Native Plant List – Montana and Wyoming
Last updated: September 4, 2026
This is a "starter" list of native plants for Montana and Wyoming. It is intended for residential or commercial landscapers who want to create attractive and varied native landscapes.
Montana and Wyoming Trees
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Sun | Moisture | Height | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper Birch | Betula papyrifera | F | W-A | 25–35 ft | Height: 20-year estimate, not maximum. Moderate-fast growth; allow 20–30 ft spread. |
| Common Hackberry | Celtis occidentalis | P-F | A | 15–20 ft | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; moderate growth. Allow 10–20 ft mature spread. |
| River Hawthorn | Crataegus rivularis | F-P | A-W | 10-25 ft | Thicket-forming streamside hawthorn; dark fruit, intermontane West |
| Fleshy Hawthorn | Crataegus succulenta | F-P | A-W | 13-26 ft | Most wide-ranging US hawthorn; thorny thicket shrub, red fleshy fruit |
| Green Ash | Fraxinus pennsylvanica | P-F | A-D | 20–30 ft | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; moderate growth. Allow 30–40 ft mature spread. |
| Honeylocust | Gleditsia triacanthos | F | A | 15–20 ft | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; moderate growth. Allow 30–40 ft mature spread. |
| Black Cottonwood | P. balsamif. trichocarpa | F | W-A | 40–50 ft | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; fast growth. Allow 35–40 ft mature spread. |
| Plains Cottonwood | P. deltoides - monilifera | F | W-A | 40–50 ft | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; fast growth. Allow 35–40 ft mature spread. |
| Engelmann Spruce | Picea engelmannii | F-P | A | 80-130 ft | High-elevation conifer; cold-hardy; needs moist, well-drained soil |
| Colorado Spruce | Picea pungens | P-F | A | 16–20 ft | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; moderate growth. Allow 15–25 ft mature spread. |
| Whitebark Pine | Pinus albicaulis | F | D | 20–60 ft (3–10 ft krummholz at treeline) | Subalpine tree; very slow; federally threatened; not for gardens |
| Limber Pine | Pinus flexilis | F | A | 12–20 ft | Height: 20-year estimate, not maximum. Slow/moderate growth; mature spread 15–30 ft. |
| Ponderosa Pine | Pinus ponderosa | F | W-A | 16–20 ft | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; moderate growth. Allow 25–30 ft mature spread. |
| Narrowleaf Cottonwood | Populus angustifolia | F | W-A | 30–40 ft | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; fast growth. Allow 25–35 ft mature spread. |
| Quaking Aspen | Populus tremuloides | F | W-A | 15–20 ft | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; fast growth. Allow 15–20 ft mature spread. |
| Douglas Fir | Pseudotsuga menziesii | P-F | A | 12–18 ft | Height: 20-year estimate, not maximum. Slow–moderate growth; mature spread 20–30 ft. |
| Bur Oak | Quercus macrocarpa | F | A | 18–25 ft | Height: 20-year estimate, not maximum. Slow-moderate growth; allow 20–35 ft spread. |
| Sitka Mountain-ash (Native in Montana; not Wyoming) | Sorbus sitchensis | P-F | A | 3–13 ft | Allow room for a spreading shrub/small tree; native to Montana, not Wyoming. |
Montana and Wyoming Shrubs
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Sun | Moisture | Height | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serviceberry | Amelanchier alnifolia | P-F | A | 6–8 ft | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; moderate growth. Allow 10–15 ft mature spread. |
| Big Sagebrush | Artemisia tridentata | F | D | 3–6 ft | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; slow to moderate growth. Allow 4–8 ft mature spread. |
| Shadscale | Atriplex confertifolia | F | A-D | 1-3 ft | Spiny gray shrub; extreme drought/salt tolerance, winter browse |
