Recommended Species of Prairie Plants · Web viewOver the last 150 years more than 99% of the Midwest’s tallgrass prairies – whether dry, mesic, or moist – were converted

Recommended Species of Prairie Plants FOR THE COMMUNITY GARDEN

SITEA Report from the Curator to the Landscape Planning Committee

JANUARY 21, 2017River Valley Area Community Gardens, IncorporatedPost Office Box 611, Spring Green, Wisconsin 53588

Executive Summary

Over the last 150 years more than 99% of the Midwest’s tallgrass prairies – whether dry, mesic, or moist – were converted to homesteads, agricultural fields, cities, and highways. In recent years, however, interest in prairies has soared, since people realized the beauty of native grasses and wildflowers. Much of the charm and appeal of prairies comes from wildflowers, such as Echinacea ssp., Liatris ssp., and Lupinus perennis, as well as various grasses, such as Andropogon gerardii. The great beauty of prairie flora has prompted many people to create prairie gardens in their landscapes. People find prairies attractive, as do many types of birds, butterflies, and other native wildlife. Over the years, prairie restorations may take less time and expense to maintain than conventional lawns, since they reduce the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and mowing.

Historically speaking, prairies were once the dominant vegetation from Ontario south to Texas, and from Colorado and Montana east to Indiana. In Wisconsin, tallgrass prairies occurred in the south and west, while coniferous forests covered most of the north and northeast, with deciduous forests occupying floodplains and coulees within the Driftless Area. The various ecotypes were separated by a transition zone, called the oak savanna, which consisted of prairie plants, an understory of fruiting shrubs and vines, and an open canopy of oaks and elms. Speciose, complex ecosystems, prairies were once the home for bison, wolves, prairie dogs, pronghorn antelope, black-footed ferrets, red-backed vole, greater prairie chicken, upland sandpiper, a host of migratory songbirds and predatory raptors, and a menagerie of uniquely adapted, endemic insects. As tallgrass prairies were converted to agricultural production, many of these species were either extirpated from the region (i.e., prairie mammals and birds), or driven to extinction (i.e., most insects and several rare plant species). As a result of active prairie fire suppression, entire prairie ecosystems eventually became less biodiverse deciduous woodlands.

As constantly evolving ecosystems, prairies exist due to either one or both of the following factors: precipitation and soil texture. Prairies tend to develop in regions which receive limited precipitation and enjoy hot summers and cold winters, typically on soils unable to support dense stands of forests, in spite of said soils being deep and richer in organic matter via decomposition of plant matter. However, there is much variation in Wisconsin’s prairie ecotypes. River Valley’s floodplain, adjacent to the Lower Wisconsin Riverway, was once dominated by dry tallgrass prairies about the river terraces. Further away from the river, oak savannas and pine barrens – both of which (miraculously) still exist in River Valley School District – predominated, while the uplands and ridgelines contained xeric sand prairies (such as the “Wisconsin desert” within the Spring Green Preserve); unfortunately, these ecosystems have given way to deciduous forests pursuant to active fire suppression.

While the above ecosystems are varied in their composition, they all share a common theme: sand. The soils of Spring Green and in fact most of the Lower Wisconsin River Valley are no less than 45% sand; many soils have a minimum of 80% sand when texture analysis is assessed. Sparta variant loamy sand, located upon the RVACG community garden site at the corner of Westmor Street and Locust Drive, is one of the many such very sandy sands. Therefore, the following report, facilitating the RVACG’s endeavor to restore a prairie ecosystem to the landscape, explores those species that will thrive under such circumstances.

Enjoy reading!

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Recommendations

Allium stellatum | Prairie onion

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun to light shade. Best in full sun, but appreciates some light afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Best in rocky or sandy soils. Plants will naturalize by self-seeding and bulb offsets in optimum growing conditions. Deadhead flowers before seed set to help control any unwanted spread. Foliage persists to the time of or slightly past flowering in summer before dying back. Plants are easily grown from seed which should be planted in spring or from bulbs/bulb offsets which should be planted in autumn.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Allium stellatum, commonly called prairie onion, is a Wisconsin native plant that occurs primarily in dry soils of the coulees of Driftless Area, whereas its close relative – Allium cernuum – predominates in dry, sandy uplands. It is a bulbous perennial which typically grows 12-18" tall. Features clumps of flat, narrow, grass-like leaves (to 12" tall) and tiny, starry, bell-shaped, reddish-pink flowers which appear in rounded clusters (umbels) atop erect, leafless scapes rising slightly above the foliage. Blooms in mid to late summer. Leaves often die back by the time of flowering. Leaves and flower scapes rise directly from the bulbs. All parts of this plant have an oniony smell when cut or bruised. Although the bulbs and leaves of this plant were once used in cooking (stews) or eaten raw, this species of allium is not generally considered to be of culinary value today. Bulbs were also used by early Americans as cough/cold remedies and as insect repellants. Nodding wild onion (Allium cernuum) is similar to this plant in size, culture and general appearance, except, as the common name suggests, the flower umbel nods rather than stands erect.

The generic name is the classical Latin word for garlic, whereas the specific epithet, also Latin, means “star-like,” in reference to the shape of the individual flowers within the umbel.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Foliage dies back in late summer.

