Lawn by Season

South Dakota Native Plants by Layer

Published:

Share:

42 native species are verified for South Dakota across the three planting layers, and this page ranks them by the wildlife they support. South Dakota sits in the Great Plains ecoregion, so every count below is the figure published for Great Plains rather than a national average. The idea is not to remove your lawn. It is that a canopy tree, a shrub layer along a border and a flowering ground layer do the ecological work a garden can actually do, while the turf stays turf.

Canopy for South Dakota

The tree layer. This is where most of the caterpillars that birds feed their nestlings are produced, which is why a single tree choice outweighs everything else in the yard.

20 verified canopy options for South Dakota. Gambel oak leads on published wildlife value.

Gambel Oak

Quercus gambelii
  • The genus Quercus hosts 253 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Quercus gambelii alone.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use low, mature height 40.0 ft, blooms mid spring, slow growth.

Drought tolerance: Low.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - L48. Recorded in South Dakota.

Bur Oak

Quercus macrocarpa
  • The genus Quercus hosts 253 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Quercus macrocarpa alone.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance medium, moisture use medium, mature height 100.0 ft, blooms mid spring, slow growth.

Drought tolerance: HighNativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in South Dakota.

American Plum

Prunus americana
  • The genus Prunus hosts 222 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Prunus americana alone.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use medium, mature height 24.0 ft, blooms mid spring, moderate growth.

Drought tolerance: None.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in South Dakota.

Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana
  • The genus Prunus hosts 222 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Prunus virginiana alone.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use medium, mature height 25.0 ft, blooms mid spring, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: MediumNativity per USDA PLANTS: Introduced - AK, Native - AK, Native - CAN, Native - L48, Native - SPM. Recorded in South Dakota.

Resin Birch

Betula glandulosa
  • The genus Betula hosts 189 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Betula glandulosa alone.

USDA lists no drought tolerance value for this species.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - AK, Native - CAN, Native - GL, Native - L48. Recorded in South Dakota.

Water Birch

Betula occidentalis
  • The genus Betula hosts 189 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Betula occidentalis alone.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance medium, moisture use high, mature height 25.0 ft, blooms mid spring, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: Low.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - AK, Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in South Dakota.

Paper Birch

Betula papyrifera
  • The genus Betula hosts 189 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Betula papyrifera alone.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use high, mature height 70.0 ft, blooms mid spring, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: Low.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - AK, Native - CAN, Native - L48, Native - SPM. Recorded in South Dakota.

Balsam Poplar

Populus balsamifera
  • The genus Populus hosts 180 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Populus balsamifera alone.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use high, mature height 80.0 ft, blooms late spring, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: Low.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - AK, Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in South Dakota.

12 further verified canopy species for South Dakota are in the dataset behind the native plant finder.

Understory for South Dakota

Shrubs and small trees beneath the canopy. This layer carries the shoulder-season fruit and cover, and it is the easiest layer to add along an existing fence line or bed edge.

8 verified understory options for South Dakota. peachleaf willow leads on published wildlife value.

Peachleaf Willow

Salix amygdaloides
  • The genus Salix hosts 214 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Salix amygdaloides alone.
  • 20 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Salix. Genus-level figure.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use high, mature height 60.0 ft, blooms late spring, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: Low.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in South Dakota.

Pussy Willow

Salix discolor
  • The genus Salix hosts 214 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Salix discolor alone.
  • 20 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Salix. Genus-level figure.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance low, moisture use high, mature height 40.0 ft, blooms winter, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: Low.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in South Dakota.

Narrowleaf Willow

Salix exigua
  • The genus Salix hosts 214 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Salix exigua alone.
  • 20 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Salix. Genus-level figure.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance medium, moisture use high, mature height 10.0 ft, blooms early spring, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: MediumNativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - AK, Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in South Dakota.

Prairie Willow

Salix humilis
  • The genus Salix hosts 214 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Salix humilis alone.
  • 20 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Salix. Genus-level figure.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance medium, moisture use high, mature height 10.0 ft, blooms spring, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: Low.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in South Dakota.

Sandbar Willow

Salix interior
  • The genus Salix hosts 214 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Salix interior alone.
  • 20 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Salix. Genus-level figure.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, mature height 30.0 ft, blooms early spring, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: Low.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - AK, Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in South Dakota.

Black Willow

Salix nigra
  • The genus Salix hosts 214 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Salix nigra alone.
  • 20 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Salix. Genus-level figure.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use high, mature height 100.0 ft, blooms early spring, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: Low.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in South Dakota.

Scouler'S Willow

Salix scouleriana
  • The genus Salix hosts 214 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Salix scouleriana alone.
  • 20 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Salix. Genus-level figure.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance medium, moisture use high, mature height 50.0 ft, blooms early spring, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: MediumNativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - AK, Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in South Dakota.

Thinleaf Huckleberry

Vaccinium membranaceum
  • The genus Vaccinium hosts 146 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Vaccinium membranaceum alone.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance medium, moisture use low, mature height 4.5 ft, blooms late spring, moderate growth.

Drought tolerance: Low.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in South Dakota.

Ground layer for South Dakota

Flowering perennials at ground level. This is the layer that keeps pollen and nectar available from spring through fall, and it is what specialist bees depend on.

14 verified ground layer options for South Dakota. Canada goldenrod leads on published wildlife value.

Canada Goldenrod

Solidago altissima
  • The genus Solidago hosts 71 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Solidago altissima alone.
  • 56 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Solidago. Genus-level figure.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance medium, moisture use medium, mature height 5.0 ft, blooms late spring, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: Low.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Introduced - HI, Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in South Dakota.

