TALLGRASS PRAIRIE PLANTS
smooth
blue aster
maximilian
sunflower
blazing star
wild rose
purple
coneflower
downy
gentian
big bluestem
Tallgrass prairies in southwestern Minnesota are a symphony of colors
and textures, with every season bringing a new mix of delicate grasses
and bright flowers. But these plants are more than just pretty, they
are part of a complex ecosystem that took thousands of years to
develop, and is one of the most biodiverse on Earth.
wood lily
indian grass
side oats
common
milkweed
milkweed
beetle
white
fringed orchid
monarch
caterpillar
pasqueflower
monarch
butterfly
Some of these plants are endangered because so many of our prairies
have been disturbed. The exquisite white fringed orchid finds one
of its last refuges here in our state. Many of these plants provide
nectar and seeds which help feed birds, butterflies, and insects. Some
of these creatures help pollinate our own food crops.
black-eyed
susan
regal fritillary
prairie
phlox
prairie
smoke
damselfly
wild
strawberry
grasshopper
sparrow
Funding provided by the Minnesota Environment and
Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the
Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources.
Copyright 2002, State of Minnesota, MN DNR and MN DOT.