introduction to iowa native prairie plants
TRANSCRIPT
Introduction to Iowa Native Prairie Plants 1Introduction to Iowa Native Prairie Plants 1
The Iowa tallgrass prairie
developed over the past
9,000 to 10,000 years, after
the retreat of the last glaciers.
The ecosystem that developed
as a prairie consisted of
communities of grasses, forbs,
insects, and other animals.
Prairie communities vary
depending on the environment.
Plants and animals in these
communities adapted and evolved
to survive a range of conditions
from hot and dry to moist
and boggy.
SUL 18 Revised August 2008
I Intntntrorooduduductctctioioionn n tototo I Iowowowaa a NaNaatititiveveve P Praraairiri ieieie P Plalalantntntsss 11
Introduction to Iowa Native Prairie Plants
2 Introduction to Iowa Native Prairie Plants
Introduction to Iowa Native Prairie PlantsThis publication focuses on the native plants that inhabit prairie communities. “Native plants” are plants that were growing naturally in a particular area before human settlement. Although many native plants are “prairie plants,” the focus herein is on growing individual species or combinations of species in a garden or large planting, rather than on prairie construction or restoration.
Prairies are complex ecosystems that blend the topography and soils of an area with plant and animal communities that can live together in a stable relationship. The process can be complex and requires time and patience. Also, it is diffi cult to develop a prairie ecosystem on a space less than about a quarter acre.
Most people, however, choose to create a natural-looking garden or planting that serves many of the same functions as a prairie, namely,
They are resistant or tolerant to most insect pests and diseases.
A blend of native species provides season-long color and interest.
Native species are members of a plant and animal community that balances itself when there is a diverse assemblage of species. This natural balance keeps native plants from becoming invasive.
They attract butterfl ies by serving as host plants for caterpillars and nectar plants for butterfl ies.
Growing native plants is a fun learning process. Each season brings some answers and more questions.
A partial guide for native plants that may be suitable for your landscape can be found on pages 3–6. Note the column listing plant height. Some of the tall natives are not suitable for small spaces without staking individual plants.
beauty, weed management, wildlife habitat, and the reduction of soil erosion and runoff. When planning a garden of native plants, it is a good idea to visit other gardens that have native plantings or to visit public gardens to see the size, form, and spread of the plants you would like to grow. Local prairie enthusiasts or conservationists organize prairie walks that can be a source of specifi c information about prairies. A visit to a prairie enables you to see different plants in their natural setting.
There are many advantages to growing native plants:
Native plants are well adapted to local conditions. They are vigorous and hardy, so they can survive winter cold, and summer heat, drought and windy conditions.
Once established, they require little or no irrigation. No fertilization is needed.
TRAER, TAMA COUNTY, IOWA
TRAER, TAMA COUNTY, IOWA
An established urban reconstructed prairie
Introduction to Iowa Native Prairie Plants 3Introduction to Iowa Native Prairie Plants 3
Iowa Native Prairie Plants—Pictorial Guide
Rattlesnake masterEryngium yuccafolium
SpiderwortTradescantia ohioensis
Purple prairie cloverDalea purpurea
Butterfl y milkweedAsclepias tuberosa
Swamp milkweedAsclepias incarnata
Purple conefl owerEchinacea purpurea
CoreopsisCoreopsis palmata
Partridge peaChamaecrista fasciculata
Great blue lobelia and goldenrodLobelia syphilitica, Solidago sp.
Introduction to Iowa Native Prairie Plants 3
4 Introduction to Iowa Native Prairie Plants
Iow
a N
ativ
e P
rair
ie P
lants
Gra
sses
So
il M
oist
ure
M
atu
re
Flo
wer
Com
mon
/Lat
in N
ame
Con
dit
ion
s*
Hei
ght
Per
iod
C
omm
ents
Big
blue
stem
M
5–
7’
Aug
.–Se
pt.
Som
etim
es k
now
n as
“tu
rkey
foot
” by
the
pion
eers
. Dom
inan
t pla
nt o
f the
eas
tern
tallg
rass
pra
irie
. War
m-s
easo
n gr
ass.
