Photo courtesy of Linda Iverson
1

Are you interested

in creating an attractive

environmentally friendly

landscape while reducing

your water and

maintenance requirements?

Do you want a beautiful

yard, garden, school,

park, or parking area?

Try a XeriscapeTM with

native plants!

What is XeriscapeTM?

Xeriscape (pronounced zeer-i-scape) is derived from the Greek word,

xeros, meaning “dry.” It’s the wise use of water through water-efficient

landscaping. The word Xeriscape conjures up visions of a dry,

Whether you’re a newcomer to the northern Great Plains and Rocky

Mountains or you just want fresh, new landscaping ideas, this booklet will

help you select and grow native plants that are naturally adapted and will

thrive for years under our extreme environmental conditions. The goal of

this booklet is to provide an overview of native landscaping principles and

practices. It integrates the principles of several conservation initiatives

such as reduced water, energy, and chemical usage; wildlife habitat

enhancement; and invasive weed management. Native plant, in the

context of this booklet, means native to the United States.

Why is Native Landscaping Important

to You and the Semiarid West?

In this photo: Urban Xeriscape with native

plants in summer foliage: staghorn sumac,

horizontal and common juniper, western

mountain ash, aspen, skunkbush sumac,

rose, shrubby cinquefoil, ponderosa pine.

Table of Contents

Why is Native Landscaping Important to You and the Semiarid West? .. 1

Planning............................................................................ 2

Design .............................................................................. 3

Site Preparation .................................................................. 4

Choosing the Right Grasses and Wildflowers ................................ 5

Choosing the Right Trees and Shrubs ......................................... 6

Grasses ............................................................................. 7

Wildflowers ....................................................................... 9

Trees and Shrubs ................................................................10

Water Conservation .............................................................12

Maintenance .....................................................................13

Plant Protection .................................................................14

“To Do” List ......................................................................15

About this Publication ............................................... Back Cover

Why is Native Landscaping Important to You and the Semiarid West?

1

7 Principles of Xeriscape

1. Plan and Design Comprehensively

2. Improve Soil with Amendments

3. Reduce Lawn Areas

4. Use Appropriate Plants and

Group According to Water/

Environmental Needs

5. Irrigate Efficiently

6. Use Mulches

7. Maintain Your Landscape

Comparisons of traditional

landscapes and Xeriscapes

have shown that up to 50

percent savings can be

achieved in water usage

alone. Other studies indicate

potential savings of nearly

30 percent in maintenance

and labor, 61 percent in

fertilizers, 44 percent in fuel

and 22 percent in herbicides

and pesticides (At Home with

Xeriscape ©, Xeriscape

Colorado, Inc).

Creating Native Landscapes in the Northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountains

In many parts of the West,

where rainfall is scarce,

landscaping accounts for half

of all residential water

consumption. Outdoor

landscaping offers the single

biggest opportunity for water

savings to a typical American

family. That's because most

people pour a lot more water

on their greenery than it

really needs. In fact, it is

estimated that 85 percent of

all landscape problems are

caused by over watering

(A Consumers Guide to Water

Conservation©, 1993 American

Water Works Association).

Yucca: this evergreen plant brings

a bold, dramatic touch to a dry

landscape. American Indians used

the leaves to make baskets and the

roots to produce soap.

Narrow grass strips (left) too often result in watering pavement as well

as grass. A water-efficient, low maintenance alternative treatment

(right) features juniper and western mountain ash.

Lupine.

Golden currant: berries used for jelly making.

Xeriscape and Native Plant Benefits

Cottontail rabbit.

Big bluestem: fall color.

Aesthetic

 • Increased Year-Round Visual Interest

 • Increased Urban Wildlife Viewing

 • Encouraged Link with Nature

 • Enhanced Quality of Life

Economic

 • Lower Water and Maintenance Costs

 • Enhanced Real Estate Values

 • Increased Survivability of Plantings

 • Edible and/or

Decorative Products

Environmental

 • Improved Water and Soil Conservation

 • Reduced Use of Petroleum Products

 • Improved Air Quality/Carbon

Sequestration

 • Enhanced Urban Wildlife Habitat

 • Reduced Water Contamination

desert-like landscape when,

in fact, its focus is how to landscape appropriately in areas with

seasonal water supply shortages.

Denver Water holds the trademark

on the term and has developed

7 Xeriscape Principles.
3

2

1

Landscape design is a problem solving, step-by-step

process that includes, but is not limited to, project research and analysis,

development of plans and diagrams for functional and aesthetic use of

plant materials, design implementation and construction, and landscape

maintenance. Any landscaping project must first start with a plan; one

that takes into consideration your needs, the limitations and obstacles of

the site, and the resources that you have available. Site conditions need

to be evaluated and matched with the planned landscape goals and

desired plant characteristics.

SAND SILT

CLAY

LOAM

Silt feels 

silky smooth Sand feels when wet coarse

and 

gritty

Loam is a combination of all these

Clay feels 

sticky when wet

Planning

2

Walk over the proposed

planting site to determine the

location of power, gas or

phone lines, septic leach

fields, sidewalks, structures,

etc. These features should be

noted so that plants do not

conflict with utilities,

structures or other land uses.

Some of these features may

not be apparent from walking

over the site. A few will have

to be researched by talking to

neighbors, checking city and

county records, etc. To locate

underground utilities contact

the National Line Locator at

888-258-0808.

Soil

Soil plays an extremely important

role in a plant’s ability to adapt

and survive on a site. Plan to

salvage topsoil prior to any

construction disturbance to secure

a desirable plant growth media.

Soil testing is advisable to determine the following soil attributes.

• Texture. Soil texture is the

relative percentage of sand, silt,

and clay particles. A loam soil is

ideal for plant growth. It is

made up of equal parts of sand,

silt, and clay.

Site Inventory

& Assessment

Planning and design begins with a

thorough site inventory and

assessment of the following

factors:

Current and Historic Land Use

How has the property been used

or altered in the past? Is it

forested hills, an irrigated valley

bottom, dryland pasture, native

rangeland, or along a stream or

permanent wetland? Are there

other signs of former tillage

activity? What level of clean up

 Steps to

 Planning

Consider family

interests and needs

List the outdoor activities and

interests of your family members,

including pets.

Analyze site

Understand the resources,

especially soil texture, depth,

pH, and stability.

Develop and evaluate

alternatives

Climate

Across the northern Great Plains

and Rocky Mountains regions,

extreme variability and

unpredictability in climate is

normal. Native plant community

adaptation depends primarily on

the extremes of temperature and

precipitation.

• USDA Winter Hardiness Zones.

This map categorizes areas by

average annual minimum

temperature and should be used

to determine plant species

adaptation. (See WHZ map on

following page.)

• Elevation/Topography/Aspect/

Hydrologic regime/Landform &

Landscape position. These

elements influence the length of

the growing season, number of

frost-free days, wind, sunlight,

snow cover, soil depth, and

other factors. Local effects of

landscape position and

microclimates around structures

can modify growing conditions.

8

7

4

5

6

AIR

WATER

Adapted from “Seedbed Preparation—the Forgotten Step

in Range Seeding” by William J. McGinnies; Vegetative

Rehabilitation and Equipment Workshop 38th Annual

Report; USDA USDI Equipment Development Center,

Missoula, MT, Feb. 1984.

Creating Native Landscapes in the Northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountains Planning

Adapted from Tips on Land and Water Management for

Small Farms and Ranches in Montana. Montana

Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, 1996.

Native forbs found growing on

a sandstone outcrop.

Soil maps, available from your

local USDA Natural Resources

Conservation Service office, can

be useful for determining soil

attributes. In the photo above,

map unit 222E is a silty, welldrained gravelly soil, whereas

map unit 421C is a saline/sodic

clayey soil. Both these soils would

limit the type of plants that

could be grown, and require

additional management for plant

establishment. However, map unit

39C is a silty clay loam soil that

has few limitations and is a good

soil for growing most plants.

2

• Erodibility. Highly erodible soils,

particularly those on steep

slopes, need to be protected from

wind and water erosion during

site preparation and plant

establishment. Moisture levels are

difficult to maintain on slopes, as

water runs off, rather than into

the soil. This problem can be

reduced with mulch. In windy

areas, blowing soil is a problem

that is reduced with strategically

placed plant material.

Riparian areas, wetlands, and

subirrrigated sites offer unique

opportunities for plant diversity.

• Precipitation. Seasonal

precipitation and timing dictate

water availability—a meaningful

element when establishing

plants and maintaining them

during the active growing

season.

• Wind. High wind speed exposes

plants to moisture desiccation.

Warm chinook winds can falsely

lure trees and shrubs into

breaking bud, making them

vulnerable to winterkill. Winterhardy plants must be selected to

avoid damage.

will be necessary? These are

important considerations before

entering the next landscape

phases: design, site preparation,

plant selection.

Vegetative Inventory

Native species evolved to

perpetuate themselves in

harmony with their environment.

Furthermore, plants have

established niches within diverse

plant communities. These timetested relationships should be recreated as closely as possible for

successful native landscaping.

Look around and see what plants

are already growing on the site or

a similar site nearby. Consider

why a particular plant might be

located there. Does it grow there

as part of a natural plant

community? Was it planted, or

introduced by humans? Was it

planted by nature, i.e. wind,

water, animals? Try to identify the

plants and determine if they are

annual or perennial.

