Native plants

Native Plants for Wyoming - What to Plant, and When

Wyoming spans 3 ecoregions:North American DesertsGreat PlainsNorthwestern Forested Mountains

153 plants on this site are native to Wyoming, 31 of them keystone species that feed the most caterpillars and bees. Wyoming spans 3 ecoregions (North American Deserts, Great Plains, Northwestern Forested Mountains), and the plants here are the ones that evolved in them. Hardiness zones in the state run 2b to 6a, which is why the list sorts by zone rather than by state.

Start with the keystones (an oak or native cherry if you have room, then goldenrods, asters and milkweeds), and plant in early fall or early spring, at least six weeks before a frost. Pick your zone above and each plant shows its own sowing and bloom window for where you garden.

Every date below moves with your zone.Keystones only · 31
American Plum (Prunus americana)

American Plum

Prunus americana

Zones 3a–8b · native to 43 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – May in zone 4b

Arrowleaf Ragwort (Senecio triangularis)

Arrowleaf Ragwort

Senecio triangularis

Zones 4a–8b · native to 16 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Aspen Fleabane (Erigeron speciosus)

Aspen Fleabane

Erigeron speciosus

Zones 3a–8b · native to 14 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 4b

Bigtooth Maple (Acer grandidentatum)

Bigtooth Maple

Acer grandidentatum

Zones 4a–8b · native to 8 states

Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)

Black Cherry

Prunus serotina

Zones 3a–9a · native to 46 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jun in zone 4b

Bog Blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum)

Bog Blueberry

Vaccinium uliginosum

Zones 2a–6b · native to 26 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 4b

Boxelder (Acer negundo)

Boxelder

Acer negundo

Zones 2a–9b · native to 48 states and provinces

Broom Snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae)

Broom Snakeweed

Gutierrezia sarothrae

Zones 4a–9b · native to 21 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)

Bur Oak

Quercus macrocarpa

Zones 3a–8b · native to 34 states and provinces

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)

Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana

Zones 2a–7b · native to 55 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 4b

Colorado Pinyon (Pinus edulis)

Colorado Pinyon

Pinus edulis

Zones 4b–8a · native to 8 states

Cowpen Daisy (Verbesina encelioides)

Cowpen Daisy

Verbesina encelioides

Zones 5a–10b · native to 26 states

Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 4b

Curlycup Gumweed (Grindelia squarrosa)

Curlycup Gumweed

Grindelia squarrosa

Zones 3a–9a · native to 44 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Douglas Aster (Symphyotrichum subspicatum)

Douglas Aster

Symphyotrichum subspicatum

Zones 5a–9b · native to 10 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Gambel Oak (Quercus gambelii)

Gambel Oak

Quercus gambelii

Zones 4a–8a · native to 9 states

Geyer Willow (Salix geyeriana)

Geyer Willow

Salix geyeriana

Zones 3a–7b · native to 11 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – May in zone 4b

Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)

Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

Zones 3a–9a · native to 57 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Sep in zone 4b

Gray Alder (Alnus incana)

Gray Alder

Alnus incana

Zones 3a–6b · native to 44 states and provinces

Hairy False Goldenaster (Heterotheca villosa)

Hairy False Goldenaster

Heterotheca villosa

Zones 4a–9a · native to 20 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta)

Lodgepole Pine

Pinus contorta

Zones 4a–7b · native to 14 states and provinces

New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

New England Aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

Zones 3a–8b · native to 44 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Nov in zone 4b

Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica)

Pin Cherry

Prunus pensylvanica

Zones 2a–6b · native to 43 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 4b

Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa)

Ponderosa Pine

Pinus ponderosa

Zones 3b–7b · native to 17 states and provinces

Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides)

Quaking Aspen

Populus tremuloides

Zones 2a–6b · native to 49 states and provinces

Rubber Rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa)

Rubber Rabbitbrush

Ericameria nauseosa

Zones 4a–9b · native to 20 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Nov in zone 4b

Sandbar Willow (Salix interior)

