Smart Water Planting Guide 2019

WATER SMART BOZEMAN.

Spring/Summer 2019

WATER SMART PLANTING GUIDE for the Bozeman Area

DOING ONE THING MAKES A DIFFERENCE. FIND OUT MORE AT BOZEMANWATER.COM

Water Smart Bozeman

D

T t l c

I y

Eighty percent of the City of Bozeman's water supply comes from snowmelt in the Gallatin Range which feeds Hyalite Reservoir (above) and Sourdough Creek. The other twenty percent comes from a developed spring in the Bridger Range northeast of Bozeman. For more information about where the City of Bozeman's water comes from, visit www.bozemanwater.com.

Water Smart Bozeman What does Water Smart Bozeman mean? It means knowing where our water comes from, recognizing that there is a limited supply, and taking actions to conserve it.

At the City of Bozeman, we’re dedicated to providing our community with tools and resources to make water smart decisions both inside and outside your home. And with fifty percent of Bozeman’s water supply in the summer going into our yards, the easiest and best place to be water smart is right outside your door.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Water Smart Bozeman . . . . . . . . 2 Water Smarter . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Lawn and Landscape . . . . . . . . .10 Plant Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

2 | Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com

Water Smart Bozeman

Doing One Thing Makes a Difference This Water Smart Planting Guide contains facts about where our water comes from, tips for conserving water, incentives, information and other ways to participate in City of Bozeman water conservation efforts. Maybe you already have a green thumb, and your ‘one thing’ is overhauling your entire landscape with drought tolerant plants. Or maybe you’re a little green behind the ears when it comes to yard maintenance, but have a feeling you could be watering your lawn less. Your ‘one thing’ could be as simple as calling for a free sprinkler system assessment.

In big ways and small, we can all do one thing to make a difference for Bozeman’s water future. Plus, by doing one thing, your yard, your wallet, and your thumb will all get a little more green.

EDUCATION The first step toward a Water Smart Bozeman is understanding where our water comes from and why the supply is limited.

Here’s the big picture: · Bozeman is located in a semi-arid, drought-prone zone, averaging only 16 inches of precipitation per year. · There are only three sources of Bozeman’s high-quality water.

Snowpack in the Gallatin Range supplies 80%, feeding Sourdough Creek and Hyalite Reservoir. The other 20% comes from a spring at the headwaters of Lyman Creek in the Bridger Range. · Bozeman expects to see a pattern of less snow, more rain, and warmer temperatures in the future which mean a less reliable water supply for Bozeman. Plus, Bozeman keeps growing. While our population increases year-after-year, our water sources do not.

Eventually, our supplies will not be enough. · All of these things, combined, mean Bozeman could be facing a water shortage in the next 20 years. Here’s the bottom line: We can’t make more water. Conserving what we have is the largest source of water for Bozeman’s future. It’s the cheapest and most expedient way to thrive through drought and ensure a reliable water supply.

TIPS You can be water smart anywhere— indoors, outdoors, at your home, or your business. While this guide is dedicated to tips for outdoor residential water conservation (starting on page 6), our website www. bozemanwater.com is the source for water smart ideas for everything from efficient irrigation schedules to commercial urinals.

INCENTIVES Saving water also saves money. You can cash in on your water smarts through our many rebates, offers and incentive programs. Start with our Landscape and Sprinkler System Rebate Program (page 9), then check out all of the incentives—both residential and commercial—that we offer at www.bozemanwater.com.

ENGAGEMENT If we each do one small thing to save water, together we will make a big difference. So, the City of Bozeman has created a variety of water conservation programs for everyone to participate in together as a community. Here are a few: · Fix A Leak Week (March) · Sprinkler System Assessments (all summer!) · Shower Better Month (October) You can also download the Dropcountr app to track your water use and find more ways to save around your house throughout the year.

Visit www.bozemanwater.com for more information about Water Smart Bozeman and do one thing to make a difference.

Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com | 3

Water Smart Bozeman

We're Doing Our Part The City of Bozeman is leading by example with these Water Smart efforts: CITY HALL’S WATER SMART GARDEN The City of Bozeman is inspiring change with drought-tolerant plants and innovative stormwater treatment, right in front of City Hall. Once established, the drought-tolerant plants in the Water Smart Garden will live off naturally-occurring precipitation, while the water smart plants will only need occasional supplemental watering. To find out more about these plants, see our plant guide beginning on page 14.

Even our concrete paves a better way.

Our permeable pavers in front of City Hall—a coordinated effort between Bozeman’s Water Conservation and Stormwater Divisions—allow water to move downward into the ground instead of toward the edges of the hardscape. The interlocking grid guides stormwater through the spaces between them, helping filter pollutants while reducing runoff.

NORTH 7TH MEDIAN Bozeman is on the road to a water smart future. The City of Bozeman has installed drought-tolerant perennials and grasses in the medians on North 7th Avenue between Aspen and Villard. These medians not only add a splash of color to your commute, they also use 80% less water than turf grass medians.

MUSEUM OF THE ROCKIES DEMO GARDEN The City of Bozeman has partnered with Montana State University and the Museum of the Rockies to showcase efficient irrigation techniques and low water-use plants suited to Bozeman's semi-arid climate. The garden features a variety of water smart and native drought-tolerant plants. We’ve also created educational signs and brochures that provide more information on the maintenance needs of water-wise plants, drip irrigation, and the design approach for each bed. Take a stroll around these gardens for inspiration and to learn how you can create your own water-wise garden!

OUR GARDENS ARE TEACHING US A LESSON, TOO. We’re watching our water and comparing results year-toyear so we’ll know how much water it takes to keep these low-maintenance plants kicking, from establishment phase to firmly rooted. (And we can’t wait to see how well they stack up to thirsty turf grass.)

4 | Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com

Water Smart Bozeman

Drought Management Plan Drought means below normal water supplies, such as stream flows, groundwater, snowpack and reservoir levels, that result from a prolonged reduction in precipitation.

Due to Bozeman’s reliance on snowpack for its water supply, semi-arid climate and shifting climate patterns, we are susceptible to drought.

Reduced water supplies can impact the quality of life for members of Bozeman’s community.

WE HAVE A PLAN. To lessen the impact drought can have on our community, the City of Bozeman has a Drought Management Plan that includes a framework to monitor drought conditions, define stages of drought, and recommend actions for each stage. When a drought stage is declared by the City, residents and businesses may be required to take action to ensure that we keep our water supply healthy at every stage.

STAGE 1: DROUGHT WATCH WHAT HAPPENS: Conserving water is encouraged but not mandatory.

In a Stage 1 drought we encourage everyone to pitch in and look for ways to save water in and around homes and businesses.