A weed is any unwanted plant

growing on the site. Weeds should

be properly identified and

controlled prior to planting.

Chemical, biological, mechanical,

or hand-weeding are all viable

options.

• Physical/Chemical. Physically, an

ideal garden soil consists of 50

percent solids, 25 percent water,

and 25 percent air by volume.

The solid portion includes soil,

rock and organic matter. The soil

organic matter serves as a

valuable nutrient source, assists

with water retention and

infiltration, and promotes root

growth through aeration.

Chemically, the pH measures the

acidity or alkalinity of the soil.

Plants have preferences for

certain pH levels. In the northern

Great Plains and Rocky Mountains

most soils are alkaline. Soil

salinity and sodicity is a measure

of the amount of calcium,

magnesium, and sodium salts.

High salinity or sodicity is not

conducive to healthy plant

growth. Salts desiccate plants

and can become toxic to many

plant species.

Visualize an initial landscape

design that meets your

objectives. Consider each of the

following when formulating your

conceptual plan:

Site. What’s the soil type?

How much water exists?

Plants. Are the plants you’ve

visualized adapted to the site?

Function. Do the plants meet

your objectives for shade, as a

screen or as an accent?

Establish budget and

timetable

Will all the landscaping be put in

place at one time or will it

progress in phases over several

years? How much will be spent

and when?

Implement plan

Prepare site, add amendments,

purchase plants and seed, and

plan for their timely planting.

Protect the soil from erosion

during construction activities.

Solve problems identified

in the site analysis

For example, adding amendments

such as compost can improve soil

drainage and lower the pH.

Mulches can conserve water and

protect soil surfaces from erosion.

Save or remove

existing landscaping

All desirable vegetation should

complement future plantings. All

unwanted vegetation should be

entirely removed, either

mechanically or chemically. If it

looks like a weed, it probably is

a weed. Prior to reestablishment

of plant cover, weeds should be

identified and controlled.

Monitor and maintain

landscape

Check plants for pest damage,

weed competition, soil moisture,

etc.
Design

3

Information gathered in the site inventory is used to diagram existing

conditions and identify functions of various spaces. To better visualize how

things appear, drawings and/or design plans are developed to assure that

each space gets specific attention and to determine relationships between

spaces. The number of steps, or preliminary drawings, necessary to

complete a landscape design is dependent on the size and scale of the

project and the amount of detail incorporated at each stage of the process. USDA Winter Hardiness Zones

Zone 5b (-10 to -15)

Zone 2b (-40 to -45)

Zone 3a (-35 to -40)

Zone 3b (-30 to -35)

Zone 4a (-25 to -30)

Zone 4b (-20 to -25)

Zone 5a (-15 to -20)

Degrees Fahrenheit

Zone 2a (-45 to -50) Montana

Wyoming

The use

of color

principles,

based on the

distinction between warm and

cool, is a good guide when

designing floral displays.

Red, orange and yellow are

warm colors that attract

attention and seem to advance

toward the viewer.

Blue and green are cool colors

that tend to recede from the

viewer.

Color combinations can be

contrasting (yellow and blue)

or complimentary

(red and orange).

CAD graphic by Miguel Camacho Serna,

University of Arizona

Landscape Design

Sequence

Bubble Diagram

Identify site attributes that affect

landscape function. Use simple

shapes to represent features or

conditions such as a dog kennel, RV

parking, turf area, perennial garden,

sun exposure, or views. It is

important to include areas with

different maintenance requirements.

Rules of Thumb

• Along borders, short-statured

plants should ideally be placed

in the front and taller-statured

plants toward the back. In small

areas, borders are best

maintained if no wider than

4 to 8 feet.

• Borders and edges that curve

are more natural looking than

those with rigid, straight lines.

The width of a

perennial

Cheyenne

Pinedale

Sheridan

Casper

Kalispell

Missoula

Helena

Great

Falls

Bozeman

Billings

Glasgow

Miles City

Creating Native Landscapes in the Northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountains Design

3

Water-loving aspens and dogwoods

receive extra moisture because of

their placement in the graveled

runoff area.

border

should be

proportionally

about one-third

the height of

the background.

• In stand-alone,

island planting

beds, place

taller plants

near the middle

and decrease

height toward the

edge. The most

pleasing effect is

achieved if the bed is

twice as wide as the

tallest plant.

• Group plants into zones

according to their

needs for sun, water,

and soil.

• Utilize plants so they are visible

and colorful throughout the

year.

• Know a plant’s stature and size

at maturity.

• Design with your surroundings in

mind; consider using plant

screens or barriers as necessary

for privacy.

Do

Group 3, 5 or 7 plants together

• unifying

Match size of plant to scale of site

• human feeling

Accent with bright, warm colors

• cheery

Vary size and spacing

• interesting

Don’t

Scatter single plants here and there

• spotty and confusing

Incorporate many big trees on small lot

• overpowering

Apply many variations of color

• disorganized

Repeat similar shapes

• boring

Eye Grabbers

Source: USDA-ARS Misc. Publ. No. 1475, Jan. 1990

Completed Plan

A bird’s-eye view of the final

design. The completed plan

specifies the identity, location,

and proper spacing of all plants.

It contains all the information

necessary to implement and install

the landscape. Construction

drawings may be necessary for

building or installing other

elements in the design.

Preliminary Designs

Plant material is assigned to a

space by specific characteristics or

function. Important and large-sized

plants or groups of plants are

located first. Trees, mass plantings,

and stand-alone gardens are

examples. Actual dimensions of

patios, sidewalks and other hard

surfaces may be

represented.

Concept Plan

Individual shapes begin to take on

a greater level of detail, and

relationships between spaces

evolve. Large areas such as

prairies, parking lots, lawns, and

water features should be

considered first. Smaller areas and

shapes, such as planting beds,

decks, and walkways should be

integrated in and around the larger

areas. The diagram at the top of

this page is an example

of a concept plan.
Site Preparation

4

Existing Sod

If you have existing areas of unwanted turf, pasture,

or undesirable native vegetation, it must be physically

or chemically removed. In larger windbreak or shelterbelt plantings it is recommended that the site be

chemically and mechanically fallowed for one growing

season to control vegetation and store moisture.

Completely remove sod

and discard or utilize

elsewhere.

Apply a non-selective

herbicide such as

glyphosate to green

growth that has 3-4

inches of height.

Spraying during active

early growth may

require multiple

applications.

Glyphosate is most

effective when applied

in September.

Intact Soil Profile

If there is minimal

impact to the topsoil,

or if at least 2-4 inches

of topsoil remain,

there is adequate

growing media.

Re-surface with

salvaged topsoil or

weed-free introduced

topsoil. Rough up the

surface of the subsoil

so that the subsoil–

topsoil interface is

not smooth.

To build a more favorable topsoil, organic

matter and fertility

must be added.

Amendments such as

composted manure,

straw, and lawn clippings can be used.

Incorporate organic

material into the top

4-6 inches of soil.

Bare Soil

No Topsoil or Mixed with Subsoil

In this photo: Reclamation of abandoned

railroad right of way along urban bike path.

Site preparation is the most important part

of a successful Xeriscape planting.

Sod Removal Chemical Control

Construction activities may

completely disturb the soil profile

and eradicate all existing

vegetation. The necessary site

treatment is determined by the

extent of disturbance.

Creating Native Landscapes in the Northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountains Site Preparation

4

Deep roto-till or

disk to incorporate

dead sod following

chemical treatment,

or remaining roots

after sod removal,

into the top 6

inches of soil.

Control perennial weeds or unwanted plants well in

advance of landscaping. Do not use any chemicals

having a harmful residual effect on planned

landscaping plant material.

Caution: Apply all chemicals

according to label directions.

If compaction has resulted from heavy traffic during construction, the site should be

ripped and tilled to improve soil tilth and moisture percolation. Site preparation will have

significant impact on the ultimate success of any planting. Following tillage, the seedbed

should be firmed, but not compacted. A firm seedbed helps control planting depth and

facilitates good seed–soil contact. If possible, the site should be irrigated well in advance

of seeding or planting to allow settling of manipulated soils. Reshape or contour as

needed after soil dries and prior to planting.

Seed should be planted at a

depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch, with

some of the very small-seeded

species planted just below the

soil surface. Planting with a

double-disk drill assures

proper seed placement, but

may result in undesirable rows

in a landscaping situation. A

BrillionTM-type drill will

uniformly dribble and cover

the seed. Broadcast seeding

requires light roughening of

the soil surface prior to

scattering seed and raking or

dragging to cover seed.

Many accent or specimen plants

must be transplanted as

containerized material into beds,

rock gardens or borders.

Containerized plants are usually

started from seed and are well

established before planting.

Successful plant salvage from native

sites is generally limited.

Rhizomatous and stoloniferous

plants can be easily transplanted.

However, only young or smaller

bunchgrasses and taprooted plants

are moved successfully. Any

transplanting of wildland material

should be done while plants are

dormant.

Broadcast seeding.

Many native grasses and flowers are

available from commercial nurseries.

Fescue.

Incorporate Organic Matter

Blanket

flower.