Sandbar Willow

Salix interior

Zones 2a–9b · native to 57 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 4b

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

Sunflower

Helianthus annuus

Zones 2a–11b · native to 22 states

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Tahoka Daisy (Machaeranthera tanacetifolia)

Tahoka Daisy

Machaeranthera tanacetifolia

Zones 4a–9b · native to 14 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 4b

Velvety Goldenrod (Solidago velutina)

Velvety Goldenrod

Solidago velutina

Zones 4a–9b · native to 10 states

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Water Birch (Betula occidentalis)

Water Birch

Betula occidentalis

Zones 3a–7b · native to 22 states and provinces

Yellow Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus)

Yellow Rabbitbrush

Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus

Zones 4a–8b · native to 14 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

'Golden Jubilee' Agastache (Agastache foeniculum 'Golden Jubilee')

'Golden Jubilee' Agastache

Agastache foeniculum 'Golden Jubilee'

Zones 4a–9a · native to 22 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Agastache (Agastache foeniculum)

Agastache

Agastache foeniculum

Zones 4a–9a · native to 22 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus)

Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany

Cercocarpus montanus

Zones 4a–9b · native to 11 states

Blooms May – Jul in zone 4b

Alkali Sacaton (Sporobolus airoides)

Alkali Sacaton

Sporobolus airoides

Zones 4a–9b · native to 18 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 4b

American Cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus var. americanum)

American Cranberrybush

Viburnum opulus var. americanum

Zones 2a–7b · native to 35 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 4b

American Elm (Ulmus americana)

American Elm

Ulmus americana

Zones 3a–9a · native to 46 states and provinces

American Spurred Gentian (Halenia deflexa)

American Spurred Gentian

Halenia deflexa

Zones 2a–7b · native to 23 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

American Vetch (Vicia americana)

American Vetch

Vicia americana

Zones 3a–9b · native to 49 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 4b

Antelope Bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata)

Antelope Bitterbrush

Purshia tridentata

Zones 4a–8b · native to 12 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jun in zone 4b

Arrowleaf Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata)

Arrowleaf Balsamroot

Balsamorhiza sagittata

Zones 4a–8b · native to 13 states and provinces

Blooms Sep – Nov in zone 4b

Beaujolais Fringed Loosestrife (Lysimachia ciliata 'Beaujolais')

Beaujolais Fringed Loosestrife

Lysimachia ciliata 'Beaujolais'

Zones 3a–8b · native to 53 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)

Big Bluestem

Andropogon gerardii

Zones 3a–9b · native to 44 states

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Big Bluestem 'Holy Smoke' (Andropogon gerardii)

Big Bluestem 'Holy Smoke'

Andropogon gerardii

Zones 3a–9b · native to 44 states

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)

Big Sagebrush

Artemisia tridentata

Zones 4a–9b · native to 16 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Nov in zone 4b

Bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva)

Bitterroot

Lewisia rediviva

Zones 4a–8b · native to 12 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Nov in zone 4b

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Black-Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta

Zones 3a–9b · native to 50 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata)

Blanketflower

Gaillardia aristata

Zones 3a–9b · native to 18 states and provinces

Blooms Oct – Feb in zone 4b

Blue Flax (Linum lewisii)

Blue Flax

Linum lewisii

Zones 3a–9b · native to 26 states and provinces

Blooms Sep – Jan in zone 4b

Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis)

Blue Grama

Bouteloua gracilis

Zones 3a–10b · native to 26 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 4b

Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata)

Blue Vervain

Verbena hastata

Zones 3a–8b · native to 57 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Bluebunch Wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata)

Bluebunch Wheatgrass

Pseudoroegneria spicata

Zones 3a–8b · native to 17 states and provinces

Bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis)

Bluejoint

Calamagrostis canadensis

Zones 2a–7b · native to 51 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Broadleaf Cattail (Typha latifolia)

Broadleaf Cattail

Typha latifolia

Zones 3a–10b · native to 60 states and provinces

Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis)

Bunchberry

Cornus canadensis

Zones 2a–6b · native to 40 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 4b

