![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Dethatcher.jpg\")
Montana is nicknamed “The Last Best Place” for its natural, rugged terrain. It is home to some of the last uninhabited areas in North America, and every year, residents expand further into its remote regions, increasing populations across the wild landscapes and the chances of wildfires. Wildfire activity continues to increase thanks to Montana’s semi-arid […]
\n","content":"\nMontana is nicknamed “The Last Best Place” for its natural, rugged terrain. It is home to some of the last uninhabited areas in North America, and every year, residents expand further into its remote regions, increasing populations across the wild landscapes and the chances of wildfires. Wildfire activity continues to increase thanks to Montana’s semi-arid climate. All residents, especially those living in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas in remote locations near undeveloped forests or grasslands, should implement these fire-resistant landscaping ideas to protect their homes, families, and landscapes.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nBenefits of Fire-Resistant Montana Landscaping
\n\n\n\n6 Fire-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Montana
\n\n\n\nFAQ About Fire-Resistant Landscaping in Montana
\n\n\n\nFire-resistant landscaping offers many benefits to Montanans, including:
\n\n\n\nWildfires are part of Montana’s past, present, and future. There is no such thing as a completely fireproof landscape. However, you can take steps to protect your home and yard through fire-smart landscaping practices.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Agri-Fab / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\nMay is Wildfire Awareness Month in Montana. The primary goal of firewise landscaping is to keep a wildfire low, minimizing its intensity. Wildfire risk reduction is an ongoing process requiring regular attention to landscape maintenance.
\n\n\n\nMontana wildfire preparedness lawn maintenance activities include:
\n\n\n\n![\"Three](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blanketflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nMontana’s mountainous western regions, with their continental climates, receive over 35 inches of annual rainfall. Unfortunately, the steppe climates in the central and eastern regions of the Treasure State only receive around 15 inches of rain or less, far below the national average rainfall of 30 inches, creating a fire-prone habitat.
\n\n\n\nIt is important to note that no plant is fireproof, and any plant will burn under the right conditions. However, some plants resist ignition and are better suited to withstanding extreme heat. Fire behavior, climate, moisture content, plant size, and flammable or inflammable compounds inside bark or leaves all affect a landscape’s ability to resist ignition.
\n\n\n\nCheck out some of the best fire-resistant plants for the Treasure State:
\n\n\n\nHerbaceous Perennials
\n\n\n\nLow-Growing Groundcover
\n\n\n\nMontana Turfgrass
\n\n\n\nTrees and Shrubs
\n\n\n\nSucculents
\n\n\n\nNot all landscape plants are created equal. In fact, most succulents, salt-tolerant plants, and deciduous trees and shrubs are naturally fire-resistant. Watch for the following characteristics when choosing non-native and native Montana plants:
\n\n\n\nConversely, avoid the following characteristics when choosing landscape plants:
\n\n\n\nFirewise construction comes together with your firescaping to create a complete, fire-resistant landscape. FIrewise structures must reduce fuel sources and exposure. Like plants, not all materials are created equal and many construction materials are combustible.
\n\n\n\nLook for the following characteristics:
\n\n\n\nDefensible space, now known as survivable space, involves modifying landscape design, building materials, and inorganic and organic fuel sources to decrease the likelihood of home ignition caused by wildfire. Fire experts encourage all Montana homeowners to firescape and maintain their survivable space, 100 to 200 feet in all directions. This area is known as the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ).
\n\n\n\nYour home is more likely to survive a wildfire without fire suppression and intervention if grasses, plants, trees, and man-made structures are spaced regularly to reduce a fire’s intensity.
\n\n\n\nMontana recognizes three home zones:
\n\n\n\n| Zone | Distance from Structure | Things to Avoid | Recommendations |
| Zone 1 | 0-30 feet | • Woody, aromatic, or resinous plants • Closely spaced plants • Organic mulch • Woodpiles • Wooden decks, pergolas, or trellises | • Fire-resistant plants, shrubs, and trees • Short, green, well-maintained turfgrass • 100-foot garden hose attached to home • Gravel, flagstone, and non-flammable composite decking and hardscapes • Accessible driveway with visible address |
| Zone 2 | 30-100 feet | • Vegetation near wood piles, fuel tanks, or outbuildings • Dense, closely-spaced vegetation • Organic debris piles | • Location for storage shed or outbuilding • Recycle or compost instead of burning • Thin and prune coniferous trees • Store woodpiles and propane tanks |
| Zone 3 | 100-200+ feet | • Dense thickets of shrubs or trees • Overgrowth | • Prune and thin trees • Regularly monitor re-sprouting |
![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Hardscaping.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Sailko / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nNative plants are adapted to the harsh and dry conditions of Big Sky Country. The unpredictable weather can make outdoor lawn maintenance a burden, while the semi-arid climate makes growing a dense, green yard difficult. Consider hardscaping your backyard to add sustainable visual interest while eliminating the need for weekly maintenance and watering and reducing your landscape’s fire risk.
\n\n\n\nHardscapes are man-made features, including:
\n\n\n\nHardscapes are a set-it-and-forget-it choice for your landscape. They don’t require watering, pruning, or mowing. In fact, they don’t require maintenance at all except for an annual cleaning. Be sure to consider materials and location when choosing and installing your hardscapes. Keep wooden structures away from vegetation inside Zone 2 of your home’s survivable space. Stone hardscapes and garden paths make great additions to Zone 1.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nAccording to the National Park Service, humans cause almost 85% of all wildfires in the the U.S. Creating defensible space, maintaining your landscape, and planting fire-resistant species are small steps you can take to help increase the survivability of your property while using common sense and adopting fire-smart habits to decrease Montana’s chances of wildfires.
\n\n\n\nFire-smart habits include:
\n\n\n\nYes. Your roof comprises two-thirds of your home’s outer structure, and it is its most vulnerable component. It can easily catch fire from floating embers. Select a Class A roofing material for the best fire resistance and limit the length of eaves and overhangs.
Montana’s fire season runs from May through October, but wildfires can occur at any time under the right conditions.
