Gardening with Native Plants in Missoula
Here in Missoula we have relatively harsh weather conditions that are not necessarily ideal for growing plants. We experience cold and dry conditions; the average annual temperature is about 45.9 degrees Fahrenheit and we receive 14 inches of rainfall per year on average. The short summers are hot and dry and they are quickly transformed into long frigid winters. Many native species are adapted to these cold, dry conditions and require fewer cultural inputs such as irrigation, fertilizer, and pesticides. There are a wide variety of native plant species that are adapted to Missoula's climatic conditions, including many ground covers, grasses, shrubs, trees, and wild flowers. Plants that are best adapted to the region are ones that are tolerant of dry periods, capable of surviving extreme cold spells, have a short growing season, and are semi tolerant to strong winds and high light exposure.
Why Garden with Native Plants?
Creating a native plant garden is important for reducing energy, water, and chemical usage; wildlife habitat enhancement; and invasive weed management. Currently in Missoula the most common lawn type is Kentucky Bluegrass. This is a nonnative species that originates from Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and it is currently found across North America. In the wild it is an invasive species in many rangeland ecosystems. This pervasive grass type chokes out native plant species by depriving them of space and water resources. In individuals lawns it is extremely water intensive compared to native grass types such as Blue Grama Grass and Wheat Bunchgrass. These species do not require additional watering, while Kentucky Bluegrass needs additional water inputs everyday especially in the late summer months. Having a native plant garden is by far more waterwise than a nonnative grass lawn.
As climate change becomes a more pressing issue around the world, creating a xeriscaped yard or garden is one of the ways individuals can mitigate and adapt to the effects of the shifting climate. In Missoula we are most directly impacted by the earlier spring runoff, which leads to less water availability in the late summer months of August and September. As this effect is amplified it will lead to more severe drought conditions during these months, which is why it is important to have a garden that does not require additional water. Water conservation is just one of the many things individual households can participate in to lesson their ecological footprint and mitigate the impacts of climate change. This can be done by replacing boring grass lawns with a vibrant variety of plant species that are native to the Missoula area. To view examples of these plant species, visit our Native Plant Species List
Additional Resources on Gardening with Native Plants
Here are some additional resources to help you create a native plant garden in your own yard:
"Waterwise and Native Plants for Missoula County" by, Helen Atthowe et. al, published by the Missoula County Extension Service.
"Creating Native Landscapes in the Northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountains" by, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.