Seeding Transplanting

Weed Control

Seedbed Preparation

photo courtesy of

Marieanne Hanser
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Plant Adaptation

Select plants that are naturally adapted to survive in local

environmental conditions.

• Reputable nurseries and garden centers choose native and introduced

plant material that is adapted to the area. A plant’s adaptation to a

certain environment can be researched. However, the only way to

ensure a plant’s true identity is by the scientific name, which provides

positive identification of the species. Common names vary in time,

place, and culture.

• When purchasing plants and seed, be on the lookout for information on

winter hardiness. The best indicator is a designated USDA Winter

Choosing the Right Grasses and Wildflowers

5

Grasses are common components in a landscape. They reproduce by seed

and above- or below-ground stems. Grasses can be compact and tufted,

erect in bunches, creeping on the ground’s surface, or spreading as sod.

Hardiness Zone listed on the tag or label. Ask

questions about local adaptation and the plant’s

origin. Plants or seed from a milder climate or a

more southern location may not be hardy.

• Replacement guarantees may be available and will

vary from within six months up to one year from

purchase. Guarantees are limited by the fact that

proper plant care after purchase is beyond the

control of the seller.

• Digging and transplanting plants from the wild into

a home landscape is usually unsuccessful. Wildland

plants have extensive root systems and often have

special needs that cannot be retained. In many

places, it is illegal to dig plants in the wild.

Sheep fescue.

Bluebunch wheatgrass.

Blacksampson

echinacea, a native

wildflower, is grown

and sold at many

nurseries.

Little bluestem used as ornamental.

Plant Types

Grasses

Nature’s Defenses

• Hairy, sticky or wavy leaf

surfaces deflect wind and

channel water droplets.

• Short, narrow, incised leaves

have smaller surface area

and lose less water to

evaporation.

• White or silvery-colored

leaves reflect the sun’s rays

and modify leaf

temperatures.

• Spines, prickles, and

aromatic foliage defend

against loss of stem tissue

and moisture from hungry,

thirsty predators.

• Small, less showy flowers

with little or no fragrance

attract less attention from

predaceous insects and

grazing animals.

• Fragrance

• Wildlife enhancements

• Herbs or medicinals

• Color schemes or seasonal

bloom schedules

• Recreation of natural

habitats

Northern oriole in

cottonwood trees.

Tortoiseshell butterfly

feeding on senecio blossom.

Creating Native Landscapes in the Northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountains Choosing the Right Grasses and Wildflowers

5

Plant Attributes and Features

When choosing plants, strive for contrast, harmony and boldness to

provide interesting variety throughout the year. It will take time for

Some wildflowers require direct sunlight for 6 to 8 hours per day. As

sunlight decreases, plant height and bloom size decrease. Bloom season

and duration of bloom vary, so coordinate the extension and overlap to

ensure interesting color throughout the entire growing season.

plants to mature, so allow plenty

of room for growth. Perennials are

plants that live longer than two

years and life spans range from

just a few years, up to many years.

Longevity is often referred to as

short- or long-lived.

• Herbaceous perennials grow

and die back to the soil surface

every year.

• Woody perennials are trees and

shrubs that persist above ground

year after year.

• Annual and biennial life spans

require replanting every one or

two years.

Some plants have developed

strategies to cope with low-water

environments. These are defense

mechanisms designed to gather and

preserve precious water. Look for

plants with leaves that are fuzzy,

light-colored, seem blue-tinged, or

have spines.

Blacksampson echinacea. Purple prairieclover.

Aster. Two varieties of penstemon.

Arnica. Phacelia. Lupine.

photo courtesy of Marieanne Hanser

Wildflowers

Garden

Attractions

Height varies from ground-hugging to several feet tall.

• Cool-season species green up early and actively grow from spring until

mid-summer.

• Warm-season species begin growth in early summer and remain active

until mid-autumn. In fall they have attractive foliage and are generally

the most attractive grasses of the season.
Selecting the Best Type of Nursery Stock For Your Budget and Construction Needs

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

Bareroot • inexpensive • special handling and storage

• ease of planting • long time period until maturity

• field grown hardiness • decreased root area

• easily desiccated

• timing of planting is critical

• poorer survival

Container • moderate cost • limited water/nutrient reservoir

• flexibility in handling, storage, planting • more expensive than bareroot

• intact root system • potentially girdling roots

• better survival • potentially root bound

B&B • mature size/instant effect • handling, storage, planting labor

• better survival • expensive

Choosing the Right Trees and Shrubs

6

Bareroot

Plants that are dug and shipped as

dormant 1- to 3-year-old stock

without any soil surrounding their

roots. Deciduous plants are

primarily produced this way,

although some evergreens can be

grown using this method.

Container

Plants that are grown in a pot.

Avoid plants grown in the field and

then transplanted to a pot just

prior to sale.

B&B

Tree and Shrub Health

Ponderosa pine with healthy

trunk and branches.

Healthy Trunk and Branches

Healthy bur oak foliage.

Creating Native Landscapes in the Northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountains Choosing the Right Trees and Shrubs

6

The outward appearance of a plant

can provide insight into its overall

health. Examine nursery stock

closely before purchasing it.

Healthy Roots

• Actively growing stock should

have white root tips.

• Healthy plants should have

enough fibrous root mass to

retain the shape of the rootball

once the container or burlap is

removed.

• Bareroot material should have a

shoot:root ratio of 1:1 or 1:2

with extensive, fibrous roots.

Healthy Foliage

• Adequate and uniform foliage.

• Leaves appropriately sized and

uniformly colored for the

species.

• No signs of bud swell or growth

should appear on dormant stock.

Bareroot. Balled and burlapped. Container.

Healthy roots.

• A healthy tree trunk should be

straight, slightly tapered, and

capable of remaining upright on

its own. It should be uniformly

branched along its length with

half the leaf area in the lower

two-thirds of the canopy.

TIP: Avoid plants with signs of

dead, discolored, shriveled, or

water-soaked roots. Remove

unhealthy or deformed roots with

a sharp pruner prior to planting.

• The trunks of large trees should

be firmly connected to the

rootball (i.e., not move

independently).

• Branches should be free from

signs of mechanical injury,

sunburn, sunscald, insect,

disease, or other forms of stress.

• The branches and tops of trees

should not be severely pruned

back (headed).

• Stems should be firm and

smooth without a wrinkled

appearance or soft texture.

TIP: Avoid plants with

especially small leaves or with

leaves that are unusually

yellow or with brown,

scorched margins.

TIP: On healthy tissue, a

shallow cut of the stem reveals a

light green cambium layer

between the bark and the wood.

(Balled and Burlapped). Hand or

mechanically dug field-grown

plants that have their roots and

surrounding soil wrapped in burlap

fabric secured with twine. Used

primarily for large, field-grown

stock.

Wire Baskets

A form of B&B that utilizes a wire

basket to secure the rootball in

lieu of twine. The baskets are

untied from the trunk but remain

in place during planting.
Suggested Native

Grassland Seeding

Mixtures

Mountain/Foothills

bluebunch wheatgrass

(Pseudoroegneria spicata)

Idaho fescue

(Festuca idahoensis)

big bluegrass

(Poa ampla)

mountain brome

(Bromus marginatus)

Tallgrass Prairie

big bluestem

(Andropogon gerardii)

little bluestem

(Schizachyrium scoparium)

switchgrass

(Panicum virgatum)

Indiangrass

(Sorghastrum nutans)

Mixed Prairie (upland)

bluebunch wheatgrass

(Pseudoroegneria spicata)

prairie junegrass

(Koeleria macrantha)

needle & thread

(Stipa comata)

Indian ricegrass

(Achnatherum hymenoides)

Mixed Prairie (lowland)

western wheatgrass

(Pascopyrum smithii)

green needlegrass

(Nassella viridula)

Grasses

7

Grasses can bring texture and

softness into a landscape design.

The wide variety of native grasses

provides endless opportunities for

adding color, providing a diversity

of sizes and shapes, and offering

relatively low maintenance.

Favorable characteristics of most

grasses include low water and

fertility requirements; they reach

their ultimate size quickly, have a

high resistance to insects and

diseases, and generally can fend

for themselves.

The use of native grasses for low

maintenance landscaping can

include a broad range of uses,

i.e., ground cover, monoculture

manicured lawns, individual accent

or specimen plants, and prairie or

meadow restoration.

Ground Cover

Grasses that spread by rhizomes,

stolons (above-ground runners), or

tillers are prime candidates for

ground cover and site stabilization.

Steep slope stabilization may

require structural stabilization

prior to plant establishment. Initial

weed control is critical until the

cover plants are established well

enough to shade out or crowd out

any unwanted plants.

Lawns

The use of native grasses for a

manicured lawn involves the same

site preparation and establishment

techniques as with a Kentucky

bluegrass lawn. The seeding rates

are increased [500 Pure Live Seeds

(PLS) per square foot] to ensure a

dense, solid stand. Depending on

the amount of water applied to a

site (natural or supplemental) the

plant density will eventually adjust

to that which the site can maintain.

Mulching and early supplemental

water will help ensure a good initial

stand. Rhizomatous species will

continue to fill in the open spaces,

but bunchgrass stands may develop

gaps if the initial establishment is

sparse. Although the emphasis of

this publication is on native species,

there are some introduced grasses

that, because of their drought

tolerance and low maintenance,

can be used for manicured lawns.