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Butterfly Weed

Asclepias tuberosa

Zones 3a–9a · native to 43 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum)

California Fuchsia

Epilobium canum

Zones 8a–11b · native to 8 states

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Campfire Rudbeckia (Rudbeckia hirta 'Campfire')

Campfire Rudbeckia

Rudbeckia hirta 'Campfire'

Zones 3a–7b · native to 50 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Canada Wild Rye (Elymus canadensis)

Canada Wild Rye

Elymus canadensis

Zones 3a–9b · native to 46 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Carolina Geranium (Geranium carolinianum)

Carolina Geranium

Geranium carolinianum

Zones 3a–9b · native to 53 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Sep in zone 4b

Clove Currant (Ribes odoratum)

Clove Currant

Ribes odoratum

Zones 4a–8b · native to 12 states

Blooms May – Jun in zone 4b

Clustered Field Sedge (Carex praegracilis)

Clustered Field Sedge

Carex praegracilis

Zones 4a–9b · native to 25 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jun in zone 4b

Common Bladderwort (Utricularia macrorhiza)

Common Bladderwort

Utricularia macrorhiza

Zones 3a–9b · native to 36 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 4b

Common Camas (Camassia quamash)

Common Camas

Camassia quamash

Zones 4a–9b · native to 10 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 4b

Common Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale)

Common Sneezeweed

Helenium autumnale

Zones 3a–8b · native to 51 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Common Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus)

Common Snowberry

Symphoricarpos albus

Zones 3a–7b · native to 45 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 4b

Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis)

Creeping Juniper

Juniperus horizontalis

Zones 3a–9a · native to 28 states and provinces

Creeping Oregon Grape (Berberis aquifolium var. repens)

Creeping Oregon Grape

Berberis aquifolium var. repens

Zones 4a–8b · native to 16 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Jun in zone 4b

Dotted Blazing Star (Liatris punctata)

Dotted Blazing Star

Liatris punctata

Zones 3a–9b · native to 16 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Nov in zone 4b

Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

Douglas Fir

Pseudotsuga menziesii

Zones 4a–7b · native to 15 states and provinces

Dusky Penstemon (Penstemon whippleanus)

Dusky Penstemon

Penstemon whippleanus

Zones 4a–8b · native to 7 states

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Explorer's Gentian (Gentiana calycosa)

Explorer's Gentian

Gentiana calycosa

Zones 4a–8b · native to 9 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

False Solomon's Seal (Maianthemum racemosum)

False Solomon's Seal

Maianthemum racemosum

Zones 3a–8b · native to 57 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jun in zone 4b

Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium)

Fireweed

Chamerion angustifolium

Zones 3a–8b · native to 38 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens)

Fourwing Saltbush

Atriplex canescens

Zones 4a–10a · native to 18 states and provinces

Golden Currant (Ribes aureum)

Golden Currant

Ribes aureum

Zones 3a–8b · native to 18 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 4b

Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)

Green Ash

Fraxinus pennsylvanica

Zones 3a–9a · native to 47 states and provinces

Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia)

Harebell

Campanula rotundifolia

Zones 2a–7b · native to 49 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Horsetail (Equisetum hyemale)

Horsetail

Equisetum hyemale

Zones 3a–11b · native to 61 states and provinces

Blooms May – May in zone 4b

Idaho Fescue (Festuca idahoensis)

Idaho Fescue

Festuca idahoensis

Zones 4a–8b · native to 14 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 4b

Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans)

Indian Grass

Sorghastrum nutans

Zones 4a–9a · native to 48 states and provinces

Blooms Sep – Nov in zone 4b

Indian Ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides)

Indian Ricegrass

Achnatherum hymenoides

Zones 4a–9b · native to 22 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 4b

Juniper Bush (Juniperus communis)

Juniper Bush

Juniperus communis

Zones 2a–6b · native to 49 states and provinces

Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Kinnikinnick

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Zones 2a–8b · native to 42 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jun in zone 4b

Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)