Garden Uses

Rock gardens, meadows, native plant gardens, naturalized areas, cottage gardens or borders

Fig. 1. Photograph of A. stellatum.

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Andropogon gerardii | Big bluestem

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerant of a wide range of soils and growing conditions. Puts out lots of growth in moist, fertile soils, but is less apt to topple in dryish, infertile soils. Freely self-seeds in optimum growing conditions. This grass develops an extensive root system and is somewhat slow to establish, but, once established, has excellent drought tolerance and is easy to maintain. Cut stems to the ground in late winter before new shoots appear.


Andropogon gerardii, commonly called big bluestem, is a tall, Wisconsin native, perennial, warm season grass that was the dominant grass of the tallgrass prairie which once covered large parts of the Upper Midwest. It may be grown as an ornamental grass because of its attractive foliage which changes color seasonally, its good architectural height and its interesting flower/seed heads. It features an upright clump of stems with flattened leaves (to 2' long and 3/8" wide) which emerge gray to blue green in spring, mature to green with red tinges in summer and turn reddish bronze with lavender tones in autumn after frost. Flowering stems rise in late summer above the foliage clump bearing purplish 3-parted, finger-like flower clusters (to 4" long) purportedly resembling turkey feet (hence the additional common name of turkeyfoot grass for this species). Flowering stems bring total height of this grass to 4-8' tall (typically at the taller end in moist soils and the shorter end in dry soils).

The generic name comes from the Greek words aner or andros, both meaning “man,” and pogon, meaning “beard,” in reference to the hairs on the spikelets of some species in the genus. Meanwhile, the specific epithet honors Louis Gerard (1733-1819), a French physician and botanist.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Garden Uses

Best massed in wildflower meadows, prairie or naturalized areas. Also effective in border rears or native plant gardens as a screen or accent. Extensive root system makes this a good grass for erosion control.

Fig. 2. From left to right: flowers, summer foliage, and autumn foliage of A. gerardii.

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Asclepias tuberosa | Butterfly weed

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Drought tolerant. Does well in poor, dry soils. New growth tends to emerge late in the spring. Plants are easily grown from seed, but are somewhat slow to establish and may take 2-3 years to produce flowers. Mature plants may freely self-seed in the landscape if seed pods are not removed prior to splitting open. Butterfly weed does not transplant well due to its deep taproot, and is probably best left undisturbed once established.


Asclepias tuberosa, commonly called butterfly weed, is a tuberous rooted, Wisconsin native perennial which occurs in dry/rocky open woods, glades, prairies, fields and roadsides throughout the state. It typically grows in a clump to 1-3' tall and features clusters (umbels) of bright orange to yellow-orange flowers atop upright to reclining, hairy stems with narrow, lance-shaped leaves. Unlike many of the other milkweeds, this species does not have milky-sapped stems. Flowers give way to prominent, spindle-shaped seed pods (3-6" long) which split open when ripe releasing numerous silky-tailed seeds for dispersal by the wind. Seed pods are valued in dried flower arrangements. Long bloom period from late spring throughout the summer. Flowers are a nectar source for many butterflies and leaves are a food source for monarch butterfly larvae (caterpillars). Also commonly called pleurisy root in reference to a prior medicinal use of the plant roots to treat lung inflammations.

The generic name honors Asclepios, the Greek god of medicine, whereas the specific epithet originates from the Latin word tuberosum, or “tuberous,” in reference to the plant’s contorted taproot.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Crown rot can be a problem in wet, poorly drained soils. Susceptible to rust and leaf spot.

Garden Uses

Butterfly gardens, meadows, prairies, or naturalized/native plant areas. Also effective in sunny borders. Whether massing plants in large drifts or sprinkling them throughout a prairie or meadow, butterfly weed is one of our showiest native wildflowers.

Fig. 3. Photograph of A. tuberosa.

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Aquilegia canadensis | Eastern columbine

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Wide range of soil tolerance as long as drainage is good. Prefers rich, moist soils in light to moderate shade. Freely self-seeds and will naturalize to form large colonies in optimum growing conditions. Remove flowering stems after bloom to encourage additional bloom. Keep soils uniformly moist after bloom to prolong attractive foliage appearance. When foliage depreciates, plants may be cut to the ground.


Aquilegia canadensis is a Wisconsin native spring wildflower which occurs in rocky woods, slopes, ledges and open areas throughout the state. Features drooping, bell-like, 1-2", red and yellow flowers (red sepals, yellow-limbed petals, 5 distinctive red spurs and a mass of bushy yellow stamens). Delicate, biternate foliage is somewhat suggestive of meadow rue (Thalictrum) and remains attractive throughout the summer as long as soils are kept moist. Flowers are quite attractive to hummingbirds.

The generic name comes from the Latin aquilegia, meaning “eagle,” in reference to the flower’s five spurs which purportedly resemble an eagle’s talons. Meanwhile, the specific epithet – also Latin – means “of or from Canada,” which is a part of this species’ natural distribution.

Problems

This species has very good resistance to leaf miner which often causes severe damage to the foliage of many other columbine species and hybrids.

Garden Uses

Borders, cottage gardens, open shade gardens, woodland gardens or naturalized areas. Also a good selection for a hummingbird garden. Continue to water plants after bloom to enjoy the ground cover effect of the attractive foliage.