Prairie/Meadow

In some suburban areas and particularly in rural settings, a person may

want to restore large areas to

native prairie or meadows, blending

a residence into a natural setting.

To restore a natural plant community there are several establishment options; e.g., 1) seed general

mixtures of grasses and wildflowers,

using most of the species you want

in your end product; 2) seed simple

mixtures and interplant to increase

diversity; or 3) transplant all plants

to spacing and composition desired.

‘Covar’

sheep

fescue.

Creating Native Landscapes in the Northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountains Grasses

7

‘Critana’

thickspike

wheatgrass.

Newly

transplanted

buffalograss

plugs (1-foot

spacing).

Crested

wheatgrass.

Once established, native prairies or

meadows are virtually

maintenance-free and, in most

cases, perpetuate themselves

forever.

thickspike wheatgrass

(Elymus lanceolatus)

blue grama

(Bouteloua gracilis)

Grasses for Ground Cover and Lawns

Seeding Rates for Pure Stands

Lawns1

 Prairie Planting2

 Life Soil Preference lbs.PLS lbs.PLS Drought3 Trampling3 Mowing3

 Species Cultivars Form Sandy Loamy Clayey per 1000 sq ft per acre Tolerance Resistance Tolerance Remarks

COOL-SEASON

Native

western wheatgrass Rosana rhizomatous X X 4 8 Moderate Good Good forms open sod, bluish

(Pascopyrum smithii) Rodan in color

thickspike wheatgrass Critana rhizomatous X X X 3.5 6 Good Fair Fair finer leaved than western

(Elymus lanceolatus) Bannock wheatgrass, good seedling

Schwendimar vigor

streambank wheatgrass Sodar rhizomatous X X X 3.5 6 Good Fair Fair similar to thickspike, good

(Elymus lanceolatus) seedling vigor

green needlegrass Lodorm bunchgrass X X 3 5 Moderate Fair Fair best in a mix with other

(Nassella viridula) cool-season grasses

Introduced

crested wheatgrass Ephraim rhizomatous X X X 3 7 Excellent Good Good good drought resistance

(Agropyron cristatum) Roadcrest

sheep fescue Covar bunchgrass X X 1 2 Good Fair Good fine-leaved, competitive

(Festuca ovina) Bighorn with other plants & weeds

hard fescue Durar bunchgrass X X 1 2 Good Fair Good fine-leaved, short stature

(Festuca trachyphylla)

tall fescue Alta bunchgrass X X 2.5 6 Moderate Good Good coarse leaves, high

(Festuca arundinacea) Fawn tolerance of trampling

Canada bluegrass Reubens rhizomatous X X X 1 1 Moderate Good Good will form sod, but not as

(Poa compressa) Talon tight as Kentucky bluegrass

Foothills

Russian wildrye Bozoisky-Select bunchgrass X X X 3 7 Excellent Good Fair excellent drought resistance

(Psathyrostachys juncea) Mankota

WARM-SEASON (Native)

blue grama Bad River bunchgrass X X X 1 2 Excellent Excellent Good short stature, infrequent

(Bouteloua gracilis) Willis mowing, late green-up

Alma

buffalograss Bismarck stoloniferous X X 9 15 Good Excellent Good short stature, infrequent

(Buchloe dactyloides) Topgun mowing, late green-up,

Plains best results with plugs

sideoats grama Killdeer bunchgrass X X X 3 5 Moderate Fair Poor tallest of grama grasses

(Bouteloua curtipendula) Pierre

1

 Seeding rates for sod are figured at approximately 500 PLS seeds per square foot.; 2 Seeding rates for a prairie grass stand are figured at approximately 25 PLS seeds per square foot; 3

 Rating scale: Excellent - Good - Moderate - Fair - Poor
Grasses

Creating Native Landscapes in the Northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountains Grasses

8

8

Accent/Specimen

Grasses

Accent or specimen grasses are

individual plants or clusters that

are space-planted, usually with

weed barrier and bark, gravel or

decorative rock mulching. These

types of plants are best established

using containerized plant material

transplanted in desired spacing and

patterns. Many of the warm-season

and tall statured grasses are used

because of their fall colors and

attractive seedheads, with

secondary advantages of wildlife

food and cover. Specimen plants

may require some fall/winter or

early spring maintenance to

remove dead plant material and

unwanted plant litter. The

bunchgrass varieties of grasses are

ideal for specimen plantings

because they do not spread,

retaining their individuality in a

space-planted design.

Buying Seed

Much of the grass utilized in native landscaping will be established from seed. The

buyer must be aware of what they are buying, both in terms of quality and what

undesirable material may be in the seed lot. All seed sold in Montana and Wyoming is

required to meet certain standards; i.e., the seed lot can’t have more than 2 percent

weed seed and must be totally free of certain noxious weeds. By buying certified

seed you are guaranteed that it is indeed the species and variety/cultivar as labeled,

has minimum purity and germination levels, and meets specific limits on the amount

of weeds and other crops allowed.

Bluebunch wheatgrass.

Blue grama.

‘Trailhead’ basin

wildrye.

‘Rimrock’ Indian

ricegrass.

What Should A Seed Tag Tell You?

Seed tags vary in layout and design from state to state,

but all have generally the same information.

Common name of

plant species

Cultivar or variety

name

Percentage of

bulk material

that is actually

seed of tagged

species

Percentage by

weight of stems,

dirt, insect parts,

etc.

Percentage of other

grass or agronomic

crops

Percentage of weed seed

Restricted weeds expressed as

number/pound (varies by state).

If prohibited seeds are present,

the seed can’t be sold.

Origin of the

cultivar, not

necessarily

where it was

grown

Number assigned to the

production field by the state

certification agency Germination

determined by

a standard lab

analysis

Seed that didn’t

germinate but

was determined

to be alive with

Tetrazolium (TZ)

test

Pure Live Seed—PLS

is determined by

multiplying total

germination by purity

and dividing by 100

Total viability

Date of the

most current

germination test

meaning that 86.64

percent of this bulk

material is actually

viable seed of the

tagged species.

( 97.35 x 89 = 86.64 ) 100

Grasses for Landscape Accents

Mature Fall Soil Preference

Species Cultivars Life-form Height Color Sandy Loamy Clayey Remarks

COOL-SEASON (Native)

Indian ricegrass Rimrock bunchgrass 1-2’ pale yellow X X attractive spreading seed head,

Achnatherum hymenoides Nezpar seeds utilized by birds &

Paloma mammals

basin wildrye Trailhead bunchgrass 5-8’ yellow/tan X X tall stature, good background

Leymus cinereus Magnar plant

bluebunch wheatgrass Goldar bunchgrass 1-2’ pale yellow X X X state grass of Montana,

Pseudoroegneria spicata attractive plant at maturity

prairie junegrass No releases bunchgrass 6-18”pale yellow X X X small stature, delicate

Koeleria macrantha blue-green leaves with

compact seed head

WARM-SEASON (Native)

big bluestem Bison bunchgrass 5-7’ reddish/purple X X X tall stature, turkey-foot shaped

Andropogon gerardii Bonilla seed head, good border or

Sunnyview background plant

little bluestem Badlands selection bunchgrass 2-3’ reddish X X X shorter robust bunches with

Schizachyrium scoparium Camper attractive red fall colors

Blaze

switchgrass Dacotah bunchgrass 3-5’ golden yellow X X seed head is an open panicle,

Panicum virgatum Forestburg seeds readily used by birds

and small mammals

Indiangrass Tomahawk bunchgrass 4-6’ yellow/bronze X X X tall stature, good border or

Sorghastrum nutans background plant

sideoats grama Killdeer bunchgrass 1-2’ yellow X X X unique seed head with oat-like

Bouteloua curtipendula Pierre spikelets along one side of spike

blue grama Bad River selection bunchgrass 6-12" pale yellow X X X eyebrow-shaped seed head,

Bouteloua gracilis Willis excellent drought tolerance,

Alma good for rock garden

prairie sandreed Goshen rhizomatous 5-7’ pale yellow X X prefers sandy soil, good for

Calamovilfa longifolia Pronghorn sandy soil stabilization
Perennial wildflowers live for more than 2 years.They offer something

for everyone and are relatively easy to maintain.

Creeping phlox.

area. Larger material will be

readily noticeable but cost more

to install.

• Planting. Prepare the soil well

ahead of planting. Avoid planting

during the hot, dry months of

summer. Follow spacing

recommendations. Keep potted

plants watered prior to and after

transplanting. Sow seed into a

firm, moist seedbed, mulch

lightly, and apply frequent, light

sprinkler irrigation. Monitor and

inspect for insect pests and

control weeds as they appear.

• Maintenance. To extend the

flowering period and promote rebloom, “deadhead” the flower

after it dies: use sharp pruning

shears to cut and remove the

dead blossom. When plants reach

maturity, divide the crown into

smaller portions and transplant

into another area, recycle to a

like-minded gardener, or add to

the compost pile. In late fall or

early spring cut back all dead

plant parts. By removing debris,

pest and disease problems are

reduced and interference with

new growth is minimized.

Wildflowers

9

Blanket flower.

Borders

Border plants are used along the

edge of a structure, hard surface,

or lawn area. They function as

hedges, screens, traffic guides,

and foundation plantings. Open

and semi-open space can be

defined with the use of borders.