STAGE 2: DROUGHT ADVISORY WHAT HAPPENS: Mandatory outdoor watering restrictions begin.

When Stage 2 drought hits, the City may set a few temporary rules. We may ask everyone to water only on certain days and at the most efficient times, to forgo new plantings, and make other adjustments. At this stage, we may include exceptions for new sod establishment.

STAGE 3: DROUGHT WARNING WHAT HAPPENS: Lawn watering ban in effect, and other outdoor water use is restricted.

In Stage 3 drought, we may require everyone to let their lawns go unwatered, only water gardens and trees on assigned days, and use a commercial car wash instead of washing cars at home. We may ask hotels to restrict laundering, and restaurants to not serve water unless requested.

STAGE 4: DROUGHT EMERGENCY WHAT HAPPENS: Water is rationed for essential uses only.

Stage 4 drought is unlikely, but we’ve got a plan, all the same. At this stage, we’d require everyone to refrain from watering lawns and gardens entirely (except trees)—including golf courses, parks and athletic fields. Other restrictions could include holding off on street cleaning and construction projects that require water.

KEEP UP TO DATE ON DROUGHT CONDITIONS

We’re monitoring drought conditions and The City of Bozeman is currently in want to keep STAGE 1: DROUGHT WATCH you in the know.

What happens: The Bozeman Conserving water is encouraged but not Chronicle mandatory. will publish Find out more about Drought Stages and the Bozeman what you need to do at bozemanwater.com Drought Meter on the weather page every Friday throughout the summer. You can also gauge conditions at bozemanwater.com.

WHAT CAN I DO NOW? Even when we aren’t in a drought stage, conserving water is our best defense. Here are some ways to start: · Upgrade to high-efficiency clothes washers, toilets, and showerheads and cash in on a rebate from the City of Bozeman so you can immerse yourself in some money saving too. · Check out the following pages to learn about rebates for highefficiency sprinkler system products and drought tolerant plants. · Take advantage of our sprinkler system assessments and suggested maintenance to ensure your system is in ship-shape .

WATER SMART BOZEMAN.

The City of Bozeman has identified

WATER CONSERVATION as the single

LARGEST SOURCE OF WATER for our future.

DOING ONE THING MAKES A DIFFERENCE. FIND OUT MORE AT BOZEMANWATER.COM

WHAT DOES DROUGHT HAVE TO DO WITH MY LANDSCAPING? Our best defense against drought is using water efficiently in our homes and on our landscapes. This guide is tailored to our region and includes tips on the best ways to amend your soil, choose plants, and water efficiently, all things that help conserve water.

To learn more visit www.bozemanwater.com.

Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com | 5

Water Smarter

Lawn Watering Tips We can’t stop heat waves, but we can watch our water – especially when it comes to our lawns and landscapes. Types of sprinkler heads, zone watering time, and planting to best suit our landscapes can all make a difference.

SPRUCE UP YOUR SPRINKLERS. A recent survey indicated that seventy-two percent of all Bozeman residents have automatic in-ground sprinkler systems. These systems can save water—but only if they are maintained and operated properly.

See page 8 and 9 for more information on sprinkler maintenance and sprinkler assessments.

TWO TYPES OF SPRINKLER HEADS There are two basic types of sprinkler heads: rotors and pop-ups. · Rotor spray heads deliver about 0.5 inches of water per hour in a rotating jet of water. · Pop-up spray heads deliver about 1.5 to 2 inches of water per hour in a fan-shaped and full-circle spray, which is almost four times as much as rotor systems.

If the soil is getting too much too fast, water will run off and be wasted.

CYCLE AND SOAK TO AVOID RUN OFF To avoid runoff, break up total watering time into two or three cycles, allowing the lawn to rest in between cycles. This allows water to move deeper into the soil profile, thus driving the roots deeper into the soil, making the lawn more drought tolerant and resistant to disease.

IS YOUR LAWN GETTING ENOUGH WATER? If you step on your lawn and it doesn’t spring back, it’s time to water.

TEST YOUR LAWN Each lawn’s water requirements are different, depending on the soil, sunlight, and other landscaping factors. To find out how much water your sprinkler system delivers, all you need is a few empty tuna tins.

1) Place 12 flat bottomed cans (tuna or cat food cans work) evenly across your lawn.

2) Run your sprinklers for 15 minutes.

3) Use a ruler to measure the depth of the water (in inches) in each can and write it down.

4) Add up the amounts and divide by the number of cans. This number is the average amount of water your sprinkler delivers in 15 minutes.

5) Use the following chart to determine what your total watering time is each week based on the amount of flow in inches from the Tuna Can Test.

Sprinkler Run Times to Apply One Inch of Water Per Week Average Sprinkler Flow (Inches) from Test 0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

Watering Time (Total Minutes Per Week)

50

37

30

25

22

19

16

75

MORE WATER SAVING TIPS · Water between 4am and 8am, since water evaporates during the middle of the day.

NEW LAWN WATERING To efficiently establish new lawns, water as needed for up to 21 days.

After 21 days, routine watering can be reduced to three days per week or less, between 4am and 8am.

· Turn off your sprinkler system when it rains, or install a rain sensor to do it for you.

WATER SMART BOZEMAN.

· Water only when your lawn needs it. Watering three days per week is more than sufficient.

MORE LAWN MAINTENANCE TIPS for cutting your grass, mitigating snow mold, core aeration and thatch control can be found at www.bozemanwater.com.

DOING ONE THING MAKES A DIFFERENCE. FIND OUT MORE AT BOZEMANWATER.COM 6 | Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com

· Avoid watering during high winds. · Try taking two minutes off the watering times for each zone.

If that works and your lawn stays green, take off another two minutes.

· Adjust watering times throughout the season. A good rule of thumb is 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week during peak season (July and August). Water less in May and June, and by Labor Day, reduce watering to once per week to prepare grass for dormancy. · Check your sprinkler system for leaks, broken, and misaligned nozzles and repair within seven days. · Raise your mower blade! Keep your grass at least three inches long to keep the soil cool. This also helps the soil retain moisture.

Water Smarter

Landscape Watering Tips WATER SMARTER · Trees have deeper root zones and require more water than turf grass, shrubs and perennials. But, tree root zones also store lots of water, so they can be watered less frequently. · Trunks and leaves do not carry water to the roots of trees or shrubs.

Deliver water to the edge of the leaf canopy, known as the drip line, which is where the roots absorb the most water. · Shrubs and perennials like deep but infrequent watering. · Cluster plants with similar watering needs together in the same zones to avoid over and under watering.