Canada Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis
  • The genus Solidago hosts 71 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Solidago canadensis alone.
  • 56 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Solidago. Genus-level figure.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use medium, mature height 3.5 ft, blooms late summer, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: MediumNativity per USDA PLANTS: Introduced - HI, Native - AK, Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in South Dakota.

Giant Goldenrod

Solidago gigantea
  • The genus Solidago hosts 71 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Solidago gigantea alone.
  • 56 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Solidago. Genus-level figure.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance medium, moisture use medium, mature height 8.2 ft, blooms indeterminate, moderate growth.

Drought tolerance: MediumNativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in South Dakota.

Missouri Goldenrod

Solidago missouriensis
  • The genus Solidago hosts 71 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Solidago missouriensis alone.
  • 56 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Solidago. Genus-level figure.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance medium, moisture use low, mature height 3.0 ft, blooms late summer, moderate growth.

Drought tolerance: HighNativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in South Dakota.

Gray Goldenrod

Solidago nemoralis
  • The genus Solidago hosts 71 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Solidago nemoralis alone.
  • 56 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Solidago. Genus-level figure.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use medium, mature height 2.0 ft, blooms summer, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: MediumNativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in South Dakota.

Threenerve Goldenrod

Solidago velutina
  • The genus Solidago hosts 71 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Solidago velutina alone.
  • 56 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Solidago. Genus-level figure.

USDA lists no drought tolerance value for this species.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - L48. Recorded in South Dakota.

Nuttall'S Sunflower

Helianthus nuttallii
  • The genus Helianthus hosts 58 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Helianthus nuttallii alone.
  • 89 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Helianthus. Genus-level figure.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use medium, mature height 10.0 ft, blooms mid summer, moderate growth.

Drought tolerance: Low.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in South Dakota.

Stiff Sunflower

Helianthus pauciflorus
  • The genus Helianthus hosts 58 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Helianthus pauciflorus alone.
  • 89 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Helianthus. Genus-level figure.

USDA lists no drought tolerance value for this species.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in South Dakota.

6 further verified ground layer species for South Dakota are in the dataset behind the native plant finder.

South Dakota natives for a watering restriction

18 of the 42 verified species carry a USDA drought tolerance of High or Medium. That matters in South Dakota because a drought tolerant native border is the constructive answer to a watering restriction: once established it holds up on local rainfall, while a cool season lawn browns out and stays brown. If restrictions are in force where you are, the South Dakota water restrictions tracker has the current stage, and the South Dakota xeriscape guide covers the wider low water approach for the parts of the yard you are converting.

Bur Oak

Quercus macrocarpa
  • The genus Quercus hosts 253 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Quercus macrocarpa alone.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance medium, moisture use medium, mature height 100.0 ft, blooms mid spring, slow growth.

Drought tolerance: HighNativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in South Dakota.

Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana
  • The genus Prunus hosts 222 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Prunus virginiana alone.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use medium, mature height 25.0 ft, blooms mid spring, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: MediumNativity per USDA PLANTS: Introduced - AK, Native - AK, Native - CAN, Native - L48, Native - SPM. Recorded in South Dakota.

Eastern Cottonwood

Populus deltoides
  • The genus Populus hosts 180 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Populus deltoides alone.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use high, mature height 90.0 ft, blooms spring, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: MediumNativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in South Dakota.

Prairie Crab Apple

Malus ioensis
  • The genus Malus hosts 162 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Malus ioensis alone.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use medium, mature height 25.0 ft, blooms mid spring, moderate growth.

Drought tolerance: HighNativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - L48. Recorded in South Dakota.

How to read these numbers

Every caterpillar and specialist bee figure on this page is published by plant genus, not by species. When the page says the genus Quercus hosts a given number of caterpillar species, that is the claim the research supports; attaching the same number to one particular oak would not be. The counts come from the National Wildlife Federation keystone plant sheets, which draw on Dr Doug Tallamy's work at the University of Delaware for Lepidoptera and Jarrod Fowler's work for specialist bees. Nativity, distribution and every growing condition come from the USDA PLANTS Database. Where USDA publishes no value, this page shows none rather than an estimate. The full sourcing, the selection criteria, and the honest case against treating yard scale planting as restoration are all on the methodology page.

For the lawn itself, seasonal timing and grass selection for this state are in the South Dakota lawn care guide, and if you are converting an area rather than edging it, the lawn alternatives guide covers ground layer substitutes in more depth.

Common questions

What should I plant first in South Dakota?

The canopy layer. Gambel oak is the highest value verified option, because the genus Quercus carries 253 caterpillar species in the Great Plains keystone list. That is a genus level figure. One tree does more ecological work than any other single choice in a yard.

How many native plants are verified for South Dakota?

42 species across the three layers: 20 canopy, 8 understory and 14 ground layer. Each is recorded in South Dakota by the USDA PLANTS Database and classified native to this region. Anything USDA flags as introduced here is excluded.

Which South Dakota natives handle a watering ban?

18 of the verified species carry a USDA drought tolerance of High or Medium, including bur oak, chokecherry, eastern cottonwood. Where USDA publishes no drought value for a species, none is shown rather than an estimate.

Do I need to remove my South Dakota lawn to plant natives?

No. The edges, borders and tree layer carry nearly all of the ecological value available to an ordinary yard, and none of that requires changing how the turf itself is used. Adding one canopy tree and one planted border is the realistic version of this for most homeowners.

Sources: USDA NRCS PLANTS Database for nativity, distribution and growing characteristics, read 2026-08-18. National Wildlife Federation Keystone Native Plants for genus level caterpillar and specialist bee counts.