States of the U.S. in the west north central region tend to have cold winters and medium to hot summers. Such conditions provide an adequate number of chilling days to promote fruit production. While the weather conditions are similar, there are some fluctuations. Nonetheless, the best fruit trees to grow in South Dakota will be the same recommendations for Montana fruit trees. The severity of the cold temperatures may require special protections like frost fabric in early spring, or painted trunks to prevent winter scald.

Spring is the best time to plant fruit trees that grow in Montana and other cold winter regions. The Great Plains and Northern Rockies are host to pears, plums, and other fruits with high chilling requirements. Plants like apricots may also thrive, but because they bloom early, frost protection is often necessary. Pomes like apples and pears are favorites in the regions due to their ability to withstand cold and light frost. Cherries, both sweet and tart, will also be ideal selections for the garden.

Before Selecting Trees

Reputable nurseries will sell plants that are hardy to the region. This is the first concern when choosing a fruit tree. The second is the site. Perform a soil test to ascertain the soil pH and nutrient levels and amend the area prior to planting as necessary. Most fruit trees prefer a pH of 6.0 to 7.7. Ensure the area has adequate run off and will not have standing water pooling, which could cause root rot and fungal disease. The areas should be free of frost pockets where cold air collects, and have a sunny exposure, either southern or western. Some wind barrier is preferable, especially to prevent northern winds from damaging the tree. In rural and even some urban settings, a tall fence is needed to keep grazing animals from injuring the tree.

Types of Fruit Trees Nebraska and Other North Central Locations

Due to the often extreme winters, many believe fruit trees do not grow well in these states. There is a long history, however, of orchards growing in the region. Ensure the rootstock on the tree is hardy. For instance, quince rootstock is not hardy for South Dakota. Many pears, apples, cherries, plums, and apricots are ideal for these states. Nectarines and peaches, though, may be short lived and must be planted in very protected sites. For best results the rootstock should be hardy to USDA zones 4 and 5. The rootstock on the tree selected should also have resistance to common diseases and pests of the area, does not sucker, and produces high yields. Additionally, many fruit trees need a pollinating partner in order to set fruit.

Fruit Trees for the West North Central United States

Fruit trees that grow in North Dakota will also perform well in most of the region. Pay close attention to things like microclimate. Just because the USDA hardiness range indicates the state is a 5 doesn’t mean there are not areas of 4 or even 3. In general, some good varieties are:

Pears

• Golden Spice
• Parker
• Honeycrisp
• Frostbite
• Snowsweet

Apples

• Wealthy
• Carrol
• Duchess
• Oldenburg
• Goodland

Plums

• Red Diamond
• Compass
• Sapalta
• Black Ice
• Superior

Cherries

• Northstar
• Meteor

Apricots

• Moongold
• Sungold

Asian Pears

• Chojuro
• Hosui
• Shinseiki

North and central U.S. states including North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, and Wyoming have cold winters and a mix of high and low elevations with often dry conditions. Lawn care in North Dakota is a little different from lawn care in Nebraska; further south will be a little different, but there are many commonalities. Contact your county’s extension office for the most relevant lawn care tips for your area.

Grass Types for Northern Plains States

The cold winters in these states eliminate several options for turf type, making the homeowner’s decision a little easier. From among the options that will grow here, choose a variety that matches your lawn’s particular needs, including soil type, sun or shade, and drought frequency. Also consider the amount of maintenance you want to put into your lawn.

Varieties appropriate for most areas of the northern plains include:

• Buffalo grass
• Blue grama
• Wheat grass
• Smooth bromegrass
• Fine fescues (sheep, creeping, chewings, hard)
• Tall fescue
• Kentucky bluegrass
• Perennial rye grass

Native species like buffalo grass and blue grama provide wildlife support and require little maintenance, but don’t expect the classic thick, green turf of a Kentucky bluegrass.

The latter will give you that traditional lawn, but it requires a lot more care. If you have a lot of shade, tall and fine fescues can give you dense turf, while blue grama, buffalo grass, and others need more sun.

Mowing

Lawn care in Montana and the other states requires varying degrees of mowing, but there are some general rules all homeowners should follow:

• Regardless of turf type, mow your lawn to a height of between 2.5 to 3 inches (6.5 to 7.5 cm.). Don’t go lower than 2 inches (5 cm.), as this can make your turf more susceptible to drought, pests, and weeds.
• Frequency of mowing will vary depending on weather conditions and watering. In general, frequency should also be dictated by the fact that you should never remove more than a third of the height of the grass at a time. So, if you keep your turf at 3 inches (7.6 cm.), mow when it reaches 4 inches (10 cm.).
• Keep grass clippings on the lawn after mowing. They break down quickly and add nutrients back to the soil.

Watering

Northern grasses do not tolerate the heat of midsummer, so they will go dormant and turn brown at this time of year. This is perfectly natural, and you can let it happen. The grass will green again later as temperatures cool.

If you want to keep the turf green all summer, measure rainfall and add supplemental water so that it gets 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 4 cm.) of water per week. Always water deeply and less frequently as opposed to lightly and often. The latter promotes weak and shallow root systems.

Fertilizing

The best lawn fertilizer for Wyoming and other northern states is similar to other locations. The timing differs, though. Use a fertilizer higher in nitrogen in spring. Increase potassium for fall fertilization.

The first fertilization should occur in spring, but not until you have mowed a couple of times. Waiting allows your turf to put energy into root growth. Fertilizer applied too early encourages more top growth, but your grass needs healthy roots.

Because northern grasses go dormant in summer, fertilize next in early September after temperatures cool a little. Add another round in early October before the ground is frozen and include a little extra potassium.

Thatch Control

Thatch is a layer of dead grass, living grass, roots, and other plant material that can be beneficial but also damaging when it gets too thick. Avoid letting it get thicker than three quarters of an inch (2 cm.).

Lawn aeration in South Dakota and the other northern states is a useful way to manage thatch. Power raking can also work, but done incorrectly, it will damage turf. Aeration manages turf but also reduces compaction in the soil, which is important for healthy grass.

Managing turf in states with cold winters and hot, often dry summers can be a challenge. It is doable, though. Start with the right grass for your location and needs and follow these maintenance guidelines.