HOLD H20 HOSTAGE Most water evaporates before it ever reaches plant roots.

A 2- to 3-inch mulch barrier around trees, perennials, and shrubs will help them hold on to water. See page 11 for more information.

DRIP YOUR WAY TO MORE GREEN Drip systems deliver water directly to landscape plants, minimizing water lost to evaporation. They are also great for mulched beds because water soaks into the soil without disturbing the mulch.

Typical Flow Rates Drip 0.5 – 4 gal/hour Bubbler 0.5 – 2 gal/minute Hose 2 – 5 gal/minute

This chart will help you understand how much water drip, bubbler and hose systems deliver to your landscape.

KEEP YOUR LANDSCAPE LOVELY FOR LESS · Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root development.

TREE WATERING TIPS Watering needs: · Trees typically need 10 gallons of water for every inch of trunk diameter. · Water trees 1 or 2 times per week when conditions are hot and dry (June - August).

Watering methods: · Set up a drip irrigation line that spirals around the circumference of the tree's dripline (edge of the leaf canopy) to target the roots. · Purchase a slow-release watering bag (great for establishing trees).

Simply fill the bag and know that water is being released into the root zone over several hours.

WATER SMART BOZEMAN.

INCLUDE KIDS IN YOUR WATER SMART PLANTING EFFORTS. Create water smart conservation habits for now and the future.

· Avoid letting water pool in gutters, streets and alleys. · Keep water from spraying on concrete and asphalt. · If you use a hose to water, install a spray nozzle to control the rate of flow. · Check your drip system for leaks.

DOING ONE THING MAKES A DIFFERENCE. FIND OUT MORE AT BOZEMANWATER.COM Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com | 7

Water Smarter

Sprinkler Systems: Adjusting and Maintenance ADJUST YOUR SPRINKLERS Your sprinkler system can use more water in a week than your family uses inside your home in a month. Small adjustments to your sprinkler system can mean big water savings. Take a few minutes to dial in your spray before the heat of summer.

SPRINKLER MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST In spring, run each zone for 2-3 minutes to make sure everything is working properly. (Many controllers have an automatic test setting just for this reason.) Use this checklist to observe and ask yourself these questions, then adjust as needed: r Check the sprinkler heads.

Are any broken, clogged, or misaligned? r Are all rotating sprinkler heads rotating as intended? r Are all of the sprinklers popping up to their intended height?

(Gently pull up risers that look low). r Are any sprinklers tilted relative to a flat surface? r Are any sprinklers being obstructed by tall grass, plants, trees, fences, etc.? r Are any sprinkler heads misting?

(High operating water pressure may cause this.) r Do the sprinklers in each zone have consistent spacing? r Does each zone have head-to-head coverage?

(Where each sprinkler is throwing water to the next one.) r Do all sprinklers have an effective arc?

Do they rotate too much or too little? r Do all sprinklers have an effective throw distance?

Is there any over-spray onto pavement? r Do the sprinklers in each zone have matched precipitation rates (inches of water applied/hour)?

BEAT THE FREEZE The end of September through mid-October is the best time to turn your sprinkler system off and have it blown out. Blow-outs help eliminate cracks, leaks, and other damage from freezing temperatures over the course of the winter.

8 | Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com

____

Water Smarter

Landscape and Irrigation Rebate Program Keep your lawn green, save money, and get some cash back too. When you install qualified sprinkler products, the City of Bozeman will reward you with a rebate. But that’s not the only advantage—these steps can help lower your water bills without sacrificing your lawn.

Sprinkler systems must be operating properly for these products to be of benefit. To qualify for a rebate on a smart controller or more than 10 nozzles, you must first check your sprinkler system or have one of our Approved Providers take a look.

ABOUT OUR REBATE PRODUCTS WaterSense® Labeled Smart Controllers use local weather and landscape conditions to make decisions about when and for how long to water to better match plants’ water needs. These controllers can be retrofitted to work with existing systems. Some are internet based and include apps to make it fun and easy to adjust sprinkler settings whether you are at home or away.

Water use and water bills can be reduced with any of these rebated items.

Multiple Stream Multiple Trajectory (MSMT) Nozzles deliver water more efficiently than spray heads. With spray heads, 50% of the water can be lost to evaporation and wind drift. Plus, MSMTs can easily replace your existing spray heads.

Rain Sensors override the sprinkler system when a certain amount of rain has fallen to shut off the system. When the sensor dries, it opens the connection to allow the system to resume normal operations.

Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plants—targeting the roots and minimizing water lost to evaporation and wind drift.

Drought tolerant plants require less maintenance than turfgrass and use 50-75% less water. Plus, they are beautiful and can add a big splash of color to your landscape. All plants and grasses listed on pages 15-23 of this guide qualify for our Rebate Program.

WATER SMART BOZEMAN.

Rebates are available for single family residences (single meter), that receive water for outdoor watering from the City of Bozeman.

Landscape and Sprinkler System Rebate Program Amounts* Products

Retrofit to existing system

WaterSense® Labeled Smart Controllers

$300

Multiple Stream Multiple Trajectory (MSMT) Nozzles

$5/nozzle

Rain Sensors

$50

Drip Irrigation

$350

Drought Tolerant Plants and Grasses

(qualifying products are listed on pages 15-23 of this guide)

$150

*Rebate amounts differ for new construction. Rebate amount not to exceed purchase price.

For more information about the City of Bozeman’s Landscape and Sprinkler System Rebate Program, visit www.bozemanwater.com and click the Water Conservation button.

SPRINKLER SYSTEM ASSESSMENT The City of Bozeman offers FREE Sprinkler System Assessments*.

Our trained staff will check your sprinkler system and develop a customized report, including system repair needs, how to improve system efficiency, and customized watering schedules.

Space is limited, sign up early. Call 406-582-3220 or visit www.bozemanwater.com to schedule your assessment.

DIY Sprinkler System Assessment Kit rentals are also available from the City of Bozeman.

DOING ONE THING MAKES A DIFFERENCE. FIND OUT MORE AT BOZEMANWATER.COM

*Available to residences connected to City of Bozeman water for outdoor watering. Space is limited for this service. First-come, first-served.

Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com | 9

Lawn and Landscape

Understanding Soil

M p y

B

O ‘ a l Gardeners worth their salt know that lawns and landscapes depend on good dirt. Knowing your soil type means knowing how to improve it—and that’s the secret to efficient watering and gorgeous landscapes.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SOIL There are three common soil types: clay loam, sand loam and silt loam. · Clay loam is sticky and easy to shape. It often requires sand and organic matter to improve its quality. Clay is the gluey “peanut butter” of soils, but it can dry to a hard, almost impermeable surface. · Sand loam is visibly granular with no stickiness. It’s gritty, like sugar.

