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Native Plant

All Native Plant Content

A small white bird with a black head sits on top of branch

SDSU Extension publishes research on native plants for bird habitat

January 06, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension has published new research on native plants that can support birds in the state and region.

a brown bird eating seed from a dried sunflower head.

Native Plants for Bird Habitat in South Dakota

South Dakota has a range of habitats that support many bird species, and native plants play an important role in all those habitats.

Cattle grazing in a rangeland area. Three magnifying images show close-up photos of native pollinators visiting forbs growing in the same area.

Rangeland Wildflowers: Their Value to Livestock and Pollinators

Native wildflowers and shrubs are critical to providing a wide array of services that increase the resiliency of rangelands, provide pollinator habitat, and contribute to livestock nutrition.

A group of people stands in a green pasture

White River ‘Pasture Chat’ offers unique experience for women in agriculture

September 17, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension’s new “pasture chat” event provided a unique experience for women involved in agriculture in the White River region.

Gardeners browsing a tablet computer while visiting a garden center.

Home Horticulture Resources for Gardeners

Horticulture is the branch of plant agriculture dealing with garden crops. In addition to our website, there are many horticulture resources available on the web to provide research-based information to help every gardener succeed.

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.

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.

Variety of South Dakota native plants.

Range Roundup: SDSU’s Native Plant Initiative

The SDSU Native Plant Initiative aims to improve our understanding of South Dakota’s native plants, including which ones are best-suited for restoration and production. This information will help guide stakeholders in matching native species to desired restoration outcomes.

Seven different prairie flowers that have gone to seed arranged on a tabletop.

Native Seed Hand Harvest Guidelines

Hand harvest of native plant seed is a low-cost and low-tech method suitable for collecting seeds for small-scale use. Learn some important guidelines for harvesting, storing, and stratifying native plant seeds.

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

Urban habitats are essential for providing food, shelter, and breeding grounds for important pollinators. Learn about some of the many funding opportunities available for urban pollinator habitat projects of all sizes and scopes.