And
ropo
gon
gera
rdi
Indi
angr
ass
M
3–6’
A
ug.–
Sept
. T
he p
lant
form
s an
att
ract
ive
mou
nded
clu
mp;
exc
elle
nt s
peci
men
pla
nt in
per
enni
al g
arde
ns; w
arm
-sea
son
gras
s.So
rgha
stru
m n
utan
sSw
itch
gras
s M
3–
6’
July
–Aug
. Br
ight
yel
low
to ta
n fa
ll co
lor;
see
d he
ads
are
wis
py s
pray
s; w
arm
-sea
son
gras
s.
Pani
cum
vir
gatu
m
Litt
le b
lues
tem
D
M
2–3’
A
ug.–
Sept
. R
ed-b
row
n an
d ru
sset
fall
colo
r; s
peci
men
pla
nt in
per
enni
al g
arde
ns; w
arm
-sea
son
gras
s.Sc
hiza
chyr
ium
sco
pari
um
Can
ada
wild
rye
M
2–3’
M
ay–J
une
Dis
tinc
tive
whe
at-l
ooki
ng s
eed
head
that
pro
vide
s te
xtur
e to
mix
ed p
lant
ings
; coo
l-se
ason
gra
ss.
Ely
mus
can
aden
sis
Side
oats
gra
ma
M
8–18
’ A
pr.–
June
E
stab
lishe
s qu
ickl
y fr
om s
eed;
coo
l-se
ason
gra
ss.
Bou
telo
ua c
urtip
endu
laPr
airi
e dr
opse
ed
M/D
M
2–3’
A
ugus
t Be
auti
ful g
rass
for
vari
atio
n in
text
ure
and
form
; war
m-s
easo
n gr
ass.
Spor
obol
us h
eter
olep
is
Fo
rbs
Butt
erfl y
milk
wee
d M
2–
3’
June
–Aug
. O
rang
e to
yel
low
fl ow
ers;
att
ract
s m
any
butt
erfl i
es; h
ost p
lant
for
mon
arch
but
terfl
ies.
Asc
lepi
as tu
bero
sa
Swam
p m
ilkw
eed
W
3–5’
Ju
ne–A
ug.
Pale
pin
k to
ros
e co
lore
d; s
mal
ler
and
mor
e co
mpa
ct th
an c
omm
on m
ilkw
eed;
hos
t pla
nt fo
r m
onar
ch b
utte
rfl ie
s.A
scle
pias
inca
rnat
aPa
rtri
dge
pea
M
1–2’
Ju
ly–A
ug.
A s
how
y, a
nnua
l leg
ume
that
has
bri
ght y
ello
w fl
ower
s an
d da
rk g
reen
folia
ge.
Cha
mae
cris
ta fa
scic
ulat
a C
ardi
nal fl
ow
er
W
2–3’
A
ug.–
Sept
. Sp
ike
of r
ed fl
ower
s; r
equi
res
wet
sit
es; d
oes
best
alo
ng s
trea
m e
dges
.Lo
belia
car
dina
lisG
reat
blu
e lo
belia
W
M/W
2–
3’
Aug
.–Se
pt.
Med
ium
blu
e fl o
wer
s. M
ore
com
mon
in n
atur
al I
owa
habi
tats
than
car
dina
l fl o
wer
.Lo
belia
syp
hilit
ica
New
Eng
land
ast
er
M
2–4’
Se
pt.–
Oct
. Pu
rple
or
pink
. Mak
es a
ttra
ctiv
e cu
t fl o
wer
in th
e fa
ll; a
ttra
cts
butt
erfl i
es a
nd m
oths
. A
ster
nov
ae-a
nglia
ePl
ains
tick
seed
D
M
1–3’
M
ay–A
ug.
Yello
w fl
ower
s. A
fter
fl ow
erin
g, th
e di
sc tu
rns
brow
n an
d pr
oduc
es s
eeds
that
res
embl
e ti
cks,
hen
ce it
s co
mm
on n
ame.
C
oreo
psis
tinc
tori
a
Tick
seed
is a
goo
d ne
ctar
sou
rce
for
bees
and
a v
alua
ble
plan
t in
the
prai
rie
biom
e.