Bees are as important to our existence as the air we breathe and the water we drink. Unfortunately, due to a variety of factors, bee numbers are on the decline. Gardeners of all regions can help, but for the purposes of this article we will focus on the West North Central U.S. and Nebraska pollinator gardens. Read on to learn how to entice South Dakota bees, butterflies of Wyoming, and various types of bees in Montana.

About Bees of the West North Central United States

Habitat, nectar, and pollen are the three requirements for bee existence. Chemical controls of all types as well as decimation of natural habitat have contributed to the bee's decline.

As a gardener you can do something to help by incorporating a pollinator garden and/or simply dotting your landscape with pollinator friendly plant species. That said, grouping pollinator plants is best as it gives different types of bees a variety with differing bloom times, and it makes habitats easier to find and more protected than a single plant specimen.

To attract these beneficial insects, you not only need to have the above mentioned requirements, but must also consider the needs of the young. One of the great imperatives of a species is to procreate, and bees and other pollinators are no exception. When planting to attract pollinators be sure to consider and include host plants; plants that provide nesting sites, food, and shelter for eggs, larvae, and pupae.

Type of Bees in North Dakota

Bumblebees are the most commonly seen type of bee in North Dakota. Unfortunately, two types of bumblebee that are native to the northern U.S. from the Dakotas eastward have declined rapidly due to habitat loss—those are the Rusty Patched bumblebee and Yellow-banded bumblebee.

Long-horned bees run a close second with over 30 species found in North Dakota alone.

Other bee species found in North Dakota include Small and Large Carpenter bees, Sweat bees, Squash bees, Polyester bees, Masked bees, Cuckoo bees, Mason bees, Leaf Cutter bees, and Miner bees. There are also over 30 species of Long-horned bees. Most of these bees are found throughout the United States.

Of course, you will also see wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets but although they look similar to bees, they are so different biologically they’re classified in different orders. Plus, wasps are carnivores that feed on meat, not nectar and pollen.

Butterflies of Wyoming

Pollinator gardens may not only attract a variety of bees, but other pollinators as well such as flies, wasps, moths, butterflies, and even some birds.

Wyoming has a dearth of butterflies and moths that call the state home. Of course, there is a Wyoming butterfly as well as an American lady, cabbage white, common buckeye, common wood-nymph, coral hairstreak, Eastern tailed blue, hackberry emperor, mourning cloak, Phydiodes tharos, question mark, red admiral, and white admiral.

There are a number of different swallowtail butterflies like the black swallowtail, Eastern tiger, giant, pipevine, two-tailed, and Zebra swallowtail. There are also various fritillary including Aphrodite, great spangled, gulf, and variegated fritillary.

There are over 4,000 species of bees native to North America. The above listing is just a drop in the bucket—and for a bee the division between state lines is just a quick flight so you may see the California bumblebee in Nevada or the Nevada bumblebee in California. At any rate, fill your garden with native bloomers such as milkweed, Liatris, black-eyed Susan, blanketflower, coneflower, wild bergamot, and butterfly weed to attract your bee friends.

As in other areas, destructive garden bugs in Montana, Nebraska, Wyoming and the Dakotas can devastate garden crops and challenge your skills as a gardener. If you live in these states, here are the ten most damaging bugs for your region and a list of potential pests you may find lurking among your garden plants.

Devasting Insects in South Dakota and Beyond

Aphids – Considered the most common garden pest, aphids weaken plants by sucking sap and transmitting plant diseases. Chemical control is fairly ineffective as aphids cluster on the underside of foliage. Instead, dislodge these pests with strong blasts of water from the hose and release predatory insects to keep populations in check.

Blister Beetles – Although these caustic bugs are particularly problematic in alfalfa fields, blister beetles also defoliate garden plants like peas, beans, tomatoes and potatoes. It's not advisable to handpick these insects as they produce a toxic bodily fluid that will blister skin. Instead, shake infected plants over a bucket of hot soapy water to dislodge and catch these pests. Dispose of the dead bugs and water carefully as it will contain the blister-causing agent.

Cabbage Loopers – A major pest of cruciferous vegetables, cabbage looper larvae feed on leaves and burrow into the heads of cabbage. Pheromone and light traps can reduce adult moth populations, but applications of Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) immediately after the eggs hatch is effective against the larval stage.

Colorado Potato Beetles – Unlike what its name suggests, Colorado potato beetles are also one of most devastating Northwest, Dakotas and Nebraska insects found in the home garden. Furthermore, their reign of terror extends beyond potato plants to other members of the nightshade family. Control populations by handpicking or vacuuming adult beetles, larva and eggs from plants and soil.

Cutworms – If you're finding young plants cut off near the soil surface, the culprit is most likely a cutworm. These nocturnal feeders can be found in the soil around the base of plants during the day. Transplants and seedlings can be protected by inserting a 4 inch (10 cm.) tall cardboard ring around the plant stems.

Flea Beetles – While the larvae live underground and can damage the roots of vegetable plants, damage from adult flea beetles appears as multitudes of tiny holes chewed in the foliage. Tilling the soil in the fall and using row covers can help keep this pest from damaging garden crops.

Grasshoppers – These hungry pests eat twice their weight every day and prefer some of the tastiest garden crops including beans, carrots, lettuce, onions and sweet corn. A backyard flock of chickens or ducks can keep these bugs under control, but applying a garlic spray can also be effective.

Mexican Bean Beetles – Problematic in gardens east of the Rocky Mountains, these Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana insects skeletonize the leaves of legumes, okra and eggplants. Prevent populations from overwintering in the garden by tilling under plant debris in the fall.

Thrips – These tiny insects pierce foliage and feed upon plant fluids. Their damage can be identified by the silver speckling and white patches on leaves. Controlling thrips can be difficult, but using sticky strips, neem oil or insecticidal soaps can help. Clean up garden debris, especially onions, to prevent overwintering.

Tomato Hornworms – These large caterpillars can be as scary as they are damaging. This larval stage of hummingbird moths can quickly defoliate tomato plants. Picking caterpillars off plants and tilling the soil in the spring are the best methods of control.