Lady Fern

Athyrium filix-femina

Zones 4a–8b · native to 46 states

Blooms May – Sep in zone 4b

Large Beardtongue (Penstemon grandiflorus)

Large Beardtongue

Penstemon grandiflorus

Zones 3a–8b · native to 15 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 4b

Leadplant (Amorpha canescens)

Leadplant

Amorpha canescens

Zones 2b–9b · native to 20 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Little Bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium

Zones 3a–9a · native to 51 states and provinces

Blooms Sep – Nov in zone 4b

Little Bluestem 'Blue Heaven' (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Little Bluestem 'Blue Heaven'

Schizachyrium scoparium

Zones 3a–9a · native to 51 states and provinces

Blooms Sep – Nov in zone 4b

Little Bluestem 'Twilight Zone' (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Little Bluestem 'Twilight Zone'

Schizachyrium scoparium

Zones 3a–9a · native to 51 states and provinces

Blooms Sep – Nov in zone 4b

Mat Rock Spiraea (Petrophytum caespitosum)

Mat Rock Spiraea

Petrophytum caespitosum

Zones 4a–7b · native to 11 states

Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 4b

Miner's Lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata)

Miner's Lettuce

Claytonia perfoliata

Zones 6a–10b · native to 13 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Sep in zone 4b

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii)

Mock Orange

Philadelphus lewisii

Zones 4a–9b · native to 9 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 4b

Moss Campion (Silene acaulis)

Moss Campion

Silene acaulis

Zones 1a–6b · native to 24 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 4b

Mountain Avens (Dryas octopetala)

Mountain Avens

Dryas octopetala

Zones 2a–6b · native to 9 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 4b

Mountain Coyote Mint (Monardella odoratissima)

Mountain Coyote Mint

Monardella odoratissima

Zones 4a–8b · native to 10 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 4b

Mountain Ninebark (Physocarpus monogynus)

Mountain Ninebark

Physocarpus monogynus

Zones 3a–7b · native to 8 states

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 4b

Mountain Snowberry (Symphoricarpos oreophilus)

Mountain Snowberry

Symphoricarpos oreophilus

Zones 3a–8b · native to 11 states

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago)

Nannyberry

Viburnum lentago

Zones 2b–8a · native to 33 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jun in zone 4b

Narrowleaf Coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia)

Narrowleaf Coneflower

Echinacea angustifolia

Zones 3a–8b · native to 15 states and provinces

Blooms Oct – Dec in zone 4b

Nodding Bur Marigold (Bidens cernua)

Nodding Bur Marigold

Bidens cernua

Zones 3a–9b · native to 57 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Nodding Onion (Allium cernuum)

Nodding Onion

Allium cernuum

Zones 3a–9a · native to 42 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Nootka Rose (Rosa nutkana)

Nootka Rose

Rosa nutkana

Zones 4a–9b · native to 12 states and provinces

Blooms May – Aug in zone 4b

Oregon Sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum)

Oregon Sunshine

Eriophyllum lanatum

Zones 5a–10b · native to 11 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 4b

Pacific Ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus)

Pacific Ninebark

Physocarpus capitatus

Zones 5a–9b · native to 9 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 4b

Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea)

Pearly Everlasting

Anaphalis margaritacea

Zones 3a–8b · native to 45 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Pleated Gentian (Gentiana affinis)

Pleated Gentian

Gentiana affinis

Zones 3a–8b · native to 21 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida columnifera)

Prairie Coneflower

Ratibida columnifera

Zones 3a–10b · native to 30 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 4b

Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)

Prairie Dropseed

Sporobolus heterolepis

Zones 3a–9b · native to 25 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Nov in zone 4b

Prairie Ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata)

Prairie Ironweed

Vernonia fasciculata

Zones 3a–8b · native to 19 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Sep in zone 4b

Prairie Junegrass (Koeleria macrantha)

Prairie Junegrass

Koeleria macrantha

Zones 3a–9b · native to 31 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 4b

Prairie Rose (Rosa arkansana)