Prai
rie
core
opsi
s
C
oreo
psis
pal
mat
a
Pale
pur
ple
cone
fl ow
er
M
2–3’
Ju
ne–J
uly
Long
-liv
ed p
eren
nial
; res
embl
es d
aisi
es w
ith
back
war
d, c
urvi
ng p
ink-
purp
le r
ay fl
ower
s; th
e fl o
wer
cen
ter
cont
ains
a p
rick
ly
Ech
inac
ea p
allid
a
rais
ed d
ome.
Purp
le c
onefl
ow
er
M
2–3’
Ju
ly–A
ug.
A n
ativ
e to
far
sout
heas
t Iow
a; g
row
n ex
tens
ivel
y in
hom
e ga
rden
s.E
chin
acea
pur
pure
aBo
ttle
gen
tian
M
1–
2’
Aug
.–O
ct.
The
com
mon
nam
e no
tes
that
its
fl ow
ers
stay
clo
sed
whe
n it
is b
loom
ing.
Flo
wer
s ar
e vi
bran
t ind
igo-
purp
le.
Gen
tiana
and
rew
sii
Prai
rie
smok
e M
/D
1–2’
M
ay–J
une
Del
icat
e re
ddis
h-pi
nk b
loom
s in
spr
ing
give
way
to fl
uffy
see
d he
ads
that
look
like
puf
fs o
f sm
oke
in s
umm
er. N
ativ
e to
ext
rem
eG
eum
trifo
lium
nort
heas
t Iow
a.
Introduction to Iowa Native Prairie Plants 5
Fal
se s
unfl o
wer
or
Oxe
ye
M/W
M
3–5’
Ju
ly–S
ept.
Smal
ler
than
mos
t sun
fl ow
ers;
per
enni
al; h
as in
tere
stin
g op
posi
te-l
eave
d fo
liage
wit
h 1-
inch
yel
low
fl ow
er h
eads
from
H
elio
psis
hel
iant
hoid
es
m
idsu
mm
er o
n; c
an b
e so
mew
hat a
ggre
ssiv
e.Pr
airi
e bl
azin
g st
ar o
r M
1–
4’
July
–Oct
. T
he c
orm
s se
rved
as
win
ter
food
for
earl
y se
ttle
rs (
and
rode
nts)
. Thi
s si
gnat
ure
tallg
rass
pra
irie
pla
nt h
as g
aine
d fa
me
as a
Pr
airi
e ga
yfea
ther
lave
nder
cut
fl ow
er in
the
fl ori
st in
dust
ry. P
ycno
stac
hya
mea
ns “
thic
k-sp
iked
,” r
efer
ring
to th
e de
nsel
y pa
cked
fl ow
er s
pike
s.Li
atri
s py
cnos
tach
yaR
ough
bla
zing
sta
r or
M
/DM
2–
3’
July
–Oct
. V
iole
t/pu
rple
fl ow
ers.
The
fl ow
er s
pike
s ar
e la
rger
and
mor
e se
para
ted
alon
g th
e st
em th
an th
ose
of p
rair
ie b
lazi
ng s
tar.
R
ough
gay
feat
her
It
take
s lo
nger
to e
stab
lish
than
its
cous
in, p
rair
ie b
lazi
ng s
tar.
Li
atri
s as
pera
Lead
plan
t D
M
1–3’
Ju
ne–A
ug.
Smal
l pur
ple
fl ow
ers;
gra
yish
-whi
te c
ompo
und
folia
ge o
n pe
renn
ial s
tem
s.A
mor
pha
cane
scen
sSh
ooti
ng s
tar
M/D
M
1–2’
M
ay
Will
tole
rate
som
e sh
ade;
nat
ive
to e
aste
rn I
owa.