In Montana, human negligence from debris burning, campfires, or landscaping and farm equipment cause 75% of all wildfires.
Fire-prone regions like Big Sky Country are arid, and drought-resistant landscaping performs best under these conditions. Switching to drought-resistant landscaping means less time, effort, water, weeding, mowing, and pests. In steppe climates like Montana where average rainfall is less than 15 inches per year, water conservation is important. Consider integrating our drought-resistant landscaping tips into your fire-resistant landscape.
\n\n\n\nFire-resistant landscaping is only a small part of your fire preparedness plan. From designing evacuation routes to creating emergency supply kits and securing furry family members, there is a lot to consider.
Give yourself peace of mind and check one thing off your to-do list. Let Wikilawn connect you with a local landscaping company that can handle your fire-resistant landscape design.
Main Photo by: Jeremy Levine / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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\n","content":"\n“The Last Best Place,” “Big Sky Country, ” or “The Treasure State,” no matter what you call Montana, it invokes feelings of mystery, excitement, and adventure. It is the fourth largest state by land area in the U.S. and home to grizzly bears, the Continental Divide, rich natural resources, and diverse landscapes. Invite some abundance into your home landscape by filling your yard with some of the best native plants for Montana.
\n\n\n\nNative plants offer many landscaping benefits, including:
\n\n\n\nNative plants promote a healthier Montana ecosystem and assist in important conservation efforts. Check out these 20 native plants to help you plan your rich landscape.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Aster.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Hedwig Storch / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nAsters are a family of flowering perennials with many species native to Montana. Vibrant, late-summer and early-fall blooms attract pollinating insects, while the dried stalks and leftover seed heads provide food and shelter for songbirds in the winter.
\n\n\n\nAsters prefer full sun and thrive in the well-drained Scobey, clay loam soils found in the Treasure State. Plant these beautiful blooms in flower beds, containers, or butterfly gardens.
\n\n\n\nThree common Montana asters include:
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-6 feet tall and 1-4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Neutral or acidic, well-drained, loam soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; water 1 inch per week; intolerant of standing water
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible flowers
\n\n\n\n![\"Light](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_16686130046_1524d40e6c_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Morefield / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nSimilar to aster, penstemon, known by its common name as beardtongue, is a genus of low-maintenance, long-blooming, colorful, herbaceous wildflowers. They are drought and heat-tolerant and deer and rabbit resistant.
\n\n\n\nThere are 36 species of beardtongue in Montana and many grow across the entire state. Plant these high-impact perennials as part of a pollinator garden to attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. They grow well in raised beds, slopes, and containers.
\n\n\n\nThree common Montana beardtongues include:
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous subshrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-6 feet tall and 1-4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous to semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, infertile, sand, or gravel soil; avoid enriched soils and clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; water 1 inch per week during dry periods
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Artemisia_tridentata_sagebrush_bush-1024x744.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dcrjsr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBig sagebrush, also known as Great Basin sagebrush, is a small to medium evergreen shrub with a twisted growth habit. Specimens typically have a short, branched trunk at the base with velvety, silver leaves that give off a sweet fragrance. It grows across the entire state in subalpine regions, steep open slopes, plains, and valleys.
\n\n\n\nBig sagebrush is valuable to Montana’s ecosystem, especially in the wild. It is a food and foraging source for deer, moose, antelope, elk, and bighorn sheep and a nesting habitat for songbirds. This hardy perennial makes a great addition to xeriscaping and improves conditions for both your landscape plants and local wildlife. It promotes water filtration thanks to its deep root system and helps maintain snowpack.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 9 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, rocky soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; water once per month during dry summers only
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bitterroot.jpg\")
Photo Credit: GlacierNPS / Flickr / Public Domain
\n\n\n\nBitterroot, or rock rose, is a member of the purslane family of flowering, herbaceous plants. It is Montana’s state flower. The woody succulent has a taproot system and thrives at mid-elevations in well-drained, rocky soils. Bitterroot grows throughout western and southern Montana along rock ridges and sagebrush slopes.
\n\n\n\nThe ground-hugging perennial produces thick, narrow leaves and enormous pink and white flowers in early spring that last into summer. Grow the ornamental wildflower in rock gardens, wall crevices, and between rocky pathways for a colorful garden escape.
\n\n\n\nMontana is also home to two other native bitterroot species:
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 inches tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, rocky soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; water 1 inch per week during the spring growing season
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible root
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Blanketflower_-_Gaillardia_aristata_IMG_6098-.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Macdon / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBlanketflower is another species of aster and a member of the daisy family. Also known as brown-eyed Susan and common blanketflower, this quick-growing perennial produces bright yellow blooms with orange-brown centers atop tall, erect, hairy stems from spring through fall.
\n\n\n\nThis erect clumping plant grows throughout the Treasure State, attracting butterflies and pollinators. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and self-sows. This native wildflower makes a great addition to borders, rock gardens, small spaces, containers, and butterfly gardens.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 4 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, acidic, well-drained, infertile soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; water one to two times per week during hot and dry conditions
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; fuzzy hairs irritate skin
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Buffaloberry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nMontana is home to two native species of buffaloberry. These loosely branched shrubs have rounded outlines and grow between 4 to 8 feet tall. They have thick, gray-green leaves and produce tiny yellow flowers followed by berry-like fruits in the fall.
\n\n\n\nThese shrubs are extremely cold and drought-tolerant. Low-maintenance buffaloberry attracts native bees. Its fruits are a food source for deer, elk, grizzly and black bears. Grow this low-maintenance shrub as part of xeriscaping, shrub borders, and specimen plantings.
\n\n\n\nMontana’s native buffaloberry species include:
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 10 feet tall; usually shorter
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers moist, rocky soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; water 1 inch per week
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible berries
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Chokecherry-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nChokecherry is a large deciduous shrub or small tree growing across Montana. Specimens grow up to 30 feet tall, forming dense thickets. Shrubs produce clusters of white flowers flowered by red fruit from August to September. Fruits ripen into a deep purple. They have a bitter taste when raw and immature, but are often made into preserves for a sweet treat.