Prairie Rose

Rosa arkansana

Zones 3a–8b · native to 22 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 4b

Purple Mountain Saxifrage (Saxifraga oppositifolia)

Purple Mountain Saxifrage

Saxifraga oppositifolia

Zones 1a–6b · native to 21 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 4b

Purple Poppy Mallow (Callirhoe involucrata)

Purple Poppy Mallow

Callirhoe involucrata

Zones 3a–9b · native to 13 states

Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 4b

Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea)

Purple Prairie Clover

Dalea purpurea

Zones 3a–9b · native to 29 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Purple Three-awn (Aristida purpurea)

Purple Three-awn

Aristida purpurea

Zones 5a–10b · native to 23 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 4b

Red Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa)

Red Elderberry

Sambucus racemosa

Zones 3a–7b · native to 44 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 4b

Red Fescue (Festuca rubra)

Red Fescue

Festuca rubra

Zones 2a–8b · native to 26 states and provinces

Red-twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)

Red-twig Dogwood

Cornus sericea

Zones 2a–7b · native to 53 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 4b

River Beauty (Epilobium latifolium)

River Beauty

Epilobium latifolium

Zones 1a–6b · native to 18 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Rocky Mountain Columbine (Aquilegia caerulea)

Rocky Mountain Columbine

Aquilegia caerulea

Zones 3a–8b · native to 7 states

Blooms Oct – Dec in zone 4b

Rocky Mountain Penstemon (Penstemon strictus)

Rocky Mountain Penstemon

Penstemon strictus

Zones 4a–8b · native to 5 states

Blooms Oct – Dec in zone 4b

Saskatoon Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia)

Saskatoon Serviceberry

Amelanchier alnifolia

Zones 2a–7b · native to 22 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – May in zone 4b

Scarlet Gaura (Gaura coccinea)

Scarlet Gaura

Gaura coccinea

Zones 4a–9a · native to 18 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 4b

Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)

Serviceberry

Amelanchier canadensis

Zones 3a–7b · native to 53 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 4b

Showy Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium pulcherrimum)

Showy Jacob's Ladder

Polemonium pulcherrimum

Zones 3a–8b · native to 16 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 4b

Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa)

Showy Milkweed

Asclepias speciosa

Zones 3a–9b · native to 24 states and provinces

Blooms Oct – Dec in zone 4b

Shrubby Cinquefoil (Dasiphora fruticosa)

Shrubby Cinquefoil

Dasiphora fruticosa

Zones 2a–7b · native to 43 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 4b

Sideoats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula)

Sideoats Grama

Bouteloua curtipendula

Zones 3a–10b · native to 25 states

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 4b

Silvery Lupine (Lupinus argenteus)

Silvery Lupine

Lupinus argenteus

Zones 4a–8b · native to 17 states and provinces

Blooms Oct – Jan in zone 4b

Sky Pilot (Polemonium viscosum)

Sky Pilot

Polemonium viscosum

Zones 3a–7b · native to 13 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Soapweed Yucca (Yucca glauca)

Soapweed Yucca

Yucca glauca

Zones 3a–9a · native to 12 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Soft Rush (Juncus effusus)

Soft Rush

Juncus effusus

Zones 4a–9b · native to 55 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 4b

Spotted Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum)

Spotted Joe Pye Weed

Eutrochium maculatum

Zones 3a–8b · native to 46 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Sulphur Buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum)

Sulphur Buckwheat

Eriogonum umbellatum

Zones 4a–8b · native to 13 states and provinces

Blooms Oct – Jan in zone 4b

Sweet Flag (Acorus americanus)

Sweet Flag

Acorus americanus

Zones 3a–7b · native to 41 states and provinces

Switchgrass 'Cheyenne Sky' (Panicum virgatum)

Switchgrass 'Cheyenne Sky'

Panicum virgatum

Zones 4a–9a · native to 49 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Nov in zone 4b

Switchgrass 'Shenandoah' (Panicum virgatum)

Switchgrass 'Shenandoah'

Panicum virgatum

Zones 4a–9a · native to 49 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Nov in zone 4b