Qui
te s
how
y in
the
earl
y se
ason
wit
h pa
le p
ink
to w
hite
dra
mat
ic fl
ower
s.D
odec
athe
on m
eadi
a G
olde
n A
lexa
nder
W
M/M
1–
3’
Apr
.–Ju
ne
Pere
nnia
l of m
oist
woo
ds, p
rair
ie m
eado
ws,
and
thic
kets
; est
ablis
hes
quic
kly
from
see
d; y
ello
w u
mbe
l res
embl
ing
a m
ore
delic
ate
Ziz
ia a
urea
Que
en A
nne’s
lace
.W
ild b
erga
mot
M
1–
3’
July
–Aug
. La
vend
er b
loom
s; li
ke a
ll m
embe
rs o
f the
min
t fam
ily, i
t has
squ
are
stem
s an
d is
ple
asan
tly
frag
rant
.M
onar
da fi
stul
osa
Gra
y-he
aded
con
efl o
wer
M
3–
4’
June
–Sep
t. Ye
llow
fl ow
ers.
Whe
n cr
ushe
d, th
e m
atur
e he
ad e
mit
s an
ani
se fr
agra
nce.
Eas
y to
est
ablis
h an
d sh
owy.
or
Yel
low
con
efl o
wer
Both
gra
y-he
aded
con
efl o
wer
and
bla
ck-e
yed
Susa
n ar
e gr
eat a
ddit
ions
to m
ass
plan
ting
s be
caus
e th
ey e
stab
lish
quic
kly,
R
atib
ida
pinn
ata
bl
oom
pro
min
entl
y, a
nd in
a fe
w y
ears
are
rep
lace
d by
oth
er s
peci
es a
s th
e pl
anti
ng b
ecom
es p
erm
anen
t.
Blac
k-ey
ed S
usan
M
1–
2’
June
–Oct
. G
old
fl ow
ers.
Bla
ck-e
yed
Susa
n is
a g
reat
add
itio
n to
mas
s pl
anti
ngs
beca
use
it e
stab
lishe
s qu
ickl
y, b
loom
s pr
omin
entl
y, a
nd th
en
Rud
beck
ia h
irta
in a
few
yea
rs is
rep
lace
d by
oth
er s
peci
es a
s th
e pl
anti
ng b
ecom
es p
erm
anen
t. It
s lif
e cy
cle
rang
es fr
om a
stu
rdy
annu
al to
bie
nnia
l.C
anad
a go
lden
rod
M
3–5’
Ju
ly–S
ept.
Com
mon
; eas
y to
est
ablis
h an
d pr
ovid
es r
ich
gold
en fa
ll co
lor.
Trad
itio
nally
, and
bec
ause
it is
so
show
y, it
is fa
lsel
y ac
cuse
d of
So
lidag
o ca
nade
nsis
and
caus
ing
hum
an h
ay fe
ver.
(Its
pol
len
is n
ot w
indb
orne
.)G
ray
gold
enro
dSo
lidag
o ne
mor
alis
Stiff
gol
denr
od
M
2–4’
A
ug.–
Oct
. Ye
llow
fl ow
ers.
The
fl ow
ers
of th
is s
peci
es a
re in
a p
rom
inen
t fl a
t-to
pped
clu
ster
. Bef
ore
fl ow
erin
g, th
e pl
ant i
s er
ect a
nd s
ubtl
ySo
lidag
o ri
gida
attr
acti
ve, w
ith
dow
ny h
air
on th
e le
aves
.Sp
ider
wor
t M
/WM
1–
2’
Apr
.–Ju
ly
The
pla
nt’s
form
and
ric
h vi
olet
fl ow
ers
are
a hi
dden
trea
t in
the
prai
rie
plan
ting
. Tr
ades
cant
ia o
hioe
nsis
C
ompa
ss p
lant
M
4–
10’
Aug
.–Se
pt.
Yello
w, d
aisy
-lik
e fl o
wer
s; o
ne o
f the
sig
natu
re p
lant
s of
the
Iow
a pr
airi
e. E
arly
trav
eler
s us
ed th
e pl
ant’s
hab
it o
f ori
enti
ng
Silp
hium
laci
niat
um
it
s de
eply
div
ided
, sid
e-tu
rned
leav
es d
ue n
orth
and
sou
th, m
akin
g it
a n
atur
al c
ompa
ss.