\n\n\n\nChokecherries are beneficial to native pollinators, especially local bee species. They adapt to most soil conditions and have a high shade tolerance. Chokecherry is an important food source for local wildlife. Plant this ornamental shrub as part of a shaded landscape, understory tree, to assist with erosion control, or as part of a living privacy fence.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 2-7
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 30 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Sun, partial shade, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; dry or moist, rich, limestone, sand, sand-loam, medium-loam, clay-loam, or clay soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Semi drought-tolerant; water 1 inch per week
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible, berries are often made into preserves
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Purple-Prairie-Clover.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nClover is a group of flowering perennials and a member of the pea family. They grow across western and central Montana in open fields, grasslands, and plains. The Treasure State is home to many native and non-native species of clover.
\n\n\n\nClovers produce showy blooms among delicate foliage. They have slender, erect stems that reach up to 3 feet tall. Clover grows well mixed with ornamental grasses. Plant these vibrant perennials as part of a pollinator garden, rock garden, or naturalized landscape.
\n\n\n\nTwo popular Montana clovers include:
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; prefers drip irrigation; rarely requires irrigation outside of natural rainfall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible foliage plant for livestock
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/bloem-echinacea-purpurea-flora.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nConeflowers are hardy Montana natives in the aster family. These perennials produce showy midsummer blooms. They are deer-resistant and an important member of pollinator gardens, attracting butterflies, bees, and songbirds.
\n\n\n\nConeflowers have slender petals growing around a raised, cone center. They naturally self-seed and spread slowly. Species are not aggressive and incredibly low-maintenance. Coneflowers make a great addition to rock gardens, flower beds, containers, and pollinator gardens.
\n\n\n\nThere are three Montana-native coneflowers:
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 4 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, rich soil or sand
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water 1 inch per week
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/image-55.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: DJemRose / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0
\n\n\n\nJunipers are hardy evergreen plants that thrive across the Treasure State. These versatile landscape plants add color to any landscape year-round. Juniper plant species range from low-growing groundcover bushes to large, towering trees up to 130 feet tall. They are deer-resistant and low-maintenance, requiring virtually no care once established.
\n\n\n\nPlant junipers to control erosion. They grow well on hills and slopes and as groundcover and border plants. Junipers produce evergreen, needle-like leaves that mature into flattened scales and soften with age. They bloom inconspicuous yellow flowers in the spring that give way to cones and deep blue berries in the fall and winter.
\n\n\n\nThere are three native juniper species in Montana:
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree, shrub, groundcover
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 2-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-130 feet and 1-25 feet wide depending on the species
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefer slightly acidic, rich, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; intolerant of standing water; rarely requires irrigation outside of natural rainfall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; most berries are poisonous
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Michauxs-Wormwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nMichaux’s wormwood, or lemon sagewort, is another sunflower relative and member of the aster family native to Montana. It grows across the western one-third of the state in fields, outcrops, and alpine woodlands. Michaux’s wormwood is a subshrub with branched stems and a mounding growth habit.
\n\n\n\nThe herbaceous perennial has narrow, segmented, hairy leaves resembling ferns. It produces clusters of small white flowers and seed fruits that attract local wildlife. Plant Michaux’s wormwood in a waterwise landscape, mass planting, or border.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous subshrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 40 inches tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun; tolerates partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; all soil types except moist, heavy clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; requires supplemental irrigation in areas with less than 10 inches of annual rainfall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Ponderosa-Pine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nPonderosa pines grow across Big Sky Country in dry forests, rocky exposures, grasslands, plains, and valleys. Like large juniper trees, these specimens grow tall, reaching heights up to 150 feet in home landscapes and 250 feet in the wild. They have short, down-turned branches with dark green needles and reddish-brown, flaky bark.
\n\n\n\nPonderosa pines are evergreen conifers producing large cones. They are valuable timber trees and are often used for doors and window frames. They are essential to a healthy Montana ecosystem, offering food and shelter to quail, squirrels, chipmunks, birds, and other wildlife.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-7
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 150 feet in home landscapes and 250 feet tall in the wild
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry or moist, acidic, deep, sand, gravel, or clay loam soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; does not require additional water outside of natural rainfall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; poisonous needles and bark
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pussytoes.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nPussytoes are flowering members of the aster family. Commonly known as catsfoot or everlasting, these perennial plants grow across Montana, attracting butterflies and pollinators. They are a host plant for butterflies and moths and make a great deer-resistant addition to any landscape. Plant pussytoes as ground cover and in flower beds or containers.
\n\n\n\nThree popular pussytoes specimens in Montana include:
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous flower and groundcover
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-7
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 1 foot tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen to evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; dry soils; avoid standing water
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; water 1 inch per week during dry periods; allow the soil to dry out between waterings
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; poisonous if consumed in large quantities
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Redosier-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nRedosier dogwood is a spreading shrub with a loose growth habit and attractive red twigs. It reaches heights up to 12 feet tall, blooming clusters of white flowers that give way to umbrella-shaped white berries from May through October. Redosier dogwood keeps its leaves through fall, which turn shades of red, orange, yellow, and burgundy.
\n\n\n\nThe attractive shrub provides many ecological benefits to Montana’s landscapes. Preferring partial sun, redosier dogwood makes a great addition to wet areas, river banks, lake and pond shores, and wooded or open landscapes. It is the larval host for the Northern Spring Azure butterfly and attracts waterfowl, marshbirds, shorebirds, and large and small mammals such as deer and squirrels.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 2-7
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 12 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial Shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; moist, well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Does not require additional water outside of natural rainfall unless dry weather persists for a week or more
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rocky-Mountain-Maple.jpg\")
Photo Credit: GlacierNPS / Flickr / Public Domain
\n\n\n\nRocky Mountain maple is a small, multi-stemmed tree. It is one of two native Montana maples, growing across the western two-thirds of the state in subalpine coniferous and riparian forests, avalanche slopes, and valleys. Rocky Mountain maple is not a showy tree, but it makes up for it with fragrance. It blooms fragrant, inconspicuous flowers in early spring.