Fig. 4. Photograph of A. canadensis.

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Bouteloua curtipendula | Side-oats gramma

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium moisture soils in full sun. Tolerates wide range of soil conditions from well-drained sandy soils to heavy clays. May be grown from seed and may self-seed in the garden in optimum growing conditions. Cut clumps to the ground in late winter.


Bouteloua curtipendula, commonly called side-oats gramma, is a Wisconsin native grass which is noted for the distinctive arrangement of oat-like seed spikes which hang from only one side of its flowering stems. Typically occurs in glades, prairies, open rocky woodlands and along railroad tracks throughout most of the State. Narrow, bluish-gray leaf blades (to 1/4" wide) typically form a dense clump growing 1-1.5' tall. Foliage turns golden brown in autumn, sometimes also developing interesting hues of orange and red. Inflorescences of purplish-tinged flowers appear on arching stems above the foliage in early to midsummer, typically bringing the total height of the clump to 3' tall. Inflorescences fade to tan as the seeds mature.

The generic name honors two Spanish brothers, Claudius (d. 1842) and Exteban Boutelou (d. 1813), professors of botany and agriculture respectively.

Problems


Garden Uses

Mass in meadows, prairies, slopes, native plant gardens or naturalized areas. Notwithstanding the excellent ornamental features of this grass, it may also be grown as a turf grass and regularly mowed to 2-4 inches tall.

Fig. 5. From left to right: flowers and foliage of B. curtipendula.

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Campanula rotundifolia | Bellflower, harebell

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Plants prefer cool summer climates. They appreciate part afternoon shade in hot summer climates including Missouri. Plants typically need regular and even moisture. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional bloom. Plants are often short-lived, but will easily remain in the garden in optimum growing conditions by self-seeding. Seed may be planted in the garden in late spring for bloom the following year. Plants will spread in the garden by creeping roots. Plants may be propagated by cuttings, but division of mature plants can be difficult.


Campanula rotundifolia, commonly called bluebell or harebell, is a rosette-forming, upright perennial that typically grows to 20" tall. It is noted for producing attractive, bell-shaped, nodding blue flowers (each to 1/2" long) that bloom singly or in small clusters from the stem tips throughout summer (June-September). This bluebell is native to a variety of different environments including meadows, grasslands, rocky slopes, crevices, alpine areas and sandy shores in the northern parts of North America, Europe and Asia. From a basal rosette of small, rounded, long-stalked, basal leaves (to 1" wide) rise wiry, thread-like stems clad with narrow, alternate, linear leaves (each to 1-3" long). Basal leaves usually wither early and disappear before the flowers form. This plant is also native to a small area in the Ozarks in Shannon County where it is found on north-facing limestone bluffs along the Jack's Fork River.

The generic name comes from the Latin campana, meaning “bell,” in reference to the bell-shaped flowers, whereas the specific epithet is in reference to the rounded basal leaves. This bluebell has several common names. Harebell may relate to the fact that this plant is sometimes found in areas inhabited by rabbits (hares). This same plant grows in Scotland where it is popularly known as the bluebells of Scotland or Scotch bluebell.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Slugs and snails are occasional visitors. Watch for aphids.

Garden Uses

Moist shaded areas of rock gardens. Also effective in lightly shaded woodland areas where plants can be left alone to naturalize. Mass or large groups are best.

Fig. 6. Photograph of C. rotundifolia.

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Chamerion (=Epilobium) angustifolium | Fireweed

Culture

Easily grown in organically rich, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers part shade in hot summer climates. Needs regular moisture. Promptly remove spent flower stems to encourage additional bloom and to prevent unwanted self-seeding. Plants spread by both rhizomes and self-seeding (seeds have silky seed hairs which facilitate easy dispersal by the wind to remote areas). This plant can be both persistent and aggressive in garden areas. Responds well to periodic, controlled fires.


Chamerion (=Epilobium) angustifolium, commonly known as fireweed, is a robust strongly-spreading, rhizomatous perennial wildflower that grows to 2-5’ tall on upright, often reddish, primarily unbranched, stiff woody stems clad with alternate, narrow-lanceolate or linear, pinnately-veined, willow-like leaves (to 2-6” long and 3/4” wide) and topped by an elongated terminal cluster (raceme to 3-8” long) of open, saucer-shaped, 4-petaled, bright pink to lilac-purple (rarely white) outward-facing flowers with protruding stigmas which bloom in summer (June-September). Flowers bloom bottom to top on each raceme which can simultaneously have seed pods at the bottom, blooming flowers in the middle and unopened flower buds at the top. Flowers are usually ornamentally stunning in bloom. This plant is circumpolar, being native throughout the temperate Northern Hemisphere, on wet and dry soils.

This fireweed was originally known by the synonymous name of Epilobium angustifolium, but was transferred from Epilobium to the genus Chamerion because of certain major differences: (1) absence of a floral tube, (2) flowers are bilaterally symmetrical, (3) stamens are subequal, and (4) leaves are spirally arranged (alternate).

The generic name comes from the Greek words chamai and nerion, meaning “dwarf oleander,” in reference to the resemblance of plant leaves to those of oleander. Meanwhile, the specific epithet comes from the Latin words angustus meaning “narrow” and folium meaning “leaf.”

