Plants in Prairie Communities

Characteristics of Prairie Plants

Key for table

Competitiveness: 1= aggressive, can compete with weedy and exotic species, easiest to establish; 2 = intermediate, not as competitive with weedy and exotic plants, slower to establish; 3 = competition sensitive, will not compete and declines or dies with weedy species and exotics.

Old fields, disturbed sites: Native prairie plants that can be found growing on extensively disturbed sites. These species can be tough enough to survive grazing, mowing, plowing, spraying, or some other land management practices.

Plants restricted to virgin prairies: Prairie plants found growing on virgin (not plowed or disturbed) prairie remnants. Most of these plants will not tolerate any kind of disturbance such as plowing, heavy grazing, or mowing.

Plants established by seeds or plants: Some prairie plants can be established by seeds (S) or (P) or both (S/P). Recommendations are based on the difficulty of germination, survival rate, growth rate, and what is currently available through nurseries. Native plants should be nursery-propagated and purchased through licensed nurseries to support the conservation of native species.

	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Agastache foeniculum Fragrant Hyssop	1	Yes	No	S/P	Purple	1-3'	Mesic	July-Aug.	Attractive dense, purple spiked flowers, aromatic flowers and leaves.
Agoseris glauca Prairie Dandelion	3	No	Yes	P	Yellow	6-12"	Dry	June	Dandelion-like flowers. Rare in some areas.
Agropyron smithii Western Wheat Grass	2	No	No	S/P	—	16-24"	Dry	July	Most of growth occurs in spring and fall.
Allium canadense Wild Garlic	3	No	Yes	S/P	Pinkish	6-12"	Mesic-dry	May-June	Can't stand heavy grass competition. Needs small companions.
Allium cernuum Nodding Onion	2	No	Yes	S/P	Pinkish	12-16"	Mesic-dry	July-Aug.	Can't stand heavy grass competition. Needs small companions.
Allium stellatum Prairie Onion	3	No	Yes	S/P	Pinkish	12-16"	Mesic-dry	July-Aug.	Can't stand heavy grass competition. Needs small companions.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Amorpha canescens Lead Plant	2	No	Yes	S/P	Purple	1-3'	Dry-mesic	June-July	A very showy woody shrub, grows slowy. A native legume.
Andropogon gerardi Big Bluestem	1	Yes	No	S/P	—	2-6'	Mesic-dry	Aug.-Sept.	A warm season grass, forms a solid sod, very aggressive on moist sites.
Anemone canadensis Canada Mayflower	1	No	No	P	White	12-18"	Mesic-wet	May-July	Found growing in colonies.
Anemone caroliniana Caroliana Anemone	3	No	Yes	P	White to Violet	8-15"	Dry	Apr.-May	Showy, needs small companions, sensitive to early spring fires.
Anemone cylindrica Thimble Flower	2	No	No	S/P	White	12-16"	Dry-mesic	June-July	Seedheads are interesting, needs small companions.
Antennaria neglecta Pussy toes	1	Yes	No	P	White	4-12"	Dry-mesic	May-June	Forms solid patches.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Apocynum androsaemifolium Spreading Dog bane	3	Yes	No	P	Pink	1-3'	Mesic	June-July	Small, aromatic flowers. Has milky juice like milkweed
Apocynum cannabinum Indian Hemp	3	No	No	P	Green-white	1-3'	Mesic-dry	June-Aug.	Small flowers. Has milky juice like milkweed
Aquilegia canadensis Wild Columbine	2	Yes	No	S/P	Red-yellow	1-2'	Mesic	June-July	Self seeds readily. A species found in woods or prairies, very attractive.
Arabis lyrata Lyre-leaved Rockcress	3	No	No	P	White	6-12"	Dry	April-May	Low growing.
Artemisia caudata Beach Wormwood	2	No	No	S/P	Green-white	1-2'	Dry	July-Sept.	Self seeds readily.
Artemisia ludoviciana Prairie Sage	3	Yes	No	S/P	Green/white	1-3'	Dry-Mesic	July-Aug.	Attractive foliage all year.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Asclepias amphexicaulis Blunt-leaved Milkweed	2	No	Yes	S/P	Green/purple	1-2'	Dry	June-July	Self seeds readily, rare in some areas.
Asclepias hirtella Green Milkweed	3	No	Yes	S/P	Green/white	1-2'	Dry	June-Aug.	Tall, subtle flowers.
Asclepias incarnata Swamp Milkweed	1	Yes	No	S/P	Pink	2-4'	Wet-mesic	July-Aug.	Aggressive, needs competition. Good for attracting monarch butterflies.
Asclepias ovalifolia Oval-leaved Milkweed	3	No	Yes	S/P	White	10-24"	Dry	June-July	Subtle flowers.
