Plants

S. Smith NPS photo

The Battlefield is composed of a relatively undisturbed, mixed-grass native prairie. These plants are adapted to the dry conditions (less than 15" precipitation annually) and extreme temperatures of the Northern Great Plains. Aside from a few native shrubs like the big sagebrush, the rolling hills are dominated by grasses. These grasses have special root systems that store nutrients for use during stressful times such as droughts and fires. A native plant garden at the Visitor Center showcases both grasses and shrubs found at the park and in the region.

Check out our Native Plant Garden when you stop by our Visitor Center!