Additional Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, South and North Dakota Bugs

• Aspargus Beetles
• Black Grass Bugs
• Bumble Flower Beetles
• Cottony Maple Scales
• Cucumber Beetles
• Diamondback Moths
• European Earwigs
• Frit Flies
• Green June Bugs
• Harlequin bugs
• Hollyhock Weevils
• Japanese Beetles
• Leafhoppers
• Potato Psyllids
• Purple Carrot Seed Moths
• Rose Curculios
• Sap Beetles
• Slugs
• Spider Mites
• Squash Bugs
• Squash Vine Borers
• Tomato Fruitworms

Ornamental grasses have many attributes and are perfect specimens for areas of the Great Plains, including the Dakotas, Nebraska, Montana, and Wyoming. Grasses once encompassed most of the Great Plains in vast, waving seas. Today the gardener can choose from introduced grasses or native grasses of North Dakota or Wyoming grasses. Keep reading to learn about ornamental grasses for South Dakota, native Nebraska ornamental grasses and much more.

About Grasses

Most grasses once established are fairly low maintenance requiring little to no additional watering or food. If their care free maintenance doesn’t draw you in the fact that they are quite disease and pest resistant might. Even deer steer clear of most grasses.

Grasses grow rapidly, quickly attaining their full height of as much as 8 feet (2.4 m.) in a season. Plus, they look great year round, even into the winter where the tasseled blooms and height add interest to an otherwise drab landscape.

Grasses have many uses from hedges and screens to naturalized areas and ground cover or just to create a focal point.

Native Grasses

For over 23 million years grasses dominated the central United States. For this reason native grasses are an excellent choice for the landscape. Over time individual species have learned to adapt to their conditions making them low maintenance, easy to grow specimens for the landscape.

Grasses that are native to Nebraska and throughout much of the Great Plains include Big Bluestem, Blue Grama, Feather Reed grass, Indian grass, Little Bluestem, Maiden grass, Prairie Dropseed, Sand Lovegrass, Switchgrass, and Sideoats Grama.

These native grasses run the gamut from a scant foot (30 cm.) high (Sideoats Grama) to a staggering potential 9 feet (2.7 m.) in height (Maiden Grass).

Types of Native Grasses

As we already established, grasses come in a multitude of heights. They may also be clumping, bunching or mat forming. Most have an upright habit, but some are mounded and fewer are vase shaped or spreading. Colors of inflorescence (seedhead) may be silver/white to coppery red. Some are self-seeding and others less so.

Additional Ornamental Grasses for the West North Central Region

Other ornamental grasses suited for the northwest central United States include Blue Oat grass, Bunny Tail grass, Feather Reedgrass, Fountain grass (annual), Giant Sacaton, Hardy Melic, Hardy Pampas, Japanese Blood grass, Flamegrass, Maiden grass, Mexican Feather grass (annual), Moorgrass, Northern Sea oats, Purple Fountain grass (annual) , Ruby grass (annual), Sand Lovegrass, and Tufted Hairgrass.

The grasses listed above may not be suited to all USDA zones encompassing the northwest Central United States. Consult your local extension office prior to planting to verify suitability for your area.

Ornamental grasses have many attributes and are perfect specimens for areas of the Great Plains, including the Dakotas, Nebraska, Montana, and Wyoming. Grasses once encompassed most of the Great Plains in vast, waving seas. Today the gardener can choose from introduced grasses or native grasses of North Dakota or Wyoming grasses. Keep reading to learn about ornamental grasses for South Dakota, native Nebraska ornamental grasses and much more.

About Grasses

Most grasses once established are fairly low maintenance requiring little to no additional watering or food. If their care free maintenance doesn’t draw you in the fact that they are quite disease and pest resistant might. Even deer steer clear of most grasses.

Grasses grow rapidly, quickly attaining their full height of as much as 8 feet (2.4 m.) in a season. Plus, they look great year round, even into the winter where the tasseled blooms and height add interest to an otherwise drab landscape.

Grasses have many uses from hedges and screens to naturalized areas and ground cover or just to create a focal point.

Native Grasses

For over 23 million years grasses dominated the central United States. For this reason native grasses are an excellent choice for the landscape. Over time individual species have learned to adapt to their conditions making them low maintenance, easy to grow specimens for the landscape.

Grasses that are native to Nebraska and throughout much of the Great Plains include Big Bluestem, Blue Grama, Feather Reed grass, Indian grass, Little Bluestem, Maiden grass, Prairie Dropseed, Sand Lovegrass, Switchgrass, and Sideoats Grama.

These native grasses run the gamut from a scant foot (30 cm.) high (Sideoats Grama) to a staggering potential 9 feet (2.7 m.) in height (Maiden Grass).

Types of Native Grasses

As we already established, grasses come in a multitude of heights. They may also be clumping, bunching or mat forming. Most have an upright habit, but some are mounded and fewer are vase shaped or spreading. Colors of inflorescence (seedhead) may be silver/white to coppery red. Some are self-seeding and others less so.

Additional Ornamental Grasses for the West North Central Region

Other ornamental grasses suited for the northwest central United States include Blue Oat grass, Bunny Tail grass, Feather Reedgrass, Fountain grass (annual), Giant Sacaton, Hardy Melic, Hardy Pampas, Japanese Blood grass, Flamegrass, Maiden grass, Mexican Feather grass (annual), Moorgrass, Northern Sea oats, Purple Fountain grass (annual), Ruby grass (annual), Sand Lovegrass, and Tufted Hairgrass.

Ornamental grasses have many attributes and are perfect specimens for areas of the Great Plains, including the Dakotas, Nebraska, Montana, and Wyoming. Grasses once encompassed most of the Great Plains in vast, waving seas. Today the gardener can choose from introduced grasses or native grasses of North Dakota or Wyoming grasses. Keep reading to learn about ornamental grasses for South Dakota, native Nebraska ornamental grasses and much more.

About Grasses

Most grasses once established are fairly low maintenance requiring little to no additional watering or food. If their care free maintenance doesn’t draw you in the fact that they are quite disease and pest resistant might. Even deer steer clear of most grasses.