Purp
le p
rair
ie c
love
r M
1–
2’
June
–Aug
. 1–
3’’ t
erm
inal
spi
kes
of r
ose-
to m
agen
ta-c
olor
ed fl
ower
s th
at o
pen
from
the
top
dow
n. I
t est
ablis
hes
easi
ly fr
om s
eed,
and
will
Dal
ea p
urpu
rea
of
ten
fl ow
er th
e sa
me
seas
on it
is p
lant
ed. G
ood
addi
tion
for
mos
t urb
an a
nd n
on-u
rban
set
ting
s.W
hite
pra
irie
clo
ver
M/D
M
1–3’
Ju
ne–A
ug.
Sim
ilar
to p
urpl
e pr
airi
e cl
over
, but
the
whi
te fl
ower
s an
d th
e di
vide
d le
aves
are
larg
er. I
t is
slow
er to
est
ablis
h an
d do
es n
ot
Dal
ea c
andi
da
co
mpe
te v
ery
wel
l, es
peci
ally
in w
et s
oil c
ondi
tion
s.R
ound
-hea
ded
bush
clov
er
M/D
M
2–4’
Ju
ly–A
ug.
Com
mon
in m
ost I
owa
prai
ries
; has
silv
ery
gree
n tr
efoi
l lea
ves
and
clus
ters
of w
hite
fl ow
ers
that
turn
cho
cola
te b
row
n
Lesp
edez
a ca
pita
ta
as
they
mat
ure.
Wild
pet
unia
M
8’
’–1’
Ju
ne–A
ug.
A s
avan
nah
or w
oodl
and-
edge
pla
nt th
at h
as li
ght l
aven
der
1 to
1.5
’’ fl o
wer
s on
low
-gro
win
g, d
ark
gree
n pl
ants
.R
uelli
a hu
mili
sR
attl
esna
ke m
aste
r M
/DM
2–
4’
July
–Aug
. A
dds
text
ure
and
vari
ety
to a
pra
irie
; yuc
ca-l
ike
leav
es h
ave
soft
spi
ny e
dges
. Yea
rs a
go it
was
som
etim
es c
onsi
dere
d a
rem
edy
Ery
ngiu
m y
ucca
foliu
m
fo
r sn
akeb
ite.
(D
on’t
try
that
at h
ome.
)
*W =
Wet
WM
= W
et M
esic
M =
Mes
ic
D
M =
Dry
Mes
ic
D
= D
ry
6 Introduction to Iowa Native Prairie Plants 6 Introduction to Iowa Native Prairie Plants
Canada wildryeElymus canadensis
Little bluestemSchizachyrium scoparium
IndiangrassSorghastrum nutans
Sideoats gramaBouteloua curtipendula
Prairie blazing starLiatris pycnostachya
Gray-headed conefl ower and wild bergamotRatibida pinnata, Monarda fi stulosa (pink)
Rough blazing starLiatris aspera
Compass plantSilphium laciniatum
Cardinal fl owerLobelia cardinalis
6 Introduction to Iowa Native Prairie Plants
Iowa Native Prairie Plants—Pictorial Guide
Introduction to Iowa Native Prairie Plants 7
For more information
Check these additional titles in the series on prairies and native plants at www.extension.iastate.edu/store.
Prairies and Native Plantings as Outdoor Classrooms, SUL 19
References and Resources for Prairies and Native Plantings, SUL 20
Grasses versus Forbs
Grasses typically have long leaves with parallel veins and can be useful in adding dimension to a planting. Several of the tall grasses wave gently in the wind, and they can provide a dash of subtle fall and winter color. Grasses do have fl owers, which are generally greenish, yet some have interesting fl owering structures that add appeal to the planting. Some grasses, such as Indiangrass, are well suited as stand-alone or clumps of accent plants, whereas others are better suited for fi lling in group plantings.
Forbs are the broadleaved plants in a prairie and often have showy blooms. Forbs may add color, texture, habitat for wildlife, and even scent to the planting.
The choice between separate plantings and mixed plantings of forbs and grasses is situation-dependent. Gardeners should consider the intended use of the site. Mixed plantings generally require more space and an understanding of the differences in biology of the plants being used.
Many native plants have been selectively bred, or even hybridized so that they meet the needs of people. An example is prairie blazing star, Liatris pycnostachya. Varieties of blazing star have been selected from nature for their form, fl ower color, and durability so they fi t both landscape needs of homeowners and cut fl ower needs of fl orists.
