Montana Native Plants

Find the best selection of native species for the State of Montana here at Nature Hills Nursery and support native habitats in the Big Sky Country!

Selecting trees native to your State ensures your tree is well suited to your climate and soil because they originated there! Evolving alongside these trees, pollinators and birds recognize these sources of shelter and forage.

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

Best Montana Native Trees

Montana is primarily grassland and prairie where the state bird, the Western Meadowlark loves to romp. Montana is USDA growing zones 3 to zone 6 in the western portion of the state. Featuring warm summers and cold winters, and the western part of the state has a mountainous climate.

Find your Hardiness Zone, and choose a tree that has a range that includes yours! Check with your local County Extension Office for more information if needed and for the many microclimates within these zones. Montana has a wide range of habitats, from mountains, forests, grasslands, wetlands, scrublands, prairies, badlands, to arid steppes.

Best Native Evergreen Trees For Montana

These Montana native evergreen trees, like the State Tree the Ponderosa Pine, keep their leaves as year-round windbreaks, must stand up to storms, help block the drifting snow, and add interest during the winter months.

• Colorado Spruce
• Concolor Fir
• Douglas Fir Tree
• Ponderosa Pine
• Shore Pine
• White Spruce Tree

Native Flowering Trees of Montana

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

• American Plum/Wild Plum Tree
• Black Locust Tree
• Pussy Willow Tree

What Native Shade Trees Can Be Found In Montana?

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

• American Elm Tree
• Ash Tree - Green & Mountain
• Paper Bark & River Birch
• Box Elder Tree (Boxelder)
• Cottonwood/Eastern Cottonwood Tree
• Common Hackberry Trees
• Bur Oak Tree
• Quaking Aspen Tree

Native Fruit & Nut Trees in Montana

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

• American Plum/Wild Plum Tree
• Black Walnut Tree
• Saskatoon Serviceberry

Much Needed Natives!

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

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