Grasses grow rapidly, quickly attaining their full height of as much as 8 feet (2.4 m.) in a season. Plus, they look great year round, even into the winter where the tasseled blooms and height add interest to an otherwise drab landscape.

Grasses have many uses from hedges and screens to naturalized areas and ground cover or just to create a focal point.

Native Grasses

For over 23 million years grasses dominated the central United States. For this reason native grasses are an excellent choice for the landscape. Over time individual species have learned to adapt to their conditions making them low maintenance, easy to grow specimens for the landscape.

Grasses that are native to Nebraska and throughout much of the Great Plains include Big Bluestem, Blue Grama, Feather Reed grass, Indian grass, Little Bluestem, Maiden grass, Prairie Dropseed, Sand Lovegrass, Switchgrass, and Sideoats Grama.

These native grasses run the gamut from a scant foot (30 cm.) high (Sideoats Grama) to a staggering potential 9 feet (2.7 m.) in height (Maiden Grass).

Types of Native Grasses

As we already established, grasses come in a multitude of heights. They may also be clumping, bunching or mat forming. Most have an upright habit, but some are mounded and fewer are vase shaped or spreading. Colors of inflorescence (seedhead) may be silver/white to coppery red. Some are self-seeding and others less so.

Additional Ornamental Grasses for the West North Central Region

Other ornamental grasses suited for the northwest central United States include Blue Oat grass, Bunny Tail grass, Feather Reedgrass, Fountain grass (annual), Giant Sacaton, Hardy Melic, Hardy Pampas, Japanese Blood grass, Flamegrass, Maiden grass, Mexican Feather grass (annual), Moorgrass, Northern Sea oats, Purple Fountain grass (annual), Ruby grass (annual), Sand Lovegrass, and Tufted Hairgrass.

The grasses listed above may not be suited to all USDA zones encompassing the northwest Central United States. Consult your local extension office prior to planting to verify suitability for your area.

For overall ease of growth and year-round visual impact, northern plains conifers have the most value for your dollar. Landscaping with conifers in the northern Rockies brings in that desired shade in the summer and protects the garden and home in the winter. As with any tree selection, make sure your site is appropriate for each individual plant's needs. 

Want green all year round? Choose conifers for West North Central regions. Not only will you have color in winter, but the plants provide a windscreen, protect understory plants, provide animal habitat and often food, and are generally perfectly happy in a variety of soils. 

Smaller West North Central Conifers

The smaller conifers are great for privacy hedges or windbreaks. They can also be used as shrubs. Their smaller size makes these northern plains conifers easy to maintain. Many grow together tightly, developing into a natural-looking hedge. There are a variety of species from which to choose:

• Junipers - There are many cultivars of juniper and several needle colors. These are medium-sized shrubs that sprawl, produce berries, and can be pruned to keep a certain shape. 
• Arborvitae - A classic hedge tree that takes to shearing well. Many cultivars of arborvitae are available. 
• Dwarf Spruce - Unique bluish needles and compact form. Dwarf spruce comes in several sizes. 
• Mugo Pine - Mugo pines are small, mushroom-shaped pines.

Native Conifers for West North Central

Choosing native plants is an excellent way to conserve water, avoid certain diseases, and help wild plant and animal populations. Most cities advertise natives as the environmentally friendly way to garden. Some of the common conifers in the northern Rockies are:

• Ponderosa Pine - You will need some room for this plant. Ponderosa pines have needles in twos or threes, grayish green to yellow-green, and huge cones.
• Lodgepole Pine - Not as big as the Ponderosa, Lodgepole pines have needles in twos. Cones may remain on the tree for up to 20 years.
• Limber Pine - Much smaller by half than the Lodgepole, the limber pine is slow growing and tends to grow on slopes. Needles are in bunches of five.
• White Bark Pine - As the name suggests, White Bark pines have showy bark. Very slow growing but very long-lived.

Other Suggested West North Central Conifers

Conifers as a rule are very adaptable plants. Of the classic native species, there have been many cultivars and hybrids that offer subtly different and desirable attributes. The pines, for instance, offer varieties of native pines as well as Italian stone pines. Spruces and firs are also hardy in the region. Other suggestions include: 

• Pines - Swiss Mountain, Scotch, Austrian, Pinyon, Timber
• Stone Pines - Swiss, Siberian, Korean, Japanese
• Firs - White or Concolor, Douglas, Subalpine
• Spruce - Engelmann, Colorado Blue, White, Black Hills, Norway, Meyer

December in the northern Rockies is bound to be frigid and snowy. Frosty days are common and sub-freezing nights aren’t unusual. Gardeners in the higher elevations face a number of challenges, and December gardening tasks are limited. However, there are still several things you can do to pass the chilly winter days and prepare for spring.

Regional To-Do List: West North-Central Gardening

Here are a few December gardening tasks for the northern Rockies.

• Give your houseplants a little extra love during December in the northern Rockies. Water them with tepid to avoid shocking the roots but be careful not to overwater. Most indoor plants are dormant during winter and may rot in wet soil. Move plants away from drafty doors and windows.
• Tap branches gently with a long-handled tool to remove heavy snow from evergreen shrubs and trees. A heavy layer of snow can easily cause severe breakage.
• Remember the birds during December in the northern Rockies. Keep birdfeeders full of black oil sunflower seeds or other nutritious food and replace empty suet holders. Provide fresh water regularly when water ices over.
• Check shrubs and trees for bark damage caused by voles, rabbits, or other pests. To prevent further damage, wrap the base of the trunk with 24 inches (61 cm.) of hardware cloth or metal mesh. Repellents such as synthetic or real animal urine and hot peppers may help discourage pests. 
• Your regional to-do list should include time perusing seed catalogs that typically arrive around the end of the year. Calculate the optimum time for planting seeds indoors and plan ahead for next year’s garden. Take stock. Consider what worked and didn’t work last year and consider possible improvements.
• Check onions, potatoes, winter squash, carrots, beets, and other vegetables you’ve stored for the winter. Discard any that are soft, dried out, or diseased. The same goes for cannas, dahlias, glads, and other tender corms or bulbs.
• Spray broadleaf shrubs with anti-desiccant to prevent loss of moisture during cold weather.
• Move your Christmas tree outdoors after the holidays. Add a few extra strings of popcorn and cranberries or surprise the birds with pinecones rolled in peanut butter and birdseed. You can also prop Christmas tree boughs over evergreen shrubs to protect them from winter sun and wind. Boughs will also hold snow, which offers extra protection from the cold.