| Fourwing Saltbush | Atriplex X aptera | F | D | 12–36 in | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; slow to moderate growth. Allow 2–5 ft mature spread. |
| Bog Birch | Betula pumila | F-P | W | 2-10 ft | Wetland obligate shrub; calcareous fens & bogs; not for dry sites |
| Curlleaf Mt. Mahogany | Cercocarpus ledifolius | P-F | D | 4–8 ft | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; slow growth. Allow 2–6 ft mature spread. |
| Redosier Dogwood | Corn. sericea - servicea | P-F | W | 6–8 ft | Height: 20-year estimate, not maximum. Moderate/fast growth; mature spread 10–15 ft. |
| Shrubby Cinquefoil | Dasiphora floribunda | P-F | A | 12–36 in | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; moderate growth. Allow 1–3 ft mature spread. |
| Silverberry | Elaeagnus commutata | P-F | A | 4–8 ft | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; moderate growth. Allow 3–6 ft mature spread. |
| Common Juniper | Juniperus communis | F | A | 3–5 ft | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; slow to moderate growth. Allow 4–8 ft mature spread. |
| Rocky Mountain Juniper | Juniperus scopulorum | F | D | 10–12 ft | Height: 20-year estimate, not maximum. Slow–moderate growth; mature spread 12–20 ft. |
| Winterfat | Krascheninn. lanata | F | D | 12–36 in | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; moderate growth. Allow 1–3 ft mature spread. |
| Lewis' Mockorange | Philadelphus lewisii | P-F | A | 3–6 ft | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; slow to moderate growth. Allow 3–6 ft mature spread. |
| Mallow Ninebark | Physocarpus malvaceus | P-F | A | 24–36 in | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; moderate growth. Allow 3–4 ft mature spread. |
| Western Sandcherry | Prun. pumila v. besseyi | F | A | 3–5 ft | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; moderate growth. Allow 3–5 ft mature spread. |
| American Plum | Prunus americana | P-F | A | 8–10 ft | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; moderate growth. Allow 8–10 ft mature spread. |
| Chokecherry | Prunus virginiana | P-F | A | 10–12 ft | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; moderate growth. Allow 10–20 ft mature spread. |
| Skunkbush Sumac | Rhus trilobata | P-F | D | 3–6 ft | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; slow to moderate growth. Allow 4–8 ft mature spread. |
| Staghorn Sumac | Rhus typhina | P-F | D | 8–10 ft | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; moderate growth. Allow 8–15 ft mature spread. |
| Golden Current | Ribes aurenum | P-F | A | 3–5 ft | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; moderate growth. Allow 3–6 ft mature spread. |
| Woods' Rose | Rosa woodsii | P-F | A | 4–5 ft | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; moderate growth. Allow 4–6 ft mature spread. |
| Silver Buffaloberry | Shepherdia argentea | F | D | 6–12 ft | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; moderate growth. Allow 8–14 ft mature spread. |
| Canada Buffaloberry | Shepherdia canadensis | P-F | A | 3–5 ft | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; slow growth. Allow 6–8 ft mature spread. |
| Common Snowberry | Symphoricarpos albus | P-F | A | 12–36 in | Height is a 20-year regional estimate, not maximum size; moderate growth. Allow 1–3 ft mature spread. |
Montana and Wyoming Ground Cover and Vines
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Sun | Moisture | Height | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bearberry | Arctostaphylos uva-ursi | F-S | A | 3–6 in | Slow-spreading groundcover; allow 2–3 ft width. |
| Western Wild Ginger | Asarum caudatum | S | A-W | 4-6 in | Evergreen shade groundcover; glossy leaves, hidden maroon flowers |
| Western Blue Virgin's Bower | Clematis occidentalis | P-F | A | 1-10 ft | Wiry climbing vine; rocky, well-drained sites only |
