as the Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea).
• The Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, known for their rugged terrain and rich biodiversity, are home to diverse flora like the Ozark Bluestar (Amsonia illustris) and the Shooting Star (Dodecatheon meadia). The Redbud (Cercis canadensis), with its stunning spring blossoms, is commonly found in these areas as well.
• In the grassland regions, native grasses like Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) and Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans) thrive, while the beautiful Prairie Rose (Rosa setigera) adds color to these landscapes.

These native plants play a crucial role in Arkansas’s ecosystems, offering food and shelter for local wildlife and maintaining soil health. Incorporating these species into your garden can support the state’s biodiversity, conserve water, and ensure a resilient landscape attuned to the local climate and conditions. They often require less maintenance, as they’re naturally adapted to local conditions.