Avoid creating visual chaos by

limiting the number of plant types.

• Seeding. Wildflower seeds are

often very small, fluffy, or

irregular-shaped, making it

difficult to control the total

amount dispersed. For example,

aster and yarrow are better

interplanted as small plugs, that

way there is less chance of

overseeding and crowding out

other species in the garden.

• Potted Plants. Containerized

material should be healthy—leaf

and stem colors appear normal

with little or no yellowing or

discoloration. Smaller containers

are less expensive but greater

numbers are required to fill an

photo courtesy of Linda Iverson

Specimens are separate, individual

plants that attract attention to

their ornamental beauty. They are

generally selected for large size

and stature, or for unusual shape,

color or texture. Specimens

function as solitary elements for

viewing from all sides or as a

dominant piece in a mass planting.

They should be used sparingly to

avoid attracting attention to many

different points.

Mass Plantings

Massing similar plants in a group Spreading and low-growing plants

Specimens

Landscape Uses

Wildflower use in the landscape is

unlimited, as plants are available

Senecio.

Ground Covers

Poisonous Plants

It’s wise to inquire about a

plant’s potential toxicity before

placing it in a landscape. The

foliage of some plants is known

to be poisonous to people, pets,

and domestic livestock. A few of

the more common ones include

bleeding heart, buttercup,

clematis, foxglove, goldenrod,

horsechestnut, larkspur,

locoweed, lupine, milkweed,

Creating Native Landscapes in the Northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountains Wildflowers

9

monkshood, oak, poppy, and

water hemlock. Visit your local

bookstore or library, or the

website provided in the

reference section.

in many sizes, shapes and colors.

The development of a landscape

plan is recommended and

landscape design professionals

can be consulted for assistance.

Locate and group plants together

that have similar water and light

requirements.

mimics nature and creates a sense

of unity in the design. Natural

environments have clusters of

vegetation that slowly shift in

composition with altering

conditions. Mass plantings act as an

orderly connection among other

planting groups.

work well to cover areas that are

impractical to maintain as a lawn.

They are used on slopes, along

pathways, under shade or tree

canopies, and between plants in

flower beds. Consider converting

lawn space to a ground cover for

reduced water consumption.

Wildflowers for Native Landscapes

Common Name Scientific Name* Soil1 WHZ2 Precip. Longevity3 Color4 Light5 Ht. Bloom Season6 Feature7

inches feet

common yarrow Achillea millefolium C, M, F 2b-5a 9 LP W PSh-FS 1-2 S-Su Dr, M

western pearlyeverlasting Anaphalis margaritacea C, M 3a-4b 10 SP W PSh-FS 1-2 Su M

littleleaf pussytoes Antennaria microphylla C, M, F 2b-4b 12 SP W FS 1 LS-Su M

smooth aster Aster laevis C, M, F 3a-4b 12 MP B PSh-FS 2-3 Su Bt, Dr

white prairieclover Dalea candida C, M 3a-4b 12 LP W FS 1-3 Su Bt

purple prairieclover Dalea purpurea C, M 3a-4b 14 LP Pu PSh-FS 1-2 Su Bt

blacksampson echinacea Echinacea angustifolia M, F 3a-4a 12 LP P FS 2-3 Su Bt, M, Dr

sulphur-flower buckwheat Eriogonum umbellatum C, M 3a-4b 10 LP W-Y FS 1 Su Bt, M

blanket flower Gaillardia aristata C, M, F 3a-4b 10 LP Y FS 3 Su Bt, Dr, M

sticky geranium Geranium viscosissimum C, M 3a-4b 14 LP P PSh-FS 2-3 LS-LSu M

boreale sweetvetch Hedysarum boreale C, M, F 3a-4b 12 LP P FS 1-2 Su

Maximilian sunflower Helianthus maximiliani C, M, F 3b-5a 14 SP Y FS 4-6 LSu-EF Bt, Dr

showy goldeneye Heliomeris multiflora C, M 3b-4b 14 SP Y FS 3 MSu-EF Bt, Dr

dotted gayfeather Liatris punctata C, M 3b-4b 10 LP P FS 1-2 LSu-EF Bt, Dr, M

Lewis flax Linum lewisii C, M 3a-4b 10 SP B PSh-FS 1-2 LS-Su M

lupine Lupinus C, M, F 2b-5a 14 LP All Sh-FS 1-2 S-Su

wildbergamot beebalm Monarda fistulosa C, M, F 3a-4b 12 MP Pu PSh-FS 2-4 Su B, Bt, Dr, M

plains pricklypear Opuntia polyacantha C, M, F 3b-4b 8 LP Y FS _ LS-ESu D, Mr

beardtongue Penstemon C, M 3a-5a 10 A-SP All Sh-FS 1-4 LS-EF B, Bt

silverleaf phacelia Phacelia hastata C, M, F 3b-4b 10 LP W FS 1-2 LS-Su

spiny phlox Phlox hoodii C, M 3b-4b 10 LP W FS _ LS-Su Dr

woolly cinquefoil Potentilla hippiana C, M 3b-4b 14 SP Y FS 1-2 ESu

prairie coneflower Ratibida columnifera C, M, F 3a-4b 10 SP Y FS 1-3 Su Bt, Dr, M

scarlet globemallow Sphaeralcea coccinea M, C 3a-5a 8 P O FS 1 Su Dr, M

prairie thermopsis Thermopsis rhombilfolia M, F 3b-4b 8 LP Y FS 1-2 LS-Su Dr

American vetch Vicea americana C, M, F 3b-5a 10 LP B FS 1 LS-Su

soapweed yucca Yucca glauca C 4a-4b 8 LP W FS 1-2 LS-Su M

* Taxonomy from USDA NRCS PLANTS Database; 1 C Coarse (sands to gravels), M Medium (intermediate combinations), F Fine (silts to clays); 2 USDA Winter Hardiness Zone; 3 A Annual, SP

Short-lived Perennial, MP Moderate-lived Perennial, LP Long-lived Perennial; 4 W White, Y Yellow, R Red, B Blue, P Pink, Pu Purple, O Orange; 5 Sh Shade, PSh Partial Shade, FS Full Sun; 6 S Spring, Su Summer, F Fall, E Early, M Mid, L Late; 7 B Birds, Bt Butterflies, Dr Deer-resistance, M Medicinal.
Trees and Shrubs

10

Trees and Shrubs for Native Landscapes

USDA Winter Saline Overall 20-Year Mature

Common Scientific Rate of Minimum Hardiness Soil Landscape Height Width

Name Name Growth1 Precip. (in.)2 Zone Tolerance3 Sun4 Aesthetic5 (feet) (feet)

Trees

bur oak Quercus macrocarpa s-m 12 2 mt f m-h 18 to 25 20 to 35

green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica m 10 3 mt p-f m 20 to 30 30 to 40

honeylocust Gleditsia triacanthos m 12 3 mt f m 15 to 20 30 to 40

ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa m 12 3 mt f m 16 to 20 25 to 30

Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii s-m 14 3 nt-mt p-f m 12 to 18 20 to 30

limber pine Pinus flexilis s-m 10 3 nt-mt f m-h 12 to 20 15 to 30

Colorado spruce Picea pungens m 12 2 nt-mt p-f m 16 to 20 15 to 25

common hackberry Celtis occidentalis m 12 3 mt p-f l-m 15 to 20 10 to 20

western mountain ash Sorbus sitchensis m 15 3 nt p-f m-h 10 to 15 10 to 12

paper birch Betula papyrifera m-r H 2 nt f m 25 to 35 20 to 30

quaking aspen Populus tremuloides r H 1 nt-mt f m 15 to 20 15 to 20

black cottonwood P. balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa r H 2 nt-mt f m 40 to 50 35 to 40

narrowleaf cottonwood Populus angustifolia r H 2 nt-mt f m 30 to 40 25 to 35

plains cottonwood P. deltoides spp. monilifera r H 2 nt-mt f m 40 to 50 35 to 40

Shrubs

Rocky Mountain juniper Juniperus scopulorum s-m 10 3 mt f m 10 to 12 12 to 20

common juniper Juniperus communis s-m 12 2 mt f l-m 3 to 5 4 to 8

silverberry Elaeagnus commutata m 12 2 mt-t p-f l-m 4 to 8 3 to 6

American plum Prunus americana m 14 3 mt p-f m 8 to 10 8 to 10

common snowberry Symphoricarpos albus m 14 3 nt-mt p-f l-m 1 to 3 1 to 3

Creating Native Landscapes in the Northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountains Trees and Shrubs

10

After purchase, the care and handling of plant material from the time

it is delivered until the time it is installed is the responsibility of the

customer.

Bareroot plants are shipped dormant and should be planted as soon as

possible, usually within 72 hours of receipt. Optimum storage is 34° to

37° F in refrigerated cooling at a relative humidity of 80 to 90 percent.

For short storage intervals (less than 3 days), bareroot plants can be

kept in cool, shaded locations outdoors. Keep the roots covered with

sterile, moistened media. The media should be just moist enough that

only a few drops of water can be squeezed from a single handful of

material. Keep seedlings out of direct sun, protected from wind desiccation and heat build-up, and keep the roots moist. Never allow the

roots to dry out, even briefly, prior to planting. Keep bareroot plants in

cold storage until they are needed for outplanting. Bareroot plants

should show no signs of active growth, even bud swell, prior to

planting.

