1. Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’

A standout in shade plantings, Jack Frost offers heart-shaped, silver-patterned foliage that holds interest long after its early-season blue blooms fade. Often used as a woodland groundcover or border accent, this variety is prized for its texture, durability, and strong visual contrast in low-light areas. Limited commercial production means availability is often tight, especially in spring.

2. Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’

Known for its deep burgundy foliage and early spring flowers, this redbud cultivar adds high-impact color to commercial designs but can be difficult to source in larger sizes. Its popularity with designers often outpaces grower production, especially in mid-size tree form.

3. Dicentra eximia

Unlike the common bleeding heart, this native selection reblooms through summer and thrives in part-shade, ideal for naturalized plantings and woodland restoration projects. Its soft texture and extended bloom period make it a strong choice for pollinator-focused designs.

4. Magnolia virginiana 'Jim Wilson'

A cold-hardy Sweetbay Magnolia with glossy semi-evergreen leaves and lemon-scented blooms, often used near water features or in tight urban sites where supply is limited. This selection is preferred for its upright habit and zone versatility but is often grown in limited quantities.

5. Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star'

This compact, early-blooming magnolia produces fragrant white flowers before leaf-out, offering high ornamental value in smaller landscape footprints. Its spring demand and slower production cycle make it challenging to secure late in the buying season.

6. Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'

A go-to Japanese Maple for structural impact and deep red foliage, but frequently undersupplied due to slow growth and high demand for clean, uniform form. It’s especially hard to source in larger container sizes or with strong central leaders.

7. Carpinus caroliniana

Also known as American Hornbeam, this native understory tree provides strong fall color and adaptability to urban conditions but can be hard to find in commercial quantities. Its versatility across soil types and compact growth make it a rising favorite for municipal and campus projects.

8. Ginkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold'

A reliable urban tree with golden fall foliage and strong architectural form, male cultivars like this are often reserved early and in short commercial supply. Long grow times and limited nursery space keep inventory tight, especially for 2" and up.

9. Nyssa sylvatica 'Wildfire'

'Wildfire’ brings bright red new growth and vivid autumn color, making it a standout native for habitat-focused or streetscape plantings where availability is often tight. It’s a high-performance tree that checks both ecological and ornamental boxes but is frequently undergrown.

10. Quercus palustris

Fast-growing with a uniform canopy and standout fall color, Pin Oak is widely specified but not always easy to source due to soil sensitivity and size constraints. Sourcing consistent quality across multiple sizes can be a challenge for large-scale bids.