Asclepias sullivantii Sullivant's Milkweed	3	No	Yes	P	Purple/pink	2-4'	Mesic	July	Unusual waxy leaves.
Asclepias syriaca Common Milkweed	1	Yes	No	S/P	Pink	2-4'	Dry-mesic	July-Aug.	Nodding flower heads.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly Flower	3	No	No	S/P	Orange	1-2'	Dry-mesic	July-Aug.	Highly desirable, very showy! Attracts monarch butterflies
Asclepias verticillata Whorled Milkweed	1	Yes	No	S/P	White	12-24"	Dry-mesic	July-Aug.	May become aggressive under moist conditions.
Asclepias viridiflora Short-green Milkweed	3	No	Yes	P	Green/white	1-2'	Dry-mesic	June-July	Subtle flowers.
Aster ericoides Heath Aster	1	Yes	No	S/P	White	1-3'	Dry-mesic	Aug.-Sept.	Can become aggressive and weedy, needs competition.
Aster laevis Smooth Aster	2	No	No	S/P	Blue	1-3'	Dry-mesic	July-Sept.	Moderately showy.
Aster novae-angliae New England Aster	1	Yes	No	S/P	Purple	1-6'	Wet-mesic	Aug.-Oct.	Tall, very showy, can become aggressive.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Aster oblongifolius Aromatice Aster	3	No	No	P	Purple	1-2'	Dry	Sept.-Oct.	Moderately showy.
Aster oolentangiensis syn [Aster azureus] Sky Blue Aster	2	Yes	No	S/P	Blue	1-4'	Mesic-dry	Sept.-Oct.	Needs competition, self seeds readily. An attractive fall flower display.
Aster prenanthoides Crooked-stemmed Aster	3	No	No	S/P	Pink/ white	2-3'	Wet-mesic	Aug.-Sept.	Great for wet areas.
Aster puniceus Purple-stemmed Aster	1	No	No	S/P	White	2-5'	Wet-mesic	Aug.-Sept.	Aggressive, great for wet areas.
Aster sericeus Silky Aster	2	No	No	S/P	Purple	1-2'	Dry	Aug.-Sept.	Attractive flowers and foliage.
Aster simplex Panicled Aster	1	No	No	S/P	White	2-4'	Wet	Aug.-Oct.	Aggressive, great for wet areas.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Aster umbellatus Flat-topped Aster	1	No	No	S/P	White	2-5'	Wet-mesic	July-Aug.	Aggressive, great for wet areas.
Astragalus canadensis Canadian Milk Vetch	1	No	No	S/P	White	1-3'	Dry-mesic	July-Aug.	Aggressive, spreads fast.
Astragalus crassicarpus Ground Plum.	3	No	Yes	P	White	6-12"	Dry	May-June	A delicate plant, fruit is interesting, needs small companions
Baptisia alba White Wild Indigo	2	No	Yes	P	White	2-4'	Mesic-dry	June-July	A native legume, very attractive foliage and flowers.
Baptisia australis syn [Baptisia leucantha] Wild Blue Indigo	1	No	Yes	S/P	Blue	2-5'	Mesic	June-July	A native legume, very attractive foliage and flowers.
Baptisia bracteata syn [Baptisia leucophaea] Praire Wild Indigo	2	No	Yes	S/P	Yellow	1-2'	Mesic-dry		A native legume, needs small companions for support.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Blephilia ciliata Downy Wood Mint	3	No	No	P	Purple	12-24"	Mesic-dry	June-July	Short, compact growth.
Bouteloua curtipendula Sideoats Grama	2	No	No	S/P	—	1-3'	Dry	July-Sept.	Moderately aggressive, a bunch grass that self seeds readily, no fall color.
Bouteloua gracilis Blue Grama	2	No	No	S/P	—	12-18"	Dry	July-Sept.	A bunch grass with no fall color, seed heads are interesting.
Bouteloua hirsuta Hairy Grama	2	No	No	S/P	—	12-18"	Dry	July-Sept.	A bunch grass with no fall color, seed heads are interesting.
Bromus kalmii Kalm's Brome	2	No	Yes	S/P	—	1-3'	Dry-mesic	Aug.-Sept.	Prefers calcareous soils, no fall color.
Buchloe dactyloides Buffalo Grass	2	Yes	No	P	—	6-12"	Dry	July	A short grass that grows thick like sod.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Calamagrostis canadensis Blue joint Grass	1	No	No	P	—	2-5'	Wet	July-Aug.	Forms solid clumps.
Calamovilfa longifolia Sand Reed Grass	1	No	Yes	P	—	4-5'	Dry-mesic	July-Aug.	Attractive fall color.
