Region profile

Nebraska Sand Hills

The Nebraska Sand Hills comprise one of the most distinct and homogenous ecoregions in North America, characterized by the largest area of grass-stabilized sand dunes in the world and an economy primarily focused on livestock grazing on large ranches.

Zone

Interior

Common Name

Nebraska Sand Hills

CEC Level III Code

9.3.4

CEC Level II Code

9.3 West-Central Semi-Arid Prairies

Overview Eco Snapshot Calendar Habitat Seed Mix

Overview

About This Region

The Nebraska Sand Hills, a unique, semi-arid grassland ecosystem, are crucial for many pollinators. This region’s stability relies on native plants, but threats like invasive species, altered fire regimes, and increased pesticide use in surrounding agricultural areas can impact pollinator health and habitat. Conservation efforts focusing on sustainable grazing and preserving natural hydrology are key to supporting the diverse insect and plant life, ensuring a “Billion Small Steps” towards pollinator recovery.

Region image

Region facts

At a glance

Category	Details
Aliases	Nebraska Sand Hills, CEC 9.3.4, Nebraska Sand Hills region
Geographic Range	The Nebraska Sand Hills is one of the largest areas of grass-stabilized sand dunes in the world, located in north-central and northwestern Nebraska, and is characterized by large ranches and livestock grazing.
Climate Snapshot	The Nebraska Sand Hills ecoregion has a dry, mid-latitude steppe climate with hot summers, cold winters, a mean annual temperature of approximately 9°C, and a mean annual precipitation of 518 mm.
Terrain Profile	The predominant terrain of the Nebraska Sand Hills is rolling to steep, irregular sand dunes with some gently sloping valleys, where elevations range from 580 to 1,250 m.
Vegetation Cover	The Nebraska Sand Hills is one of the largest areas of grass-stabilized sand dunes in the world, mostly treeless except for some riparian areas, featuring mid and tallgrass prairie communities such as little bluestem, sand bluestem, and prairie sandreed, with alkaline wetlands containing species like alkali sacaton and inland saltgrass.
Wildlife Habitat	Once home to bison and wolves, the Nebraska Sand Hills today host mule deer, white-tailed deer, and pronghorn, alongside various birds like the upland sandpiper and greater prairie-chicken.

Eco snapshot

What shapes this region

Climate pattern

Often dry and windy, with strong sun exposure.
Sandy soils typically drain quickly, so drought stress can be common.
Microclimates (small local weather differences) show up in low, wetter areas and along waterways.

Vegetation profile

The Nebraska Sand Hills is one of the largest areas of grass-stabilized sand dunes in the world, mostly treeless except for some riparian areas, featuring mid and tallgrass prairie communities such as little bluestem, sand bluestem, and prairie sandreed, with alkaline wetlands containing species like alkali sacaton and inland saltgrass.

Wildlife profile

Once home to bison and wolves, the Nebraska Sand Hills today host mule deer, white-tailed deer, and pronghorn, alongside various birds like the upland sandpiper and greater prairie-chicken.

Why pollinators matter here

Prairie wildflowers and shrubs provide nectar and pollen that support native bees and other insects.
Many pollinators rely on season-long bloom, not just a short spring flush.
Sandy landscapes can offer excellent ground-nesting sites when soil is left undisturbed.
Diverse native plantings can help stabilize habitat quality through dry periods.

Seasonal timing

Planting seasons

Timing varies by microclimate; use this as a flexible guide.

Seasonal timing

Spring: Good for planting many natives and starting small patches; watch for dry winds.
Summer: Focus on watering-in new plants and filling bloom gaps with heat-tough species.
Late summer/fall: Often a strong time for establishing perennials; prioritize late-bloomers for fall fuel.
Winter: Plan, source native seed/plants, and leave stems/leaf litter for shelter.

Quick seasonal checklist

Choose plants for three bloom windows (early, mid, late).
Match plants to soil moisture (dry sand vs. moist low spots).
Add nesting habitat before you “decorate” (bare ground + stems + shelter).
Keep the patch pesticide-free from day one.

Yearly needs

Pollinator calendar

What pollinators need throughout the year, and what to do about it.