Most sand loam will break up easily even when wet. · Silt loam is the happy medium between clay and sand loam. Its granules are smaller than sand but not as small as clay. It is smooth like clay but breaks apart like sand. This allows for just the right amount of water absorption and mineral retention.

Guess what Bozeman is built on? Mostly, clay loam. This heavy, fine soil prevents water from soaking in easily. If you water this type of soil too fast, the water pools and runs off into the street and storm drains, picking up all kinds of contaminants. This dirty water can end up in our streams.

In other areas of town, the soil can be extremely porous. Bottom line: you need healthy soil for a healthy garden, so it pays to know your dirt and water accordingly.

10 | Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com

DETERMINE YOUR SOIL TYPE To find your soil type, place approximately one tablespoon of soil in the palm of your hand. Add water one drop at a time and knead the soil to break down all the larger pieces. You can identify your soil when the consistency feels like putty. Refer to the soil types listed to the left to discover yours. For more information, click on the Water Conservation button at www.bozemanwater.com and refer to the Water Wise Resources option.

IMPROVE YOUR SOIL Good soil has particles of varying sizes and shapes and organic materials which retain water, provide nutrients, and allow water to get to plant roots.

S o p

Once you know your soil type, make it even better: 1. Begin with deep spading, plowing or rototilling to a depth of about six inches to break up compacted soil.

2. While tilling, add organic matter such as compost or shredded leaves to beef up nutrition.

3. Add soil amendments, as needed, for your type of soil.

For more information about soil amendments, click on the Water Conservation button at www.bozemanwater.com and refer to the Water Wise Resources option.

T a

Lawn and Landscape

Using Mulch Mulch holds water hostage. Most water evaporates before it ever reaches plant roots, but the addition of a 2- to 3-inch deep mulch barrier will help your trees, perennials and shrubs keep water right where it belongs.

BENEFITS TO ADDING MULCH TO YOUR LANDSCAPE · Mulch helps hold in soil moisture. · It helps protect soil from erosion on steep slopes. · A well-mulched bed keeps weeds at bay. · Organic mulch (wood chip, straw etc.) provides the soil with free nutrients. · Mulch insulates and regulates soil temperature. Hot summer days won’t scorch your plants, and those trees, shrubs and perennials will stay cozy during cold, fall evenings. · Adding mulch can help create a finished appearance to your landscaping beds.

ORGANIC VS. SYNTHETIC MULCH ‘Organic’ mulch contains material that was once living. This includes all sorts of good stuff: bark, straw, grass clippings, compost material, leaves and manure.

HOW TO MULCH SMARTER 1. Before adding mulch to bare soil—especially for newly planted shrubs and perennials—make sure the soil that surrounds the plants’ roots is moist. This hydration kick-start will ensure roots do not dry out when rainfall is lacking.

2. Mix all of your preferred mulch components together before spreading it onto the soil. This ensures a balanced interaction with air, moisture, light and nutrients.

3. Rake the full depth of a mulch layer at least once per season. Some mulch, when regularly wet and exposed to extreme temperature changes, can grow mold if left unturned.

4. Keep the depth of your mulch between two and three inches. Adding too much mulch could risk the development of crown disease due to excess heat and moisture, so only add mulch to a planting bed if there is less than three inches in depth (after applying water). On the other hand, having too little mulch won’t properly regulate temperature or control plant water stress, and the weeds may start creeping in.

Pros: · the ability to release essential plant nutrients into the soil (especially nitrogen) · regulates soil temperature, which keeps plant roots comfortable · relatively inexpensive Cons: · needs to be replenished regularly as it decomposes · requires raking and upkeep for even distribution in planting beds Synthetic (or inorganic) mulch encompasses a wide variety of manufactured materials that do not break down, including: coir, planting fabric, rock, perlite, plastic film and paper products.

Pros: · allows for faster water movement into the soil · improves soil aeration · requires less maintenance than organic mulch Cons: · poor temperature regulation · does not add nutrients to the soil · lacks the sticky, fibrous surface of organic mulch that provides structural support to plants Tip: To find a happy medium in your mulch try using a mix of approximately 1/3 organic and 2/3 inorganic.

Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com | 11

Lawn and Landscape

Adding Compost Compost is decomposed organic material, and plants love it. You can purchase it or make it yourself from leaves, lawn clippings, vegetable waste and coffee grounds. Compost improves air circulation in clay soils and nutrient retention in sandy soils. Plus, healthy plants in a well-composted landscape bed don’t need to be watered as frequently.

Most soils can be improved by adding compost, which helps retain water in the soil and at plant roots. Compost can be added to flower beds and gardens and before installing sod or planting trees and shrubs. Compost can also be used as a top dressing on existing lawns.

DIY HOME COMPOSTING Follow a recipe! Like baking cookies, composting requires that you know what ingredients, and how much of them, are needed.

Ingredient list: • Materials: be sure to add the brown and the green! The ‘brown’ materials, or sources of carbon in the compost, are things like dead leaves, wood chips, and cardboard. The ‘green’ materials, or sources of nitrogen, are things like lawn clippings, vegetable waste and coffee grounds. The C:N (carbon to nitrogen ratio) should be about 30:1.

• Microorganisms: they are the cooks in the kitchen and do the dirty work! You can add worms, manure, or starters to get things going.

• Oxygen: needed for the microorganisms and speeds up the process.

• Water: the compost pile should be damp, like a wrung-out sponge.

All of these ingredients work together to get things cooking!

S

T

12 | Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com

Lawn and Landscape

Planting Drought-Tolerant Plants A regular old lawn sucks up water, but landscaping with droughttolerant plants can help you water less—whether you replace a few high-maintenance flowers, remove a section of turfgrass, or redo your entire landscape. Choosing to landscape with drought-tolerant plants can cut your watering by fifty to seventy-five percent.

Watering aside, drought tolerant plants simply make gardening and landscaping easier. They need less maintenance, require no fertilizers or pesticides, offer habitat for pollinators, and they protect your landscape investment against drought. Plus, well-designed water efficient landscapes raise property values, offsetting the cost of installation.

DROUGHT TOLERANT VS. WATER SMART PLANTS Drought tolerant plants generally don’t need extra watering after the plant is established, unless there is a long dry spell. Plants are considered “established” usually two to three seasons after planting.

