Shrub Slope
The Shrub Slope showcases Arkansas native shrubs and perennials that provide year-round support for pollinators. With habitat stability from hardy shrubs and seasonal blooms from vibrant flowers, it offers shelter, food, and a colorful, evolving buffet for bees, butterflies, and other wildlife.
Meet a Native Perennial and Shrub!
American Beautyberry
The American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is a native shrub known for its stunning clusters of vibrant purple berries that appear in late summer and fall. Its delicate spring flowers attract pollinators, while the berries provide essential food for birds and wildlife. Low-maintenance and versatile, it’s a perfect addition to gardens, adding seasonal color and supporting local ecosystems.
Elderberries
Elderberries (Sambucus canadensis) are versatile native shrubs celebrated for their clusters of fragrant white flowers in spring and dark, nutritious berries in late summer. The berries are a favorite of wildlife and can also be used in jams, syrups, and teas. Hardy and easy to grow, elderberries are a great choice for gardeners looking to support local ecosystems while enjoying their beauty and utility.
Plants Found In This Zone!
American Beautyberry
Callicarpa americana
(Daymond Franklin, 9/23)
Black Chokeberry
Aronia melanocarpa
(Evan Fowlkes, 9/23)
Blue Sage
Salvia azurea
(Evan Fowlkes, 9/23)
Blue Wild Indigo
Baptisia australis var minor
(Lydia Robertson, 9/24)
Creeping Phlox
Phlox subulata
(Dray Makepeace, 9/24)
Dwarf Yaupon Holly
Ilex vomitoria 'Nana'
(Zeke Summers, 9/23)
Elderberry
Sambacus nigra
(Lukas Bowler, 9/23)
Foxglove beardtongue
Penstemon digitalis
(Alice Dong, 9/23)
Fragrant Sumac
Rhus aromatica 'Lacette'
(Lindsey Waddell, 9/23)
Gayfeather
Liatris spicata
(Riley Richardson, 9/24)
Muscadine
Vitis rotundifolia 'Carlos'
(Finneas Salazar, 9/23)
Ninebark
Physocarpus opulifolius
(Hartig, 9/25)
Ouachita Lead Plant
Amorpha ouachitensis
(Kira Burnett, 9/23)
Ozark Bluestar
Amsonia illustris
(Dray Makepeace, 9/24)
Hamamelis vernalis
(Jeremiah Chen, 9/24)
Persimmon
Diospyros virginiana
(Samantha Pruitt, 9/23)
Possumhaw
Ilex decidua
(Priya James, 1/24)
Showy goldenrod
Solidago speciosa
(Paola Sustaita, 9.24)
Shrubby St. John's Wort
Hypericum prolificum
(Tori Strawn, 9/23)
Southern Blue Flag
Iris virginica
(Abby Staples, 9/23)
Virginia Sweetspire
Itea virginica
(Hartig, 9/24)
Baptisia alba var. macrophylla
(Lydia Robertson 9/24)
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
(Anna Grace Wright, 9/23)