\n\n\n\nThe maple specimen has shiny green leaves that turn yellow and orange every fall and smooth, gray bark with attractive red twigs. Every winter, it drops winged seeds, providing visual interest and a valuable food source for local wildlife. This tree improves wildlife habits and makes a great ornamental addition to a landscape. It is often used as an understory specimen alongside ponderosa pines or to stabilize slopes, shorelines, and banks.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 30 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained, rocky soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Prefers moist soil; water deeply every 10 to 14 days
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Amelancheir_alnifolia_-_Saskatoon_serviceberry_-_Flickr_-_Matt_Lavin-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nFind Saskatoon serviceberry growing in subalpine forests, grasslands, woodlands, meadows, plains, and valleys across Montana. This erect, deciduous shrub grows between 4 to 15 feet tall and blooms small clusters of fragrant flowers every spring. This shrub is also known as Juneberry, thanks to small, sweet, blue berries that ripen every summer followed by long-lasting fall foliage that turns shades of orange and red.
\n\n\n\nSaskatoon serviceberry is important to Montana’s ecosystem. It attracts pollinators, especially native bees, and is a larval host for the California Hairstreak butterfly. Serviceberry is a food source for mammals and birds, including grazers such as sheep, cattle, and goats. Plant this deciduous shrub in borders, woodland gardens, and naturalized areas.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 2-7
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4-15 feet tall and wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade; adapts to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; dry or moist, well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; does not require additional water outside of natural rainfall unless dry weather persists for a week or more
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible raw or cooked fruits
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Snowberry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nThis small genus of 15 deciduous shrubs goes by many names: snowberry, waxberry, and ghostberry. Montana is home to three native snowberry species growing along its subalpine valleys, plains, and forests. These ornamental shrubs are great for erosion control, naturalized landscapes, and rain gardens. Every fall they put on a show, producing bright white fruits that contrast with their dark green foliage.
\n\n\n\nMontana’s native snowberry specimens include:
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-7
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry or moist, infertile sand or gravel soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water one inch per week
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; mildly poisonous to humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Woods-Rose.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWoods’ rose, or western wild rose, is a small, multi-branched deciduous shrub. It loves the dense thickets, snow-catchment areas, woodlands, forests, plains, valleys, and grasslands of Montana. Specimens produce prickled red stems on their lower portions and small, compound leaflets. Woods’ rose blooms large, pink, five-petaled flowers with bright yellow stamens every summer.
\n\n\n\nThis small deciduous, woodland shrub makes a great addition to pollinator gardens. It is especially important to the conservation of native bee species, providing food and nesting materials.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 15 feet tall; usually shorter
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry or moist, sand or light clay soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; water one inch per week
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_5039631314_ddce7f9f0e_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Peter O’Connor aka anemoneprojectors / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nYarrow, or common yarrow, grows across Montana in open forests, grasslands, meadows, and fellfields at all elevations. It has a mounding growth habit with long stems reaching up to 3 feet high. Yarrow produces lacy green leaves and leaflets, resembling ferns. Small, flat-topped clusters of tiny white flowers bloom from spring through fall.
\n\n\n\nThese long-blooming perennials are great plants for pollinator gardens, beds, boxes, and containers. Cut and dried flowers make great additions to floral arrangements, and their blooms are very fragrant. Yarrow is an important pollinator plant for local bees.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous to semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; dry soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; water 1 inch per week
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; poisonous to dogs, cats, and horses
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Yellow-Columbine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: GlacierNPS / Flickr / Public Domain
\n\n\n\nYellow columbine is a perennial herb and a member of the buttercup family. This Montana native grows up to 3 feet tall with showy, tuberous yellow and pale peach blooms that droop, exposing bright yellow stamens. Find this herbaceous flower growing across western Montana in the moist soils of meadows, open forests, stream banks, and rocky slopes.
\n\n\n\nYellow columbine has an erect growth pattern and bright green leaves. Its flowering tubes attract hummingbirds and butterflies and rabbits love to munch on its foliage. This perennial prefers partial shade. Yellow columbine struggles when other plants compete with its root systems and prefer to grow alone as a groundcover in flower beds, at the edges of gardens, or in containers.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 30 inches tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers moist, rocky soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; water 1 inch per week
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; poisonous mature seeds and roots
\n\n\n\nNative plants have specific needs depending on the type and species you select. Your yard has its own unique microclimate, and not all native plants will grow well in your landscape. Select plants suitable for the sun exposure, soil, and water capabilities of your landscape.
\n\n\n\nMontana sits in USDA Hardiness Zones 3a to 6a, indicating the coldest annual temperature is -40 to -35 degrees Fahrenheit in the alpine regions of the state. The majority of the Treasure State falls within zones 3b to 4a. Montana native plants are cold-hardy to the minimum temperature in the hardiness zones. Keep your zone in mind when selecting non-native plants for your landscape.
\n\n\n\nPlant flowers and deciduous plants in May when nighttime temperatures remain above freezing. Sow evergreen plants, shrubs, and trees in early fall.
Montana is one of 20 states with state soil. Its state soil is Scobey soil, a deep, well-draining, clay loam. Scobey soil is a fertile, dark, farming soil developed from a glacial till, the rich sediment deposited by a glacier.
The best way to identify your landscape’s soil type is to send a soil sample in for testing to your local Montana State University extension testing laboratory.
Early morning is the best time to water your native plants. Winds are calmer and temperatures are lower, so there is less risk of water loss from evaporation or scorching from the sun. Additionally, foliage needs time to dry before nightfall. Wet foliage can lead to disease and rot.
Chances are good you already have native plants in your yard or around your neighborhood. If you want to introduce more plants into your Montana landscape, be sure to source your plants ethically and never transplant them from the wild. The Montana Native Plant Society is a great resource to help determine if a plant is suitable for your landscape.