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to powdery mildew, downy mildew, rust and fungal leaf spots. Snails and slugs are occasional visitors.

Garden Uses

Group or mass. Rock gardens, borders, cottage gardens or informal naturalized areas.

Fig. 7. Photograph of C. angustifolium.

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Dalea purpurea | Purple prairie clover

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Thick and deep taproot enables this plant to tolerate drought well. May self-seed in optimum growing conditions.


Purple prairie clover is a native Wisconsin prairie clover which occurs in glades, oak savannas and prairies on dry soils throughout the state. Typically grows 1-3' tall. Features tiny purple flowers in dense, cone-like heads (to 2" long) atop erect, wiry stems in summer. Compound, odd-pinnate leaves, with 3-5 narrow linear leaflets. A nitrogen-fixing plant that is an important component of Midwestern prairie restorations. Formerly known as Petalostemon purpureum.

Problems


Garden Uses

Rock gardens, borders, native plant gardens, wild gardens, prairie or naturalized areas.

Fig. 8. Photograph of D. purpurea.

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Dodecatheon meadia | Eastern shooting star

Culture

Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. Prefers moist, humusy soils in part shade. Avoid poorly-drained, wet soils, particularly in winter. Slow and difficult to grow from seed.


Dodecatheon meadia, commonly called shooting star, is a much beloved, native Wisconsin wildflower that is indigenous to much of the eastern United States and typically occurs in open woods and glades (i.e., oak savannas), rocky wooded slopes, bluff ledges, meadows and prairies. From each basal rosette of lance-shaped leaves come 1-4 sturdy, leafless, center flower scapes rising to 20" tall. Atop each flower scape is an umbel containing 8-20, nodding, 1" long flowers. Each flower has five swept-back (reflexed) petals and a cluster of yellow stamens converging to a point, thus giving the flower the appearance of a shooting star plummeting to earth. Flower colors are quite variable, ranging from white to pink to light purple. Blooms in late spring.

The generic name comes from the Greek words dodeka and theos, meaning “twelve” and “god” respectively, whereas the specific epithet honors English physician Richard Mead (1673-1754).

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Foliage disappears and plant goes dormant in summer.

Garden Uses

Best grown in shady areas in a native plant or wildflower garden, woodland garden, rock garden or naturalized area.

Fig. 9. Photograph of D. meadia.

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Echinacea pallida | Pale purple coneflower

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Best in full sun. An adaptable plant that is tolerant of drought, heat, humidity and poor soils. Divide clumps when they become overcrowded (about every 4 years). Plants usually rebloom without deadheading, however prompt removal of spent flowers improves general appearance. Freely self-seeds if at least some of the seed heads are left in place.


Echinacea pallida, commonly known as pale purple coneflower, is a coarse, hairy perennial of prairies, savannahs, glades and open dry rocky woods from Nebraska to Michigan south to Georgia and Texas. It features narrow, parallel-veined, toothless, dark green leaves (4-10” long) and large, daisy-like flowers with drooping, pale pinkish-purple petals (ray flowers) and spiny, knob-like, coppery-orange center cones. Flowers appear on rigid stems to 2-3’ (less frequently to 4’) tall over a long summer bloom. This species is distinguished by (a) thin, extremely-reflexed rays which almost droop straight down and (b) very narrow, parallel-veined leaves which have no teeth. Best flower display is in late June to late July, with sporadic continued bloom into autumn.

The generic name of Echinacea comes from the Greek word echinos, meaning “hedgehog” or “sea urchin,” in reference to the spiny center cone found on most flowers in the genus. Meanwhile, the specific epithet – Latin for pale – is in direct reference to the pale pink flower petals of the plant.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Japanese beetle and leaf spot are occasional problems.

Garden Uses

Mass in the border, native plant garden, naturalized area, prairie, wildflower meadow or part shade areas of woodland garden. Good fresh cut or dried flower.

Fig. 10. Photograph of E. pallida.

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Eupatorium perfoliatum | Boneset

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Does well in both sandy and clay soils. Needs constant moisture.


Eupatorium perfoliatum, commonly called boneset, is a large, hairy, clump-forming, Wisconsin native perennial which typically occurs in wet soils in low woods, thickets, stream banks, meadows and prairies throughout the State. Flat-topped clusters (compound corymbs) of small, fluffy, white flowers appear above the foliage in late summer to fall. Perfoliate foliage is quite distinctive: the bases of the pairs of wrinkled, opposite, lance-shaped, medium green leaves unite to surround the hairy stems. Historically, boneset was commonly included in medical herb gardens and used as a folk medicine for treatment of flus, fevers, colds and a variety of other maladies. Though some authorities claim the name boneset refers to a former use of the plant to aid the healing process for broken bones, others claim that the name is in reference to the plant's use as a diaphoretic in the treatment of an 18 th century influenza called break bone fever. All parts of the plant are quite toxic and bitter. Also commonly called thoroughwort.

The generic name comes from the Greek name of these herbaceous and shrubby plants, Eupator, commemorating Mithridates VI Eupator (132-63 B.C.), King of Pontus, enemy of Rome in Asia Minor. Whereas, the Latin specific epithet of perfoliatum means “perfoliate” or “having leaf bases that encircle the node, so that the stem apparently passes through it.”

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Foliage may scorch if soils are allowed to dry out.