Callirhoe triangulata Poppy Mallow	2	No	Yes	P	Red/ purple	1-2'	Dry-mesic	June-Aug.	Rare in some areas.
Caltha palustris Marsh Marigold	3	No	No	P	Yellow	12-24"	Wet	May	Needs plenty of moisture.
Campanula rotundifolia Harebell	3	No	No	P	Blue	6-12"	Dry-mesic	July-Aug.	Self seeds readily, needs good drainage.
Carex bicknellii Bicknell's Sedge	1	No	No	P	—	12"	Mesic-wet	May-July	Grows in clumps.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Carex meadii Mead's Sedge	1	No	No	P	—	12-16"	Mesic-wet	May-June	Grows in calcareous soils.
Carex pensylvanica Pennsylvania Sedge	1	No	No	P	—	6-12"	Mesic-dry	May-June	Can tolerate semi-shady areas.
Cassia hebecarpa Wild Senna	3	No	Yes	P	Yellow	3-6'	Mesic	July-Aug.	A native legume.
Castilleja coccinea Indian Paint Brush	3	No	Yes	S	Red	1-2'	Mesic	June-Aug.	Annual or biennial, semi-parasitic on other plant roots.
Castilleja sessiliflora Yellow Paint brush	3	No	Yes	S	Yellow	1-2'	Dry	July	Annual or biennial, semi-parasitic on other plant roots.
Ceanothus americanus New Jersey Tea	2	Yes	No	P	White	1-3'	Dry-mesic	June-July	Attractive woody shrub.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Chamaecrista fasciculata syn [Cassia fasciculata] Partridge Pea	3	No	No	S/P	Yellow	6-24"	Dry	July-Aug.	A native legume, annual.
Chelone glabra White Turtle head	3	No	No	P	White	2-3'	Wet-mesic	Aug.	Flower heads resembles "turtles".
Cicuta maculata Water Hemlock	3	Yes	No	P	White	3-5'	Wet-mesic	June-Aug.	Poisonous.
Cirsium discolor Pasture Thistle	3	Yes	No	P	Purple	2-5'	Mesic	Aug.-Sept.	Large, attractive flowers.
Cirsium hillii Hill's Thistle	3	Yes	No	P	Purple	1-2'	Mesic-dry	June	Biennial. Large attractive flowers.
Comandra palmata False Toad flax	3	Yes	No	P	White	6-12"	Wet-mesic	June-July	Flowers are inconspicuous, semi-parasitic on other plant roots.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Coreopsis palmata Coreopsis	2	Yes	No	P	Yellow	1-3'	Mesic	June-Aug.	Showy, attractive flowers, self seeds readily.
Cypripedium candidum Small White Lady's Slipper	3	No	Yes	NA	White	10-16"	Wet-mesic	May-June	Sensitive to competition, low growing. Very difficult to establish
Dalea candidum syn [Petalostemum candidum] White Praire Clover	2	No	Yes	S/P	White	1-3'	Dry-mesic	July-Aug.	A native legume, attractive foliage and flowers.
Dalea purpureum syn [Petalsotemum purpureum] Purple Praire Clover	2	No	Yes	S/P	Purple	1-3'	Dry	July-Aug.	A native legume, attractive foliage and flowers.
Dalea villosum syn [Petalostemum villosum] Silky Praire Clover	2	No	Yes	S/P	Purple	1-3'	Dry	July-Aug.	A native legume, attractive foliage and flowers.
Delphinium virescens Praire Larkspur	3	No	Yes	S/P	White	1-3'	Dry-mesic	June-July	Sensitive to hot weather, may die-back during droughts, re-growth in cool weather.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Desmodium canadense Showy Tick-trefoil	1	Yes	No	S/P	Purple	1-4'	Wet-mesic	July-Aug.	A native legume, aggressive, flowers are showy.
Desmodium illinoense Illinois Tick-trefoil	1	Yes	No	S/P	White-pink	1-2'	Mesic	July-Aug.	A native legume, sometimes aggressive, needs competition.
Dodecatheon meadia Midland Shooting star	2	No	Yes	P	White to pink	12"	Wet-dry	May-June	Very showy, sensitive to spring fires. Can tolerate some shade.
Echinacea angustifolia Pale Purple Coneflower	1	No	Yes	S/P	Purple	2-3'	Mesic-dry	June-July	Aggressive, needs competition.
Echinacea purpurea Purple Coneflower	1	Yes	No	P	Purple	2-4'	Mesic-dry	June-Sept.	A native legume, attractive foliage and flowers.
Elymus canadensis Canada Wildrye	1	Yes	No	P	—	2-4'	Mesic	July-Aug.	More aggressive on warmer, moist sites, may gradually disappear.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Equisetum arvense Common Horsetail	1	Yes	No	S/P	—	2-3'	Wet-mesic	May	Can become aggressive.
