Native Prairie Plants for Use Along Roadsides in Illinois

Scientific Name	Common Name	Natural Habitat in Illinois¹	Illinois Regions Where Native²	Height³	Pollinator Type and Insect Visitors⁴	Fruit Type⁵	Wildlife Attracted⁶	Special Features⁷	Establishment⁸	Adaptability⁸
Allium canadense	wild onion	mesic prairies; dry woods; disturbed areas	N, C, S	0.5-1.5′	Diptera	capsules with black seeds	small mammals	not competitive with grasses	moist stratification of seeds	does not favor dry or sandy areas
Allium cernuum	nodding onion	dry, mesic, wet prairies	N	1-2′	Diptera	capsules with black seeds	small mammals	not competitve with grasses	probably similar to A. canadensis
Allium stellatum	cliff onion	hill and gravel prairies; barrens	C, S	0.5-1′	Diptera	capsules with black seeds	small mammals		probably similar to A. canadensis
Amorpha canescens	leadplant	sand, hill, gravel, prairied; dry to mesic prairies; rocky open woodlands	N, C, S	1.5-3′	long-tongued bees (10), short-tongued bees (15), other Hymenoptera (16), Diptera (4)	small one seeded legume	butterfly larvae, bees	nitrogen fixing; attractive purple flowers and foliage	easy from scarified, innoculated, and moist stratified seed	strong survivor, deep taproot
Andropogon gerardii	big bluestem	hill, sand prairies; wet to mesic prairies; barrens	N, C, S	4-8′	wind	hairy grain	small mammals, songbirds	fall color; excellent nesting cover	easy from dry stratified seeds	prefers wet areas, but adapts well
Anemone canadensis	meadow anemone	mesic to wet prairies; open woodlands; calcareous or alluvial soils	N, C	1-2′	bees, syrphid flies	cottony plumed achene			very easy by division, root cuttings, or seed	large colonies form quickly
Anemone cylindrica	thimbleweed	hill and sand prairies; dry to mesic prairies; open woods	N, C	1-1.5′	bees, syrphid flies	cottony plumed achene			easily propagated from dry stratified seed
Anemone patens	pasque flower	gravel hill prairies	N	0.5-1′	bees, syrphid flies	cottony plumed achene		pretty spring flowers	best propagated from fresh or dry stratified seed	does not tolerate shade competition; will not tolerate water logged soil
Apocynum sibiricum	Indian hemp	dry, mesic, or wet prairies; rocky or sandy habitats; rocky woods	N, C, S	3′	long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, other Hymenoptera	follicle with hairy seeds		seed fluff used in bird’s nests
Aquilegia canadensis	columbine	prairie edges; rocky woods; sandy areas	N, C, S	2′	hummingbirds	follicles with shiney black seeds	hummingbirds	beautiful orange-red flowers	easily propagated from scarified and dry stratified seeds	adapts to various habitats
Arabis glabra	tower mustard	mesic prairies; limestone woods, ledges and cliffs	N, C, S	2-4′	long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, other Hymenoptera, Diptera	slender siliques				rather weedy
Asclepias hirtella	tall green milkweed	dry and sand prairies	N, C, S	2′	Diptera, bees	follicles with hairy seeds	butterflies, songbirds		easily propagated from dry stratified seed
Asclepias incarnata	swamp milkweed	wet ditches, marshes, bogs	N, C, S	3-6′	Diptera, bees	follicles with hairy seeds	butterflies, songbirds		easily propagated from dry stratified seed
Asclepias sullivantii	prairie milkweed	mesic prairies	N, C, S	2-5′	long-tongued bees (12), short-tongued bees (6), other Hymenoptera (42), Diptera (8), Lepidoptera (15), Coleoptera (3)	follicles with hairy seeds	butterflies, songbirds		easy from dry stratified seeds
Asclepias syriaca	common milkweed	dry to mesic prairies; roadsides; often weedy	N, C, S	3-4′	long-tongued bees (11), other Hymenoptera (4), Diptera (3), Lepidoptera (7)	follicles with hairy seeds	butterflies, songbirds	thrives along roadsides	easily propagated from dry stratified seed