\n\n\n\nFilling your yard with native plants is only one step in your landscaping design project. Round out the planning process with our Montana landscaping guides:
\n\n\n\nNo matter where you are in the Treasure State, you can turn over your lawn upkeep to a professional. Let Wikilawn connect you with a local landscaping pro in your area so you can spend more time soaking up Big Sky Country’s rugged beauty.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: AnemoneProjectors / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"20 Best Native Plants for Montana","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3274336283185841,"src":"/static/5cf040562c308ce24f134c05a72e8f23/1789c/Yarrow-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5cf040562c308ce24f134c05a72e8f23/107df/Yarrow-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/5cf040562c308ce24f134c05a72e8f23/293e9/Yarrow-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/5cf040562c308ce24f134c05a72e8f23/f2cbb/Yarrow-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/5cf040562c308ce24f134c05a72e8f23/1789c/Yarrow-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/5cf040562c308ce24f134c05a72e8f23/c26c2/Yarrow-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/5cf040562c308ce24f134c05a72e8f23/1dd6e/Yarrow-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5cf040562c308ce24f134c05a72e8f23/67b76/Yarrow-1.webp 320w,\n/static/5cf040562c308ce24f134c05a72e8f23/8df11/Yarrow-1.webp 500w,\n/static/5cf040562c308ce24f134c05a72e8f23/98a65/Yarrow-1.webp 800w,\n/static/5cf040562c308ce24f134c05a72e8f23/1dd6e/Yarrow-1.webp 960w,\n/static/5cf040562c308ce24f134c05a72e8f23/3cc96/Yarrow-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"20 Best Native Plants for Montana | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Support Montana's diverse ecosystem and brighten your yard by introducing these 20 best native plants to your Montana landscape."}}},{"node":{"id":"7d466487-679b-5f3e-8e63-5a35909ad337","slug":"drought-resistant-landscaping-montana","path":"/lawn-care/mt/drought-resistant-landscaping-montana/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"851f9dd2-d0b9-5a5b-a0a0-cf65224620d5","name":"Montana","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mt/"}],"date":"May 25th, 2023","excerpt":"Montana is rich in natural resources, wildlife, unique vegetation, and adventure. The Treasure State’s geographic diversity and altitudinal ranges create variable climates. Western Montana is mountainous, with cool summers and snowy winters, while central and eastern Montana experience warmer summers and cold winters. No matter where you live in Big Sky Country, there are drought-resistant […]
\n","content":"\nMontana is rich in natural resources, wildlife, unique vegetation, and adventure. The Treasure State’s geographic diversity and altitudinal ranges create variable climates. Western Montana is mountainous, with cool summers and snowy winters, while central and eastern Montana experience warmer summers and cold winters. No matter where you live in Big Sky Country, there are drought-resistant landscaping ideas that will help you conquer the dry conditions.
\n\n\n\nSwitching to drought-resistant landscaping means less time, effort, water, weeding, mowing, and pests. In steppe climates like Montana where average rainfall is less than 15 inches per year, water conservation is important.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n9 Drought-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Montana
\n\n\n\nFAQ About Drought-Resistant Landscaping in Montana
\n\n\n\n![\"Sagebrush](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/image-from-rawpixel-id-4033032-jpeg-1.jpg\"){kind=tracking}
Photo Credit: Rawpixel
\n\n\n\nNative plants support conservation efforts and promote a healthy ecosystem. They thrive in the summer heat and dry conditions while remaining cold-hardy enough to survive Montana’s harsh winters and snow. Native plants are hands-off, water efficient, and resistant to local insects and diseases.
\n\n\n\nThe vibrant, late-summer and early-fall blooms attract pollinating insects, while the dried stalks and leftover seed heads provide food and shelter for songbirds in the winter. From preferring full sun to part shade, they are the most low-maintenance and drought-resistant plants you can include in your landscaping project.
\n\n\n\nThere are many Montana native plants to choose from, including:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Native plant prices vary widely based on many factors, including type, size, and location. On average, you can expect to spend between $15 to $50 per shrub, $5 to $50 per vine, and $200 to $1,500 per tree.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Jim Morefield / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nDon’t let the vibrant flowers lining the shelves of your stores fool you. While inexpensive, these eye-catching blooms only remain beautiful for a short time. These landscape plants are annuals and only last one growing season before dying in the fall. If bright blooms make your heart sing, you can switch out your annuals for drought-tolerant and cold-resistant perennials.
\n\n\n\nPerennials bloom year after year, surviving the cold Montana winters. They have a shorter, more defined blooming season than annuals and are more expensive. However, these drought-tolerant plants withstand more extreme weather and come in many varieties, including shade-tolerant, deer-resistant, and low-maintenance wildflowers, ornamental grasses, shrubs, vines, and more.
\n\n\n\nIf you are ready for landscaping beauty that bounces back every year, check out some of the best perennials for the Treasure State:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Like native plants, the average cost of perennial plants varies depending on the size and type of plant, purchase location, and whether you are having a professional handle your landscaping. If you head to your local store to purchase your own perennials, you can expect to spend between $10 to $100 per plant.
\n\n\n\nHydrozones are a crucial component of drought-resistant landscape design. They are groupings of plants with similar soil, water, and sunlight needs. Hydrozoning reduces water use and protects your plants from being over or under-watered.
\n\n\n\nSome common Montana plant groupings include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hydrozoning:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: You can save money and DIY relocate your plants into groups based on their water needs. You can expect to spend between $15 to $50 per shrub, $5 to $50 per vine, and $200 to $1,500 per tree for fresh additions.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mulch-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: christina rutz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMulch is a loose material typically made of inorganic or organic matter like compost, tree bark, wood chips, or rubber. It is an inexpensive DIY job that provides enormous benefits for your Montana landscape. Mulch helps reduce weeds, conserve moisture, and protect your plants’ roots from cold and heat.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch adds beneficial nutrients to the soil as it decomposes. Inorganic mulches are more durable and low-maintenance but do not offer additional nutrients. It is important to note you will need to replace organic mulches like wood chips annually with a fresh layer.
\n\n\n\nSome examples of mulch are:
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: According to Lowes and Home Depot, wood mulch costs between $3 to $5 per 2-cubic-foot bag. Rubber mulch is more durable and expensive, costing around $8 to $10 per 0.8-cubic-foot bag. If your landscaping project requires a lot of mulch, you can often purchase it in bulk to save money.