Container plants offer more flexibility in planting, handling, and

storage than bareroot stock. Potted plants have a limited reservoir of

water and may require daily watering during active growth. Container

stock can be planted as either dormant or active-growing plants. Store

potted plants in a wind-protected area under

filtered light. Water until drainage occurs from

the bottom of the pot.

Balled and Burlapped (B&B) material

often requires special handling given the

size and weight of the plant, roots, and

soil. Do not move B&B plants by the

trunk alone. Support the trunk and

rootball simultaneously to assure

the roots are not broken at the trunk

surface. Never drop a B&B plant abruptly

on the ground, even from a slight elevation.

Gently slide or roll large B&B plants into the

planting hole. Never attempt to move an

excessively wet rootball. Store B&B material

as you would container plants. Media such as a

sand:peat mix may be needed to cover the rootball

during long-term storage. Special provisions may be

needed to secure the plants during storage in high

wind locations.

Intermediate Care, Storage, and Handling of Trees And Shrubs

mallow ninebark Physocarpus malvaceus m 15 3 nt p-f l-m 2 to 3 3 to 4

Lewis’ mockorange Philadelphus lewisii s-m 15 3 nt p-f m 3 to 6 3 to 6

golden currant Ribes aureum m 12 2 mt p-f m 3 to 5 3 to 6

silver buffaloberry Shepherdia argentea m 10 2 t f l-m 6 to 12 8 to 14

Canada buffaloberry Shepherdia canadensis s 14 3 nt p-f m 3 to 5 6 to 8

chokecherry Prunus virginiana m 12 2 mt p-f m 10 to 12 10 to 20

western sandcherry Prunus pumila var. besseyi m 12 3 mt f m 3 to 5 3 to 5

skunkbush sumac Rhus trilobata s-m 10 3 mt p-f l-m 3 to 6 4 to 8

Woods’ rose Rosa woodsii m 12 2 nt-mt p-f m 4 to 5 4 to 6

staghorn sumac Rhus typhina m 10 3 nt-mt p-f m 8 to 10 8 to 15

shrubby cinquefoil Pentaphylloides floribunda m 14 2 mt p-f m 1 to 3 1 to 3

serviceberry Amelanchier alnifolia m 12 4 nt-mt p-f m 6 to 8 10 to 15

fourwing saltbush Atriplex X aptera s-m 10 2 mt-t f l 1 to 3 2 to 5

winterfat Krascheninnikovia lanata m 10 3 mt f l 1 to 3 1 to 3

curlleaf mt. mahogany Cercocarpus ledifolius s 10 3 mt p-f m 4 to 8 2 to 6

big sagebrush Artemisia tridentata s-m 8 3 mt f l-m 3 to 6 4 to 8

redosier dogwood Cornus sericea m-r H 2 nt p-f m 6 to 8 10 to 15

 Groundcovers

bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi s 14 2 nt-mt s-p-f m-h 0.25 to 0.5 2 to 3

Oregon grape Mahonia repens s 14 3 nt-mt p-f m 0.5 to 1 4 to 6

horizontal juniper Juniperus horizontalis s 12 3 mt f m 0.5 to 1.5 5 to 8

Vine

Virginia creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia m 14 3 nt-mt p-f m-h 0.5 to 0.75 25+

1

s-slow, m-moderate, r-rapid; 2H-hydric (needs moisture advantage); 3t-tolerant, mt-moderately tolerant, nt-not tolerant; 4f-full sun, p-partial, s-shade; 5l-low, m-medium, h-high
Containers and Balled and Burlapped

Always

call

your

local

utility company

before digging.

Trees and Shrubs

Anatomy of a Properly Planted Tree

11

TIP: The removal of

burlap is unnecessary

although it should be

untied from the trunk

of the tree and rolled

back into the planting

hole and covered with

soil to prevent

wicking. Synthetic

TIP: Always remove

the plant from the pot

prior to planting.

Bareroot

Adapted from Windbreaks for Montana A Landowner’s

Guide, Cooperative Extension Service, Montana State

University Bulletin 366, July 1986.

TIP: Do not leave roots

exposed to the air for even

brief periods. Keep bareroot

plants covered with moist

burlap during the planting

Step 12: 1-3 inches of high

quality organic mulch. Avoid

mulching against trunk.

Step 11: Woven, waterpermeable landscape fabric.

Step 10: Protect trunk from guy

wires with hose. Attach supports

1/2 to 2/3 up the tree.

Step 9: For tall stock, 2-4 stakes

to prevent wind damage; bury

stakes 1/3 to 1/2 their length.

Step 8: Use protective devices to

protect trunks from mechanical

damage from mowers and trimmers.

Step 1: Dig hole 1.5

times wider than the

rootball and slightly

deeper. Backfill the

bottom of the hole with

friable, native soil for

proper planting depth.

Step 7: Small berm

to retain water in

rootball zone.

Step 6: Backfill

hole with native,

friable soil and

then saturate to

remove air

pockets.

Step 5: Remove

container or roll back

laces and burlap and

bury in hole. Step 4: Make sure

trunk is vertical.

Step 3: Final

planting depth

should place top of

rootball level with

existing soil grade.

Step 2: If present,

break through

impervious soil

layers to allow

root penetration.

Creating Native Landscapes in the Northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountains Trees and Shrubs

11

process. Make sure roots

are fully extended and

vertical in planting hole.

Follow the B&B steps as

appropriate.

wraps must be totally

removed to prevent

girdling.
Water Conservation

12

Supplemental Water

Requirements

Seedings: A moist soil profile,

prior to planting, will increase

seeding success. Watering

should be done in frequent,

light applications during the

first 4-6 weeks to ensure good

seed germination, emergence,

and root development. The

use of an organic mulch can

reduce the potential

fluctuations in surface soil

moisture and soil temperature

during this critical

establishment period.

Transplants: Young transplants require frequent and

regular watering until root

development can provide the

proper shoot:root ratio. Some

woody species (oak in particular) spend several years

developing an extensive root

Water is wasted as runoff when

applied too heavily or too rapidly.

Excessive slope and poor location

for turf area contribute to this

situation.

photo: Art Today

In the development and maintenance of a native landscape,

water conservation is the driving force behind efficient and

aesthetic designs. Plants should be grouped in separate wateruse zones according to their water needs and function within a

landscape. Monitoring soil moisture to determine when to

irrigate is better than using a pre-set schedule. The soil waterholding capacity will vary with soil type, amount of organic

matter and climatic conditions.

Water Conservation Strategies

Zoning

Plants should be established in zones to maximize water use efficiency.

These zones will also dictate the best irrigation system to be used, e.g.,

underground sprinkler (high watering zones), drip/trickle (moderate

watering zones), or conventional hose (low watering zones).

High Watering Zones Moderate Watering Zones Low Watering Zones

20 gals. added per sq. ft. 10 gals. added per sq. ft. 2-3 gals. added per sq. ft.

per growing season per growing season per growing season

1/2" 3 times/wk 3/4" once/wk 1/2" bi-monthly

Approx 30" added/season Approx. 16" added/season Approx. 5" added/season

Shading/Shielding

Plants that require more moisture

or prefer shade can be located

beneath or on the shady side of

larger plants, fences, or buildings.

Afternoon sunlight is more intense,

so plants to be shaded should be

put on the easterly side of large

plants or structures.

Mulching/Landscape Fabric

Mulches are used to minimize

evaporation, and to reduce weed

growth and erosion. Apply mulch

directly to the soil surface or over

a landscape fabric. Don’t use black

How Much/How Often

The amount of supplemental water

applied and the duration of each

application depends on several

factors:

• amount & type of plant cover

• amount of organic matter

• type of soil (infiltration rate)

• water application method

• soil compaction (bulk density)

• time of day

• weather (evapo-transpiration)

• slope (runoff potential)

Infiltration Rates and Soil

Water by Soil Texture

Low pressure sprinkler systems

conserve water by delivering small

amounts exactly where needed.

Other Considerations

• South and west exposures

require more frequent watering

than north or east exposures.

• Sloping landscapes require water

to be applied more slowly than

flat surfaces to allow adequate

infiltration and prevent runoff.

• With severe slopes, establish

berms or terraces to hold water

and stabilize the slope.

• Avoid using sprinklers that throw

a fine mist high in the air.

• Avoid watering during hot,

windy, or rainy weather.

Creating Native Landscapes in the Northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountains Water Conservation

12

Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens Complete Guide

to Gardening copyright ©1979 by Meredith Corporation.

Caution: Rock mulch can

serve as a heat sink and also

reflect heat to surrounding

plants and buildings.

Soaker hoses deliver water slowly

and with very little loss to

evaporation.

Soil Infiltration Rate Available

Texture (inches per hour) Water per

foot of soil

 Vegetated Bare

Sandy 2.5 1.2 0.50

Silty 2.0 1.0 1.00

Loamy 1.0 0.5 1.25

Clayey 0.2 0.1 2.00

The frequency of irrigation is

dependent primarily on the

moisture requirements of the

plants and the water-holding

capacity of the soil. Plants should

be carefully monitored for signs of

moisture stress, i.e., loss of leaf

turgidity (drooping), curling of leaf

edges, and leaf discoloration.