Epilobium angustifolium Fire Weed	1	Yes	No	S/P	Pink	2-5'	Mesic	July-Aug.	Tall, bushy, very attractive flowers.
Eragrostis spectabilis Purple Love Grass	1	Yes	No	S/P	—	1-2'	Dry	July-Sept.	Delicate, attractive seedheads.
Eryngium yuccifolium Rattlesnake Master	1	No	No	S/P	White	2-4'	Mesic-dry	July-Aug.	Aggressive on moist sites, attractive seedheads.
Eupatorium maculatum Joe-Pye Weed	1	No	No	S/P	Pink	3-5'	Wet-mesic	July-Aug.	Usually grows in large colonies.
Eupatorium perfoliatum Boneset	2	No	No	S/P	White	3-5'	Wet-mesic	July-Aug.	Usually grows in large colonies.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Euphorbia corollata Flowering Spurge	2	Yes	No	S/P	White	1-3'	Dry-mesic	June-Aug.	Moderately showy flowers, self seeds readily.
Filipendula rubra Queen of the Prairie	2	No	Yes	S/P	Pink	3-6'	Wet-mesic	June-Aug.	Uncommon, a large and showy plant.
Fragaria virginiana Wild Strawberry	1	Yes	No	P	White	6-12"	Wet-mesic	May-June	Fruit attractive to birds. Leaves turn red in fall.
Galium boreale Northern Bedstraw	2	Yes	No	S/P	White	1-2'	Wet-mesic	June-Aug.	Self seeds readily, a good ground cover.
Gentiana alba syn [Gentiana flavida] Yellow Gentian	3	No	Yes	P	White-yellow	1-2'	Wet-mesic	Sept.-Oct.	Petals stay closed, sensitive to heavy grass competition.
Gentiana andrewsii Bottle Gentian	3	No	No	P	Blue	1-2'	Wet-mesic	Sept.-Oct.	Petals stay closed, sensitive to heavy grass competition.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Gentiana puberula Downy Gentian	3	No	Yes	P	Blue	1-2'	Dry-mesic	Sept.-Oct.	Low growing habit, petals open, rare in most areas.
Gentianella quinquefolia syn [Gentiana quinquefolia] Stiff Gentian	3	No	Yes	S/P	Blue	1-2'	Wet-mesic	Sept.-Oct.	Petals stay closed, sensitive to heavy grass competition.
Gentianopsis crinata syn [Gentiana crinata] Fringed Gentian	3	No	Yes	S/P	Blue	1-2'	Wet-mesic	Sept.-Oct.	Petals open, rare in most areas.
Geum triflorum Prairie Smoke	3	No	No	P	Red	6-12"	Dry-mesic	April-May	Sensitive to spring fires and heavy grass competition, attractive in mass.
Glycyrrhiza lepidota Wild Licorice	3	No	Yes	P	Cream	2-3'	Mesic-dry	June-July	A native legume.
Platanthera praeclara syn [Habenaria leucopaea] White Fringed Orchid	3	No	Yes	NA	White	1-3'	Wet-mesic	June-July	Very difficult to establish.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Platanthera psycodes syn [Habenaria psycodes] Purple Fringed Orchid	3	No	Yes	NA	Purple	1-3'	Wet-mesic	June-July	Very difficult to establish.
Hedeoma hispida Mock Pennyroyal	3	No	No	P	Blue	2-12"	Dry	June-Aug.	Annual, low growing.
Hedyotis longifolia syn [Houstonia longifolia] Longleaf Bluet	3	No	No	P	Blue	4-12"	Dry	June-Oct.	Needs small companions, rare in some areas.
Helenium autumnale Sneezeweed	2	Yes	No	S/P	Yellow	2-5'	Wet-mesic	Aug.-Sept.	Numerous flowers, usually found in large colonies.
Helianthus grosseserratus Sawtooth Sunflower	1	Yes	No	S/P	Yellow	4-7'	Wet-mesic	Aug.-Oct.	Can become weedy. Very easy to establish.
Helianthus laetiflorus Showy Sunflower	1	Yes	No	S/P	Yellow	2-6'	Mesic	Aug.-Oct.	Establishes quickly, needs competition. Tall attractive flowers.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Helianthus maximiliani Maximilian Sunflower	1	Yes	No	S/P	Yellow	2-5'	Mesic	July-Oct.	Aggressive.
Helianthus mollis Downy Sunflower	1	Yes	No	S/P	Yellow	2-3'	Dry-mesic	Aug.-Sept.	Very easy to establish.
Helianthus occidentalis Western Sunflower	1	Yes	No	S/P	Yellow	2-6'	Mesic-dry	Aug.-Oct.	Large, showy flowers.