\n\n\n\nMontana is incredibly dry across most of the state. While many native plants are adapted to the harsh conditions, Big Sky Country’s weather is unpredictable and unforgiving. Consider hardscaping your backyard to add sustainable visual interest while eliminating the need for weekly maintenance and watering.
\n\n\n\nHardscapes are man-made features, including:
\n\n\n\nHardscapes are a set-it-and-forget-it choice for your landscape. They don’t require watering, pruning, or mowing. In fact, they don’t require maintenance at all except for an annual cleaning. Be prepared. Hardscapes are an expensive upfront investment, but they increase your home’s value and curb appeal.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Be prepared to spend around $7,500 for a new deck, $4,000 for a patio, $850 for a fire pit, and $3,000 for a flagstone walkway.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/xeriscaping.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Tom Hilton / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMontana’s mountainous western regions, with their continental climates, receive over 35 inches of annual rainfall. Unfortunately, the steppe climates in the central and eastern regions of the Treasure State only receive around 15 inches or fewer, far below the national average rainfall of 30 inches.
\n\n\n\nLike hardscaping, xeriscaping focuses on low-maintenance landscaping with additional emphasis on water conservation. Xeriscaping involves creating a beautiful home landscape that requires no watering except natural rainfall.
\n\n\n\nMontana native plants and turfgrasses are a great water-wise option for xeriscaping your yard. They are naturally drought resistant and adapted to harsh seasonal shifts. Besides native plants, some basic steps for xeriscaping your yard include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional xeriscaping costs between $5 to $20 per square foot, depending on many factors like plant selection and the size of your yard. While upfront costs may seem high, you will save around $0.36 per square foot annually on water and maintenance costs.
\n\n\n\nSlopes, shade, sedimentary rock, and sandstone all have one thing in common. They can make growing turfgrass incredibly difficult. Luckily, your lawn doesn’t need to be covered in traditional grass to have a thick, green appearance. Drought-resistant, low-maintenance groundcover makes a great alternative to grass. These plants grow a few inches tall and spread quickly to fill horizontal space.
\n\n\n\nGroundcover fills areas of your lawn to mimic “grass.” They are low-maintenance, which means less work for you. These plants still require water and the occasional fertilizer, but selecting a native Montana groundcover will ensure your new “grass” is hardy, drought tolerant, and low-maintenance.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these popular Montana groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Groundcover plants cost around $5 to $50 each, depending on size.
\n\n\n\nLush lawns are scarce in Montana thanks to its semi-arid climate. Luckily, 365 days of perfectly manicured, green lawn is possible if you channel your favorite 1970s sitcom family, the Brady Bunch. Artificial turf is eco-friendly, comes in a variety of colors and styles, and is essentially an outdoor carpet. And contrary to popular belief, it is really hard to tell fake grass from real grass in most cases.
\n\n\n\nArtificial grass is expensive to install and may render your soil unusable in the future. However, it is virtually maintenance-free and a great four-season option for the Great Plains region.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial grass:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional artificial grass installation costs between $5 to $20 per square foot.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/4012667803_b9a8385ed1_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Levin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you live in central or eastern Montana, consider planting drought-resistant succulents like cacti. Succulents love arid climates and thrive in the sedimentary rocks of Montana thanks to their thick leaves and shallow root systems. They prefer to be left alone, so you can forget about watering your plants and let nature take over. Succulents come in a variety of shapes and sizes and work great in back and front yards.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these native Big Sky Country succulents:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of succulents:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The price depends on the size and type of succulent and ranges from $10 to $75 per plant.
\n\n\n\nMontana is home to the only grizzly bear population in the lower 48 states and many urbanized rural areas that share landscape space with other local wildlife, including deer, wolves, coyotes, and even bobcats. The best method to deter wildlife is using landscape plants they prefer not to eat.
Wildlife-resistant native Montana plants include:
No. It is typically unnecessary to mow groundcover. They are a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant alternative to traditional turfgrass and only grow to heights of several inches.
There are many types of artificial turf, including pet-friendly turf, that are specially designed for your furry family members to be stain and odor resistant and easy to clean.
Drought-resistant landscaping is the first step to a hardy and low-maintenance, outdoor space. Be sure to consider your yard’s unique microclimate and hardiness zone when selecting plants for your yard.
\n\n\n\nMontana sits in USDA Hardiness Zones 3a to 6a, with most of the Treasure State falling within zones 3b to 4a. Select drought-resistant plants that are cold-hardy to the minimum temperature in your hardiness zone.
\n\n\n\nStop wasting your time on lawn maintenance. It doesn’t matter if you live in the home of Montana State University, Bozeman, or the capital city, Helena. Consider letting Wikilawn connect you with a local landscaping company that can handle all of your lawn care needs so you can get back to the rugged outdoors.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Montana University / Sara goth / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"9 Drought-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Montana","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/b795904fefeea4003a591cb2db71bbd2/1789c/Billings_Montana_MSUB.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b795904fefeea4003a591cb2db71bbd2/107df/Billings_Montana_MSUB.jpg 320w,\n/static/b795904fefeea4003a591cb2db71bbd2/293e9/Billings_Montana_MSUB.jpg 500w,\n/static/b795904fefeea4003a591cb2db71bbd2/f2cbb/Billings_Montana_MSUB.jpg 800w,\n/static/b795904fefeea4003a591cb2db71bbd2/1789c/Billings_Montana_MSUB.jpg 960w,\n/static/b795904fefeea4003a591cb2db71bbd2/c26c2/Billings_Montana_MSUB.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b795904fefeea4003a591cb2db71bbd2/1dd6e/Billings_Montana_MSUB.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b795904fefeea4003a591cb2db71bbd2/67b76/Billings_Montana_MSUB.webp 320w,\n/static/b795904fefeea4003a591cb2db71bbd2/8df11/Billings_Montana_MSUB.webp 500w,\n/static/b795904fefeea4003a591cb2db71bbd2/98a65/Billings_Montana_MSUB.webp 800w,\n/static/b795904fefeea4003a591cb2db71bbd2/1dd6e/Billings_Montana_MSUB.webp 960w,\n/static/b795904fefeea4003a591cb2db71bbd2/3cc96/Billings_Montana_MSUB.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Drought-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Montana | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Tranform your Montana yard with 9 drought-resistant landscaping ideas like using rainwater, choosing native plants, and using efficient irrigation."}}},{"node":{"id":"66f1209a-8287-5610-ab30-d4404a8e313f","slug":"best-grass-types-montana","path":"/lawn-care/mt/best-grass-types-montana/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"851f9dd2-d0b9-5a5b-a0a0-cf65224620d5","name":"Montana","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mt/"}],"date":"May 11th, 2023","excerpt":"Montana is rich in natural resources, including gemstones, palladium, and platinum, earning it the moniker of “The Treasure State.” Its climate is classified as semi-arid or steppe, with its mountainous western regions transitioning into a humid continental climate. The Treasure State’s varying elevations experience vast precipitation ranges. Its lowlands and valleys receive as little as […]
\n","content":"\nMontana is rich in natural resources, including gemstones, palladium, and platinum, earning it the moniker of “The Treasure State.” Its climate is classified as semi-arid or steppe, with its mountainous western regions transitioning into a humid continental climate. The Treasure State’s varying elevations experience vast precipitation ranges. Its lowlands and valleys receive as little as 7 inches of rain annually, while its mountainous western half receives 35 inches or more. The 7 best grass types for Montana thrive in the semi-arid environment and withstand the long, cold winters. Read on to discover suitable varieties for your landscape.