MAINTAINING YOUR DROUGHT-TOLERANT LANDSCAPE Good maintenance is essential for a beautiful landscape, but even more so for saving water. · Prune shrubs and trees when they are dormant. Pruning during the growing season will actually spur growth and increase watering needs. · Preserve when you prune. Avoid pruning more than 1/3 of the plant material at any one time. · Weed regularly. Regular weeding leaves more water and nutrients available for your chosen landscape plants, instead of getting sucked up by invaders. Weeding in the spring and fall is best. · Add mulch to your landscape bed (about 2 to 3 inches in depth) to hold in soil moisture. For more about mulch, please see page 11. · Check your drip system for leaks.

Water smart plants can withstand periods without supplemental water but will need deep watering during hot and dry conditions.

See pages 15-23 for drought tolerant and water smart plant lists.

PLANNING YOUR DROUGHT-FRIENDLY TAKEOVER Thinking through your drought-tolerant landscape before you start planting can pay off big-time later.

1. Start by familiarizing yourself with drought tolerant plants at local nurseries. Per the USDA, most of the Bozeman Area is in hardiness Zone 4. Selecting Zone 4 plants (or lower zones) ensures that your plants are suited for Bozeman’s climate. Use our plant lists starting on page 15 to help choose plants.

2. Using graph paper, draw a map of your property noting trees, fences, walkways or buildings. Indicate areas of sun or shade which will help you determine plant selection and watering needs. Study the drainage patterns of the property. If you have a sloped yard, consider terraces to reduce erosion and soil loss from rain storms and outdoor watering.

3. Think about how each area will be used. Outdoor living areas, play areas, seating, pathways and visual barriers should be added to the plan. Grass patches should be easily mowed. Curved barriers are preferred over straight lines with sharp corners. Bigger shrubs and trees can be located next to buildings to offer heating and cooling.

Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com | 13

Plant Guide

The Water Smart Planting Guide So, you’re ready to dig in and get water smart. The aisles of the local nurseries might look like a labyrinth at first, but Bozeman’s Water Smart Planting Guide can help you navigate your way to successfully installing a beautiful water-saving yard. The following pages will introduce you to the many drought-tolerant species that thrive in Bozeman’s climate which generally don't need extra watering once established. We’ve also included water smart species that will only need watering during hot and dry conditions.

D C T D p o a

KEY

Drought Tolerant

Water Smart

Full Sun

Part Sun

Rebate

C Shrubs

Perennials

Grasses

Butterfly Pollinator

Bee Pollinator

Drought Tolerant Plant Rebates* All plants and grasses listed in this guide qualify for rebates as part of the City of Bozeman Landscape and Sprinkler System Rebate Program.

Perennials

ng List out to serve Rebate Shoppi during checkTolerant Plant er initial form an Drought y staff memb City of Bozem have a nurser for rebate of installation shopping and proof Total cost qualifying species this form while purchase, and as proof of Cost per plant n, proof of Please fill out Send this form

Shrubs

Download a comprehensive City of Bozeman Drought Tolerant Plant Rebate Shopping List form to help you purchase plants, save money, and save water. To find the City of Bozeman Drought Tolerant Plant Rebate Shopping List, click on the Water Conservation button at www.bozemanwater.com and refer to the Rebates & Incentives option.

in along with

Common Name

rebate applicatio

Scientific Name uva-ursi Arctostaphylos ta Artemisia tridenta Berberis repens cens Caragana arbores a Caragana pygmae nauseosus hamnus Chrysot nauseosus nana Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus Chrysothamnus horizontalis Juniperous nis Juniperus commu a Potentilla fruticos Prunus bessyi na Prunus virginia ica Rhus aromat a Rhus trilobat Ribes aureum ii Rosa harison a Sheperdia argente Yucca glauca uva-ursi Arctostaphylos Berberis repens nis Juniperus commu na Prunus virginia

Kinnickinnick* Big* Sagebrush, Oregon Grape* Caragana, Siberian Caragana Pygmy Silver* Rabbitbrush, Dwarf Blue Rabbitbrush, Green* Rabbit Brush Spreading* Juniper Low n* Juniper Commo Potentilla* Western erry, Sandch Chokecherry Low' Sumac 'Grow Sumac Trilobe* * Golden Currant 's Yellow Rose Harison Silver* Buffaloberry, Plains* Yucca, Great Kinnickinnick* Oregon Grape* n* Juniper Commo Chokecherry* Low' Sumac 'Grow * Golden Currant Lilacs Western* Serviceberry,

Fernbush Daphne' Daphne 'Carol Apache Plume '* Lewis 'Blizzard Mockorange, ound Currant Greenm f 'Tor'* Spirea Birchlea Lilacs

Count

ica Rhus aromat Ribes aureum Syringa vulgaris alnifolia Amelanchier millefolium Chamaebatiaria odii Daphne x burkwo xa Fallugia parado lewisii Philadelphus Ribes alpinum lia Spiraea betulifo Syringa species

al: $

Shrub subtot

Common Name Yarrow, Moonshi ne Hollyhocks

Scientific Name Achillea hybrid Alcea hybrids Anaphalis margarit acea Echinacea pallida and angustifo lia Eriogonum umbellat um Gaillardia aristata Iris hybrids er, Dotted* Liatris punctata Penstemon* native Penstemon species Penstemon Rocky Mountain Penstemon strictus Peony, Old Fashione d Peonia hybrids Russian Sage Perovskia atriplicifo Sedum: hardy cultivars lia Sedum species Snow on the Mountain Aegopodium Pussytoes* podagraria Antennaria species Columbine, Yellow Aquilegia chrysant Columbine, Colorado ha Blue* Aquilegia coerulea Barrenwort Epimedium x Roundleaf Alumroo versicolor 'sulphure t* um' Heuchera cylindrica Penstemon Little Flowered* Penstemon procerus Violet, Canadian * Viola canaden Butterflyweed* sis Asclepias tuberosa Alyssum 'Basket of Gold' Aurina saxatillis Purple Coneflow er Echinacea purpurea Lewis Flax Linum lewisii Catmint Nepeta faassenii Evening Primrose Oenothera missouri Penstemon Pineleaf ensis Penstemon pinifolius Meadow Sage Salvia nemoros Soapwort 'Max a Frei' Saponaria lempergi Pasqueflower* i Anemone patens Heartless Bergenia Bergenia cordifolia Harebells* Campanula rotundifo Geranium lia Geranium cantabrig Geranium White iense Geranium macrorrh Coral Bells 'Snow izum album Angel' Heuchera sanguine Lamium 'Herman a s Pride' Lamium galeobdo Turkish Veronica lon Veronica liwanesis Pearly Everlasti ng* Purple Coneflow er* Buckwheat Sulfur* Blanketflower Iris, Bearded Gayfeath

