Native Trees vs. Cultivars: What to Plant Where (and Why)

Planning landscaping for your home, let alone an entire neighborhood, can feel overwhelming. Between choosing the right trees, figuring out where they should go, and making sure they’ll survive a tricky climate, there’s a lot to consider. And if you’re not a tree expert? It’s hard to know where to start.

What you really need is a tree matchmaker, one who can help you find the perfect fit for your landscape. Whether you’re an HOA manager overseeing a streetscape or a homeowner looking for that one perfect shade tree, knowing the difference between native trees and cultivars can help your landscape thrive, marrying beauty and performance.

Quick Links:

• What is a Cultivar?
• Cultivars vs Native Trees
• Benefits of Cultivars
• Benefits of Native Trees
• Best of Both Worlds: Combining Cultivars and Native Trees
• How Your Local Nursery Can Help You Choose Native Trees and Cultivars

What is a Cultivar?

When you're browsing a nursery, you may come across tree tags that say things like “Ulmus japonica x wilsoniana 'Morton'” or “Acer x freemanii 'Jeffersred'.” Those fancy names are not just botanical flair; they indicate a cultivar. 

Cultivar is short for "cultivated variety,” which is a selected form of a species that is propagated so its unique, and desirable, characteristics (like narrow growth, extended bloom time, or improved drought tolerance) remain consistent from one generation to the next.

Cultivars vs Native Trees

When we select trees for our homes and our communities, we’re often concerned with curb appeal and community beautification. Unfortunately, there is no curb appeal if the tree doesn’t perform as expected.

Whether you’re expecting your trees to support local wildlife, flower, grow full and tall, or simply handle the challenges of your specific climate, you’ll want to understand the difference between native trees and cultivars. In challenging landscapes like Colorado, Utah, Oregon, and the PNW, those differences matter.

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Native Trees

Native trees have often spent thousands of years adapting to the exact conditions of the region where they grow. They know the soil, the seasons, and even the insects because they’ve evolved right alongside them. This makes them an excellent choice for not only managing those conditions but also supporting local wildlife, from pollinators to birds.

Another big plus for native trees? Genetic diversity. Native trees grown from seed have natural variations that give them resilience against pests, disease, and changing climate conditions. They may not all look identical, but they work hard for the landscape, year after year, and play a critical role in maintaining local ecosystems.

Cultivars (and Nativars)

As explained above, cultivars have been selectively bred and propagated for specific traits. Nativars are cultivars that start as native species but are altered to emphasize specific characteristics.

Whereas native trees have natural variety, cultivars are highly predictable. Every tree will have the same look, size, and form, which can be especially helpful for HOA managers with strict aesthetic guidelines or for creating a uniform streetscape.

The trade-off, however, is that they usually have less genetic diversity and sometimes lose some of the ecological benefits of their native counterparts. For example, specific pollinators may not recognize or prefer the altered flowers, and the plants may not produce viable seed.

Cultivars vs Native Trees

If your goal is long-term resilience and maximum ecosystem benefit, native trees are often the best choice. If your priority is a particular size, shape, color, or other feature, cultivars work well. In many cases, the smartest approach is a thoughtful mix of both, guided by a certified arborist who understands your region’s unique challenges.

Benefits of Cultivars

While native trees are champions of biodiversity, cultivars have their strengths. For many HOAs and planned landscapes, these traits can make all the difference.

Benefits of Cultivars:

• Consistent Appearance – Uniform size, shape, and foliage color for a polished, cohesive look.
  

• Special Features – Unique traits like variegated leaves, unusual flower colors, or dwarf growth habits.
  

• Space Efficiency – Compact forms ideal for small yards, narrow planting strips, or tight urban spaces.
  

• Reduced Maintenance – Some cultivars are bred for fewer seed pods, less litter, or slower growth rates.
  

• Pest & Disease Resistance – Many are selected for improved resilience against common local issues.
  

• Extended Bloom or Foliage Color – Longer-lasting flowers or fall color to enhance visual impact.
  

• Climate Adaptability – Certain cultivars can thrive in challenging microclimates where some native varieties might struggle.
  

