Living Landscapes in South Dakota - Plant Materials Program - US ...

CHOOSING THE R IGHT G RASSES AND W ILDFLOWERS
Plant Adaptation
Tag Tips:
Scientific Latin name
of one or two words,
for example, Linum
lewisii.
“Zone” numbers,
i.e., 3 means better
adaptation to colder
temperatures than 4.
Sun, partial sun, or
shade tell you the
sunlight requirements
and correct
placement in the
landscape.
Water requirements
in inches per year
should fit natural,
local precipitation
amounts.
Plants naturally adapted to survive in local environmental conditions should be selected.
• Choose reputable nurseries and garden centers. Many choose and grow native and
introduced plant material that is adapted to the area. Consider their replacement
policy. Guarantees usually vary from 6 months to 1 year from purchase.
• Select plants adapted to the correct USDA Plant Hardiness Zone. The “zone” will
be listed on the tag or label. The lower the number, the more adapted it is to colder
temperatures. In South Dakota, depending on your location, the zones range from 3b
to 5a. Species, as well as varieties within the species, need to be adapted. Varieties
or cultivars originating from milder southern climates often have different day length
and length of growing season requirements, and lack of winter hardiness.
• Research a plant’s adaptation using the two-word scientific Latin name for the
species. It is more universal than a common name. Common names vary in time,
place, and culture.
• Though plants from the wild are adapted, digging for home landscaping use is
not recommended. Extensive root systems often make digging and transplanting
unsuccessful. It is also illegal in many areas. When gathering seed, consider viability
and propagation requirements. Seed quality is often poor in the wild. Many species
require special conditions and treatments for germination. Knowing these needs is
essential for successful establishment from seed.
Purple
conefl ower ,
a native
wildfl ower ,
is grown
and sold
at many
nurseries.
Plant Attributes and Features
Mature
purple conefl ower
When selecting plant species, consider contrast, harmony, and
boldness to provide variety throughout the year. Allow ample room for
growth as the plant matures.
Know the life-span of your plants.
Perennial - lives three or more years, resuming growth each growing
season from overwintering buds above or below ground.
Biennial - requires two growing seasons to complete their life cycles;
germinating and remaining vegetative the first year, then fl ower ing,
fruiting, and dying in the second year.
Annual - completes its life cycle within one growing season and
must reproduce from seed each year.
Nature’s Defenses
In nature’s low-water environments, look for attributes considered
natural defense mechanisms for conserving water.
• 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.
Living Landscapes in South Dakota: A GUIDE TO NATIVE PLANTSCAPING
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