Asclepias tuberosa	butterfly-weed	dry or sandy prairies; savannas	N, C, S	1-2′	long-tongued bees (15), short-tongued bees (6), other Hymenoptera (12), Diptera (14), Lepidoptera (8), Coleoptera (1), Hemioptera (4)	follicles with hairy seeds	butterflies, songbirds, hummingbirds	thrives along roadside; attractive color	easy from dry stratified seedsand root cuttings
Asclepias verticillata	horsetail milkweed	hill prairies; dry to mesic prairies; roadsides; open soil; dry woods	N, C, S	1-1.5′	long-tongued bees (5), short tongued bees (1), other Hymeonptera (4), Diptera (1), Lepidoptera (8)	follicles with hairy seeds	butterflies, songbirds		transplant seedlings
Aster azureus	sky-blue aster	hill and sand prairies; moist to dry prairies; dry open woods	N, C, S	1-4′	long-tongued bees (10), short-tongued bees (10), other Hymenoptera (32), Diptera (16), Lepidoptera (3)	achenes with tufts of hair	songbirds, small mammals		easy from dry stratified seed
Aster ericoides	heath aster	hill and sand prairies; dry to mesic prairies; degraded prairies; colonizing species	N, C, S	1-3′	probably similar to A. ericoides	achenes with tufts of hair	songbirds, small mammals	soil forming	easy from dry stratified seed	often found along dry roadsides
Aster laevis	smooth aster	mesic to dry prairies; woods	N, C, S	1-3′	long-tongued bees (37), short-tongued bees (53), other Hymenoptera (54), Diptera (119), Lepidoptera (30), Coleoptera (6), Hemiptera (3)	achenes with tufts of hair	songbirds, small mammals		easy from seed
Aster novae-angliae	New England aster	mesic to wet prairies; degraded prairies; colonizing species	N, C, S	1-4′	probably similar to A. ericoides	achenes with tufts of hair	songbirds, small mammals	extremely aggressive	easy from seeds, moist stratification improves germination	adjusts to dry soil
Aster pilosus	hairy aster	hill and sand prairies; dry to mesic prairies; degreaded prairies; disturbed areas	N, C, S	1-4′	long-tongued bees (13), short-tongued bees (7), Diptera (11), Lepidoptera (10)	achenes with tufts of hair	songbirds, small mammals		probably similar to A. novae-angliae
Aster praealtus	willow aster	mesic prairie	N, C, S	2-4′	probably similar to A. ericoides	achenes with tufts of hair	songbirds, small mammals		probably similar to A. novae-angliae
Aster ptarmicoides	white goldenrod	hill and sand prairies; dry prairies; calcareous bluffs	N, C	1-2′	probably similar to A. ericoides	achenes with tufts of hair	songbirds, small mammals		probably similar to A. novae-angliae
Baptisia leucantha	white wild indigo	mesic to wet prairies; savannas	N, C, S	2-4′	bumble bee workers	inflated legumes with hard seeds; seeds often parasitized by Bruchid beetles	bees	soil forming; nitrogen fixing; beautiful flowers; deep taproot	easy from scarified, inoculated and moist stratified seed	sturdy plant
Baptisia leucophaea	cream wild indigo	dry to mesic prairies	N, C, S	1-2.5′	bumble bee queens	inflated legumes with hard seeds; seeds often parasitized by Bruchid beetles	bees	soil forming; nitrogen fixing; beautiful flowers; seeds often parasitized; often acts like tumbleweed	easy from scarified, inoculated and moist stratified seed	prone to wind damage; does poorly on exposed soils
Blephilia ciliata	pagoda plant	mesic prairies; woods	N, C, S	1-3′	long-tongued bees (25), short-tongued bees (16), other Hymenoptera (4), Diptera (12), Lepidoptera (15)	tiny nutlets			seeds may be difficult to obtain