Garden Uses

Good size and late bloom for borders, native plant gardens, wildflower gardens, cottage gardens, woodland gardens or banks of ponds or water gardens.

Fig. 11. Photograph of E. perfoliatum.

Page 12 of 29

Gentiana andrewsii | Bottle gentian

Culture

Best grown in moist, rich, cool, humusy, acidic, well-drained soils in part shade. Dislikes hot nights, and does not grow well in the deep South. If left undisturbed, plants in optimum growing conditions will naturalize over time into large clumps.


Gentiana andrewsii, commonly called bottle gentian, is a Wisconsin native wildflower which is most often found in moist woods, thickets and low wooded areas near streams and ponds. Typically grows 1-2' tall and features tight clusters of tubular (bottle-shaped), deep blue flowers which never open. Flower clusters appear at the tops of the stems or in the upper leaf axils in late summer to early autumn (October in the St. Louis area). Ovate, lance-shaped leaves (to 4" long) with parallel veins. Sometimes also commonly called closed gentian.

The generic name honors King Gentius of Illyria, c. 500 B.C., who was reputed to have discovered the medicinal virtues of the root of yellow gentian or bitterwort (G. lutea) from which a tonic bitters is still made. Meanwhile, the specific epithet honors English botanical artist Henry C. Andrews (active 1794-1830).

Problems


Garden Uses

Best in part shade areas of rock gardens, woodland or shade gardens, wild flower gardens, native plant gardens or along streams or ponds. Also may be grown in shady areas of borders.

Fig. 12. Photograph of G. andrewsii.

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Geum triflorum | Prairie smoke

Culture

Best grown in dry, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade and prefers some afternoon shade in hot summers. Prefers cool summer climates. May be grown in medium moisture, well-drained soils, but often will die out if subjected to wet winter soil conditions.


Geum triflorum is a North American native prairie plant. Perhaps its most distinguishing feature is not the reddish pink to purplish, nodding, globular flowers that bloom in late spring, but the fruiting heads which follow. As the flower fades and the seeds begin to form, the styles elongate (to 2" long) to form upright, feathery gray tails which collectively resemble a plume or feather duster, all of which has given rise to a large number of regional descriptive common names for this plant such as torch flower, long-plumed purple avens, prairie smoke, lion's beard and old man's whiskers. The feathery seed tails act as sails in aiding dispersal of the seeds. A soft, hairy plant growing typically to 16" tall with fern-like, pinnately divided, green leaves (7-19 leaflets). Spreads by rhizomes and can be naturalized to form an interesting ground cover. Native Americans once boiled the roots to produce a root tea that was used medicinally for a variety of purposes such as wound applications and sore throat treatments.

The generic name is the classical Latin name of the genus, whereas the specific epithet – also Latin – means “three-flowered.”

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Root rot can be a problem in poorly drained soils, particularly in winter.

Garden Uses

Mass on a prairie, meadow, native plant garden or naturalized area. Also can be grown in the border front.

Fig. 13. From left to right: flowers and seed heads of G. triflorum.

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Liatris pycnostachya | Prairie blazingstar

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerant of poor soils, drought, summer heat and humidity. Intolerant of wet soils in winter. Sometimes treated as a biennial.


Liatris pycnostachya, commonly called prairie blazing star, is perhaps the tallest Liatris species in cultivation, typically growing 2-4' tall (infrequently to 5'). It is an upright, clump-forming, Missouri native perennial which commonly occurs in prairies, open woods, meadows and along railroad tracks and roads. Features rounded, fluffy, deep rose-purple flower heads (each to 3/4" across) which are crowded into terminal spikes (to 20" long) atop thickly-leafed, rigid flower stalks. Stalks arise from basal tufts of narrow, lance-shaped leaves (to 12" long). Flowers generally open top to bottom on the spikes. Blooms in summer. Liatris belongs to the aster family, with each flower head having only fluffy disk flowers (resembling "blazing stars") and no rays. This species is distinguished from other Liatris species by its reflexed, long-tipped involucral bracts.

The generic name is of unknown origin; it might be Algonquin. Whereas, the specific epithet pycnostachya means “crowded” in Greek, in probable reference to the arrangement of both flower heads and leaves.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Flower spikes usually will need staking.

Garden Uses

Perennial borders, cutting gardens, wild gardens, native plant gardens, naturalized areas, prairies or meadows. Some consider this species almost too tall (and somewhat unmanageable) for the border.

Fig. 14. Photograph of L. pycnostachya.

Page 15 of 29

Lupinus perennis | Wild lupine

Culture

Grows only in sandy, slightly acidic, evenly moist, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. Typically found in pine barrens, oak savanna, and dry prairies. Treating roots with a legume inoculant improves plant performance. Requires periodic controlled burns to maintain vigor; moreover, seed pods dehisce only through pressure differentials wrought by fire.


Extra care is a requisite in order to cultivate this beautiful native Wisconsin legume. Plants typically grow to 3-4’ tall and feature huge erect spikes (racemes to 1-2’ tall) of densely-packed pea-like flowers that bloom from late spring to early/midsummer on stiff stems rising from clumps of palmate compound green leaves (each with 9-16 leaflets).

This plant is the sole larval food source for the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis); adults also feed on Lupinus perennis, along with certain milkweeds, blazingstars, etcetera.