Heliopsis helianthoides Oxeye	1	No	No	S/P	Yellow	2-6'	Mesic	July-Sept.	Showy flowers, grows in colonies.
Heterothera villosa syn [Chrysopsis villosa] Golden Aster	1	Yes	No	S/P	Yellow	1-2'	Dry-mesic	July-Oct.	Self seeds easily, can become aggressive on moist sites.
Heuchera richardsonii Alumroot	3	No	Yes	P	Greenish	1-2'	Dry-mesic	May-June	Small, delicate flowers, leaves turn red in fall. Needs small companions.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Hieracium canadense Canada Hawkweed	2	No	No	S/P	Yellow	2-4'	Mesic	July-Sept.	Moderately attractive flowers, self seeds readily.
Hieracium longipilum Hairy Hawkweed	2	No	No	S/P	Yellow	2-4'	Dry	July-Aug.	Prefers sandy areas.
Hierchloe odorata Sweet Grass	2	No	No	P	—	1-2'	Wet-mesic	May-June	Aromatic leaves.
Hudsonia tomentosa False Heather	3	No	No	P	Yellow	4-12"	Dry	May-June	Prostrate growth habit.
Hypoxis hirsuta Yellow Stargrass	3	No	Yes	P	Yellow	4-12"	Wet-mesic	May-July	Delicate flowers, needs small companions.
Iris versicolor Blue flag Iris	2	No	No	P	Blue	2-3'	Wet-mesic	June-July	Grows in large colonies.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Iris virginica var. shrevei Wild Blue flag Iris	2	No	No	P	Blue	1-2'	Wet-mesic	May-July	Grows in large colonies.
Juncus tenuis Path Rush	2	No	No	S/P	—	6-12"	Wet-dry	June	Can be found on compacted soil.
Koeleria macrantha syn [Koeleria cristata] Junegrass	3	No	No	S/P	—	1-2'	Dry	May-July	Very attractive flowers and seedheads, can’t tolerate heavy grass competition.
Kuhnia eupatorioides False Boneset	1	No	No	S/P	Cream	2-4'	Dry	Aug.-Sept.	Aggressive, can become aggressive on moist sites.
Lathyrus venosus Showy Vetchling	1	Yes	No	S/P	Purple	2-4'	Wet-mesic	June-July	Attractive, showy flowers.
Lespedeza capitata Roundheaded Bush clover	2	Yes	No	S/P	Cream	2-5'	Dry-mesic	Aug.-Sept.	A native legume, seedheads are very attractive.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Liatris aspera Rough Blazing star	2	No	Yes	S/P	Purple	1-4'	Mesic-dry	Aug.-Sept.	Great for attracting monarch butterflies.
Liatris cylindrica Cylindric Blazing star	2	No	Yes	P	Purple	6-12"	Dry	Aug.-Sept.	Needs small companions for support.
Liatris ligulistylis Meadow Blazing star	2	No	Yes	S/P	Purple	2-4'	Mesic-dry	Aug.-Sept.	Great for attracting monarch butterflies.
Liatris punctata Dotted Blazing star	2	No	Yes	P	Purple	1-2'	Dry	Sept.-Oct.	Needs small companions for support.
Liatris pycnostachya Prairie Blazing star	2	No	Yes	S/P	Purple	2-4'	Wet-mesic	July-Aug.	Showy, spectacular summer display of purple flowers.
Liatris spicata Marsh Blazing star	2	No	Yes	P	Purple	2-4'	Wet-mesic	Aug.-Sept.	Attractive flowers, needs companions for support.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Lilium michiganense Michigan Lily	3	No	Yes	P	Orange	2-6'	Wet-mesic	June-July	Rare in most areas, large attractive flowers.
Lilium philadelphicum Wood Lily	3	No	Yes	P	Orange	1-3'	Mesic-wet	June-Aug.	Rare in most areas, large attractive flowers.
Lithospermum canescens Hoary Puccoon	3	No	Yes	NA	Yellow	1-2'	Dry-mesic	May-June	Attractive flowers and foliage, rare in some areas.
Lithospermum caroliana Caroliana Puccoon	3	No	Yes	NA	Yellow/orange	1-2'	Dry-mesic	May-June	Attractive flowers and foliage, rare in some areas.
Lobelia cardinalis Cardinal Flower	3	No	No	S/P	Red	2-5'	Wet-mesic	Aug.-Sept.	Tall growth habit, brilliant red flowers, attracts hummingbirds. Short-lived.
Lobelia siphilitica Great Blue Lobelia	3	No	No	S/P	Blue	1-3'	Wet-mesic	Aug.-Sept.	Can tolerate partial shade.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Lobelia spicata Pale Spiked Lobelia	2	No	No	S/P	Blue	1-2'	Mesic-dry	June-Sept.	Blooms for a long time.