Switchgrass 'Smoking Gun' (Panicum virgatum)

Switchgrass 'Smoking Gun'

Panicum virgatum

Zones 4a–9a · native to 49 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Nov in zone 4b

Tall Thimbleweed (Anemone virginiana)

Tall Thimbleweed

Anemone virginiana

Zones 3a–8b · native to 46 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 4b

Tufted Hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa)

Tufted Hairgrass

Deschampsia cespitosa

Zones 4a–9b · native to 43 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 4b

Twinberry Honeysuckle (Lonicera involucrata)

Twinberry Honeysuckle

Lonicera involucrata

Zones 3b–9a · native to 22 states and provinces

Blooms Sep – Nov in zone 4b

Twinflower (Linnaea borealis)

Twinflower

Linnaea borealis

Zones 2a–6b · native to 35 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Utah Serviceberry (Amelanchier utahensis)

Utah Serviceberry

Amelanchier utahensis

Zones 4a–8a · native to 11 states

Blooms Apr – May in zone 4b

Virginia Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana)

Virginia Strawberry

Fragaria virginiana

Zones 3a–9a · native to 51 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jun in zone 4b

Western Columbine (Aquilegia formosa)

Western Columbine

Aquilegia formosa

Zones 4a–9b · native to 14 states and provinces

Blooms May – Aug in zone 4b

Western Dog Violet (Viola adunca)

Western Dog Violet

Viola adunca

Zones 2a–8b · native to 35 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Jun in zone 4b

Western Trillium (Trillium ovatum)

Western Trillium

Trillium ovatum

Zones 5a–8b · native to 9 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 4b

White Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium 'Album')

White Fireweed

Chamaenerion angustifolium 'Album'

Zones 2a–7b · native to 31 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 4b

White Spruce (Picea glauca)

White Spruce

Picea glauca

Zones 2a–6b · native to 27 states and provinces

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

Wild Bergamot

Monarda fistulosa

Zones 3a–9b · native to 51 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)

Wild Strawberry

Fragaria vesca

Zones 3b–9a · native to 50 states and provinces

Blooms May – Sep in zone 4b

Direct-sow ~10 wks after your last spring frost

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

Zones 3a–9b · native to 50 states

Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 4b

Direct-sow ~8 wks after your last spring frost

Common questions

What plants are native to Wyoming?
'Golden Jubilee' Agastache, Agastache, Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany, Alkali Sacaton, American Cranberrybush, American Elm, American Plum, American Spurred Gentian, and 145 more are native to Wyoming. Every one links to its own growing page.
When should I plant natives in Wyoming?
Timing depends on your hardiness zone. Each plant on this page shows its sowing and bloom window relative to your zone's last spring and first fall frost, so the dates stay correct wherever in Wyoming you garden. As a rule, plant perennials and shrubs in early fall, at least six weeks before the first frost, or in spring once the soil drains.
What hardiness zones does Wyoming cover?
Wyoming runs from zone 2b to 6a. Pick your zone at the top of the page and the list re-sorts for it.
Which keystone plants should I start with in Wyoming?
American Plum, Arrowleaf Ragwort, Aspen Fleabane, Bigtooth Maple, Black Cherry, Bog Blueberry, among others. Keystone plants host the most caterpillar species in their ecoregion, which is what feeds nesting birds; one oak or native cherry does more than a bed of showy non-natives. Use the Keystones only toggle to see all 31.

How this list is built

Native ranges follow the USDA PLANTS Database; hardiness ranges follow USDA Plant Hardiness Zones; pollinator value draws on the Xerces Society. Where a reference almanac would stop at “confirm with your local authority,” we go one step further - every plant here links to its full growing page with frost-relative tasks for your zone.

Nature timing varies year to year. To calibrate to your own yard, the Garden Digest builds a weekly task list around your plants and frost dates.

ShareSave to Pinterest

The month ahead in your zone, free in your inbox.

What to sow, plant and watch for, timed to your frost dates. Once a month.

Get the free monthly