Native Trees For The State of South Dakota

Find the best selection of native species for the State of South Dakota here at Nature Hills Nursery and support native habitats in the Coyote State!

Choosing native trees for your State means you will know your tree will thrive where it is well suited to climate and soil because they originated there! Feed pollinators pollen and nectar, seeds for songbirds, and provide shelter, food, and forage for a wide variety of wildlife.

These trees need less water once established, plus native selections establish faster and tolerate the changing climate, weather, and anything else your State may have to offer.

Best South Dakota Native Trees

South Dakota is primarily grassland and prairie where the state bird, the Ring-Necked Pheasant roams. Ranging from USDA growing zones 3 to 5, South Dakota has cold snowy to dry winters to warm and semi-humid summers.

Find your Hardiness Zone, and choose a tree that has a range that includes yours! Check with your local County Extension Office for more information if needed and for the many microclimates within these zones.

Best Native Evergreen Trees For South Dakota

Check out these South Dakota native coniferous evergreen trees that keep their leaves year-round for privacy, slow down the wind, stand up to storms, help block the drifting snow, and add interest during the winter months. One like the Black Hills Spruce named after the Black Hills region of this State.

Eastern Red Cedar Tree (Redcedar)
Ponderosa Pine
Shore Pine
White Spruce (Black Hills Spruce)

Native Flowering Trees of South Dakota

Feed pollinators and hummingbirds nectar and pollen they evolved alongside in your State! Many of these trees are host plants for native pollinator larvae too!

American Basswood/Linden Tree
American Plum/Wild Plum Tree
Black Locust Tree
Gray & Roughleaf Dogwood
Pussy Willow

What Native Shade Trees Can Be Found In South Dakota?

You need a good strong shade tree for the warm summers that handles winter snow load and arctic cold. Some fall color and food for wildlife is a bonus!

American Elm Tree
American Hop Hornbeam
Ash - Green, Mountain & Wafer Ash
Paper Bark Birch
Box Elder Tree (Boxelder)
Cottonwood/Eastern Cottonwood Tree
Hackberry/Common Hackberry Trees & Sugarberry Tree
Kentucky Coffee Tree
Black, Silver & Sugar Maple Tree
Northern Catalpa Tree
Bur Oak Tree
Quaking Aspen Tree

Native Fruit & Nut Trees in South Dakota

We love edible landscaping trees that look great and feed you and your local wildlife. Plant a few of these trees in your double-duty hedgerow for wildlife and you! Because of the primarily grassy landscape, wildlife appreciates the food and shelter.

American Plum/Wild Plum Tree
Black Walnut Tree
Hazelnut/Native American Filbert
Pignut Hickory Tree
Red Mulberry Tree
Saskatoon Serviceberry

Much Needed Natives!

Help keep your State's native biodiversity intact by planting trees native to your area! Nature Hills is committed to helping you preserve your State’s unique beauty with plants and trees that are sure to do well in your garden without impacting your native landscape!

Whether you are adding shade or flowers, privacy, or a long-lasting legacy to your landscape, Nature Hills is here to help you find the perfect tree for your South Dakota landscape!

FAQS for Buying South Dakota Native Plants Online

What native trees grow best in South Dakota's prairie and grassland landscapes?

In South Dakota’s diverse prairies and open plains, native trees like Eastern Red Cedar, American Elm, and Bur Oak thrive with minimal care. These hardy trees are perfectly suited to USDA Zones 3 to 5 and are built to handle snow load, wind, and the wide temperature swings of the upper Midwest. They’re the tough-as-nails trees your landscape needs!

Why should I plant native trees in South Dakota?

Native trees such as Ponderosa Pine, American Plum, and Cottonwood are naturally adapted to South Dakota’s semi-humid summers and snowy winters. They establish quickly, need less water once settled, and support the birds, pollinators, and wildlife that call the region home, like the Ring-Necked Pheasant! Planting native is both eco-wise and landscape-smart.

Which evergreen trees are native to South Dakota and stay green year-round?

Need privacy, shelter from the wind, and winter color? Native evergreens like White Spruce (especially the Black Hills Spruce), Ponderosa Pine, and Eastern Red Cedar are perfect picks. These trees stand strong against storms, slow drifting snow, and create cozy hideouts for wildlife all year long, even in South Dakota’s coldest months.

Are there flowering native trees that grow well in South Dakota?

Yes! South Dakota native flowering trees like American Basswood, Pussy Willow, and Wild Plum bring seasonal blooms that do more than look pretty. They feed bees, hummingbirds, and native pollinators with nectar and pollen, and serve as vital host plants for caterpillars and other beneficial bugs. It’s a win for your eyes and for Ma Nature’s team!

Can I grow native fruit or nut trees in South Dakota?

Absolutely! Native edibles like American Plum, Red Mulberry, and Hazelnut trees not only add beauty to your landscape, but they also provide nourishing treats for both you and the local wildlife. These trees are ideal for hedgerows and food forests that multitask, offering food, habitat, and seasonal charm across South Dakota’s grassy expanses.

South Dakota Native Plants

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