Root Lengths Vary

trees perennials

annuals

grass

shrubs

Root depth is proportional to top growth. There are exceptions: grass

roots are deep; bulb roots are short compared to their top growth.

Mulches such as

rock or bark can

be placed on top

of the landscape

fabric to attain

a particular

aesthetic appearance.

photo: Art Today

plastic unless it’s been perforated;

it prevents air and water from

reaching plant roots and it reduces

beneficial soil organisms.

Organic mulches such as wood

chips or grass clippings decompose

and improve soil texture, but must

be replenished periodically. Apply

in a layer 1-3 inches deep between

plants.

Inorganic mulches such as rocks or

gravel rarely need replacement

and are good in windy areas. Apply

in a layer 2-4 inches deep between

plants.

Newly seeded areas can be

mulched with weed-free hay, straw

or composted grass clippings. This

will help retain soil moisture,

increase site stability (reduce soil

and water erosion), and provide

more uniform heat at the time of

seed germination. Apply mulch in a

layer no more than 1/2 inch deep

over the seeded area.

system before a corresponding

increase in above-ground

development is realized.

Established Plantings: There

are two times during the year

it is critical that the rooting

zone of a plant be at or near

field capacity—fall and early

spring. Fall moisture is essential for the health and vigor of

the plant as it prepares itself

for the winter months. Trees,

in particular, should be deep

watered in the fall to prepare

for possible warm periods

during the winter months. As

temperatures warm up in the

spring there is an urgent need

for water to support rapid

early growth.

Drip Emitters

The most efficient use of water is

the slow, deliberate metering of

water directly to individual plants.

Drip systems can be installed under

ground or laid across the soil

surface. Most drip systems work

with low pressure and often

require a filtration system to

prevent the clogging of emitters.

Drip systems must be monitored to

avoid oversaturation below the soil

surface.
Maintenance

photo courtesy of Tracy McReath

13

Adapted from READER’S DIGEST PRACTICAL GUIDE TO HOME

LANDSCAPING copyright ©1977 by The Reader’s Digest

Association, Inc., Pleasantville, N.Y. www.rd.com. Original

illustration by John Ballantine.

Mowing

When mowing, it is recommended

that a 3-inch stubble height be

left. With taller-statured grasses

an even higher stubble height

should remain. Various grass

species respond differently to

mowing. Rhizomatous species are

stimulated by frequent cropping

while bunchgrasses are often

stressed or even eliminated by

frequent cutting.

The mowing frequency and intensity will vary according to the

species and intended use of a

particular stand of grass:

Aphids.

Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium

 • Manicured Lawn. Maintained

at uniform height. Most sodforming species are naturally

short-statured.

 • Biomass Removal. The purpose of mowing is to reduce

the amount of dormant or

dead stems and leaves for such

purposes as fire prevention,

reduction of potential snow

drifting or just removal of

mature plant material at the

end of a growing season.

Pruning/Trimming

Pruning is usually done on woody

plants, but can also refer to the

removal of seedheads and other

mature plant parts from

herbaceous plants.

Herbaceous Plants

Maturing seedheads can be pruned

to stimulate secondary flowering or

prolong vegetative growth later in

the growing season. Mature

specimen plants can be left to add

winter color or aid in trapping

snow. Otherwise, herbaceous

material should be trimmed and

removed in late fall or early

winter. Herbaceous specimen

plants left standing over winter

should be trimmed in early spring

to remove dead plant material and

unwanted plant litter.

Woody Plants

At an early age woody plants

should be pruned to conform

with the intended use and

landscape design. Trim to

Fertilizer

Most of the arid and semiarid

native plants do not need supplemental fertilization if established

on natural soil conditions. If subsoil

is exposed or the soil is very sandy,

some fertilization may be

warranted. Excess fertilization will

increase biomass production, thus

increasing soil moisture

requirements for the plants.

Pest Control

Adopt an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to controlling

weeds, insects, and disease. This

approach incorporates monitoring

to determine the level of

infestation with a combination of

control measures, i.e., cultural

practices, pesticides, biological

control, choosing plants with pest

and disease resistance, maintaining

good plant health (vigor),

practicing good sanitation, and

properly timed control methods.

Cultural practices include tillage,

hand-pulling of weeds or handplucking of insects, and mowing.

Insects

Native vegetation will probably attract more desirable insects than

pests. Butterflies and

other pollinators will

be attracted by

flowering forbs and

shrubs. Conscientious

use of pesticides, use

of less toxic

compounds

Creating Native Landscapes in the Northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountains Maintenance

13

Using Chemicals

Noxious weeds such

as this leafy spurge

can take over an

entire landscape if

allowed to spread

unchecked.

Avoid leaving a stub. Remove

the entire limb, cutting as

close as possible to the branch

collar of the trunk or branch

from which it is removed. Do

not cut flush.

Follow the label for proper

pesticide application rates

and target species.

For insect and disease

damage it is important to

properly identify the insect or

pathogen before attempting

any control measures.

Caution: Overuse of fertilizers

may result in the contamination of

surface and ground water, and the

unwise use of natural resources.

Utilize a soil analysis to identify soil

nutrient deficiencies and fertilize

accordingly.

Use sharp, high-quality pruners.

Note: Sterilize pruners after

cutting a diseased branch.

Seedlings

Unless you are planting into a very

raw, mineral soil, fertilizers

(particularly nitrogen) should not

be applied the seedling year—as

you would only be feeding the

weeds rather than the seeded

plant material. However, the

incorporation of supplemental

phosphorus when preparing the

seedbed helps promote root

development.

Established Plant Material

Grasses. Apply in the fall (early to

mid-September) to promote winter

survival and early spring growth.

Wildflowers. Very low rates, if any

at all. High fertility levels will

stimulate spindly and weak stem

growth.

Trees and Shrubs. Apply macronutrients (N-P-K) early in the

growing season. Late summer

application could delay proper

“hardening off.” Micro-nutrients

are available in foliar spray. Since

the safe limits for application of

trace elements is narrow, they are

best applied with caution. High and

low soil pH can limit essential

micro-nutrient availability to

plants.

Diseases

Sanitation is the key to disease

control and prevention. With

careful monitoring and early

detection, most diseases can be

avoided. As with insects, native

plants have evolved a natural

immunity to many diseases. With

selective pruning, excess litter

removal, and in some cases, by

using fire, diseases in a natural

landscape will be minimal. Also

avoid late afternoon or evening

watering of foliage.

Animals

Native landscaping, especially in

rural and suburban areas, will attract potentially damaging animals

(deer, rabbits, rodents, beavers).

Until plants are large enough to

withstand browsing, some form of

plant protection may be necessary

(see Plant Protection section). The

planting of less palatable shrubs

and trees is a feasible alternative.

Weeds

Perennial weeds should be dealt

with prior to implementation of a

landscape plan. Annual weeds can

be reduced by not allowing them

to go to seed. The first two establishment years require the most

maintenance, but once your landscape plants are established

maintenance becomes

easier and more routine.

Caution should be used

when using any herbicides

within the rooting zone of

woody plants.

single stem or leave as multistem plant.

Prune lower branches to

provide lower stem sanitation

or alleviate shading of

adjacent ground cover plants.

Prune disease or insectaffected plant parts to

minimize spread.

Remove rubbing, deformed,

and dead branches.

Prune interior limbs to reduce

wind resistance.

Conifers should be pruned in

spring or early summer.

Deciduous trees and shrubs

should be dormant-pruned in

late fall or winter.

 • Weed Control. Mowing,

especially during the

establishment year, can help

 with weed control by

 not allowing annual

 weeds to set seed.

Fire can be used as a substitute

for mowing to reduce biomass

when the grasses are dormant,

i.e. late fall or early spring.

Mature warm season grasses, in

particular, benefit from the

removal of biomass, which

stimulates the next year’s growth.

Extreme caution must be taken to

avoid property damage and

annoyance to neighbors. Burning

permits may be required—

inquire locally.

(insecticidal soap, dormant oil

spray, diatomaceous earth), and

strategic placement of insect

deterring plants should solve most

insect pest problems. Monitor insect

populations closely so that control

measures can be implemented in

the early stages of infestation.
Protecting Plants from

Desiccation

Desiccation occurs when the rate

of water loss (transpiration) from

the plant exceeds its ability to

extract moisture from the soil.

Numerous factors contribute to

desiccation including temperature,

wind speed, sun exposure, soil

texture, available soil moisture,

and stage of plant growth. Protecting Plants from

People

People, through neglect, carelessness, or even misguided effort,

often injure landscape plants.

Protection from people comes in

many forms including proper

Protection is the preventative maintenance aspect of plant care.

Although we often think of protection in terms of avoiding damage from

animals or people, protection includes any proactive steps to minimize

plant stress and maintain health. An important first step in this process is

to select well-adapted species and then maintain them in a vigorous

condition.

Plant Protection

14

Sacrificial Crops. Highly palatable,

low cost crops can sometimes be

used to lure wildlife away from

landscape plants. Caution should

be used when designing such

systems to avoid attracting

additional animals into the area.

This is probably best suited to farm

or ranch situations.