| Wild Cucumber | Echinocystis lobata | F-P | A-W | 15-25 ft (annual vine) | Fast annual vine; spiny inedible fruit; reseeds readily |
| Hops | Humulus lupulus | F-P | A-W | 15-25 ft (vine) | Twining perennial vine; toxic to dogs; female plants produce hop cones |
| Horizontal Juniper | Juniperus horizontalis | F | A | 6–18 in | Low, spreading groundcover; allow 5–8 ft width. |
| Twinflower | Linnaea borealis | P-S | A-W | 2-4 in | Evergreen groundcover for cool, acidic, shaded sites; slow to spread |
| Oregon Grape | Mahonia repens | P-F | A | 6–12 in | Slow-growing groundcover that can spread 4–6 ft. |
| Virginia Creeper | Parthenocissus quinquefolia | P-F | A | 30–50 ft climbing | Climbing vine; provide support and space. Berries are not for eating. |
| Riverbank Grape | Vitis riparia | F-P | W-A | 20-50 ft (climbing vine) | Vigorous riverbank vine; cold-hardy parent of hybrid wine grapes |
Montana and Wyoming Wildflowers
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Sun | Moisture | Height | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Yarrow | Achillea millefolium | P-F | D | 12–24 in | White flowers from spring into summer; long-lived perennial. |
| Lavender Hyssop / Anise Hyssop | Agastache foeniculum | F-P | D-A | 2-4 ft | Fragrant, long-blooming prairie native; superb bee and butterfly plant |
| Nodding Wild Onion | Allium cernuum | F-P | A-D | 8–20 in | Dry soil; nodding white-pink summer flowers; deer resistant |
| Pearlyeverlasting | Anaphalis margaritacea | P-F | D | 12–24 in | White summer flowers; usually a short-lived perennial. |
| Little Pussytoes | Antennaria microphylla | F | A | 12 in | White flowers in late spring and summer; low perennial. |
| Water Hemlock | Cicuta maculata | F-P | W | 3-6 ft | Extremely toxic; wetlands/ditches only, not for gardens |
| White Prarieclover | Dalea candida | F | A | 12–36 in | White summer blooms attract butterflies; long-lived perennial. |
| Purple Prarieclover | Dalea purpurea | P-F | A | 12–24 in | Purple summer blooms attract butterflies; long-lived perennial. |
| Echinacea | Echinacea angustifolia | F | A | 24–36 in | Pink summer flowers attract butterflies; long-lived perennial. |
| Sulphur Buckwheat | Eriogonum umbellatum | F | D | 12 in | Yellow flowers; needs drainage. Foliage may redden in fall. |
| Blanket Flower | Gaillardia aristata | F | D | 36 in | Yellow daisies with darker centers; use well-drained soil. |
| Sticky Geranium | Gerani. viscosissimum | P-F | A | 24–36 in | Pink-purple flowers and sticky stems; foliage reddens in fall. |
| Boreale Sweetvetch | Hedysarum boreale | F | A | 12–24 in | Pink summer flowers; long-lived perennial. |
| Maximilian Sunflower | Helianthus maximiliani | F | A | 4–6 ft | Yellow late-season flowers; spreads by rhizomes, so allow space. |
| Showy Goldeneye | Heliomeris multiflora | F | A | 36 in | Yellow late-season daisies; can reseed strongly. |
| Dotted Gayfeather | Liatris punctata | F | D | 12–24 in | Pink-purple late-season flower spikes attract butterflies. |
| Lewis Flax | Linum lewisii | P-F | D | 12–24 in | Blue late-spring and summer flowers; readily self-seeds. |
| Lupine | Lupinus | F-S | A | 12–24 in | Genus-level entry: select a locally native species; flower color and garden requirements vary. |
| Wildbergamot Beebalm | Monardo fistulosa | P-F | A | 2–4 ft | Aromatic foliage and lavender flowers; air movement reduces mildew. |
| Plains Pricklypear | Opuntia polyacantha | F | D | 4–12 in | Low, spreading cactus with barbed spines; keep clear of paths. |
| Beardtongue | Penstemon | F-S | D | 1–4 ft | Genus-level entry: choose a locally native species; bloom color and size vary. |
| Silverleaf Phacelia | Phacelia hastata | F | D | 12–24 in | White flowers from late spring into summer; long-lived perennial. |
| Spiny Phlox | Phlox hoodii | F | D | Under 5 in | Low mat of spiny leaves; spring flowers, often white. |
