The Great Plains has a wide variety of plants ranging from stinging weeds to ten feet grass. Here you can explore the diversity of grasses, flowers, and trees on the prairie.
The Big Bluestem Grass,
scientifically, referred to as andropogon, gerardii,can grow up to ten feet. The tall grass is actually stingy. It grows so tall, so other plants do not receive sunlight. That's why bluestem grasses are usually found in bunches. This tall grass blooms from June through September, it forms three inch purple, bronze, or green seed heads and has a slender stem. This weed is able to tolerant low-nutrient and dry soil. It can also do well in full sunlight or shady areas. One of its best adaptations its seeds. The grass's seeds are barbed and are able to penetrate the soil. It also has adapted long roots so it can stay planted in the soil due to the everlasting winds.
scientifically, referred to as andropogon, gerardii,can grow up to ten feet. The tall grass is actually stingy. It grows so tall, so other plants do not receive sunlight. That's why bluestem grasses are usually found in bunches. This tall grass blooms from June through September, it forms three inch purple, bronze, or green seed heads and has a slender stem. This weed is able to tolerant low-nutrient and dry soil. It can also do well in full sunlight or shady areas. One of its best adaptations its seeds. The grass's seeds are barbed and are able to penetrate the soil. It also has adapted long roots so it can stay planted in the soil due to the everlasting winds.
The Milkweed,
scientifically referred to as asdepias,curassavica this herb produces red and yellow blossoms in the spring which are less than an inch across. The outside petals are red and curved down. The milkweed has white poisonous sap and can grow to three and half feet. The seeds grow in a pod which is an especially important adaptation since many animals of the prairie consume seeds as nutrition. The seeds also have tuff hair similar to dandelions. Once released the seeds are carried by the wind. The main consumer of the milkweed plant is the Monarch butterfly,(caterpillar) but it also attracts hummingbirds and bees. Milkweed was also commanly used by Native Americans as medicine and is still used today.
scientifically referred to as asdepias,curassavica this herb produces red and yellow blossoms in the spring which are less than an inch across. The outside petals are red and curved down. The milkweed has white poisonous sap and can grow to three and half feet. The seeds grow in a pod which is an especially important adaptation since many animals of the prairie consume seeds as nutrition. The seeds also have tuff hair similar to dandelions. Once released the seeds are carried by the wind. The main consumer of the milkweed plant is the Monarch butterfly,(caterpillar) but it also attracts hummingbirds and bees. Milkweed was also commanly used by Native Americans as medicine and is still used today.
The Stinging Nettle,
scientifically referred to as urtica, dioica will sting you when it touches your bare skin and can grow to four feet in height. This plant also produces white flowers and is considered a weed. You may have heard of the stinging nettle's cousin poison ivy. Yes, just like poison ivy the singing nettle causes itching, rashes, and a short intense pain when touched. However, this plant is widely used in Europe as tea and just like the milkweed, used as medicine. Finally, the stinging nettle can grow in flood plains and is usually found along-side river banks and shady areas.
scientifically referred to as urtica, dioica will sting you when it touches your bare skin and can grow to four feet in height. This plant also produces white flowers and is considered a weed. You may have heard of the stinging nettle's cousin poison ivy. Yes, just like poison ivy the singing nettle causes itching, rashes, and a short intense pain when touched. However, this plant is widely used in Europe as tea and just like the milkweed, used as medicine. Finally, the stinging nettle can grow in flood plains and is usually found along-side river banks and shady areas.
The Prairie Blazing Star,
scientifically referred to as liatris, pycnostachya is an attractive flower that can grow five feet high. The prairie blazing star is found throughout the tall grass prairie biome, often in thick stands on damp prairies.The top of the prairie blazing star is a spike of rose-purple,strand-like flowers that are given a fuzzy appearance by extended white male flower parts and female flower parts. This plant blooms in early autumn and late summer. Blazing stars can grow in poor soil like most prairie plants do and have bristle like seeds that are five centimeters in diameter.
scientifically referred to as liatris, pycnostachya is an attractive flower that can grow five feet high. The prairie blazing star is found throughout the tall grass prairie biome, often in thick stands on damp prairies.The top of the prairie blazing star is a spike of rose-purple,strand-like flowers that are given a fuzzy appearance by extended white male flower parts and female flower parts. This plant blooms in early autumn and late summer. Blazing stars can grow in poor soil like most prairie plants do and have bristle like seeds that are five centimeters in diameter.
The Goldenrod,
scientifically referred to as solidago, virgaurea is a rod-like golden wildflower (just like the name suggest) and has over one hundred different species. Flowers are clustered on long stalks. Most goldenrods have long, narrow leaves. Some specie. Goldenrods tend to be six feet . Goldenrods ares are extremely important to other wildlife,especially insects. The goldenrod supplies nectar,pollen, and leaves and stems for various insects to use to their needs.
Bees,wasp,butterflies,moths,flies,and other insects are goldenrod's visitors. The goldenrod supply the service and the animals pollinate and spread its seeds. Another adaptation it has its its staleness. since most goldenrods grow in clusters that can easily foreshadow other plants and grow towards the sun.
scientifically referred to as solidago, virgaurea is a rod-like golden wildflower (just like the name suggest) and has over one hundred different species. Flowers are clustered on long stalks. Most goldenrods have long, narrow leaves. Some specie. Goldenrods tend to be six feet . Goldenrods ares are extremely important to other wildlife,especially insects. The goldenrod supplies nectar,pollen, and leaves and stems for various insects to use to their needs.
Bees,wasp,butterflies,moths,flies,and other insects are goldenrod's visitors. The goldenrod supply the service and the animals pollinate and spread its seeds. Another adaptation it has its its staleness. since most goldenrods grow in clusters that can easily foreshadow other plants and grow towards the sun.