Lupinus perennis Wild Lupine	2	No	Yes	S/P	Blue	1-2'	Dry-mesic	May-June	A native legume, very attractive flowers.
Lysimachia quadriflora Prairie Loose strife	2	No	No	P	Yellow	1-2'	Wet-mesic	July-Aug.	Grows in large colonies.
Monarda fistulosa Wild Bergamot	3	Yes	No	S/P	Violet	2-3'	Wet-dry	July-Aug.	Needs competition, very attractive flowers.
Monarda punctata Dotted Mint	3	Yes	No	S/P	Violet-white	1-3'	Dry-mesic	July-Sept.	The flower bracts are very attractive, not the petals. Beautiful in masses.
Muhlunbergia racemosa Green Muhly Grass	2	No	No	P	—	1-2'	Dry	June-July	A great companion for other low growing species.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Oenothera pilosella Prairie Sundrops	3	No	No	P	Yellow	2-3'	Wet-dry	July-Aug.	Flowers bloom for a short time.
Oenothera rhomiboides Primrose	3	No	No	P	Yellow	2-3'	Wet-dry	July-Aug.	Flowers bloom for a short time.
Opuntia fragilis Brittle Prickly Pear	3	No	Yes	P	Yellow	3-6"	Dry	May-June	Unusual, low growing, rare in some areas.
Opuntia humifusa Prickly Pear	3	No	Yes	P	Yellow	3-6"	Dry	June-July	Unusual, low growing, rare in some areas.
Oxalis violacea Violet Wood Sorrel	3	No	No	NA	Violet	12"	Dry-mesic	May-June	Very attractive flowers, a good companion for short species.
Oxypolis rigidior Cowbane	3	Yes	No	S/P	White	2-5'	Wet-mesic	Aug.-Sept.	Poisonous.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Panicum leibergii Prairie Panic Grass	1	No	Yes	NA	—	1-2'	Mesic	July	Grows in clumps.
Panicum oligosanthes Scribner Panic Grass	1	No	No	NA	—	1-2'	Dry-mesic	June-July	Grows in clumps.
Panicum perlongum Long stalked Panic Grass	1	No	No	NA	—	10-24"	Dry	June-July	Grows in clumps.
Panicum virgatum Switch Grass	1	Yes	No	S/P	—	3-5'	Dry-mesic	July-Sept.	Grows in clumps, can become aggressive in moist areas.
Parthenium integrifolium Wild Quinine	3	No	No	P	White	2-3'	Dry-mesic	June-Aug.	Attractive foliage.
Pedicularis canadensis Wood Betony	3	No	No	P	Yellow	6-12"	Mesic-dry	May-June	Flowers are very attractive, parasitic on other plant roots.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Pedicularis lanceolata Marsh Betony	3	No	No	P	Yellow	1-2'	Wet	July-Aug.	Flowers are very attractive, parasitic on other plant roots.
Penstemon albidus White Penstemon	3	No	Yes	P	White	12-16"	Dry-mesic	May	Self seeds readily.
Penstemon digitalis Smooth Penstemon	3	No	Yes	P	White	2-3'	Mesic	June-July	Numerous, white flowers, leaves turn red in fall.
Penstemon gracilis Slender Penstemon	3	No	Yes	P	Pink	6-12"	Dry-mesic	May-June	Very attractive flowers, self seeds readily.
Penstemon grandiflorus Showy Penstemon	3	No	No	S/P	Pink	2-3'	Dry-mesic	July-Aug.	Very attractive flowers, self seeds readily.
Penstemon pallidus Pale Penstemon	3	No	Yes	P	Pink	1-3'	Dry	May-June	Very attractive flowers, self seeds readily.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Phlox pilosa Prairie Phlox	2	No	Yes	P	Pink	1-3'	Wet-mesic	May-July	A vigorous grower.
Physostegia virginiana False Dragonhead	2	No	No	S/P	Pink	2-3'	Wet-Mesic	Aug.-Sept.	Tall, spike-like flowers.
Polygala senega Seneca Snakeroot	3	No	Yes	P	White	12-20"	Dry-mesic	May-June	Unusual, attractive flowers and growth habit.
Potentilla arguta Prairie Cinquefoil	3	No	No	S/P	Yellow	2-3'	Mesic-dry	June-July	Unusual, delicate foliage.
Prenanthes racemosa Rattlesnake Root	3	No	No	S/P	Violet	2-4'	Mesic-dry	Aug.-Sept.	Seedheads resemble Liatris.
Psoralea esculenta Prairie Turnip	3	No	Yes	S/P	Blue	12-24"	Dry	June-July	A native legume, delicate and attractive flowers, rare in some areas.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Psoralea tenuiflora Scurf Pea	3	No	Yes	S/P	Blue	12-24"	Dry	June-July	A native legume, delicate and attractive flowers, rare in some areas.