The generic name comes from the classical name for lupine, which is supposedly derived from lupus meaning a wolf because of the completely erroneous belief that these plants destroyed the fertility of the soil.

Problems

Slugs and snails may attack young plants. Powdery mildew and aphids can be troublesome to the point where cutting plants back close to the ground to regrow becomes a viable option.

Garden Uses

Borders and prairie restorations.

Fig. 15. Photograph of L. perennis.

Page 16 of 29

Monarda fistulosa | Bee balm, wild bergamot

Culture

Best grown in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates somewhat poor soils and some drought. Plants need good air circulation. Deadhead flowers to prolong summer bloom. Tends to self-seed.


Monarda fistulosa, commonly called wild bergamot, is a common Wisconsin native perennial which occurs statewide in dryish soils on prairies, dry rocky woods and glade margins, unplanted fields and along roads and railroads. A clump-forming, mint that grows typically to 2-4' tall. Lavender, two-lipped, tubular flowers appear in dense, globular, solitary, terminal heads atop square stems. Each flower head is subtended by (rests upon) a whorl of showy, pinkish, leafy bracts. Flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. The toothed, aromatic, oblong, grayish-green leaves (to 4") may be used in teas. Long summer bloom period.

The generic name honors Nicholas Monardes (1493-1588), royal physician and botanist from Seville, Spain, whereas the specific epithet means “hollow like a pipe.”

Problems

Powdery mildew can be a significant problem with the monardas, particularly in crowded gardens with poor air circulation. This species has good mildew resistance, however. Rust can also be a problem.

Garden Uses

Provides color and contrast for the herb garden, wild garden, native plant garden, meadow or naturalized area. May be used in the perennial border, but is simply a less colorful selection than the similar-in-appearance Monarda didyma and its many cultivars (the bee balms).

Fig. 16. Photograph of M. fistulosa.

Page 17 of 29

Pulsatilla (=Anemone) patens | Eastern pasqueflower

Culture

Best grown in gritty, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. Good soil drainage is essential. Best performance occurs in cool climates. Somewhat difficult to grow from seed.


Pasqueflower is an early spring wildflower that features silky, hairy, fern-like foliage and erect, open bell-shaped, solitary, blue-violet (but occasionally yellow or white) flowers. Leafless, hairy flower stems emerge from the ground in spring (March to April in Spring Green, WI) sometimes when patches of snow are still on the ground. Flowers bloom as the foliage begins to form. When the flowers appear, stems are typically only 4-5” tall. Stems elongate and foliage grows taller after bloom, with plants typically maturing to 8-12” tall. Deeply divided basal foliage is silvery-hairy. Flowers are followed by plume-like seed heads (reminiscent of some Clematis ssp. and Geum ssp.) that have good ornamental interest. This species and varieties thereof are native to prairies, sub-alpine meadows and dry rocky areas in northern Europe, Siberia and North America (Alaska south to Washington, New Mexico, Texas and Illinois). This is the one of the first spring flowers to bloom on the northern Great Plains and far northern tundra areas.

The generic name pulsatilla describes the pulsing flowers of the plants, whereas the Latin patens means “spreading.” The common name (Pasque) comes from Old French for Easter in reference to the spring bloom time. Other descriptive regional common names applied to this species include prairie smoke, windflower, gosling flower, anemone, sandflower and prairie crocus. It is the state flower of South Dakota.

Problems


Garden Uses

Rock gardens. Prairie areas. Border fronts.

Fig. 17. Photograph of P. patens.

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Ratibida pinnata | Yellow coneflower

Culture

Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers clay or sandy soils. Tolerates poor, dry soils.


This gray headed coneflower is a Wisconsin native plant which typically occurs in dry woods, prairies and along railroad tracks and roads. A somewhat rough-looking plant that features pinnately divided leaves (to 5" long) on stiff stems growing 3-5' tall. The composite flowers have a dull-gray central disk in the shape of an elongated cylinder (1-inch-long), somewhat resembling the crown of a slender sombrero. When bruised, the disk smells of anise. Attached to the bottom of the disk is a brim of 3-7, extremely reflexed (downward pointing), bright yellow ray flowers (to 3" long). Long summer bloom period.

The generic name honors Johann Ratibid, Swiss American naturalist and plant explorer, whereas the species name of pinnata is in reference to the pinnate leaves.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. May need staking or other support.

Garden Uses

Interesting plant for the sunny border, native plant garden, meadow or prairie. Best massed because individual plants are narrow and somewhat sparsely leafed.

Fig. 18. Photograph of R. pinnata.

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Silphium laciniatum | Compass plant

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates poor soils.


Compass plant is a Wisconsin native perennial which occurs in prairies and glades throughout the southern two-thirds of the state. A tall, sturdy, rough, bristly megaforb that grows on stiff, hairy, resinous stems to 9' tall, it features sunflower-like flowers (to 5" wide) with yellow rays and yellow center disks. Flowers bloom in loose spikes on the upper parts of the plant in summer. Very large, deeply pinnatifid (cut close to the midrib) basal leaves (to 18" long) are reminiscent of pin oak leaves. Upper leaves are smaller. Basal leaves usually orient themselves on a north-south axis so as to minimize intense overhead sun exposure, thus giving rise to the common name. Split or broken stems exude a gummy, fragrant-but-bitter resin which was used by Native Americans as a mouth-cleansing chewing gum. Silphium ssp. have received the additional moniker of rosinweed.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Slow to establish and may not flower until the second or third year.

