Wildflowers in the Tallgrass Prairie Ecosystem

The tallgrass prairie ecosystem, with its deep rich soil, was once the largest ecosystem in the U.S. According to the Native Plant Information Network, it was once 250 million acres, but is now close to one million. Most wildflowers in this ecosystem are perennials. The tallgrass prairie has the ornamental grasses of little bluestem, big bluestem, switchgrass, and Indiangrass being the dominant species. These wildflowers selected are also common in the tallgrass prairie. While the community is threatened, you can plant these native plants into your landscape and keep some of the species alive.

Snow on the Mountain (Euphorbia marginata)

This native is a member of the spurge family of plants. Leaves are small and either white, light green, or variegated. Flowers are tiny, in clusters, and white. Stems are one to three feet high, with many branches. Snow on the mountain grows in partial shade with a moist soil that is nearly neutral in pH. Propagate by seed in the fall or spring season.

Texas Bluebells (Eustoma exaltatum ssp. russellianum)

Also known as Prairie gentian, Eustoma grandiflorum, or Eustoma russellianum, this native is a member of the gentian family of plants. It grows one-and-a-half-foot tall. It has blue-green stems and leaves covered with a bloom that is wax-like. Flowers are bell-shaped and blue, white, pink, purple, or yellow. Texas bluebells prefer to grow in full sun with a moist soil. Propagate by seed.

Downy Painted Cup (Castilleja sessiliflora)

Also known as Great Plants Indian-Paintbrush or Great Plains Paintbrush, this native is a member of the figwort family of plants. It grows six to 10 inches tall with many stems. Yellow or pink flowers are on spikes. The plant is hairy and the flowers have long curved corollas. It is a perennial. Downy painted cup prefers to grow in full sun with a dry soil. Propagate by seed.

Stiff Tickseed (Coreopsis palmata)

Also known as stiff coreopsis or finger coreopsis, this native is a member of the aster family of plants. It grows one to three feet high. Stems are stiff on this perennial plant. Leaves are narrow and flowers are bright yellow. Flower heads are between two and three inches wide. Basal leaves are in a rosette. Fall color on the stems and leaves is red. Stiff tickseed prefers to grow in partial shade with light poor soil. Propagate by seed, division, or rhizome cuttings. Seed will need stratification if sowing in the spring.

Related Content:

Edible Native Wildflowers and Plants

Native Plants and Wildflowers with Heart-shaped Leaves

Native Wildflowers That Are Marginal Plants

Sources:

NPIN: Tallgrass Prairie Wildflowers

NPIN: Snow on the Mountain

NPIN: Texas Bluebells

NPIN: Downy Painted Cup

NPIN: Stiff Tickseed