Native Prairie Plants
By Marissa Jensen, QF Habitat Education Programs Manager
Illustration by Emily Lentz
The native grasslands of North America are more than meets the eye. Beyond their rare beauty, the native prairie plants are ecological powerhouses – sequestering carbon, enriching our soil, and cleaning the air we breathe. What’s more? Their intricate root systems significantly impact water management by reducing runoff and improving water infiltration.
Kentucky Bluegrass, Blazing Star, Little Bluestem, Sideoats Grama, Pale Purple Coneflower, and Big Bluestem shown here
Native prairie flowers and grasses are renowned for their deep, expansive roots, which help absorb and store water efficiently. Take the leadplant – its roots can reach up to 17 feet in depth. In fact, up to 90% of wildflowers and native grass species thrive beneath the surface, where their roots access water from deep within the soil. This adaptation assists prairie plants in withstanding drought conditions by tapping into moisture reserves.
Heath Aster, Butterfly Weed, Compass Plant, Indian Grass, Switch Grass, Lead Plants, and Goldenrod shown here
From backyard pollinator plots to vast, intact prairies, these root networks are hard at work. Their reach extends far beyond the surface, quietly conserving water and sustaining life across entire ecosystems.
So next time you find yourself in the uplands, pause for a moment. Admire the grasses and flowers waving in the wind – but remember, the real magic lies below.
Marissa Jensen is the Habitat Education Programs Manager for Quail Forever