If you live in the northern plains, your garden and yard is situated in an environment that is highly changeable. From hot, dry summers to bitterly cold winters, the plants you choose have to be adaptable. For deciduous shrubs, try native species and maybe even a few non-native ones that will still thrive in this unique environment. 

Conditions for West-North-Central Shrubs

States in the northern plains and central west region of the U.S. have unique weather and climate conditions. Summers can be hot with long, very cold winters and the potential for plenty of wind and harsh storms. USDA zones range from 2 to 5 in this region.

Not just any deciduous shrubs will survive the climate and conditions of foothills and Rockies of Wyoming and Montana, or the plains of North and South Dakota. Deciduous shrubs of the Northern Rockies have to be hardy, tolerant of drought, able to withstand snow, and adaptable to changing temperatures.

Deciduous Shrubs for West North Central States

There are plenty of shrubs from the northern plains and Rockies that are native and others that can adapt to the region well. You’ll have a lot to choose from for your garden. Ideas include:

• Buffaloberry - Buffaloberry is a native shrub with attractive, narrow leaves and pretty red berries. The berries are edible and make a flavorful jam.
• Caragana - Also native to the region, caragana is a compact shrub that holds its green leaves in the winter. It makes a great low hedge that can be trimmed and shaped. An even smaller variety is pygmy caragana.
• Common lilac - For pretty purple flowers and an unparalleled sweet aroma, you can’t beat a lilac. It’s easy to grow, hardy, and lives for a long time.
• Dogwood - Several types of dogwood shrubs will do well in this region, including Isanti, variegated, and yellow twig. They offer spring flowers and colorful winter bark.
• Forsythia - Early spring is heralded by the cheerful yellow blooms of this non-native shrub. Forsythia makes a nice hedge too.
• Golden currant - This native species attracts birds and big game. Golden currant is fast growing and tolerates drought or cold temperatures.
• Rocky Mountain sumac - This variety of sumac is native and especially suited to high elevations. It tolerates dry, poor soil and produces bright red color in the fall.
• Serviceberry - For a large shrub that could be mistaken for a small tree, try native serviceberry. It will grow up to 14 feet (4 m.), bloom beautifully in spring, and produce tasty blue berries.
• Western snowberry - Another native, western snowberry grows low and tolerates all kinds of regional conditions from grazing animals to fire and drought. The pretty white berries attract birds.
• Wood rose - This is a pretty, natural looking rose bush that is native to the region. Wood rose attracts and houses wildlife but can also spread aggressively.

Gardening in West North Central regions of the U.S. can be challenging due to scorching summers and chilly winters. These shrubs have to be durable and adaptable. The simplest solution to gardening in any zone is to use native plants, but there are also many introduced shrubs for Rockies and plains that are hardy in USDA zones 3b through 6a.

Shrubs for Rockies and Plains

Planning landscaping is fun and exciting but with the price of plants, it pays to do some research and select specimens that are suited not only for the zone but also the site exposure and soil type. West North Central gardens run a wide range of zones, but the region is known for its fertile soil and hot summers. Take advantage of the native weather and soil and choose shrubs that are versatile and adaptable.

Shrubs in the prairie and Rocky Mountain area might be deciduous or evergreen, with some that even produce fruit and abundant flowers. Before you purchase, consider a few things. The plains will get hotter than the Rockies, with temps that are often in triple digits, while the evening temperatures in the mountains will drop very low, even in summer.

This boomerang of temperature ranges means that plants selected should be very flexible in their tolerances. Also, soil in higher altitudes is rockier and lower in nutrients than the plains. Natural moisture is diverse in both sites as well, with more precipitation in the mountains but less in the prairie.

Edible West North Central Shrubs

Evergreen shrubs for plains and the Rockies might be conifers or broad leaved. There is quite a range from which to choose, including ground hugging shrubs or large hedge worthy specimens. There are also many that produce edible fruits. Shrubs to try might be:

• Highbush cranberry
• American black currant
• Chokecherry
• Nanking cherry
• Buffaloberry
• Elderberry
• Golden Currant
• Gooseberry
• Oregon Grape
• Juneberry
• American plum

Ornamental Shrubs for Rockies/Plains

If you want something to liven up the landscape spring through fall, and sometimes into winter, there is a wide variety from which to choose. Many of these produce spectacular spring floral displays, have colorful or textured bark, or feature interesting leaf forms or growth patterns.

Shrubs to try include:

• Sumac
• Forsythia
• Lilac
• False Indigo
• Cotoneaster
• Euonymus
• Viburnum
• Spirea
• Barberry
• Mugo Pine
• Juniper
• Willow
• Yucca
• American Hazel
• Red Twig Dogwood

October in the northern Rockies and Great Plains gardens is crisp, bright, and beautiful. Days in this beautiful region are cooler and shorter, but still sunny and dry. Use this opportunity to take care of October gardening tasks before the arrival of winter. Read on for a regional garden to-do list.

October in the Northern Rockies

• Continue to water evergreen trees and shrubs until the ground freezes. Damp soil retains heat and protects roots better than dry soil. Continue to hoe, pull, or mow weeds and don’t allow them to go to seed. Rake up weeds and remove dead or diseased plants, as pests and disease can overwinter in garden debris.
• Harvest squash, pumpkins, sweet potatoes and any other frost sensitive veggies remaining in your garden.
• Plant tulips, crocus, hyacinth, daffodils and other spring blooming bulbs while the soil is cool but still workable. Plant garlic and horseradish, both require well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight.
• Rake leaves from the lawn then shred them for mulch or toss them on the compost pile. Any leaves remaining on the lawn will become matted and compacted under the snow. Add a layer of chopped leaves, bark mulch, or straw to perennial beds after several hard frosts. Mulch will protect the roots during the coming winter.
• Drain hoses before storing them for the winter. Clean shovels, hoes, and other garden tools. Oil pruners and garden shears.
• Start by early October if you want your Christmas cactus to bloom for the holidays. Move the plant to a room where it will be in total darkness for 12 to 14 hours every night then bring them back to bright, indirect sunlight during the day. Continue until you can see buds, which usually take six to eight weeks.
• October in the northern Rockies should include a visit to at least one of the areas many botanical gardens such as ZooMontana in Billings, Denver Botanic Gardens, Rocky Mountain Botanic Gardens in Lyons, Colorado, or Bozeman’s Montana Arboretum and Gardens.

