As severe weather events and the introduction of invasive pests occur more frequently in the United States, the resiliency of managed landscapes has come into question. The need to identify, develop, and utilize diverse species and selections of landscape plants capable of tolerating the demands of a changing climate is a forefront issue in horticulture. A variety of factors influence the adoption of novel species and desirable plants may be limited by unique challenges in the nursery production pipeline. Brandon Miller will introduce efforts and research aimed at supporting the development of underutilized plants and specialty crops for use in the Upper Midwest.