- Native trees<\/a><\/li>
- Native shrubs<\/a><\/li>
- Native wildflowers<\/a><\/li>
- Native grasses<\/a><\/li>
- Native vines<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ about North Dakota native plants<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
North Dakota native trees<\/span><\/h2>
Bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"green](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Quercus-macrocarpa-1.jpg\")
JBCLM<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Bur oaks are native, long-lived trees well adapted to North Dakota\u2019s climate. They boast strong, robust branches that create a broad canopy and offer a lovely splash of golden brown color in the fall. They are perfect for spacious landscapes, and their deep taproot makes them a sturdy choice for windbreaks and soil stabilization on large properties.<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>3-8<\/p>
Sun: <\/strong>Full sun, partial sun<\/p>
Soil: <\/strong>Fertile loam, <\/strong>well-drained, most soils<\/p>
Fragrance: <\/strong>No noticeable scent<\/p>
Water needs: <\/strong>Moderate<\/p>
Mature height: <\/strong>Above 45 feet<\/p>
Potential hazards:<\/strong> Acorns contain tannins that may lead to stomach problems if eaten in excessive amounts by people. <\/p>
Maintenance: <\/strong>Low. Oaks need little pruning when the site is carefully selected for mature size. Prune to ensure air circulation, maintain shape, and remove dead or damaged branches.<\/p>
Paper birch (Betula papyrifera<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"close](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Betula-Papyrifera-1.jpg\")
Walter Siegmund<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Paper birch can be found in the Pembina George woodlands, as well as the hills of Killdeer and Turtle Mountains. Its striking white bark, which flakes off in delicate, papery layers, unveils a warm, orange-brown underneath. It is a great choice for adding both charm and shade to your landscape. Many people opt to grow them in clumps to create a visually stunning effect.<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>2-7<\/p>
Sun: <\/strong>Full sun, partial sun<\/p>
Soil: <\/strong>Well-drained, moist soils<\/p>
Fragrance: <\/strong>No noticeable scent<\/p>
Water needs: <\/strong>Moderate to high<\/p>
Mature height: <\/strong>25 to 45 feet<\/p>
Potential hazards:<\/strong> No known hazards.<\/p>
Maintenance: <\/strong>Low. Little pruning is needed, but if necessary, prune during the dormant season to avoid sap loss.<\/p>
Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"close](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Populus-tremuloides-1.jpg\")
Jason Hollinger<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Quaking aspen, also known as trembling aspen, is the most widely distributed tree in North America, renowned for its adaptability. Native to North Dakota, aspen clumps expand each year by producing suckers, forming clones. These deciduous trees are an excellent choice for quick-growing ornamental or shade trees. Their striking fall colors and unique leaf movement add dynamic beauty to any garden.<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>1-6<\/p>
Sun: <\/strong>Full sun<\/p>
Soil: <\/strong>Well-drained, moist soils<\/p>
Fragrance: <\/strong>No noticeable scent<\/p>
Water needs: <\/strong>Moderate<\/p>
Mature height: <\/strong>More than 45 feet<\/p>
Potential hazards:<\/strong> Pollen can cause allergy for people with respiratory conditions.<\/p>
Maintenance: <\/strong>Low. Ensure regular watering during dry spells and occasional pruning to maintain health and shape.<\/p>
North Dakota native shrubs<\/span><\/h2>
Creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Creeping](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Creeping-juniper-1.jpg\")
David J. Stang<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Creeping juniper is a popular ground cover native to western North Dakota, as well as Canada, Alaska, and parts of the northern United States. You can often find it in various rugged terrains, such as rocky outcrops, coastal cliffs, stony hillsides, prairies, and sand dunes, as it thrives in both rocky and sandy soils. <\/p>
This plant is an excellent option for rock gardens and one of the best ideas for xeriscaping<\/a> due to its low water and maintenance needs.<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 3-9<\/p>
Sun:<\/strong> Full sun<\/p>
Soil: <\/strong>Well-drained sandy or rocky soils, but adapts to a variety of soil types as long as they\u2019re well drained<\/p>
Duration:<\/strong> Perennial <\/p>
Fragrance:<\/strong> Woody, clean<\/p>
Water needs:<\/strong> Low<\/p>
Mature height: <\/strong>Less than 4 feet<\/p>
Potential hazards: <\/strong>Its berries may be mildly toxic to humans if ingested.<\/p>
Maintenance: <\/strong>Low. Pruning is generally unnecessary but can be done to control spread or shape the plant, preferably in late winter or early spring.<\/p>
False indigo (Amorpha fruticosa<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/36017936351_91fbba0f7c_o-1.jpg\")
Andreas Rockstein<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> False indigo, a native legume to North Dakota and the Great Plains, is celebrated for its vibrant presence in gardens. Cultivated since 1724, it thrives in moist soils. Resembling a subshrub, it adds depth and texture to any landscape. It may experience cycles of dieback and regrowth, especially during dry spells. <\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zones<\/strong>: 4-9<\/p>