Summers can be hot in the Heartland of the U.S., and shade trees are a place of refuge from unrelenting heat and blazing sun. Selecting northern plains shade trees starts with deciding if you want evergreen or deciduous, fruit, size, and other considerations.

Shade trees in the Rockies also need to be vigorous and hardy to survive the see-saw of weather conditions and temperatures. Some suggestions might help get you started on the shady retreat of your dreams. 

Cultivated Shade Trees for West North Central Region

Before you purchase and plant a tree, evaluate your soil and drainage conditions. Make sure you know your individual hardiness rating, as microclimates across the region vary. West North Central shade trees need to be cold hardy; otherwise, they may be plagued by winter die-back or worse. Each species is different in a genus and not all are able to survive the cold.

No matter what size tree you want or its individual attributes, the easiest trees to grow are always native. That doesn't mean you can't have a shade tree that is from another region, it just means you will have to give that transplant more care and it will be more prone to disease or pest problems. This is where cultivars come in.

If you want to enjoy a native plant but need a variety suited for your compact soil, producing a different color of flowers or other traits, there is probably an option for you. Plant researchers are breeding new cultivars all the time and the variety within a species is now astounding.

Deciduous Northern Plains Shade Trees

Deciduous trees provide some of the most beautiful fall colors. While they may lack foliage in the cold season, they more than make up for it while the leaves are still around. The tree's outstretched branches maximize the area that gets shade, and many have fruits, flowers, or other special characteristics.

• American Elm - You can't go wrong with the classic American elm. There are new varieties that are resistant to the Dutch elm disease, which ravaged much of the native population.
• Cottonwood - One of the better shade trees in the Rockies is the cottonwood. It has a variety of cultivars with bigger or smaller leaves. Very tolerant of poor soil and fast growing.
• Bur Oak - Bur oak has interesting, corky bark and a broad canopy. It also attracts squirrels with its acorns, so this is a consideration.
• American Linden – American linden is a pyramid shaped tree that is easy to grow. Heart shaped leaves turn a bright gold tone in autumn.
• Cutleaf Weeping Birch - Truly a grand old dame when mature, this tree has weeping foliage and white bark. Even in winter, it has dignity.
• Hotwings Tatarian Maple - A maple cultivar that has bright pinkish red samaras in midsummer to fall. Plus, the leaves turn orangey red in fall.
• Crabapples - If you want a smaller tree that casts less shade, crabapples provide lovely spring blooms followed by bright fruit.
• Northern Catalpa - Northern catalpa trees have white flowers, heart-shaped leaves, and bean-like fruits.

Evergreen West North Central Shade Trees

Winter can get a little bleak when all the flowers are gone, the vegetable garden has died back, and leaves have left the trees. Evergreen shade trees for West North Central regions add a bit of color and life while everything else is hibernating.

• Korean Fir - A nice pyramid form and big ornamental cones make this an attractive shade tree. The thick green needles of the Korean fir have white undersides, adding more appeal.
• Norway Spruce - It may take a while for this tree to reach full size, but the Norway spruce has a lovely shape with attractive needles and bark.
• White Fir - White fir has blue green needles that emit a citrus scent when crushed. Tolerant of many soil situations.
• Austrian Pine - Conical when young, Austrian pine branches out and becomes umbrella shaped with wide shading arms.
• Black Hills Spruce - A compact tree that is very resistant to winter injury. Needles are blueish green. Easy to grow.

The Agricultural Heartland of the United States has very definite seasons with potentially extreme temperatures. That can make finding the right plants for the landscape a bit challenging. No need to fret though. There are plenty of beautiful vines in West North Central regions that provide vertical appeal and often flowers or even fruit.

Wild West North Central Vines

The High Plains region is a genuine breadbasket for the nation and has rich soil necessary for large scale agriculture. Homeowners can benefit from this soil by planting native vines for plains or at least those with similar cultivation needs. Wild vines in the Northern Rockies often make excellent additions to the garden and are already adapted to the cold winters and sizzling summers.

If you are a hiker, you are already aware of the local flora available in nature. You may have observed a vine such as wild grape, which bears clusters of edible fruit. The native vines in West North Central U.S. are hardy and very adaptable. You can tuck them along the house, train them over a trellis, or let them languish across a fence. It's easy to find somewhere for a vine, but they also serve a purpose where covering up something undesirable is required. Transform an ugly outbuilding or fence with the green delight.

Some native vines to try include:

• Honeysuckle - There are native varieties of honeysuckle, but even more are available due to breeding programs. Vigorous, prolific bloomers with trumpet-shaped flowers.
• Clematis - Both native and bred varieties of Clematis exist. Plenty of flowers, some as big as your hand!
• American Bittersweet - American bittersweet is low maintenance with several seasons of interest, including berries that attract birds.
• Virginia Creeper - The fall foliage of Virginia creeper blazes with bright color, and fruits decorate the vine well into winter.
• Trumpet Creeper - Strong, huge vine for full or partial sun locations. Trumpet creeper can be aggressive, so avoid planting against the house. A place where you can mow around it is ideal.

Suitable Perennial Vines for Plains

You don't have to stick with native West North Central vines. Mix in some bred varieties with the same growing needs for interest and to add a touch of the exotic to the garden. There are many available at garden centers and big box stores or find a boutique nursery with unique selections. Just make sure your option prefers the lighting, soil, and moisture levels your site can provide.