Benefits of Native Trees

Native trees are the backbone of local ecosystems, providing critical habitat and adapting naturally to the region’s climate and soils. For long-term sustainability and ecological health, they offer advantages that cultivars can’t always match.

Benefits of Native Trees:

• Supports Local Wildlife – Provides food, shelter, and nesting sites for birds, pollinators, and other native species.
  

• Naturally Adapted – Thrives in local soil types, seasonal patterns, and climate conditions with minimal intervention.
  

• Water Wise – Many native species are inherently drought-tolerant once established, reducing irrigation needs.
  

• Resilient to Local Pests – Better equipped to resist insects and diseases common to the area.
  

• Low Maintenance – Requires less fertilizer, pruning, and overall upkeep compared to many non-native options.
  

• Preserves Regional Character – Maintains the natural look and feel of Colorado, Utah, and PNW landscapes.
  

• Long Lifespan – Often lives longer and stays healthier without intensive care.
  

Best of Both Worlds: Native Trees and Cultivars

And, sometimes, the best option for your yard or landscape is to use both. As mentioned briefly above, there are some big benefits to combining the two. In fact, using each where they perform best, HOAs, homeowners, and urban planners can create landscapes that are both beautiful and resilient.

Ways to Combine Cultivars and Native Trees Effectively:

• Anchor the Landscape with Natives – Use native trees as the structural backbone for long-term stability, habitat, and drought tolerance.
  

• Fill in with Cultivars for Specific Needs – Choose cultivars for unique colors, controlled growth habits, or improved disease resistance.
  

• Match the Right Tree to the Right Spot – A shady courtyard might benefit from a compact cultivar, while a large open space could thrive with a native shade tree.
  

• Boost Biodiversity – Planting a mix increases ecological variety, which can help reduce the impact of pests and diseases.
  

• Extend Seasonal Interest – Natives may shine in spring and summer, while cultivars may have been propagated mainly to bring late-season blooms or bold fall color.
  

• Enhance Curb Appeal – Cultivars often offer more uniform shapes and striking foliage that make common areas and entryways pop. And, for communities that seek uniformity and balance, cultivars can help create a manicured look.

Blending both approaches allows landscapes to thrive in both form and function. This option balances the ecological benefits of native trees with the design flexibility of cultivars.

How Your Local Nursery Can Help You Choose Native Trees and Cultivars

When it comes to tree planting and tree selection, not all nurseries are created equal. A local nursery, especially one run by certified arborists, offers expertise and resources that big-box stores simply can’t match.

While a home improvement store may stock trees based on national supplier lists, those trees may not be suited to your specific region’s climate, soils, or water availability. That mismatch often leads to higher mortality rates, more maintenance headaches, and wasted budgets.

A local wholesale tree nursery like SuperTrees is deeply invested in the success of the trees it grows and sells. Further, with over 50 years of experience in Colorado, Oregon, Utah, and the Pacific Northwest, they’re familiar with both native trees and cultivars and the ways both can help meet the needs of a home, community, or urban forest.

Further, an experienced local nursery also ensures:

• Regionally Proven Stock – SuperTrees focuses on cultivars and native trees that are tested and proven to thrive in Colorado, Utah, Oregon, and the PNW, which reduces the guesswork and increases survival rates.
  

• Champion Tree Propagation – They don’t just grow trees; they propagate from champion specimens, ensuring exceptional genetics for strength, form, and beauty.
  

• Healthy Root Systems – Air pruning helps trees develop strong, fibrous root systems that establish faster once planted. The result? Healthier trees from the start.
  

• Expert Guidance – Certified arborists can assess your site, water availability, and long-term landscape goals to recommend the best mix of native species and cultivars.
  

• Support for HOAs and Communities – Whether you’re planting a single shade tree or planning a large-scale streetscape, SuperTrees offers the right inventory and the logistical know-how to get it planted and thriving.
  

In short, working with a local nursery like SuperTrees means you’re getting trees grown specifically for your climate, backed by expert advice, and rooted in quality from day one. It’s the difference between hoping your tree will survive and knowing it will.

If you’re ready to discuss how native trees and cultivars can help your landscape, big or small, we’re here to help. Get in touch with the SuperTrees Nursery team today!