Garden Uses

Good height for the rear of the border. Also excellent for naturalizing in prairies, cottage gardens, wildflower gardens or native plant gardens.

Fig. 19. From left to right: inflorescence and habit of S. laciniatum.

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Sporobolus heterolepis | Prairie dropseed

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates wide range of soils, including heavy clays. Prefers dry, rocky soils. Good drought tolerance. Slow-growing and slow to establish. May be grown from seed but does not freely self-seed in the garden.


Prairie dropseed is a clump-forming, warm season, Wisconsin native perennial grass which occurs in prairies, glades, open ground and along railroads throughout the southern two-thirds of the state. Fine-textured, hair-like, medium green leaves (to 20" long and 1/16" wide) typically form an arching foliage mound to 15" tall and 18" wide. Foliage turns golden with orange hues in fall, fading to light bronze in winter. Open, branching flower panicles appear on slender stems which rise well above the foliage clump in late summer to 30-36" tall. Flowers have pink and brown tints, but are perhaps most noted for their unique fragrance (hints of coriander). Tiny rounded mature seeds drop to the ground from their hulls in autumn giving rise to the descriptive common name.

Problems


Garden Uses

Ground cover for hot, dry areas. Prairies, meadows, native plant gardens, wild areas or slopes. Also effective in large rock gardens. Accent for foundation plantings or borders.

Fig. 20. Photograph of S. heterolepis.

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Symphyotrichum ericoides | Heath aster

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Does well in sandy or clay soils. Generally tolerates poor soils and drought.


Heath aster is a Wisconsin native that typically occurs in open rocky woods, prairies and along roads and railroads. A bushy, somewhat compact plant with many-branched stems which typically grows 1' to 3' tall. Small, daisy-like flowers (1/2" across) are borne in profusion in spreading, often one-sided, dense sprays (racemes) in late summer to early fall. Ray flowers are usually white, but infrequently blue or pink and center disks are yellow. Distinctive leaves (to 3" long) are narrow (1/4" wide), rigid, linear and heath-like (hence the common name). Good cut flower. Attractive to butterflies.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Mildew resistant. May need staking.

Garden Uses

Provides profuse, late summer to early fall bloom for the border, rock garden, wildflower garden or native plant garden.

Fig. 21. Photograph of S. ericoides.

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Symphyotrichum novae-angliae | New England aster

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers moist, rich soils. Good air circulation helps reduce incidence of foliar diseases. Pinching back stems several times before mid-July will help control plant height, promote bushiness and perhaps obviate the need for staking. Easily grown from seed and may self-seed in the garden in optimum growing conditions. Plants may be cut to the ground after flowering to prevent any unwanted self-seeding and/or if foliage has become unsightly.


Symphyotrichum novae-angliae, commonly called New England aster, is a perennial Wisconsin native which occurs in moist prairies, meadows, thickets, low valleys and stream banks on well-drained soils. It is a stout, leafy plant typically growing 3-6' tall with a robust, upright habit. Features a profuse bloom of daisy-like asters (to 1.5" diameter) with purple rays and yellow centers from late summer to early fall. Rough, hairy, lance-shaped leaves (to 4" long) clasp stiff, hairy stems. Flowers are attractive to butterflies.

The specific epithet – in Latin – means “of or from New England.”

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to powdery mildew. Aster wilt can also be an occasional problem, particularly if plants are grown in poorly-drained clay soils. Taller plants may require staking or other support.

Garden Uses

Borders, native plant gardens, cottage gardens or butterfly gardens. Nurseries now sell many excellent cultivars of this species which are generally considered to be superior garden plants to the species. The species is mostly grown in cultivation by native plant enthusiasts in native plant areas (e.g., native plant gardens, wild gardens, tallgrass prairie restorations).

Fig. 22. Photograph of S. novae-angliae.

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Symphyotrichum oolentangiense (=Aster azureus) | Sky blue aster

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. Tolerates a wide range of soils. Also tolerates drought. Spreads by rhizomes and self-seeding. May be grown from seed.


Sky blue aster (also commonly known as azure aster or blue devils) is native to prairies, fields, wood margins and rocky slopes from Ontario and New York to Minnesota south to Georgia, Alabama and Texas. In Wisconsin, it is found in scattered locations throughout the state. It is a rhizomatous perennial that typically grows 2-3’ tall. Daisy-like flowers (.5 to 1” across) with blue to blue-violet rays and yellow center disks bloom in many-flowered panicles in September and October. Ovate-lanceolate to oblong lower basal leaves (to 5” long) are rough-hairy, often serrate and cordate at the base. Lanceolate upper leaves are much smaller, narrower and sessile. Flowers are attractive to butterflies. Some authorities now designate it as Symphyotrichum oolentangiensis.

Problems

No known serious insect or disease problems. Powdery mildew may occur.

Garden Uses

Native plant gardens, meadows, prairies, woodland margins or naturalized areas. Mixed borders.

Fig. 23. Photograph of S. oolentangiense.