Pulsatilla patens syn [Anemone patens] Pasque Flower	3	No	Yes	P	White-violet	4-12"	Dry-mesic	May-June	Needs small companions, can’t tolerate heavy grass competition. Feather-like seed heads.
Pycnanthemum virginianum Mountain Mint	1	Yes	No	P	White	2-3'	Wet-mesic	Aug.-Sept.	Aromatic foliage and flowers.
Ranunculus pensylvanicus Bristly Buttercup	1	Yes	No	P	Yellow	1-2'	Wet	July-Aug.	Not competition sensitive.
Ranunculus rhomboideus Prairie Buttercup	1	No	No	P	Yellow	6-12"	Dry-mesic	April-May	Not competition sensitive.
Ratibida columnifera Upright Coneflower	2	No	No	S/P	Yellow	1-4'	Dry-mesic	July-Aug.	Needs competition, self seeds readily.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Ratibida pinnata Gray headed Coneflower	1	Yes	No	S/P	Yellow	2-6'	Mesic-wet	July-Aug.	Aggressive, tall, and showy. Needs competition, self seeds readily.
Rosa sp. Praire Rose	1	Yes	No	P	Pink	1-4'	Dry-mesic	June-July	Very large, showy flowers, rose hips are attractive in fall.
Rudbeckia hirta Black-eyed Susan	1	Yes	No	S/P	Yellow	1-2'	Wet-mesic	July-Aug.	Short lived perennial that self seeds readily.
Rudbeckia subtomentosa Sweet Coneflower	1	No	Yes	P	Yellow	3-4'	Wet-mesic	July-Aug.	Tall, branched with small attractive flowers.
Ruellia humilis Wild Petunia	2	No	No	P	Violet	6-12"	Dry	July-Aug.	Blooms for a short time.
Saxifraga pensylvanica Swamp Saxifrage	3	No	Yes	P	Green	2-3'	Wet-mesic	May-June	Tall, plants with long stalks, small flowers.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Scutellaria parvula Small Skullcap	3	No	Yes	NA	Blue	6-12"	Dry-mesic	June-July	Small flowers.
Schizachyrium scoparium syn [Andropogon scoparius] Little Bluestem	2	Yes	No	S/P	—	1-3'	Dry-mesic	Aug.-Sept.	A short prairie grass that grows in clumps, attractive reddish fall color.
Scirpus validus Great Bulrush	1	Yes	No	S/P	—	2-6'	Wet-mesic	May-June	Often grows in large colonies.
Silphium integrifolium Rosin Plant	1	No	No	S/P	Yellow	2-5'	Dry-mesic	July-Aug.	Tall, coarse, aggressive.
Silphium lacinatum Compass Plant	1	No	No	S/P	Yellow	3-8'	Mesic-dry	June-Aug.	Very tall, attractive flowers, leaves orient with the sun.
Silphium perfoliatum Cup Plant	1	No	No	S/P	Yellow	2-6'	Mesic	July-Sept.	Interesting shaped leaves trap water.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Silphium terebinthinaceum Prairie Dock	1	No	No	S/P	Yellow	4-8'	Mesic-wet	July-Sept.	The tallest prairie flower, basal leaves reach 2' in diameter.
Sisyrinchium albidum Common Blue-eyed Grass	3	No	Yes	P	White	6-12"	Dry-mesic	May-June	Small, attractive, delicate flowers, grows in small colonies.
Sisyrinchium campestre Blue-eyed Grass	3	No	Yes	P	Blue	6-12"	Dry-mesic	May-June	Small, attractive, delicate flowers, grows in small colonies.
Smilacina stellata Starry False Solomon's Seal	1	No	Yes	P	White	1-2'	Mesic-wet	July-Aug.	Purplish berries very attractive, grows very dense to form a ground cover.
Solidago graminifolia Grass-leaved Goldenrod	1	Yes	No	S/P	Yellow	1-3'	Mesic	Aug.-Sept.	Attractive flowers, but aggressive.
Solidago missouriensis Missouri Goldenrod	1	No	Yes	S/P	Yellow	1-3'	Dry-mesic	Aug.-Oct.	Attractive flowers, but aggressive.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Solidago nemoralis Gray Goldenrod	1	Yes	No	S/P	Yellow	1-3'	Dry-mesic	Aug.-Oct.	Attractive, arching flower heads.
Solidago ptarmicoides syn [Aster ptarmicoides] White Upland Aster	3	No	No	S/P	White	1-2'	Dry	Aug.-Sept.	Rare in some areas.
