South Dakota Native Plants for Landscaping

a lot of flowers of sensitive fern

South Dakota’s landscapes boast a diverse array of native plants ideal for landscaping projects, thanks to their adaptability and aesthetic charm. The bur oak, prairie rose, and ostrich fern stand out as exemplary choices. 

By incorporating native species, South Dakota homeowners can create eco-friendly outdoor spaces that not only support local wildlife but also showcase the state’s natural beauty.

Expand your landscape design with the following articles on South Dakota native plants:

Native trees

South Dakota natural forests represent a variety of ecosystems. Trees like the resilient, wildlife-friendly bur oak, the shade-giving American elm, and the towering American elm, enhance the landscape’s beauty and ecological balance. They are invaluable additions to any South Dakota landscape.

Over the past few years, South Dakota trees have fallen victim to invasive Japanese beetles. Check out our guide on how to protect your trees from Japanese beetles to protect your investment.

Bur oak

green leaves of Bur oak
JBCLM | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0

The bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) is native to several South Dakota counties, like Tripp, Dewey, and Lincoln. It features distinctive fringed acorns and thrives in various soils. This drought-resistant, wildlife-friendly tree offers year-round interest with minimal maintenance. Well-suited for xeriscaping, it adapts to both dry and moist conditions. However, its acorns can be messy.

Pro Tip: Xeriscaping is a landscape design that uses plants and materials requiring little to no watering beyond natural rainfall. Discover more in our xeriscaping guide for your lawn and garden.

American elm

close up image of American elm
Matt Lavin | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 2.0

The American elm (Ulmus americana) has a vase-like shape and thrives in counties like Ziebach, Todd, and Days. This deciduous giant soars to 100 feet and offers ample shade, with trunks reaching 6 feet in diameter. Its oval, serrated leaves and delicate, hairy flowers (blooming February – April) yield flat, veined fruits. 

The American elm’s allure spans all seasons, culminating in a dazzling autumn display.

Eastern cottonwood

photo of eastern cottonwood in a lawn
Matt Lavin | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0

The Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides), a large deciduous tree native to South Dakota, is found in counties across the state, including Pennington, Harding, and McPherson.

It is renowned for its rapid growth rate, heart-shaped leaves, and adaptability. Growing up to 100 feet tall, it’s best suited for large yards. This tree supports wildlife and withstands floods. However, its fluffy seeds can be messy.

Native shrubs

South Dakota’s native shrubs offer diverse landscaping options, blending beauty with ecological value. These hardy plants, well-adapted to local conditions, excel in sustainable landscapes. Notable species include prairie roses, Bebb willows, and nannyberries. These shrubs provide habitat and food for local wildlife while requiring minimal maintenance.

Find tips on selecting, planting, and maintaining your shrubs in our guide: “How to Landscape With Shrubs.”

Prairie rose

couple of flowers of Prairie rose
Alexwcovington | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0

The prairie rose (Rosa arkansana) grows in most South Dakota counties and is often found in prairies, woodlands, and roadsides. It blooms from May to August with pink, fragrant flowers that fade to white. In fall, its leaves show shades of red, orange, purple, and yellow. This shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade; prefers moist, well-drained soil; and tolerates alkaline and clay conditions. 

Bebb willow

close up image of stem of Bebb willow
Matt Lavin | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0

Bebb willows (Salix bebbiana) are common shrubs often spotted in the areas around Harding, Custer, and Roberts counties. Reaching 30 feet in height, they grow fast but are short-lived. It blooms white, green, and brown from April to June and thrives in sun to shade and moist to wet soils. Although prone to insect, disease, and wind damage, it supports wildlife, including birds, mammals, and pollinators.

Nannyberry

image of Nannyberry with green leaves in the background
Doug McGrady | Flickr | CC BY 2.0

Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago), native along the edges of South Dakota, thrives in Union, Lawrence, and Marshall counties, among others. This shrub reaches up to 14 feet tall, adorning itself with spring clusters of delicate white flowers. Come fall, it bears dark blue berries that attract birds and boasts vivid red foliage. Nannyberry flourishes in moist, well-drained soil and prefers full to partial sun.

Native ferns

Ostrich fern

picture of ostrich fern plant
James St. John | Flickr | CC BY 2.0

The ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) boasts large, feathery fronds resembling ostrich plumes. As one of the tallest native ferns, it can reach 4 feet in Pennington, Custer, and Roberts counties, but typically grows to 3 feet in damp, shaded areas. This fern thrives when given space to spread, forming dense, low-maintenance colonies for excellent ground cover and wildlife habitat.

Lady fern

picture of lady fern plant
Ryan Hodnett | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0

The lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina), native to Minnehaha, Custer, Pennington, and Lawrence counties, creates a lush, woodland ambiance with its finely-cut fronds. Reaching 2 to 3 feet in height and width, its delicate, light green fronds flourish in shady, moist environments. This deer-resistant fern gradually spreads, helping control erosion with minimal upkeep.

Sensitive fern

a lot of fronds of sensitive fern
Leonora (Ellie) Enking | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0

The deciduous sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) typically grows up to 2 feet tall and is native in several counties, including Stanley, Bennett, and Minnehaha. Its name comes from its broad, light green fronds, which are highly susceptible to cold and wither at the first frost. 

Also known as the bead fern due to its attractive “beaded” stalks, this species thrives in moist, shaded areas. As such, it’s commonly used in rain gardens.

Having rain gardens on your property can help minimize runoff. Check out our guide on how to build a rain garden to set up one of your own.

Native flowers

South Dakota’s diverse terrain showcases a rich variety of native flowers, adorning local landscapes with stunning blossoms. Golden black-eyed Susans, purple prairie clovers, and vibrant red prairie lilies paint the state’s natural canvas. These magnificent flowers not only enhance and support local ecosystems but also attract essential pollinators.