Sun<\/strong>: Full sun, light shade<\/p>
Soil<\/strong>: Moist soils<\/p>
Duration<\/strong>: Perennial <\/p>
Fragrance<\/strong>: Sweet, honey-like<\/p>
Bloom time<\/strong>: June-August<\/p>
Water needs<\/strong>: Moderate<\/p>
Mature height<\/strong>: 4 to 12 feet<\/p>
Potential hazards<\/strong>: It may contain alkaloids that can be poisonous to livestock.<\/p>
Maintenance<\/strong>: Low. Prune in winter to late spring for compactness.<\/p>
Red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"a](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Red-Osier-Dogwood.jpg\")
Sulfur<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Red osier dogwood is a medium to large shrub with a spreading, multi-stemmed growth habit. Its branches fan out from the base, with the bottom ones growing horizontally and naturally layering on the ground, giving it a full and bushy appearance. The shrub is known for its striking dark, blood-red bark, which provides vibrant winter color. It’s perfect for adding texture to your yard. Plant this deciduous shrub along streams or in rain gardens. <\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 2-7<\/p>
Sun:<\/strong> Full sun, partial sun<\/p>
Soil: <\/strong>Well-drained moist soils<\/p>
Duration:<\/strong> Perennial <\/p>
Fragrance:<\/strong> Aromatic<\/p>
Bloom time:<\/strong> May to June<\/p>
Water needs:<\/strong> Moderate to high<\/p>
Mature height: <\/strong>Greater than 7 feet<\/p>
Potential hazards: <\/strong>No known hazards<\/p>
Maintenance: <\/strong>Low. While pruning is not necessary, cutting older stems flush to the ground every two to three years in early spring enhances the shrub’s appearance and winter stem color.<\/p>
North Dakota native wildflowers<\/span><\/h2>
Wood lily (Lilium philadelphicum<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"a](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Lilium-philadelphicum.jpg\")
Dave Powell<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Wood lily, a perennial wildflower native to much of North America, is found throughout the Midwest and East Coast. It thrives in diverse habitats ranging from dry woods to meadows and prairies. Its striking orange-red blooms herald the arrival of early to mid-summer. It adds a touch of natural beauty to native pollinator gardens or butterfly gardens when planted in small groups. <\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>4-7<\/p>
Sun: <\/strong>Full sun, partial sun<\/p>
Soil: <\/strong>Sandy to loamy, moist and well drained soils<\/p>
Duration:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>
Fragrance: <\/strong>No noticeable scent<\/p>
Bloom time: <\/strong>May to June<\/p>
Water needs: <\/strong>Average<\/p>
Mature height: <\/strong>1 to 3 feet<\/p>
Potential hazards:<\/strong> Toxic to cats<\/p>
Maintenance: <\/strong>Low<\/p>
Blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1024px-Gaillardia_July_2011-2.jpg\")
Alvesgaspar<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Blanketflower, a member of the sunflower family, graces gardens with its vibrant daisy-like flowers. It has a bright orange-red disk in the center and inch-long petals that are yellow at the tips and dark red at the base. Its flowers are a magnet for pollinators like bees and butterflies, while the seed heads attract birds. Its ability to tolerate drought and sandy soils makes it ideal for sunny garden beds, rock gardens, and grass-dominant yards. <\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>3-8<\/p>
Sun: <\/strong>Full sun<\/p>
Soil: <\/strong>Dry to moderately moist, well-drained soils<\/p>
Duration:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>
Fragrance: <\/strong>No noticeable scent<\/p>
Bloom time: <\/strong>June to August<\/p>
Water needs: <\/strong>Low to moderate<\/p>
Mature height: <\/strong>2 to 3 feet<\/p>
Potential hazards:<\/strong> No known hazards<\/p>
Maintenance: <\/strong>Low. To encourage a fall bloom, trim back if flowering diminishes during the heat of summer.<\/p>
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Black-eyed](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_black-eyed-susan-gc85c7ab4f_1280.jpg\")
Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Black-eyed Susans have a brown or green center topped by bright yellow or orange petals. They start blooming in midsummer and can continue into mid-fall if you keep them deadheaded. These flowers flourish on banks, slopes, and naturalized areas. They are a perfect addition to your butterfly gardens, coastal gardens, and landscapes with native plants, especially if planted in small clusters along borders.<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>3-8<\/p>
Sun: <\/strong>Full sun, partial sun<\/p>
Soil: <\/strong>Dry to moist, well-drained soils<\/p>
Duration:<\/strong> Biennial to short-lived perennial<\/p>
Fragrance: <\/strong>Mildly sweet <\/p>
Bloom time:<\/strong> June to September<\/p>
Water needs: <\/strong>Low to moderate<\/p>
Mature height: <\/strong>2 to 3 feet<\/p>
Potential hazards:<\/strong> Not toxic, but skin contact may cause irritation.<\/p>
Maintenance: <\/strong>Low. To encourage extended blooming, remove and discard spent flowers.<\/p>
North Dakota native grasses<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>
Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
- Native shrubs<\/a><\/li>