Horticulture

Since 1954, the NDSU Woody Plant Improvement Program has been dedicated to researching, developing, and patenting superior woody plant varieties suited for the Northern Great Plains. Woody plants—trees and shrubs that produce secondary growth—include both ornamental species such as shade trees and flowering shrubs as well as edible plants like apple and plum trees.

• Breeding for the Northern Climate

  The program focuses on creating plants that are:

  • Hardy and resilient in North Dakota’s demanding climate
  • Adaptable to the extreme temperature fluctuations common in the region
  • Diverse, helping expand the range of ornamental and edible woody plants available to landscapers, nurseries, and homeowners

  These efforts support increased plant diversity and long-term landscape success across the Northern Great Plains.

• Licensing NDSU Horticulture Cultivars

  To propagate and sell any NDSU horticulture cultivar, nurseries must obtain a license agreement with the NDSU Research Foundation (with some exceptions).

  If you are a nursery interested in pursuing a license, please contact us.

• Purchasing Propagation Material

  NDSU and the NDSU Research Foundation do not sell horticultural plants directly to the public. However, licensed nurseries may contact our office regarding the potential purchase of propagation material. Availability may vary and is not guaranteed.

• Explore NDSU Cultivars

  You can search technologies to browse current NDSU cultivars and learn more about their characteristics and performance. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us—we’re happy to help!