Boltonia asteroides	false aster	mesic prairies; gravelly shores; along streams; roadside ditches	N, C, S	1-3.5′	long tongued bees (21), short-tongued bees (20), other Hymenoptera (12), Diptera (60), Lepidoptera (20), Coleoptera (4), Hemiptera (1)	achenes with tufts of hair	gamebirds, songbirds, small mammals
Bouteloua curtipendula	sideoats gramma	hill prairies; dry prairies; upland sites; calcareous soil	N, C, S	1-3′	wind	hairy grain	gamebirds, songbirds, small mammals, ungulates	soil forming; forms attractive bunches; excellent nesting cover	easy from dry stratified seeds; moderately aggressive
Bromus kalmii	brome grass	dry to mesic calcareous prairies	N, C	1.5-3′	wind	grain	gamebirds, songbirds, samll mammals	excellent grass species; important nesting cover	very easy from seed
Cacalia tuberosa	Indian plantain	mesic to wet calcareous prairies	N, C, S	2-5′	hawk-moths, bees, hoverflies	achenes with tufts of hair			seeds may be difficult to obtain, and have low germination
Calystegia sepium	American bindweed	mesic soils; disturbed areas; fields; roadsides	N, C, S	3-7”	long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, other Hymenoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera	capsules with hard seeds
Camassia scilloides	wild hyacinth	mesic prairies; savannas; open woods	N, C, S	1-1.5′	insects	capsules with black seeds	gamebirds, songbirds, small mammals		easy from seed and bulbs
Carex annectens	sedge	mesic prairies	N, C, S	2-3′	monoecious; wind	achenes	gamebirds, songbirds, small mammals	excellent nesting cover	easy from seed
Carex bicknellii	prairie sedge	dry to mesic prairies	N, C	1-2.5′	monoecious; wind	achenes	gamebirds, songbirds, small mammals	excellent nesting cover	easy from seed
Carex granularis	sedge	mesic to wet prairies; bottomland woods; streambanks	N, C, S	1-2′	monoecious; wind	achenes	gamebirds, songbirds, small mammals	excellent nesting cover	easy from seed
Carex gravida	sedge	mesic to wet prairies; swales, shores	N, C	1-3′	monoecious; wind	achenes	gamebirds, songbirds, small mammals	excellent nesting cover	easy from seed
Carex meadii	Mead’s sedge	mesic to wet prairies	N, C, S	2′	monoecious; wind	achenes	gamebirds, songbirds, small mammals	excellent nesting cover	easy from seed
Carex molesta	sedge	moist to dry prairies; borders of woods	S	1-3′	monoecious; wind	achenes	gamebirds, songbirds, small mammals	excellent nesting cover	easy from seed
Carex prairea	sedge	calcareous bogs and fens	C, S	1.5-3′	monoecious; wind	achenes	upland gamebirds, bees	excellent nesting cover	easy from seed
Cassia fasciculata	partridge pea	hill and prairies; dry, mesic, or wet prairies	N, C, S	2-3′	probably similar to C. marilandica	flat legumes with flat black seeds	upland gamebirds, bees, butterfly larvae	excellent nesting cover; nitrogen fixing		adapts to roadsides
Cassia marilandica	Maryland senna	dry prairies; roadsides; thickets	N, C, S	2-3′	long-tongued bees (1), ants (4), Coleoptera (1)	cylindrical legumes with plump black seeds	hummingbirds, ungulates, bees, butterfly larvae	excellent nesting cover; nitrogen fixing		adapts to roadsides
Castilleja coccinea	Indian paintbrush	dry, mesic, or wet prairies; usually sandy soils	N, C	1-2′	hummingbirds, insects	capsules with tiny seeds	ungulates, butterflies	parasitic associations	easy from seeds, difficult to transplant
Ceanothus americanus	New Jersey tea	hill and sand prairies; mesic to dry prairies; open woods	N, C, S	1.5-3′	long-tongued bees (6), short-tongued bees (18), other Hymenoptera (35), Diptera (42), Lepidoptera (2), Coleoptera (14), Hemiptera (4)		songbirds	important food source	low germination from seeds, improved germination from scarification, and soaked in hot water