Planting non-local strains near a prairie remnant or a native reconstruction should be avoided because of the potential for genetic contamination. If you are looking for plants that are native to your particular area, you need to fi nd a commercial seed or plant source that is from local ecotypes. Many suggest using seed sources from within approximately a 50-mile radius
of your planting. When ordering or purchasing seed, check with an expert regarding the optimum seeding rate.
Note: So called “wildfl ower” mixes may contain few native wildfl ower seeds and may contain many plants native to the United States but not to Iowa.
Local Ecotypes
Plants of the same species will
vary considerably, depending
on their geographic origin.
Just as people have different
traits that give them different
attributes such as height, hair
color, and facial shape, each
plant species has a range of
genetic variability.
Funding support for this publication provided by Living Roadway Trust Fund, Iowa Department of Transportation.
Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)—
MESIC, height 5–7 ft. It begins growth
in late spring and fl owers in late sum-
mer. This tall, deep-rooted perennial
was the primary grass of the eastern
tallgrass prairie that once covered
thousands of acres. The seed head
is three-branched, resulting in its
common name—“turkey foot.”
Wild bergamot (Monarda fi stulosa)—
MESIC, height 1–3 ft. This perennial
prairie forb blooms between June
and August. Its rosy-lavender-
colored fl owers are attractive to
bees and butterfl ies.
8 Introduction to Iowa Native Prairie Plants
Seed and plant collection ethics
Existing populations of native
plants need protection. Some
human-assisted seed dispersal
(harvested seed) is often
acceptable without the existing
population being damaged,
but some seed needs to remain
to renew the native stand.
ALWAYS get permission from
the managers of a native site
before harvesting seed, and
limit yourself to taking no
more than one-third of the seed
crop produced. Taking actual
plants to transplant to another
area is not acceptable, unless
construction or other activities
on the site will cause the
vegetation to be destroyed.
Also, some native plants may
not survive transplanting.
Look for local information and
assistance before you engage in
collecting forays.
Environments
for Native Plants
Dry soils are found on well to excessively drained, usually exposed sites. Soils that are thin to bedrock, or are sandy or gravelly and that occur on steep areas are typical. Dry sites are more common on south-facing slopes where it is the warmest and driest during the summer. Characteristics of the plants adapted to these areas include the following:
Plants often less than 3 feet in height
Leaves that are adapted to conserve moisture (thick surfaces, wilt throughout the day, or other actions to avoid water loss)
Mesic refers to sites that have good drainage, ample seasonally available water, and deep soils. A good description of mesic is moist, yet well drained. The subsoil (below the dark topsoil) is brightly colored, which indicates good drainage.
Wet sites have seasonally high water tables and often occur low on the landscape. Sedges (grass-like plants with triangular stems in cross section) may be a prominent group of species in wet sites, and the topsoil is either coal black to several feet in depth, or the subsoil is noticeably dull gray colored, or both.
Pale Purple Conefl ower (Echinacea pallida)—MESIC, height 2–3 ft. Flowers
bloom in June and July. These long-lived perennials resemble daisies, but with
backward-curving pink-purple ray fl owers; the fl ower center contains a prickly
raised dome.
Prepared by Rich Pope and Linda Naeve, extension specialists, and Joyce Hornstein, former extension specialist, Department of Entomology. Photos by Rich Pope, Joyce Hornstein, Keven Arrowsmith, and Linda Naeve, Iowa State University Extension, and Steve Holland, Iowa Department of Transporta-tion. Edited by Julie Todd, former extension special-ist, Department of Entomology, and designed by Donna Halloum, Information Technology Services. Special thanks to content reviewers Dan Rockwell, Dick Faas, Inger Lamb, Jean Eels, and Carl Kurtz.
File: Horticulture 2-10
. . . and justice for allThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Many materials can be made available in alternative formats for ADA clients. To fi le a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Offi ce of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964.
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in coopera-tion with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Jack M. Payne, director, Cooperative Extension Service, Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Ames, Iowa.
ISU FEEL RECONSTRUCTED PRAIRIE, BOONE COUNTY, IOWA
Introduction to Iowa Native Prairie Plants was originally printed as PM 1956.