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Schizachyrium scoparium | Little bluestem

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions. Tolerates clay soils. Performs well in poor soils. Good drought resistance once established. Tolerates high heat and humidity. Cut to the ground in late winter to early spring.


Schizachyrium scoparium, commonly called little bluestem, is native to prairies, fields, clearings, hills, limestone glades, roadsides, waste areas and open woods from Alberta to Quebec south to Arizona and Florida. It was one of the dominant grasses of the vast tallgrass prairie region which once covered rich and fertile soils in many parts of central North America. It typically matures to 2-4’ (less frequently to 5’) tall, and features upright clumps of slender, flat, linear green leaves (to ¼” wide), with each leaf having a tinge of blue at the base. Purplish-bronze flowers appear in 3” long racemes on branched stems rising above the foliage in August. Flowers are followed by clusters of fluffy, silvery-white seed heads which are attractive and often persist into winter. Many consider the most outstanding ornamental feature of this grass to be its bronze-orange fall foliage color.

The generic name comes from the Latin words schizein, meaning “to split,” and achyron meaning “chaff,” whereas the specific epithet means broomlike. The common name is in reference to the lavender-blue color on the stem bases.

Problems


Garden Uses

Ornamental grass for borders, cottage gardens, wild gardens, wood margins, meadows or prairie-like settings. Group or mass. A good low-maintenance selection for sunbaked areas.

Fig. 24. From left to right: summer and autumn foliage of S. scoparium.

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Solidago speciosa | Showy goldenrod

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates poor, dry soils. Remove spent flower clusters to encourage additional bloom.


Showy goldenrod is a rhizomatous, Wisconsin native perennial which typically occurs in dry soils in open woods, fields and prairies throughout the state. Features tiny, bright yellow flowers borne in dense, erect, club-shaped terminal clusters atop stiff, narrow-leaved, reddish stems typically growing 2-3' tall. Flowers bloom mid to late summer. As the common name suggests, this species is one of the showiest of the many goldenrods. Goldenrods have been wrongly accused of causing hay fever, which is actually an allergic reaction to wind-borne pollen from other plants such as ragweed. Attractive to bees and butterflies.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Leaf rust is an occasional problem. May need to be divided every 2 to 3 years to control growth.

Garden Uses

Provides good color and contrast in late summer for the perennial border, wild garden, prairie, meadow, native plant garden or naturalized area.

Fig. 25. Photograph of S. speciosa.

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Tradescantia ohiensis | Ohio spiderwort

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Very tolerant of part shade, but bloom may be less profuse. Prefers moist, acidic, sandy soil. Divide clumps when they become overcrowded. Cut back to 6-12" in mid-summer to encourage new growth and a possible fall bloom.


This species of spiderwort is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial which grows up to 3' tall with dark bluish-green, arching, grass-like leaves up to 1.5' long and 1.75" wide which are folded lengthwise forming a channel or groove. Clusters of blue (less frequently rose), three-petaled flowers (0.75-1.5" diameter) bloom from late May into early July. Each flower opens up for only one day. Can self-seed and become somewhat aggressive in ideal growing conditions. A Wisconsin native that is commonly found in prairies, wood margins, meadows, along roadsides, or in waste areas.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Young shoots are susceptible to snail damage. Foliage tends to sprawl in an unattractive manner by midsummer.

Garden Uses

An interesting and long-blooming perennial for the border, naturalized area, meadow or open spaces of the woodland garden.

Fig. 26. Photograph of T. ohiensis.

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Conclusion

The restoration of a prairie to the landscape will be ongoing and take a minimum of five to ten years. Therefore, detailed planning will be necessary for the Landscape Planning Committee to undertake. I myself believe it best, regardless of prairie installation, that the highest biodiversity of germplasm be included, so as to (1) augment the aesthetics of the restoration, and more importantly (2) recreate the ecology lost to time. For example, the restoration of wild lupine (Lupinus perennis) to the landscape – which was once indigenous to the Lower Wisconsin River Valley – may very well facilitate the reintroduction of the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly to River Valley School District.

And, before I forget, the Landscape Planning Committee should note that the prairie restoration will require periodic, controlled fires to burn dead organic matter and incorporate its chemical constituents back into the soil. Many prairie species require fire for survival; others perform better after a controlled burn.

Otherwise, I hope this report has provided some much-needed information to the Landscape Planning Committee, and, will facilitate the planning requisite for the development of a prairie restoration.

Respectfully submitted,

Noah R. McVay

President and Curator

River Valley Area Community Gardens, Incorporated

Post Office Box 611

Spring Green, Wisconsin 53588

References

Black, Merel R., and Emmet J. Judziewicz. Wildflowers of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes Region: A Comprehensive Guide. 2nd ed. The University of Wisconsin Press, 2009.

Cartmill, Donita, Associate Professor of Environmental Horticulture, UW-Platteville. “Gardening with Native Plants.” ENVHORT 3330: Landscape Management. Room 130 Russell Hall, Platteville, Wisconsin. Dec. 2016. Lecture.

Cochrane, Theodore S., and Hugh H. Iltis. Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in cooperation with the Wisconsin State Herbarium, 2000.

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Documents

Recommended Species of Prairie Plants · Web viewOver the last 150 years more than 99% of the Midwest’s tallgrass prairies – whether dry, mesic, or moist – were converted