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Prairie pasque flowers blooming in early spring.

Native Plant Resources for South Dakota

As we continue to see the benefits of growing native plants in cultivated landscapes, finding the right plant for the right place requires the right resources. Learn about some available native plant sources, educational materials, and organizations serving our region.

Pollinator and Wildlife Habitat signs in a bed of plants and yellow flowers.

Funding Opportunities for Small-Scale Pollinator Habitats: A Guide for Urban and Home Garden Projects

Learn about some of the many funding opportunities available for urban pollinator habitat projects of all sizes and scopes.

Left: Holiday greenery arranged in a porch pot. Right: Homemade Christmas wreath hanging on a door.

Create Your Own Holiday Greenery This Season!

If you’re already itching to get back into the garden, holiday-themed pots and wreaths can add a fresh touch to the season and bring a little natural cheer to the holidays!

Left: Christmas trees growing at a German farm. Right: Poinsettia plant on display at a Mexican Christmas market.

Cultural History of the Christmas Tree and Poinsettia (Cuetlaxochitl)

Christmas trees and poinsettias are the two plants that symbolize the Christmas season, but why do these plants hold that place that? And where did the association with Christmas originate?

field of zinnia flowers

Growth and Quality of Four Zinnia Cultivars Grown in Eastern South Dakota

The purpose of this study was to assess the production and quality of four zinnia cultivars grown in eastern South Dakota to support local specialty cut flower growers in their operations.

Left: Blade of sweetgrass. Right: Patch of white sagebrush.

Sweetgrass and White Sagebrush: Native Plants with Medicinal Uses

Many native prairie plants have been used medicinally for generations by the Indigenous peoples of the Northern Great Plains. Sweetgrass and white sagebrush are hardy perennials that have a variety of uses and deep historical significance.

A nest of Asian Needle Ants.

No Documented Sightings of Asian Needle Ants in South Dakota

Despite reports from major news networks citing that Asian needle ants are in South Dakota, we have no evidence that the ant is established or has ever been documented in the state.

White, oblong flowers on tall stems and green grass surrounded by brown prairie soil

Native Plants to Know: Thimbleweed (Anemone cylindrica)

Anemone cylindrica (Ranunculaceae), also known as thimbleweed or candle anemone, is a perennial, herbaceous plant native to prairies and woodlands of central and northern North America.

Tulips blooming near the entrance to McCrory Gardens.

McCrory Gardens Trial Report

Learn about annual and perennial flowers that are well-suited for South Dakota gardens based on eastern South Dakota research trials.