• Water in anticipation of high

plant demands.

• Saturate the soil in the fall and

early winter in order to reduce

winter desiccation.

• Use anti-desiccant spray when

planting seedlings, transplanting

Beaver damage to a cottonwood Livestock damage.

tree.

Protecting Plants from

Animals

Ornamental landscapes attract and

provide habitat for numerous

animals including deer, rabbits,

gophers, mice, and other wildlife.

Although some designs

intentionally incorporate features

to attract wildlife, damage to

landscape plants can be serious

and may warrant the need for

protection. The type and cost of

protection varies with the value of

the plants and the potential for

damage.

Repellents. Repellents are

products that, when applied to the

plant or soil, discourage animals

Common People Protective

Problems Measures

Mower and • install plastic wrap around base of trunk

weed trimmer • install weed barrier and mulch around base of tree

injury to trees • install ornamental fence

and shrubs • plant flowers or ground cover around base of tree

Heavy traffic • install physical barrier, even plants, to reduce traffic

• construct a sidewalk or path

• construct a fence or wall

• install warning signs (commercial)

Misapplied • apply pesticides only when absolutely necessary

chemicals • always follow label instructions

and fertilizers • base fertilizer applications on soil test results

(if some is good, more is not necessarily better)

• consult with a professional

Improper mowing • mowing too low is often a problem;

raise mowing height to 3 inches

• keep blades sharp to prevent tearing

Improper pruning • become educated on proper pruning techniques

• use sharp, high-quality pruners

• if unsure, hire a professional

Creating Native Landscapes in the Northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountains Plant Protection

14

A sunshade protects a ponderosa

pine seedling.

A wire cylinder excludes browsing

animals.

Sidewalks help protect plants in heavy traffic areas.

Always consider public

safety, especially that of

children, when developing

a protection plan.

Strategies for Protection from People

nursery stock, or in the fall to

protect exposed plants. Install

landscape fabric and mulch to

conserve soil moisture.

• Use shingles or screens on the

south and west sides of newly

planted seedlings to reduce

wind desiccation and sun

exposure.

• If possible, do not locate plants

in exceptionally windy areas

unless temporary protection is

provided.

from feeding on or otherwise

damaging the plant. They are:

• Usually low-cost products

• Well suited for use in gardens,

orchards, nurseries, and

ornamental landscapes

• Generally only effective for a

short period of time and require

multiple applications in order to

continue providing protection

• Increasingly ineffective as

browse and forage become

limited

Exclusion. In general, exclusion

systems provide more absolute

protection than other techniques.

These barriers may be physical

and/or electrical in mode of

action. Physical barriers include

wire cylinders and cages,

ventilated plastic tubing, netting,

wraps, fences, screens, and

hardware cloth.

Culture. Cultural practices such as

weed control, brush management,

pruning, and mowing can be used

to reduce cover in the vicinity of

the target plant. Remove tall,

dense herbaceous vegetation from

around trees and shrubs to

discourage rodents.

Plant Selection. Browsing damage

can sometimes be reduced by

selecting plants that are not

preferred by wildlife and livestock.

Keep in mind that starving animals

will utilize nearly all edible

vegetation.

Using Domestic Animals for Plant

Protection. Secured dogs and

other domestic animals are

sometimes effective in scaring

away unwanted wildlife. New

designs that incorporate wireless

fences have proven effective in the

nursery industry.

Animal Removal. In some cases, it

may be necessary to relocate

damaging animals. Contact your

county animal control department.

landscape design, appropriate

species selection, proper planting

location, installation of physical

barriers, the use of warning signs,

and proper education.
“To Do” List...

15

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

1

2

Controlling weeds with

landscape fabric.

Spring....

Prune evergreen shrubs.

Mow lawn to a height of 3 inches leaving clippings on the lawn.

Check lawn to determine if it needs aeration.

Compost garden prunings to reduce trash volume and recycle nutrients back

into the garden.

Plant trees, shrubs, and most plants now.

Pressurize and check all zones of automatic sprinkler system to make sure

there are no leaks. Set the system for shorter and/or less frequent cycles

during the cool spring months.

Summer....

Water plants in early morning, according to plant needs, to maintain

healthy root and top growth and to reduce water loss by evaporation.

Control aphids and mites with insecticidal soaps to spare beneficial insects

and provide long-term pest control.

Prune spring-flowering shrubs just after blooms are finished. Leave the

Planting.

Creating Native Landscapes in the Northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountains “To Do” List

15

Relax and enjoy your landscape!

4

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

7

Composting.

Pruning.

branch collar instead of making flush cuts.

Keep ahead of the weeds by mowing and hand-pulling. Use herbicides

sparingly and apply according to label recommendations.

Fall....

Compost equal parts of dry leaves and green plant materials for next year's

soil amendment.

Prepare the soil for next year's landscape plantings and vegetable garden.

Water landscape plants for good establishment and winter survival.

Drain and blow out irrigation system.

Apply repellents and barriers to reduce animal damage.

Install snow fence on the windward side of landscape plantings to trap

additional moisture and protect sensitive plants from winter desiccation.

Fertilize lawn.

Winter....

Prune deciduous trees and late summer-blooming deciduous shrubs.

Soak root zone on a monthly basis if there has been no winter precipitation

and if soil is not frozen. Especially watch the evergreens.

Watch south-facing slopes and windy areas for winter drying and water

as needed.
Additiona

obtained Natural RService Obook undDepartmService C

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in its programs and activities on the basis of race, corigin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited baseprograms.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large prinetc.) should contact the USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th and IndepeSW, Washington, DC, 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

MT11/01

Photo this page:Alpine wildflowers at Logan Pass,Glacier National Park, Montana.

For addipublicatireproducMontana  Distric501 NortHelena, (406) 44mail@maorUSDA Na Servic10 E. BaBozeman(406) 58

About thisPublicationAuthors:USDA Natural ResourcesConservation Service Bridger PlantMaterials Center Staff: MarkMajerus, Plant Materials CenterManager; Connie Reynolds,Resource Conservationist; JoeScianna, Horticulturist; and SusanWinslow, Agronomist.USDA Natural ResourcesConservation Service Staff: LarryHolzworth, Plant MaterialsSpecialist; Elizabeth Woodson,Resource Conservationist.Project Coordinator:Elizabeth Woodson, ResourceConservationist, USDA NaturalResources Conservation ServiceDeveloped in Cooperation with:Montana Association ofConservation DistrictsLower Musselshell ConservationDistrictUSDA Natural ResourcesConservation ServiceWith Special Assistance from:Marieanne Hanser, MontanaAssociation of ConservationDistricts Education CommitteeCooperative Funding Provided by:Lower Musselshell ConservationDistrictMontana Association ofConservation DistrictsMontana Department of NaturalResources and Conservation,Conservation and ResourceDevelopment DivisionUSDA Natural ResourcesConservation Service

References:A Consumer’s Guide to WaterConservation©. 1993. AmericanWater Works Association.At Home With Xeriscape. XeriscapeColorado, Denver Water, Denver, CO.Backyard Conservation. 1998. USDA

Natural Resources ConservationService, National Association ofConservation Districts, WildlifeHabitat Council.Hill, C. and J. Knight, MinimizingDeer Damage to ResidentialPlantings, Montguide – MT9814.Knopf, J. 1991. The XeriscapeFlower Gardener. Johnson Books,Boulder, CO.Knopf, J. 1999. WaterwiseLandscaping with Trees, Shrubs andVines. Charisma Books, Boulder, CO.Knowles, Hugh. 1995 edition. WoodyOrnamentals for the Prairies.University of Alberta, Faculty ofExtension, Edmonton, Alberta.Ortho’s Complete Guide toSuccessful Gardening. 1983.Chevron Chemical Co., SanFrancisco, CA.Phillips, H.W. 1999. Central RockyMountain Wildflowers. FalconPublishing Inc., Helena, MT.Tilford, Gregory L. 1997. Edibleand Medicinal Plants of the West.Mountain Press Publishing Co.,Missoula, MT.Tips on Land & Water Managementfor Small Farms and Ranches inMontana. Montana Department ofNatural Resources and Conservation,Conservation and ResourceDevelopment Division. Helena, MT.

We would like to thank thefollowing people for their reviewof this booklet:Sandy BlakeTracy DougherGary FinstadJean HodgesJody HolzworthBob LogarTara MobergPhotography:Art Today (stock photos)Marieanne HanserLinda IversonTracy McReathUSDA Natural Resources Conservation ServiceAll photos are courtesy of USDANatural Resources ConservationService unless otherwise noted.Design and Illustration:Soil survey map (p.2) by SteveVanFossen, USDA Natural ResourcesConservation ServiceCAD graphic (p.3) by MiguelCamacho Serna, University ofArizonaB&B tree planting (p.11) by MaryMyers, USDA Natural ResourcesConservation ServiceAbove listed illustrations werecreated for this publication.Sources of illustrations adaptedfrom other publications are notedwith the illustration.Design by Mary Myers, USDANatural Resources ConservationService

Other SoConservaExtension Garden cLandscapLocal garNative plWeb Sitewww.plawww.xerwww.ppr(poisonowww.fire(Living WLandscapwww.nifc(Nationa

Wind River Seed. Practical PlantingTips for Wildflowers. Manderson, WY.