A few ideas to try are:

• Hops Vine - There is a native species of hops vine but also a golden variety with pretty yellow leaves, rapid growth, and ornamental cones.
• Perennial Sweet Pea - These will come back year after year. Classic sweet pea flowers in white to lavender.
• Honeyberry - If it has a pollination partner, the low growing vine of honeyberry will produce ample quantities of sweet fruit.
• Silver Lace Vine - A fast growing vine that needs a sturdy structure. Silver lace vine has fragrant, white flowers.

Annual Vines in the Northern Rockies

These annuals won't make it through the cold winters in the region but grow quickly and can provide a diversion during the growing season. Annuals also give you more plants with different flower, foliage, and other options.

You may try:

• Black-Eyed Susan - An American, old-fashioned classic, the black-eyed Susan vine blooms in white, yellow, or orange sporting the characteristic warm brown centers.
• Canary Creeper - This has an exotic appearance. Canary creeper is fast growing with bird like flowers.
• Morning Glory - In some regions, morning glory can be a nuisance, but with careful management, it provides easy care coverage and colorful flowers.
• Sweet Pea - Another oldie but goodie, the flowers of sweet pea are brightly colored, and the vine grows quickly with little effort on the gardener's part.
• Runner Beans - Several colors of runner beans are available such as red, yellow, or white. Fast growing plant that will develop edible pods when harvested young.

Selecting the right plant for your zone is crucial to your gardening success. Perennials for West North Central United States need to survive some pretty harsh, long winters. Across that region you could be gardening in Rockies and Plains, humid or dry conditions, and in a wide variety of soils, so it's smart to know your plants.

Keep reading for suitable choices and tips for successful gardening in Rockies and Plains areas.

Conditions for West North Central Perennials

The "Breadbasket of America" in the West North Central region of the country is known for its agriculture. Much of our corn, wheat, soybeans, oats, and barley are produced in the area. However, it is also known for blizzards, hot summers, and biting winds. These conditions can make perennial plants for northern regions hard to find.

The soil typical of the area ranges from heavy sand to compact clay, not exactly ideal for most plants. Long, cold winters lead to short springs and blistering summers. The short period of spring gives the gardener very little time to establish plants before the heat comes in.

Perennial plants for West North Central gardens need a little pampering the first year but soon become established, adapted, and come up beautifully the next spring. Plant hardiness ranges from USDA 3 to 6. Choose plants in the hardiness range and those that fit your garden lighting and soil.

West North Central Perennials for Shade

Garden beds in shade can be the most challenging to populate successfully. Not only do plants receive little sun, but the area may often remain overly moist, which in clay soils leads to pooling. Perennials are tough, however, and there are many that would be right at home in such conditions.

For borderline plants, increase light by pruning back bushes and trees and improve soil with the addition of sand or other gritty material. In shade to partial shade locations, try growing these perennials:

• Columbine
• Dead Nettle
• Hosta
• Astilbe
• Iceland Poppy
• Meadow Rue
• Bergenia
• Pansy (Tufted)
• Forget-Me-Not
• Ajuga
• Bleeding Heart

Sun-Loving Perennial Plants for Northern Regions

If you are lucky enough to have a full sun garden bed, the options for perennials skyrocket. There are many sizes, forms, colors, and other characteristics available. Whether you want a sea of color that blocks an ugly, old fence or a carpet of soft foliage to cover a hillside, there are many perennials hardy to the region.

Take into consideration where you want interest and plant so there is color and greenery year-round. Some easy to grow selections include:

• Aster
• Phlox
• Geranium
• Veronica
• Sedum
• Baby's Breath
• Tickseed
• Yarrow
• Campanula
• Heuchera
• Dianthus
• Peony
• Snow in Summer
• Sweet Rocket
• Hollyhock

July in the Northern Rockies and Great Plains is always unpredictable. Mid-summer weather is comfortably warm, but you may experience periods of extreme heat one day and chilly weather the next. Keeping things watered in Great Plains gardens is challenging, thanks to wind and low relative humidity.

In spite of the obstacles, July in the Northern Rockies is glorious, and there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the great outdoors and to take care of a few July gardening tasks before the weather turns cold in autumn. Here is your regional to-do list.

July Gardening Tasks for Northern Rockies and Great Plains Gardens

• Water shrubs and trees during extended dry periods. Newly planted shrubs and trees should be watered regularly until the roots are well established.
• Mulch beds to conserve moisture and keep weeds in check. Replenish mulch that has deteriorated or blown away.
• Continue to deadhead flowers to extend the blooming period. Deadheading will make your garden look neater and healthier.
• Continue to pull or hoe weeds, as they will rob other plants of water, light, and nutrients. Weeds also harbor insect pests and may promote disease. Make an effort to get rid of weeds before they go to seed. Pulling weeds is an arduous task, but watering first will make the job easier. 
• Check for pests at least once every week, and take steps to keep them in check before the problem gets worse. A strong stream of water may be enough to knock off an infestation of aphids or spider mites. If that doesn’t work, insecticidal soap spray is usually effective. Avoid chemicals whenever possible, as the toxins kill bees and other beneficial insects. If pesticides are warranted, use them strictly according to label recommendations.
• Continue to fertilize regularly, particularly when vegetables are beginning to mature. Use water-soluble fertilizer every couple of weeks to keep annuals bright and happy.
• Harvest vegetables as they ripen, and don’t let them become overly mature, as they rapidly lose quality. In general, early morning is the best time to harvest.
• Take advantage of good deals at garden sales to replace annuals that didn’t make it or to fill empty spots in beds. Planting in the evening or on cool, overcast days will help annuals get settled in.
• Raise mower height to at least 3 inches (7.6 cm.). Longer leaf blades will protect the roots from the summer heat and will help your lawn retain moisture. A taller lawn will look full, green, and healthy.

Alternative and native lawns in the prairie states make a lot of sense. Turf grass doesn’t necessarily grow well in this region with drought and temperature extremes. Try native landscaping to create a natural prairie or groundcover that requires less water and maintenance than a traditional lawn.

Groundcover Lawn Alternatives for Northern Plains States

Groundcover is too often overlooked as a type of plant for filling in spaces in lawns. A good selection of groundcover has a lot of advantages over turf grass such as having more options for type of cover, less need to water, and are overall easier and less costly with maintenance.