Count

Cost per plant

Total cost

Grasses

Indian Ricegrass ss* Bluebunch Wheatgra Little Bluestem* Prairie Dropseed* Reedgrass Korean Feather Feather Reedgrass

Moor Grass Moorflam Moor Grass Skyracer Switchgrass*

Cost per plant

Total cost

Boutelous Festuca idahoensis

Idaho Fescue* Prarie Junegrass

Tufted Hairgrass* Blue Fescue Blue Oat Grass

Count

Scientific Name la Bouteloua curtipendu

Common Name Side Oats Grama Blue Grama

Koeleria macrantha s Oryzopsis hymenoide spicata Pseudoroegneria Schizachyrum scoparium is Sprobolus heteroleps ha Calamagrostis brachytric acutiflora Calamagrostis x Deschampsia caespitosa Festuca glauca ns Helictotrichon sempervire

e

Molina caerulea sp arundinacea Molina cerulean Panacum virgatum

Grasses subtotal: Total amount spent

on qualifying plants:

$ $

Perennial subtotal :$

DROUGHT TOLERANT PLANT REBATE IN 4 SIMPLE STEPS: 1. Spend $150 on qualifying plants.

2. Install plants.

3. Submit rebate application with proof of purchase and installation.

4. Receive rebate.

For more information, click on the Water Conservation button at www.bozemanwater.com and refer to the Water Wise Resources or Rebates & Incentives option. *Must be a City of Bozeman water customer.

Be a Pollinator Propagator Add a little life to your yard by including bee and butterfly-friendly plants in your landscape plans.

It’s estimated that pollinators are responsible for every one in three bites of food we eat. Planting water smart species that naturally attract the buzz and flutter will not only add color and interest to your yard, it will help the sustainability of our food system. Want more inspiration? Visit Bozeman’s Pollinator Garden at Langhor Park, just north of the intersection of South Tracy and West Mason.

14 | Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com

B C C C C C D G G G H H J K L L O

Plant Guide DROUGHT TOLERANT AND WATER SMART PLANT CROSS REFERENCE The plants on the following eight pages are organized in Drought Tolerant and Water Smart categories. To help you plan for specific parts of your landscape, we have organized, on this page, the same plant lists by categories of part sun and shade plants, and full sun plants. ­­­­­ PART SUN AND SHADE PLANT LIST (ALPHA BY COMMON NAME) Common Name

Type

Barrenwort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Chokecherry* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Columbine, Colorado Blue* . . . . . . . Perennials .

Columbine, Yellow . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Coral Bells 'Snow Angel' . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Currant Greenmound . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Daphne 'Carol Daphne' . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Geranium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Geranium White . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Golden Currant* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Harebells* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Heartleaf Bergenia . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Juniper Common* . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Kinnickinnick* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Lamium 'Hermans Pride' . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Lilacs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Oregon Grape* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Pasqueflower* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Penstemon Little Flowered* . . . . . . . Perennials .

Pussytoes* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Roundleaf Alumroot* . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Snow on the Mountain . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Sumac ‘Grow Low’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Turkish Veronica . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Violet, Canadian* . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

DT/WS** Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DT . . . . . 19 DT . . . . . 17 DT . . . . . 19 DT . . . . . 19 WS . . . . 23 WS . . . . 21 WS . . . . 21 WS . . . . 23 WS . . . . 23 DT . . . . . 17 WS . . . . 23 WS . . . . 23 DT . . . . . 17 DT . . . . . 17 WS . . . . 23 DT . . . . . 17 DT . . . . . 17 WS . . . . 23 DT . . . . . 19 DT . . . . . 19 DT . . . . . 19 DT . . . . . 19 DT . . . . . 17 WS . . . . 23 DT . . . . . 19

*indicates plants native to Montana. **Drought Tolerant/Water Smart

FULL SUN PLANT LIST (ALPHA BY COMMON NAME) Common Name

Type

Alyssum 'Basket of Gold' . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Apache Plume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Blanketflower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Buckwheat Sulfur* . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Buffaloberry, Silver* . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Butterflyweed* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Caragana Pygmy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Caragana, Siberian . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Catmint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Chokecherry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Evening Primrose . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Fernbush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Gayfeather, Dotted* . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Golden Currant* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Hollyhocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Iris, Bearded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Juniper Common* . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Juniper Low Spreading* . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Kinnickinnick* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Lewis Flax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Lilacs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Meadow Sage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Mockorange, Lewis 'Blizzard'* . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Oregon Grape* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Pearly Everlasting* . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Penstemon Pineleaf . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Penstemon Rocky Mountain . . . . . . Perennials .

Penstemon* native . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Peony, Old Fashioned . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Potentilla* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Purple Coneflower . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Purple Coneflower* . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Rabbit Brush Green* . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Rabbitbrush, Dwarf Blue . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Rabbitbrush, Silver* . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Rose Harison's Yellow . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Russian Sage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Sagebrush, Big* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Sandcherry, Western . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Sedum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Serviceberry, Western* . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Soapwort ‘Max Frei’ . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Spirea Birchleaf ‘Tor’* . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Sumac 'Grow Low' . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Sumac Trilobe* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

Yarrow, Moonshine . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .

Yucca, Great Plains* . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .

DT/WS** Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WS . . . . 22 WS . . . . 21 DT . . . . . 18 DT . . . . . 18 DT . . . . . 16 WS . . . . 22 DT . . . . . 16 DT . . . . . 16 WS . . . . 22 DT . . . . . 16 WS . . . . 22 WS . . . . 21 DT . . . . . 18 DT . . . . . 16 DT . . . . . 18 DT . . . . . 18 DT . . . . . 16 DT . . . . . 16 DT . . . . . 16 WS . . . . 22 WS . . . . 21 WS . . . . 22 WS . . . . 21 DT . . . . . 16 DT . . . . . 18 WS . . . . 22 DT . . . . . 18 DT . . . . . 18 DT . . . . . 18 DT . . . . . 16 WS . . . . 22 DT . . . . . 18 DT . . . . . 16 DT . . . . . 16 DT . . . . . 16 DT . . . . . 16 DT . . . . . 18 DT . . . . . 16 DT . . . . . 16 DT . . . . . 18 WS . . . . 21 WS . . . . 22 WS . . . . 21 DT . . . . . 16 DT . . . . . 16 DT . . . . . 18 DT . . . . . 16

Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com | 15

Plant Guide

Drought Tolerant Shrubs for Full Sun The plants contained in this list should not require supplemental water once the plant is established two to three years after planting.

This does not apply during periods of prolonged drought.

No. Common Name

Scientific Name

Notes

1.

Rabbit Brush Green*

Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus

Benefits from annual pruning to keep it from sprawling.

2.

