Native Plants in Montana

• Montana is the fourth largest state in the United States and has a wide variation of weather with cold waves, oppressive heat and high levels of precipitation. The state also experiences tornadoes and hailstorms. Given this fluctuation in weather, native plants are often the best choices for growing in the state, well adapted to growing in extreme weather conditions. Native plants are low maintenance, have a greater resistance to common plant diseases and increased survivability rate as compared to nonnative plant species. A variety of plants are native to Montana.

Serviceberry

• Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia ) is a native Montana plant that was considered one of the most important berry crops by the Native Indian tribes of the state. The large shrub or small tree grows up to 20-feet tall and starts to bloom with white flowers before the appearance of leaves. Serviceberry has 2-inch-long, round, toothed foliage and the berries are dark blue to purple in color. The plant is also referred to as shadberry, juneberry and saskatoonberry. Serviceberry is especially abundant in the Rocky Mountain region of Montana where it commonly grows on stream banks, wood, and moist hills.

Yarrow

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) is a native Montana plant known for its medicinal properties such as the ability to stop bleeding wounds and cuts. The plant was used by native Americans in medicine for burns, boils and open sores. Yarrow plants are 1- to 3-feet tall and bloom with flat topped, white inflorescent flowers. The 3- to 4-inch-long foliage is dissected and resembles fern. The plant thrives in dry to slightly moist soil and prefers areas of sun. Yarrow is also referred to as milfoil, soldier's woundwort, sanguinary and Herba militaris.

Pineapple Weed

• Pineapple weed (Matricaria matricarioides) is an aromatic herb with medicinal properties. Pineapple weed is native to Montana and was used by the Native American as perfume and bug repellent. A tea made with the herb was reputed to aid in childbirth, reduce fevers and provide relief from upset stomach and diarrhea. The plant is a multistemmed, leafy annual with a mature height of about 1 1/2 feet. The dissected foliage is pinnate and divided into linear segments. Pineapple weed blooms with 1/2-inch wide, light green, ray like flowers. Pineapple weed is frequently found growing in dry prairies and unused lands.