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Content by Lora Perkins

Pots of small native plants

SDSU Extension promotes native plants with events across state

June 05, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce a series of Native Plant Expos across the state this spring.

Group of people browsing native plant sales
Jun 21

Native Plant Expo @ Pierre

Join the SDSU Native Plant Initiative at East Pierre Landscape and Garden Center (5400 SD-34, Pierre, SD 57501) on June 21 for our final Native Plant Expo of the season.

People shop for plants on tables outside
Jun 13

Native Plant Expo @ Sioux Falls

Visit the SDSU Native Plant Initiative at Rock Garden Nursery (2000 North Dr, Sioux Falls, SD 57104) on June 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for a Native Plant Expo in a beautiful garden setting.

Pots of small native plants
Jun 06

Native Plant Expo @ Spearfish

The SDSU Native Plant Initiative and Beautify Spearfish will be at The Snapper’s Club (300-540 S Canyon St, Spearfish, SD 57783) on June 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for a Native Plant Expo featuring native plants, practical information, and opportunities to ask questions.

Trailer full of native plants
Jun 05

Native Plant Expo @ Rapid City

Join the SDSU Native Plant Initiative at the Education Garden (2900 Canyon Lake Dr, Rapid City, SD 57702) on June 5 from 5:00-7:30 p.m. for an evening Native Plant Expo.

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.

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.

Full plant profiles: Golden alexander and wild parsnip.

Plant Look-Alikes: What’s the Difference Between Golden Alexander and Wild Parsnip?

Golden alexander (Zizia aurea) is a striking native plant in South Dakota. However, another plant in this region often mistaken for golden alexander does not belong here and contains a harmful toxin.

A large monarch caterpillar exploring the flowers of a swamp milkweed plant (Asclepias incarnata) in a field plot.

Range Roundup: SDSU Native Plant Initiative Strengthens Conservation and Supply of Native Plants

SDSU’s Native Plant Initiative has been hard at work on research that focuses on the conservation and supply of native plants.