Sumac Trilobe*

Rhus trilobata

Stays low in the wild but will grow tall in landscape situations, prune lower branches for specimen plant.

3.

Sumac 'Grow Low'

Rhus aromatica

Nice low growing shrub, shiny green leaves.

4.

Yucca, Great Plains*

Yucca glauca

Very drought tolerant, will form colonies.

5.

Sagebrush, Big*

Artemisia tridentata

Can be pruned over time to keep interesting habit.

6.

Rabbitbrush, Silver*

Chrysothamnus nauseosus

Benefits from annual pruning to keep it dense.

7.

Rabbitbrush, Dwarf Blue

Chrysothamnus nauseosus nana

Stays dense and low without pruning.

8.

Rose Harison's Yellow

Rosa harisonii

Often found naturalized in historical landscapes, does spread by suckers.

9.

Caragana, Siberian

Caragana arborescens

Used as a hedge or windbreak plant. Yellow flowers attract hummingbirds.

10.

Caragana Pygmy

Caragana pygmaea

Fine textured, lower growing caragana, yellow flowers.

11.

Sandcherry, Western

Prunus besseyi

Early white flowers in spring and edible berries. 'Pawnee Buttes' is low growing spreader.

12.

Potentilla*

Potentilla fruticosa

Actually not a prairie plant, native to higher foothills.

13.

Golden Currant*

Ribes aureum

Can be pruned into a medium height hedge, early blooms benefit pollinators, good for windbreak if planted densely.

14.

Kinnickinnick*

Arctostaphylos uva- ursi

Spreading groundcover, one of our only broadleaf evergreens.

*indicates plants native to Montana.

1

3

11

13

Drought Tolerant Shrubs for Full Sun (continued on p. 17)

All plants and grasses listed within this guide qualify for rebates as part of the City of Bozeman Landscape and Sprinkler System Rebate Program. Visit www.bozemanwater.com for more details.

16 | Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com

Plant Guide Drought Tolerant Shrubs for Full Sun (continued) 15.

Oregon Grape*

Berberis repens

Holly like foliage, somewhat evergreen. Foliage can brown over winter but pruning will renew.

16.

Buffaloberry, Silver*

Shepherdia argentea

Can be pruned at bottom to create a nice specimen, does sucker, edible berries and silver leaf color.

17.

Juniper Low Spreading*

Juniperus horizontalis

Very low growing groundcover.

18.

Juniper Common*

Juniperus communis

Juniper with softer foliage, nice low habit.

19.

Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana

Tall shrub with white flowers and edible berries, will sucker but can be pruned into specimen small tree.

*indicates plants native to Montana.

15

16

17

Drought Tolerant Shrubs for Part Sun and Shade The plants contained in this list should not require supplemental water once the plant is established two to three years after planting.

This does not apply during periods of prolonged drought.

No. Common Name

Scientific Name

Notes

1.

Lilacs

Syringa vulgaris

Older plants can tolerate long dry spells. Leaves will begin to wilt but plant often survives. It can be grown in full shade.

2.

Golden Currant*

Ribes aureum

Can grow a bit lanky without sun, responds to pruning.

3.

Oregon Grape*

Berberis repens

Holly like foliage, somewhat evergreen. Foliage can brown over winter but pruning will renew.

4.

Kinnickinnick*

Arctostaphylos uva- ursi

Spreading groundcover, one of our only broadleaf evergreens.

5.

Sumac ‘Grow Low’

Rhus aromatica

Best if has some hours of sun.

6.

Chokecherry*

Prunus virginiana

Can tolerate full shade.

7.

Juniper Common*

Juniperus communis

Can also take shade.

*indicates plants native to Montana.

1

4

6

)

Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com | 17

Plant Guide

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Full Sun The plants contained in this list should not require supplemental water once the plant is established two to three years after planting.

This does not apply during periods of prolonged drought.

No. Common Name

Scientific Name

Notes

1.

Sedum

Sedum species

hardy cultivars

2.

Penstemon* native

Penstemon species

Littleleaf (P. procerus) is longest lived.

3.

Penstemon Rocky Mountain

Penstemon strictus

4.

Buckwheat Sulfur*

Eriogonum umbellatum

Forms tight mat over time, 'Kannah Creek' is a good cultivator.

5.

Russian Sage

Perovskia atriplicifolia

Tall plant with silver foliage and lavender like flowers.

6.

Purple Coneflower*

Echinacea pallida and angustifolia

Great plant for butterflies.

7.

Pearly Everlasting*

Anaphalis margaritacea

Long lived, will form a large mound over time, needs good drainage.

8.

Peony, Old Fashioned

Paeonia hybrids

Even though they might not grow as large or bear as many flowers, this plant can survive without supplemental water.

9.

Yarrow, Moonshine

Achillea hybrid

Seems to be very drought tolerant, does not spread like the native yarrow.

10.

Gayfeather, Dotted*

Liatris punctata

Needs good drainage but once established can be long lived, late blooming.

11.

Iris, Bearded

Iris hybrids

Can take very dry conditions, needs to be divided when they form tight clumps.

12.

Hollyhocks

Alcea hybrids

Alcea rugosa is longest lived.

13.

Blanketflower

Gaillardia aristata

Long blooming, many cultivars.

*indicates plants native to Montana.

1

2

5

6

7

9

10

11

18 | Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com

Plant Guide

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Part Sun and Shade The plants contained in this list should not require supplemental water once the plant is established two to three years after planting.

This does not apply during periods of prolonged drought.

No. Common Name

Scientific Name

Notes

1.

Snow on the Mountain

Aegopodium podagraria

Borders on invasive, needs to be in contained area but will grow in difficult dry shade.

2.

Violet, Canadian*

Viola canadensis

Grows in shade, can go dormant without water but persists.

3.

Columbine, Yellow

Aquilegia chrysantha

Columbines are amazingly drought tolerant.

4.

Columbine, Colorado Blue*

Aquilegia coerulea

5.

Pussytoes*

Antennaria species

Low silver leaf groundcover.

6.

Penstemon Little Flowered*

Penstemon procerus

Mat forming, early bloom.

7.

Roundleaf Alumroot*

Heuchera cylindrica

Great garden plant, long blooming and good foliage.

8.

Barrenwort

Epimedium x versicolor ‘sulphureum’

Good dry shade plant.

*indicates plants native to Montana.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

All plants and grasses listed within this guide qualify for rebates as part of the City of Bozeman Landscape and Sprinkler System Rebate Program. Visit www.bozemanwater.com for more details.

Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com | 19

Plant Guide

Drought Tolerant Grasses The grasses contained in this list should not require supplemental water once the plant is established two to three years after planting.