Wildflower gardens are visually striking on their own, but by implementing these design ideas for your wildflower garden, you can give your outdoor space even more intrigue.

Black-eyed Susans

Bright yellow Blackeyed Susan flowers
zenjazzygeek | Flickr | CC BY 2.0

The beautiful daisy-like black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) flower is 14 to 24 inches tall and has bright yellow to orange petals surrounding a dark brown core. From June to August, it blooms, drawing pollinators. It grows well in dry soil, full sun to part shade, and is resistant to drought, deer, and salt. Different varieties offer variations in heights, hues, and even double blooms. 

In South Dakota, black-eyed Susans are native in Todd, Minnehaha, and Hamlin counties, among others, gracing both the southwestern and northeastern parts of the state.

Purple prairie clover

purple prairie clover flowers with a lake in the background
Blaine Hansel | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 2.0

The drought-tolerant purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea) thrives in South Dakota’s landscapes. Its compact 12-inch foliage is crowned with stunning 3-foot flower spikes. Its dense, rose-purple flower heads attract a wide variety of pollinators from early to late summer.

Suitable for group plantings, this plant is low-maintenance and deer-resistant. This beautiful plant can be found throughout most of South Dakota, including Haakon, Lawrence, and Walworth counties.

Prairie lilies

a couple of blooming flowers of Wood lily
Dave Powell | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 3.0

The prairie lily or wood lily (Lilium philadelphicum) is a beautiful native wildflower in South Dakota. It has bright orange-red flowers and can be found in places like Meade, Brookings, and Roberts counties. This plant blooms from late spring to mid-summer and can grow up to 3 feet tall. It’s a perennial, which means it comes back year after year.

This flower attracts pollinators, including butterflies and hummingbirds. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade. In spite of its initial challenge to establish, prairie lilies add a touch of wild beauty to your lawn once they are rooted.

Native grasses

Native grasses in South Dakota, such as Indiangrass, switchgrass, and sideoats grama, are well-adapted to local conditions. These hardy species offer low-maintenance landscaping options, provide wildlife habitats, and prevent soil erosion. Each grass contributes uniquely to South Dakota’s landscape, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits.

If you’re looking for turfgrass options in South Dakota, check out our guide — “The Best Grass Seed for South Dakota Lawns” — to learn more.

Indiangrass

Closeup of Indiangrass with tiny yellow flowers
cultivar413 | Flickr | CC BY 2.0

A hallmark of South Dakota prairies, Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans) is a striking, golden-plumed native species that reaches 3 to 8 feet in areas like Tripp, Brown, and Pennington counties. This versatile warm-season grass adapts to various soils, from sandy to clay. Salt-tolerant and sun-loving, it effectively controls erosion, supports wildlife, and highlights lawns.

Switchgrass

closeup image of switchgrass
Matt Lavin | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), a South Dakota native, thrives statewide. Growing 3 to 7 feet tall, it produces pinkish-red blooms in July, turning beige late summer. This versatile grass offers winter interest, supports wildlife, prevents erosion, and improves riparian water quality with its deep roots.

Sideoats grama

Sideoats grama grass
Agnieszka Kwiecień | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0

Growing 1 to 3 feet tall, Sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) is a native grass found throughout South Dakota, including Edmunds, Mellette, and Codington counties. Known for its oat-like seeds arranged on one side of the stalk, this resilient grass tolerates partial shade, salt, spring flooding, and drought.

Learn more about South Dakota landscaping from our guides. We address region-specific best practices, such as when to plant grass, lawn ordinances, and fertilizer schedules. Our articles provide insights to help you design a beautiful, sustainable environment suitable for South Dakota’s climate.

FAQ: South Dakota native plants

Where in South Dakota can I buy native plants?

In South Dakota, you have a few choices for buying native plants:

  • Hometown groups: Community projects such as Beautify Spearfish frequently have plant sales and can give advice on where to locate native plants.
  • Local nurseries: Native plants are the focus of a large number of nurseries in South Dakota. Jolly Lane Greenhouse in Rapid City is one example.
  • Conservation districts: Several South Dakota county conservation districts host native plant auctions, typically in spring.

Make sure the plants are ethically obtained and not wild-gathered before making a purchase. To make sure the plants are appropriate for your region of South Dakota, it’s also a good idea to inquire with the vendor about the origin of the plants.

What are South Dakota’s planting zones?

South Dakota spans USDA Planting Zones 4a to 5b, offering gardeners a guide for plant selection based on average annual minimum winter temperatures. It’s important to note that microclimates within individual properties can also significantly influence growing conditions. To learn more, we recommend our guide: “Planting Zones of South Dakota.”

How should I select plants for my landscape in South Dakota?

Consider these important factors when choosing plants for South Dakota yards:

  • Hardiness: Select plants suited to USDA zones 4a to 5b.
  • Soil: Match plants to your soil type.
  • Sun: Account for the lighting conditions in your landscape.
  • Water: Opt for drought-tolerant plants.
  • Native species: Choose climate-appropriate regional plants.
  • Maintenance: Select plants based on your available time for upkeep.
  • Wildlife: Pick plants that attract desired species.

When to call a pro

While native plants are generally low-maintenance, designing and implementing a comprehensive native landscape can be challenging. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Let Lawn Love connect you with experienced local landscapers and gardeners who can bring your vision to life. Contact Lawn Love today to get started on your native plant landscaping journey.

Main Image Credit: Plant Image Library | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0

Raven Wisdom

Raven Wisdom is a screenwriter from West Texas and a proud mom of two in an autism family. Self-described as "half-feral but mostly harmless," Raven loves houseplants, a good laugh, and furry friends.