Native Plant Resources: A Guide to Finding Local Gems in Bozeman
As spring sprouts here in Bozeman and the surrounding areas, many nature enthusiasts and gardeners are eager to enhance their landscapes with native plants. Indigenous species add beauty to our surroundings and play a vital role in supporting local ecosystems and wildlife. I’m so glad that they’re getting the attention they deserve more and more lately.
Did you know that 50% of Bozeman's treated water irrigates lawns and landscapes in the summer? It’s true, but native plants can make a difference!
If you're hunting for native plants to incorporate into your garden, look no further! In this guide, we'll explore some of the best resources for finding native plants locally in Bozeman and its neighboring communities.
Native Plant Nurseries: Bozeman is fortunate to have several nurseries that carry native plants. Even though we don’t have a dedicated native plant nursery, you can still find a diverse selection of species suited to our region's unique climate and soil conditions. Nurseries like Cashman’s and Garden Barn have dedicated spaces for native plants and can provide advice on species selection. If you’re willing to drive a bit further, Great Bear Nursery and Blake Nursery are known for their commitment to native plants.
Local Farmers Markets: During the growing season, farmers’ markets in Bozeman and nearby towns offer an excellent opportunity to discover native plants from local growers like us! We’ll be at the Manhattan Farmer’s Market with native plant seedlings, and you may find other vendors offering native wildflowers, grasses, and shrubs at other markets around the valley, too.
Native Plant Sales and Exchanges: Conservation organizations in the area host native plant sales throughout the spring. Some require pre-orders, but here is a list of sales I’ve purchased from or heard great things about:
Montana Freshwater Partners Native Plant Sale
Online Resources: For those unable to visit nurseries or attend local events, online resources can be valuable information and inspiration. The websites below offer comprehensive databases of native plant species, including detailed descriptions, growing tips, and sourcing recommendations.
The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) offers many resources for native plant researchers. I use their website often, as it has a handy native plant finder tool. I can type in my zip code to find out which plants are native and which animals they support within my local ecosystem. nativeplantfinder.nwf.org
Audubon Native Plant Database: Audubon's database provides valuable information on native plants suitable for attracting birds and other wildlife to your garden. Users can search by zip code to find species native to their region. audubon.org/native-plants
Xerces Society: The Xerces Society specializes in invertebrate conservation and offers resources on native plants that support pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and moths. Their plant lists are organized by region and habitat type.
xerces.org/pollinator-resource-center
Native Plant Trust: Formerly known as the New England Wild Flower Society, the Native Plant Trust focuses on promoting the conservation and use of native plants in the northeastern United States. Their website features plant lists, educational resources, and information on native plant nurseries. nativeplanttrust.org
Wild Ones: Wild Ones is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting native landscaping and ecological restoration. Their website offers articles, webinars, and resources for individuals interested in learning more about native plants and landscaping with native species. wildones.org
Native Plant Societies: Consider joining the Montana Native Plant Society and/or your local chapter — the Bozeman area is the Valley of the Flowers. These organizations often host educational workshops, newsletters, and field trips exclusively for members, providing valuable networking opportunities and great information.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a novice green thumb, incorporating native plants into your landscape adds aesthetic value and contributes to our region's ecological health and resilience.
Other Resources