This does not apply during periods of prolonged drought.

No. Common Name

Scientific Name

Notes

1.

Bluebunch Wheatgrass*

Pseudoroegneria spicata

Montana state grass, upright.

2.

Little Bluestem*

Schizachyrim scoparium

Warm Season grass, so greens up a bit later in spring, red fall color.

3.

Prairie Dropseed*

Sporobolus heterolepsis

Warm Season, low growing.

4.

Idaho Fescue*

Festuca idahoensis

Low growing, grass that is common in native grass areas in valleys.

5.

Blue Grama

Bouteloua gracilis

‘Blonde Ambition’ is a taller cultivar.

6.

Side Oats Grama

Bouteloua curtipendula

Interesting seed head.

7.

Prairie Junegrass

Koeleria macrantha

Small grass, early to green up.

8.

Indian Ricegrass

Oryzopsis hymenoides

Needs a very dry and well-drained soil.

*indicates plants native to Montana.

2

3

4

5

Water Smart Grasses Water smart plants can withstand long periods without supplemental water but will need deep watering during prolonged hot and dry conditions.

No. Common Name

Scientific Name

Notes

1.

Feather Reedgrass

Calamagrostis x acutiflora

Karl Foerster, El Durado, Avalanche all good upright bunch grasses.

2.

Blue Fescue

Festuca glauca

Blue foliage, short stature, can be short lived.

3.

Tufted Hairgrass*

Deschampsia cespitosa

Lacey seed heads.

4.

Switchgrass*

Panicum virgatum

Tall upright Northwind is less prone to toppling.

5.

Moor Grass Moorflame

Molina caerulea

Upright growing grass but more open than ‘Karl Foerster’.

6.

Moor Grass Skyracer

Molina cerulean sp arundinacea

Very tall grass, strong feature.

7.

Korean Feather Reedgrass

Calamogrostis brachytricha

Lovely plumed seed heads in fall.

8.

Blue Oat Grass

Helictotrichon sempervirens

Blue foliage color, large bunchgrass, needs space.

*indicates plants native to Montana.

20 | Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com

Plant Guide

Water Smart Shrubs for Full Sun and Part Sun and Shade

Part Sun and Shade

Full Sun

Water smart plants can withstand long periods without supplemental water but will need deep watering during prolonged hot and dry conditions.

No. Common Name

Scientific Name

Notes

1.

Serviceberry, Western*

Amelanchier alnifolia

Early white flowers and edible berries, slightly suckering but can be contained.

2.

Mockorange, Lewis 'Blizzard'*

Philadelphus lewisii

Fragrant white flowers.

3.

Spirea Birchleaf ‘Tor’*

Spiraea betulifolia

Great small shrub with white flowers and good fall color.

4.

Fernbush

Chamaebatiaria millefolium

Soft fern-like foliage and white flowers. Uncommon but does well.

5.

Apache Plume

Fallugia paradoxa

Very irregular shape, white flowers form silky seed heads all season.

6.

Lilacs

Syringa species

Lots of variety in sizes and flower color.

No. Common Name

Scientific Name

Notes

7.

Daphne 'Carol Daphne'

Daphne x burkwoodii

Likes morning sun. Variegated foliage and fragrant pink flowers.

8.

Currant Greenmound

Ribes alpinum

Can also take sun. Dense, even grower, short mounding shrub.

*indicates plants native to Montana.

1

2

5

6

3

7

4

8

All plants and grasses listed within this guide qualify for rebates as part of the City of Bozeman Landscape and Sprinkler System Rebate Program. Visit www.bozemanwater.com for more details.

Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com | 21

Plant Guide

Water Smart Perennials for Full Sun Water smart plants can withstand long periods without supplemental water but will need deep watering during prolonged hot and dry conditions.

No. Common Name

Scientific Name

Notes

1.

Alyssum 'Basket of Gold'

Aurina saxatilis

Likes good drainage, can spread by seedlings but not aggressive.

2.

Purple Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea

Lots of cultivators available, some less hardy and long lived.

3.

Penstemon Pineleaf

Penstemon pinifolius

Likes good drainage and low water, striking orange flowers later in season.

4.

Meadow Sage

Salvia nemorosa

Long lived and hardy, lots of cultivators.

5.

Butterflyweed*

Asclepias tuberosa

Bright orange flowers, needs well drained soil, spreads somewhat but not in any way invasive.

6.

Catmint

Nepeta faassenii

Long blooming, likes dry hot places.

7.

Evening Primrose

Oenothera missouriensis

Large yellow flowers in mid summer, low growing.

8.

Soapwort ‘Max Frei’

Saponaria lempergii

Dusty pink flowers in late summer, low growing.

9.

Lewis Flax

Linum lewisii

Semi-evergreen. Blue flowers. Good erosion control.

*indicates plants native to Montana.

1

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

22 | Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com

Plant Guide

Water Smart Perennials for Part Sun and Shade

_

Water smart plants can withstand long periods without supplemental water but will need deep watering during prolonged hot and dry conditions.

No. Common Name

Scientific Name

Notes

1.

Geranium White

Geranium macrorrhizum album

Nice under trees.

2.

Coral Bells 'Snow Angel'

Heuchera sanguinea

Interesting variegated foliage.

3.

Harebells*

Campanula rotundifolia

Forms colonies, delicate blue flowers.

4.

Pasqueflower*

Anemone patens

One of the earliest bloomers, crocus like flowers, silky seedheads, good foliage the rest of season.

5.

Lamium 'Hermans Pride'

Lamium galeobdolon

Variegated foliage and yellow flowers.

6.

Geranium

Geranium cantabrigiense

Great ground cover for shady areas.

7.

Turkish Veronica

Veronica liwanensis

Very low growing ground cover. Sky blue flowers.

8.

Heartleaf Bergenia

Bergenia cordifolia

Good foliage plant.

*indicates plants native to Montana.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

All plants and grasses listed within this guide qualify for rebates as part of the City of Bozeman Landscape and Sprinkler System Rebate Program. Visit www.bozemanwater.com for more details.

Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com | 23

WATER SMART BOZEMAN.

TRACK YOUR WATER USE. Save money and water with Dropcountr.

The City of Bozeman now offers customers a free water use portal-with a native mobile app-for tracking home water use.

With Dropcountr, you can: · Track your water use · Compare your home’s water use to similar and most efficient households · Receive custom water-saving goals · Get tips on how to save even more water and money

Download for free from your device’s app store or get started at https://dropcountr.com/dashboard/signin#intro

DOING ONE THING MAKES A DIFFERENCE. FIND OUT MORE AT BOZEMANWATER.COM