Options are also more suited to the local environment. When choosing a groundcover for West North Central lawns, select for shade or sun. Some shady options that work well include:

• Plantain sedge
• Bugleweed
• Wintercreeper
• Coral bells
• Hosta

If you have a sunny lawn or full sun areas, try these groundcovers:

• Common yarrow
• Meadow anemone
• Creeping phlox
• Lamb’s ears
• Purple poppy mallow

Native Lawns in the Prairie States

When looking for Plains or Northern Rockies lawn alternatives, consider native plants. These are the states that are home to natural prairies, so a lawn with the plants that grow on the plains will fit right in with the landscape and thrive under the local conditions.

With a native lawn, you’ll save water, provide an ecosystem for local wildlife, attract pollinators, and spend less time and money trying to maintain perfect grass. Try a mix of prairie grasses and wildflowers.

Different types of grasses may include:

• Tall prairie grasses- big bluestem, switchgrass, and Indiangrass
• Short grasses- Blue grama, little bluestem, and buffalo grass
• Wet meadow grasses- Switchgrass, prairie cordgrass, western wheatgrass, and Canada wildrye

Suitable wildflowers to try are:

• Purple coneflower
• Blazing star
• Heath aster
• Black-eyed Susan
• Blanket flower

If you live in America's Heartland, you may want ideas for West-North-Central annuals. The area is notable for its acres of farmland and many praised universities and colleges but is also home to some of the most dedicated gardeners around.

Spring triggers a bell, calling all those gardeners to start choosing annual flowers for West-North-Central garden beds. Those annuals must be tough, adaptable, and open to surprise.

Why Annuals for West North Central?

Northern prairie annuals are perfect plants for the western half of the Midwest. This area includes North and South Dakotas, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Minnesota, and Iowa. Not only can these areas have severe winters, but their summers bring brutal heat and powerful thunderstorms. That means annuals in the northern Rockies need to be durable, yet bring the beauty we all desire.

Perennials are great because they bloom every year like clockwork (provided they are in the right hardiness zone). The West-North-Central region experiences cold winters with plenty of snow, short springs, summers that sizzle with plenty of humidity, and a rather cool fall prone to freezing. That's quite a roller coaster of weather and many perennials aren't up to such extremes.

That's where annual flowers for the region come in. They need to be replaced every year anyway, and there are many that are up to such punishing conditions. Annuals also have a diversity of form and color that fit any garden’s needs.

Northern Prairie Annuals for Shade

Annuals fill in spaces vacated by plants that lose leaves in winter or die back. They are easy to grow transplanted or directly sown and last throughout the growing season. Blooming annuals provide flowers from spring until summer.

Shaded or partially sunny areas can be hard to find the right plants. Here are some suggestions for a low light garden in the region:

• China Aster
• Pansy
• Coleus
• Nigella
• Wax Begonia
• Cigar Flower
• Gerbera Daisy
• Lobelia
• Forget-Me-Not
• Verbena
• Cosmos
• Lupine
• Balsam

Sunny West North Central Annuals

Mixing in annuals with woody-stemmed plants and evergreen bushes, as well as perennials, creates a balanced garden that will have some interest year-round. When you develop a bed, remember that most annuals are not very tall and should be placed at the front of the bed, at borders, and around paths.

If the sight is sunny, select only plants that can tolerate some dryness and extreme heat. Some selections might include:

• Zinnia
• Marigold
• Nicotiana
• Scabiosa
• Moss Rose
• Gaillardia
• Dusty Miller
• Calendula
• California Poppy
• Statice
• Mexican Sunflower
• African Daisy
• Calibrachoa
• Cleome
• Golden Fleece
• Sweet Potato Vine

Using native plants in West North Central states is a great idea for supporting local wildlife, lowering maintenance requirements in your yard, and enjoying the best the region has to offer. Understand your options and choose more native plants as you plan for the next season.

Why Go Native for West North Central Gardening?

There are many great reasons to use native plants in the landscape. These are the plants specifically adapted to your region, climate, and environment so they are more likely to grow well and be healthy than nonnative plants.

A native garden will require less of your time because you don’t need to adapt the environment to suit them. You will use fewer resources too, including water. If you enjoy nature and wildlife, a native garden will best support them and provide food and shelter for your local insects, birds, and mammals.

Native Plants for Northern Plains States

There are many attractive and varied plants native to Montana, Wyoming, and North and South Dakota. These plains and northern Rockies native plants range from trees and shrubs to grasses and flowers including:

• Cottonwood. For a native tree that grows quickly and to great heights, try the cottonwood. It does well next to streams and marshes.
• Rocky Mountain juniper. An evergreen shrub that grows slowly but is worth the wait.
• Paper birch. Paper birch are striking trees providing good winter interest with white, papery bark.
• Serviceberry. Serviceberry is a tall shrub or small tree that produces attractive and edible berries for both you and the local wildlife.
• Chokecherry. Another tall shrub, chokecherry can grow up to 20 or 30 feet (6-9 m.) tall.
• Golden currant. This currant plant is a smaller shrub. Golden currant produces pretty, tube shaped yellow flowers in spring.
• Big bluestem. This native grass is tall and grows vigorously. Big bluestem turns red in the fall.
• Prairie sand reed. Sand reed is a good choice for dry areas, as it will not tolerate too much water.
• Prairie cordgrass. Choose this grass for wet sites.
• Blanket flower. Related to sunflowers, the blanket flower is a stunner. The petals are striped red, orange, and yellow.
• Lupine. Lupine is a classic meadow wildflower. Its blue and purple flower spikes stand out among meadow grasses adding pretty color.
• Prairie smoke. This is a truly unique flower. While setting seeds, the flowers of prairie smoke develop long, silky, and wispy strands resembling smoke.
• Common yarrow. Related to daisies, the tall wildflower yarrow produces clusters of delicate white blooms.
• Black-eyed Susan. Dot your meadow with cheerful yellow flowers of black-eyed Susan or use them in attractive clumps in perennial beds.
• Maximilian sunflower. Maximilian sunflowers grow well in this region and this is a native variety.