Solidago riddellii Riddell's Goldenrod	1	No	Yes	S/P	Yellow	1-3'	Wet-mesic	Sept.-Oct.	Attractive flowers, but aggressive, needs competition. Turns red in fall.
Solidago rigida Rigid Goldenrod	1	Yes	No	S/P	Yellow	2-4'	Dry-mesic	Sept.-Oct.	Attractive flowers, but aggressive.
Solidago speciosa Showy Goldenrod	1	Yes	No	S/P	Yellow	2-3'	Dry-mesic	Aug.-Oct.	Most attractive of all the goldenrods, aggressive, turns red in fall.
Sorghastrum nutans Indian grass	1	Yes	No	S/P	—	2-6'	Mesic-dry	Aug.-Sept.	Aggressive, needs competition, attractive bronze seedheads in fall.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Spartina pectinata Prairie Cord Grass	1	Yes	No	P	—	3-6'	Wet-mesic	July-Aug.	Usually found growing in large colonies in moist to wet areas.
Spiranthes cernua Nodding Lady Tresses	3	No	Yes	NA	White	1-2'	Wet-dry	Aug.-Sept.	A native orchid that is hard to find.
Spirea alba Meadow Sweet	2	No	No	P	White	3-6'	Wet-mesic	July-Aug.	A woody shrub with large, fragrant flowers, leaves turning orange in fall.
Spirea tomentosa Steeple Bush	2	No	No	P	Pink	3-6'	Wet-mesic	July-Aug.	A woody shrub with large, fragrant flowers, leaves turning red in fall.
Sporobolus asper Rough Dropseed	1	Yes	No	S/P	—	2-4'	Mesic-dry	Aug.-Sept.	Attractive seedheads, can become aggressive under moist conditions.
Sporobolus heterolepis Prairie Dropseed	2	Yes	No	S/P	—	2-3'	Mesic-dry	Aug.-Sept.	Attractive, delicate seedheads.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Stipa spartea Porcupine Grass	2	No	Yes	S/P	—	2-3'	Dry-mesic	May-June	A short prairie bunch grass, seedheads are long, needle sharp.
Tephrosia virginiana Goats rue	3	No	No	S/P	Pink	1-2'	Dry-mesic	June-July	Grows in clumps, very attractive flowers.
Thalictrum dasycarpum Tall Meadow Rue	2	No	Yes	S/P	Purple	3-4'	Wet-mesic	June-July	Tall, attractive foliage.
Thaspium trifoliatum Meadow Parsnip	1	No	No	S/P	Yellow	2-3'	Mesic	May-June	Resembles Golden Alexander.
Tradescantia bracteata Prairie Spiderwort	1	Yes	No	S/P	Blue	1-2'	Mesic-wet	June-Aug.	Low growing, flowers for a long time.
Tradescantia ohiensis Ohio Spiderwort	2	Yes	No	S/P	Blue	1-2'	Dry-mesic	June-Aug.	Low growing, flowers for a long time.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Verbena hastata Blue Vervain	1	Yes	No	S/P	Blue	3-4'	Wet-mesic	Aug.-Sept.	Numerous flowers, leaves turn reddish-purple.
Verbena stricta Hoary Vervain	1	Yes	No	S/P	Blue	2-3'	Mesic-dry	June-Sept.	Attractive spike flowers, can become weedy under moist conditions.
Vernonia fasciculata Ironweed	1	No	No	S/P	Red-purple	2-5'	Wet-mesic	July-Aug.	Aggressive, tall and coarse.
Veronicastrum virginicum Culver's Root	3	No	No	S/P	White	3-6'	Mesic-wet	July-Aug.	Attractive spike flowers.
Vicia americana American Vetch	1	No	No	S/P	Blue	2-3'	Dry-mesic	May-Aug.	Blooms a long time.
Viola nephrophylla Blue Marsh Violet	3	No	No	P	Blue	3-8"	Wet-mesic	May-June	Low growing, numerous flowers.
	Comp.	Old Fields	Virgin Prairies	Establish.	Color	Height	Habitat	Peiod of bloom	Comments
Viola pedata Bird's Foot Violet	3	No	No	P	Blue	3-8"	Dry-mesic	May-June	Low growing, numerous flowers.
Viola pedatifida Prairie Violet	3	No	No	P	Blue	3-8"	Dry-mesic	May-June	Low growing, numerous flowers.
Viola sagittata Arrow-leaved Violet	3	No	No	P	Purple	3-8"	Dry-mesic	May-June	Low growing, numerous flowers.
Zizia aptera Heart leaved Golden Alexander	1	No	No	S/P	Yellow	1-3'	Wet-mesic	May-June	Large, showy flowers.
Zizia aurea Golden Alexander	1	No	No	S/P	Yellow	1-3'	Wet-mesic	May-June	Large, showy flowers.

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