Shrub

Black Vine Weevils Becoming Active

Black vine weevils are now showing up across the state. It is typical for the adult beetles to emerge in early summer and begin feeding on plant foliage. They primarily feed on lilacs and yews, both common landscape shrubs. Although the adults cause minimal damage, their larvae feed on the roots and can occasionally be a threat to ornamental plants, especially those grown in pots or containers.

Nugget Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Nugget’)

‘Nugget’ is a South Dakota State University release of this popular shrub. This particular cultivar has lovely golden yellow foliage in the spring which fades to a darker green later in the season.

Healthy Seeds Make Healthy Plants

Saving seeds is a fun and economical way to produce plants for the next year. There are concerns however when saving seeds about seed-borne diseases.

Honeyberries: A New Fruit for Your Garden

Honeyberries, shrubs with fruit resembling elongated blueberries, are gaining in popularity in northern climates.

How to Remove a Stump

Spring is the time of the year when people get around to remove trees from their yard.

Tree Rust Diseases

Ash rust and crown rust are two common rust diseases that impact South Dakota trees.

Root Weevils: Accidental Invaders

The latest insects to find their way inside South Dakota homes are the root weevils, a kind of beetle characterized by a distinct snout on the front of its head.

Pruning Flowering Shrubs

Pruning not only benefits flowering but can also enhance bark color for shrubs with colorful canes.

Vole Damage to Junipers & Small Trees

Vole-damaged junipers can be identified by distinct yellowing and browning shoot tips, as well as unique gnaw marks.

It's Cold! How Can Our Plants Trees and Shrubs Withstand It?

The Northern Great Plains have experienced colder than normal weather over first few weeks of December. Cold temperatures certainly do affect our plants but there are some important differences.