Native Trees For The State of South Dakota

Find the best selection of native species for the State of South Dakota here at Nature Hills Nursery and support native habitats in the Coyote State!

Choosing native trees for your State means you will know your tree will thrive where it is well suited to climate and soil because they originated there! Feed pollinators pollen and nectar, seeds for songbirds, and provide shelter, food, and forage for a wide variety of wildlife.

These 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 South Dakota Native Trees

South Dakota is primarily grassland and prairie where the state bird, the Ring-Necked Pheasant roams. Ranging from USDA growing zones 3 to 5, South Dakota has cold snowy to dry winters to warm and semi-humid summers.

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.

Best Native Evergreen Trees For South Dakota

Check out these South Dakota native coniferous evergreen trees that keep their leaves year-round for privacy, slow down the wind, stand up to storms, help block the drifting snow, and add interest during the winter months. One like the Black Hills Spruce named after the Black Hills region of this State.

• Eastern Red Cedar Tree (Redcedar)
• Ponderosa Pine
• Shore Pine
• White Spruce (Black Hills Spruce)

Native Flowering Trees of South Dakota

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 Basswood/Linden Tree
• American Plum/Wild Plum Tree
• Black Locust Tree
• Gray & Roughleaf Dogwood
• Pussy Willow

What Native Shade Trees Can Be Found In South Dakota?

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

• American Elm Tree
• American Hop Hornbeam
• Ash - Green, Mountain & Wafer Ash
• Paper Bark Birch
• Box Elder Tree (Boxelder)
• Cottonwood/Eastern Cottonwood Tree
• Hackberry/Common Hackberry Trees & Sugarberry Tree
• Kentucky Coffee Tree
• Black, Silver & Sugar Maple Tree 
• Northern Catalpa Tree
• Bur Oak Tree
• Quaking Aspen Tree

Native Fruit & Nut Trees in South Dakota

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
• Hazelnut/Native American Filbert
• Pignut Hickory Tree
• Red Mulberry 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 South Dakota landscape!