\n\n\n\nMontana sits in the Northern Rockies and Plains region, south of Canada, in the northwestern United States. This region has incredibly unique weather thanks to its lowlands, plains, valleys, and mountainous terrain. It is one of the coldest states, but temperatures in the high 80s are not uncommon in the summer. Despite seasonal shifts and short, warm summers, Montana is best suited to cool-season grass varieties.
\n\n\n\nAll types of grass are classified into one of two categories:
\n\n\n\nMontana’s vast elevation ranges, sunlight variances, and shifting temperatures create unique microclimates. All grass types have specific needs, and not all grass varieties will grow well in your landscape. It is important to select a turfgrass suitable for the sun exposure, soil, and water capabilities of your landscape.
\n\n\n\nMontana’s microclimates are best suited to a mixture of grass species to create a hardy blend that will withstand whatever Mother Nature throws at it.
\n\n\n\nThe Goldilocks Zone for Montana microclimates has moderate irrigation, sunlight, and fertility levels, providing not too much or too little of any one area. Seed your lawn with a mixture of Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue like creeping red fescue or Chewing’s fescue, and perennial ryegrass. Aim for a ratio of 60% Kentucky bluegrass, 30% fine fescue, and 10% ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nShaded lawns with moderate irrigation and fertility levels require a unique ratio of grass seed mixture with an emphasis on shade-tolerant fine fescue. Kentucky bluegrass struggles to grow in densely shaded landscapes. Seed your lawn with 60% fine fescue, 30% Kentucky bluegrass, and 10% perennial ryegrass, and maintain heights between 2.5 to 3 inches.
\n\n\n\nThe Great Plains encompassing the eastern two-thirds of the Treasure State create semi-drylands. Seed your water-poor landscape with a drought-tolerant turfgrass variety like tall fescue or sheep fescue, a type of fine fescue. These clumping bunchgrass types do not require a mixture of seeds and can be sewn alone, but be sure to seed thickly to form a dense home landscape.
\n\n\n\nNon-irrigated landscapes or those located in dryland areas benefit from non-traditional turfgrasses like crested wheatgrass, streambank wheatgrass, or smooth bromegrass. These drought-tolerant turfgrasses form sod but can go dormant during long drought periods. Sew your arid landscape with any mixture or cultivar you choose. Never mow dryland cultivars less than 3 inches.
\n\n\n\nThe following cool-season grass types adapt to the climatic and soil conditions of Montana:
\n\n\n\n![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is a high-maintenance, cool-season cultivar that grows well throughout Montana, especially the western half of the state. It has low drought tolerance but withstands cold and winter conditions well, forming a thick sod. It is prone to disease and insects but recovers quickly from damage thanks to rhizomes and its spreading growth habit.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is recognizable for its famed blue-green color, fine texture, and dense appearance. It is wear-tolerant but slow to green up in the spring. To combat the turfgrass’ high-maintenance needs, seed your lawn with a mixture of tall or fine fescue and Kentucky bluegrass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate; prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate; recuperates well
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-3 inches; mow taller during summer
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; snow molds, summer patch, leaf spot, fairy rings, dollar spot, and necrotic ring spot can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate to high; most common pests are chinch bugs, bluegrass billbugs, grubs, and greenbugs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-drained, fertile soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It is most often mixed with other species. Regular watering is necessary because of its shallow roots. Poor soil conditions and lack of water can cause diseases, but newer cultivars are more hardy and resistant to disease.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man's](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red-Fescue-a-species-of-fine-fescue.jpg\")
Red Fescue – a species of fine fescue
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
Fine fescue encompasses several varieties, including Chewing, Red, Sheep, and Hard fescues. Cultivars are bunching type cool-season grasses with good shade tolerance. They adapt to a range of soils, including Montana’s Scobey soil.
\n\n\n\nFine fescues are low-maintenance but more expensive than most seeded cultivars. They are drought and cold-tolerant but have moderately low wear tolerance. Cultivars have a soft texture and narrow, deep green leaf blades. Miix fine fescue cultivars with Kentucky bluegrass to create a resilient and lush home lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grasses with one exception: creeping red fescues possess rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate; red thread, leaf spot, dollar spot, summer patch, powdery mildew, and downy mildew can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate; most common pests are chinch bugs, sod webworms, grubs, billbugs, winter mites, and crane flies
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-drained soils; tolerates infertile and sandy soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Often used in a mix with other cool-season grasses, especially in sun/shade mixes
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTall fescue grows well throughout Montana, surviving most drought conditions of the Plains region. It is shade and cold-tolerant and grows best in spring and fall. Cultivars are quick to green up and produce little thatch. Tall fescue has a clumping growth habit with deep roots and a sparse appearance.