| Woolly Cinquefoil | Potentilla hippiana | F | A | 12–24 in | Yellow early-summer flowers; usually short-lived. |
| Prarie Coneflower | Ratibida columnifera | F | D | 12–36 in | Yellow summer flowers attract butterflies; often short-lived. |
| Scarlet Globemallow | Sphaeralcea coccinea | F | D | 12 in | Orange summer flowers; suited to dry landscapes. |
| Smooth Blue Aster | Symphyotrichum laeve | P-F | A | 24–36 in | Blue summer flowers attract butterflies; perennial. |
| Prarie Thermopsis | Thermopsis rhombifolia | F | D | 12–24 in | Yellow late-spring and summer flowers; long-lived perennial. |
| American Vetch | Vicia americana | F | D | 12 in | Blue flowers from late spring into summer; long-lived perennial. |
| Soapweed Yucca | Yucca glauca | F | D | 12–24 in | White late-spring and summer flowers; needs well-drained, sandy soil. |
Montana and Wyoming Grasses—Ground Cover and Lawns
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Sun | Drought Toler. | Height | Comments | Trample Resist. | Mowing Toler. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Streamb. Wheatgrass | Elymus lanceolatus | F-P | G | 1–4⅙ ft (unmown) | Similar to Thickspike, good seedling vigor | Fair | Fair |
| Thickspike Wheatgrass | Elymus lanceolatus | F-P | G | 1–4⅙ ft (unmown) | Finer than W. Wheatgrass, good vigor | Fair | Fair |
| Green Needlegrass | Nassella viridula | F | M | 1–4 ft (unmown) | Best in a mix w/ other cool-season grasses | Fair | Fair |
| Western Wheatgrass | Pascopyrum smithii | F | M | 12–40 in (unmown) | Forms open sod, bluish in color | Good | Good |
| Buffalograss | Bouchloe dactyloides | F | G | 2–8 in (unmown) | Short stature; infrequent mowing | Excel. | Good |
| Sideoats Grama | Bouteloua curtipendula | F | M | 24–36 in (unmown) | Short stature; infrequent mowing | Fair | Poor |
| Blue Grama | Bouteloua gracilis | F | E | 6–20 in (unmown) | Low grass with eyebrow-like seedheads; late spring green-up. | Excel. | Good |
Montana and Wyoming Grasses - Landscape Accent
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Sun | Moisture | Height | Comments | Fall Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Ricegrass | Achn. hymenoides | F | D | 12–24 in | Bunchgrass; seeds used by birds & mammals | Yellow |
| Big Bluestem | Andropogon gerardii | F | A-D | 5–7 ft | Bunchgrass; tall stature; good border plant | Red-blue |
| Sand Bluestem | Andropogon hallii | F | D-A | 3-7 ft | Rhizomatous dune grass; blue summer stems, bronze fall color | |
| Sideoats Grama | Bouteloua curtipendula | F | D | 12–24 in | Bunchgrass; unique seed head | Yellow |
| Blue Grama | Bouteloua gracilis | F | D | 6–12 in | Bunchgrass; excellent drought tolerance | Yellow |
| Prairie Sandreed | Calamovilfa longifolia | F | D | 5–7 ft | Rhizomatous; prefers sandy soil | Yellow |
| California Oatgrass | Danthonia californica | F-P | A-D | 1-3 ft | Cool-season bunchgrass for meadows and prairie restoration | |
| Prairie Junegrass | Koeleria macrantha | F | D | 6–18 in | Bunchgrass; small stature; blue-green leaves | Yellow |
| Basin Wildrye | Leymus cinereus | F | D | 5–8 ft | Bunchgrass; tall stature-good background plant | Tan |
| Switchgrass | Panicum virgatum | F | W-A-D | 3–5 ft | Bunchgrass; seeds used by birds & mammals | Gold |
| Bluebunch Wheatgrass | Pseudoro. spicata | F | D | 12–24 in | Bunchgrass; MT state grass; attractive plant | Yellow |
| Little Bluestem | Schizachyr. scoparium | F | A-D | 24–36 in | Bunchgrass; shorter bunches with red fall color | Reddish |
| Indiangrass | Sorghastrum nutans | F | A | 4–6 ft | Bunchgrass; tall stature; good border plant | Bronze |
| Sun Exposure | Soil Moisture | Drought Tolerance |
|---|---|---|
| F = Full Sun | W = Wet | E = Excellent |
| P = Part Sun | A = Average | G = Good |
| S = Shade | D = Dry | M = Moderate |
| P = Poor |
Well written.