Season	What pollinators need most	What you can do
Late winter/early spring	Early nectar/pollen; safe shelter as insects emerge	Leave last year’s stems/leaves in place longer; plan early-bloom natives; avoid spring pesticide “cleanup” treatments
Spring	A ramp-up of blooms; nesting sites (especially for ground nesters)	Plant early bloomers; keep some bare, well-drained soil; add a shallow water dish with stones
Summer	Reliable nectar/pollen during heat; shade/wind breaks in small patches	Plant heat- and drought-tough natives; water new plants deeply but not constantly; aim for continuous bloom
Late summer/fall	High-energy fuel for late-season insects; seeds and shelter prep	Prioritize late bloomers; avoid cutting everything back; let some plants go to seed
Winter	Undisturbed shelter in stems, leaf litter, and soil	Don’t over-tidy; leave stems standing; avoid soil disturbance where bees may be overwintering

Seed mix concept

A Billion Small Steps Seed mix

A simple way to plan is to think in three layers, so something is blooming most of the growing season:

Spring starter

Early bloomers that help the first emerging bees.

Summer bridge

Heat-tough flowers that carry pollinators through the longest days.

Fall finisher

Late-season powerhouses (often asters/goldenrods/blazing stars) that prevent the end-of-season food crash.

What You Can Do

Make a difference for native habitats.

Turn this knowledge into action. Whether you plant a single pot or a whole garden, you are building a vital bridge for local biodiversity.

Join the movement to restore our shared habitats.

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Native plants

Plants that thrive in this region

Asters

Asters are late-season wildflowers that bring a burst of daisy-like blooms when many gardens are winding down, making them a reliable choice for pollinator-friendly planting.

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Blanketflowers

Blanketflowers (Gaillardia) are bright, long-blooming wildflowers that can bring steady color and pollinator visits to sunny gardens, schoolyards, and even containers.

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Blazing stars

Blazing stars (Liatris) are upright, purple-pink wildflowers that bloom in showy spikes and are well-loved by many pollinators. They’re a strong choice for sunny gardens, borders, and meadow-style plantings.

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Clovers

Clovers are small, easygoing plants in the genus Trifolium that can add nectar and pollen to gardens, lawns, and pots while helping cover bare soil.

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Coneflowers

Coneflowers (Echinacea) are tough, long-blooming wildflowers that bring steady color and reliable nectar and pollen to gardens, schoolyards, and even large containers.

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Coreopsis

Coreopsis (often called tickseed) is a cheerful, long-blooming group of wildflowers that can brighten gardens and containers while offering easy-to-find nectar and pollen for many pollinators.

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Goldenrods

Goldenrods are tough, sunny wildflowers in the genus Solidago that light up late-season gardens with golden blooms and provide reliable nectar and pollen when many other flowers are fading.

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Ironweeds

Ironweeds are tall, purple-blooming wildflowers in the genus Vernonia that bring late-season color and steady nectar to pollinator gardens.

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Milkweeds

Milkweeds are tough, nectar-rich wildflowers in the genus Asclepias that can turn a garden bed, schoolyard edge, or even a sunny pot into a pollinator stop.

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Mountain mints

Mountain mints are tough, fragrant native wildflowers that bloom in summer and are famous for drawing in a busy mix of pollinators. They’re easy to grow, handle a range of garden conditions, and make a great “plant it and watch it” choice for pollinator patches.

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Prairie clovers

Prairie clovers (genus Dalea) are prairie wildflowers with tidy, clover-like leaves and bottlebrush-style blooms that are popular with many pollinators. They’re a great choice for sunny, well-drained spots where you want long-lasting summer color without fussy care.

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Prairie coneflowers

Prairie coneflowers (Ratibida) are tough, sunny wildflowers with drooping petals and a bold cone-shaped center that pollinators can easily find. They’re a great choice for low-fuss gardens, schoolyards, and naturalized patches where you want long-lasting summer color.

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Sunflowers

Native sunflowers are bright, tough wildflowers in the genus Helianthus that feed pollinators and add cheerful color from mid-season into fall.

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Wild bergamot & bee balms

Wild bergamot and other bee balms (the genus Monarda) are easygoing native wildflowers known for their shaggy, pom‑pom blooms that draw in lots of pollinators. They’re a great choice when you want long-lasting summer color and a plant that feels lively with buzzing visitors.

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Wild indigos

Wild indigos (genus Baptisia) are long-lived native wildflowers known for upright flower spikes, clover-like leaves, and a tough, low-fuss nature once established. They’re a strong choice for pollinator-friendly gardens where you want reliable blooms and a plant that can hold its own without constant care.

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Wild sunflowers’ relatives

Silphium (often called rosinweed) is a group of tall, tough native wildflowers known for sunflower-like blooms and long-lasting nectar and pollen. They’re a strong choice for pollinator gardens, schoolyards, and naturalized edges where you want big plants that can handle summer heat once established.

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Pollinators