\n\n\n\nThe turfgrass has an attractive medium to dark green color and coarse texture. It requires regular watering, fertilization, and mowing. Tall fescue stands up to heavy foot traffic and grows well in a range of soils, including clay and sand. Cultivars are not the most attractive choices for home lawns. However, homeowners appreciate their climatic adaptability, especially in the seasonal variances of Big Sky Country.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Tillers (Bunch-type)
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate; recovers slowly
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-4 inches (Check your cultivar and state recommendations. Many cultivars grow best when mowed on the tall side.)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate; can be prone to leaf spot, seedling disease, and brown patch
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low to moderate; susceptible to armyworms, cutworms, sod webworms, and grubs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adaptable; prefers clay soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Fertilize in September and November. Plant fresh grass seeds every couple of years to maintain a dense lawn and fill thinning spots.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is a bunching grass that mimics the appearance of Kentucky bluegrass but does not provide most of the popular cultivar’s better qualities. It has a dark green color and fine texture. Perennial ryegrass is disease and insect-prone and intolerant to drought, freezing temperatures, flooding, and wind.
\n\n\n\nCultivars do not survive Montana’s harsh climate and are not a permanent home lawn solution. Instead, perennial ryegrass acts as a nurse grass in seed mixes to protect other cultivars like Kentucky bluegrass during their germination process. The presence of perennial ryegrass in seed mixtures is optional.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Tillers (Bunch-type)
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low; requires four to five hours of sunlight
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High; recuperates poorly
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High; requires frequent watering, mowing, and fertilization
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High; susceptible to flag rust, stem rust, leaf spot, downy mildew, brown patch, and red thread
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: High; chinch bugs and greenbug aphids can occur
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adaptable; prefers well-drained, fertile soils
\n\n\n\n![\"Crested](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Crested-Wheatgrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCrested wheatgrass is a perennial, cool-season grass commonly used in pastures as forage for livestock. However, thanks to high drought tolerance, this grass type makes a great low-maintenance lawn for residents in dryland areas or homes without irrigation. Crested wheatgrass survives with as little as 8 inches of annual rainfall.
\n\n\n\nCultivars tolerate a wide range of soils and are not prone to diseases. Crested wheatgrass is extremely cold and fire tolerant and very long-lived. It has a light-green color and a bunching growth habit.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Tillers (Bunch-type)
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate; prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 3+ inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; wheat leaf rust can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: High; susceptible to black grass bugs, leafhoppers, grubs, mature click beetles, and billbugs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6+
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adaptable; prefers medium-weight sand-loam or clay-loam soils; intolerant of loose, sandy soils, heavy clays, or saline soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: All cultivars are fire and cold-tolerant and can withstand occasional flooding. They are long-lived and often used as forage for grazing animals.
\n\n\n\n![\"Streambank](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Streambank-Wheatgrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStreambank wheatgrass is another popular Montana farming grass. It forms sod for home lawns and spreads via underground rhizomes. Unlike crested wheatgrass, streambank wheatgrass is not used as a forage. It is low-maintenance and extremely drought-tolerant, surviving on as little as 6 inches of annual rainfall.
\n\n\n\nStreambank wheatgrass adapts to most soil types. It has a light green color and fine-textured leaf blades. It is native to the intermountain western regions of the United States and spreads slowly. Streambank wheatgrass requires thick seeding for a dense lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate; prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 3+ inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; wheat leaf rust can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: High; susceptible to black grass bugs, leafhoppers, grubs, mature click beetles, and billbugs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-9.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adaptable; dry or wet, well-drained to poorly drained, deep, sandy, clay, or loam soils
\n\n\n\n![\"Smooth](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Smooth-Bromegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSmooth bromegrass is another sod-forming perennial grass with extreme drought tolerance. It is an aggressive grass, spread laterally by underground rhizomes. This Depression-era favorite tolerates Montana’s extreme temperatures and thrives in its deep Scobey soil.
\n\n\n\nSmooth bromegrass has a bright green color, an extensive root system, and fine leaf blades. It doesn’t tolerate heavy traffic well, and dull mowing equipment can damage its blades. However, cultivars are not prone to disease or pests.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate; requires early spring and fall applications of nitrogen fertilizer
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 3+ inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; selenophoma leaf spot can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; susceptible to grubs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adaptable; prefers well-drained silt-loam or clay-loam soils
\n\n\n\nNo. Perennial ryegrass acts as a nurse grass for other varieties. It germinates and establishes quickly, protecting the seeds and emerging blades of other cool-season grass varieties like fine fescue, tall fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass.
Perennial ryegrass will die as your permanent mixture takes over. Many homeowners leave perennial ryegrass out of their seed mixes, replacing the 10% with a fescue variety.
The best time to sew your Montana lawn is around Labor Day, the first Monday in September. Aim to seed your lawn between mid-August and mid-September to complement the natural fall growth cycle.
Early morning is the best time to water your lawn. 30% of the water applied during midday irrigation sessions is lost to evaporation. In the morning, winds are calmer and temperatures are lower, so there is less risk of water loss from evaporation or scorching from the sun. Additionally, foliage needs time to dry before nightfall. Wet foliage can lead to disease and rot.
Montana grass cultivars are suited to your unique USDA hardiness zone. Montana’s zones include 3a to 6a, with most of the state falling between 3b to 4a. All turfgrasses have their own characteristics and needs. Choose a variety that works well for your microclimate and lifestyle.
\n\n\n\nYour grass comes together to help form your complete landscape. There are numerous landscaping options for the Treasure State, and you can take advantage of the state’s four seasons. Be sure to check out our Montana landscaping guides to help you plan your landscape.
\n\n\n\nFrom historic western cities like Missoula to riverside destinations like Billings, no matter which part of the state you live in, conquer Big Sky Country’s ever-changing climate. Let Wikilawn connect you with a local lawn care pro today to help you maintain a green and healthy lawn, so you have more free time to explore the Treasure State’s rich resources.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Montana State Capitol / R. Sieben / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
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