Cirsium discolor	field thistle	dry to mesic prairies; fields; open woods; disturbed areas; weedy	N, C, S	3-5′	long-tongued bees (14), short-tongued bees (5), Diptera (2), Lepidoptera (9), Coleoptera (1)	achenes with tufts of hair	songbirds, butterflies	seed fluff used in nests	easy by seedling transplant
Claytonia virginica	spring beauty	mesic prairies; savannas; woods	N, C, S	3-5”	long-tongued bees (21), short-tongued bees (37), Diptera (35), Lepidoptera (9)	capsules with black seeds	small mammals	attractive spring flowers	easy by seed; spreads by rhizomes
Comandra umbellata	false toadflax	hill and sand prairies; dry to mesic prairies; open woods	N, C, S	0.5-1′	long-tongued bees (4), short-tongued bees (8), Diptera (28), Lepidoptera (2), Coleoptera (2)	small nut		parasitic associations; spreads by rhizomes and often forms dense stands	difficult because must be associated wih host plants
Coreopsis lanceolata	sand or tickseed coreopsis	hill and sand prairies; savannas	N, C, S	1-2′	probably similar to C. palmata	achenes	songbirds	little food value	easy from dry stratified seed
Coreopsis palmata	prairie coreopsis	hill prairies; mesic to dry prairies; open woods	N, C, S	1.5-3′	long-tongued bees (33), short-tongued bees (21), Diptera (30), Lepidoptera (14)	achenes	songbirds	little food value; often thrives along roadsides	easy from dry stratified seed, aggressive establisher
Coreopsis tripteris	tall tickseed	mesic to wet prariries; calcareous soil	N, C, S	3-7′	long-tongued bees (18), short-tongued bees (12), other Hymenoptera (10), Diptera (9), Lepidoptera (3), Coleoptera (1)	achenes	songbirds	flowers when not many other species are in bloom, providing pollen for pollinators	easy from dry stratified seed
Desmanthus illinoensis	Illinois mimosa, sensitive plant, or bundle flower	sand prairies; dry, mesic or wet prairies; along levees and railroads	N, C, S	3-6′	long-tongued bees	curved legumes	butterflies, quail, small mammals	nitrogen fixing; soil forming	easy by scarified, innoculated and stratified seed
Desmodium canadense	hoary tick trefoil	dry to mesic prairies; open woods	C, S	2-4′	long-tongued bees (6)	legumes broken into one seeded segments	butterflies, quail, small mammals	nitrogen fixing, soil forming, showy flowers	easy by scarified, innoculated and stratified seed
Desmodium illinoense	Illinois tick trefoil	dry, mesic, wet prairies; open woods	N, C, S	3-6′	long-tongued bees (7), short-tongued bees (1), Lepidoptera (1)	legumes broken into one seeded segments	butterflies, quail, small mammals	nitirogen fixing; soil forming; showy flowers	easy by scarified, innoculated and stratified seed
Dodecatheon meadia	shooting star	mesic prairies; woods	N, C, S	1′	long-tongued bees (8), Lepidoptera (1)	capsules with tiny seeds	small mammals, songbirds	showy spring flowers	easy by fresh or stratified seeds, and root division
Echinacea pallida	pale coneflower	hill prairies; dry to mesic prairies	N, C, S	2-3′	bumble bees, beetles	achenes	small mammals, songbirds	showy long lasting flowers	very easy from moist stratified seed; very aggressive
Echinacea purpurea	purple coneflower	mesic prairies; open woods	N, C, S	2-4′	bumble bees, beetles	achenes	songbirds, gamebirds	showy long lasting flowers	very easy from moist stratified seed; very aggressive
Elymus canadensis	nodding wild rye	hill and sand prairies; dry to mesic prairies; shaded bottomlands	N, C, S	2-3′	wind	grain	small mammals, songbirds		easy by seed
Eryngium yuccifolium	rattlesnake master	dry to mesic prairies; woods	N, C, S	3-4′	bees	nutlets covered with seeds		use cautiously because of aggressive seeding; unusual seedhead	best from transplants, but still easy from seed	drought resistent, very adaptable
Eupatorium coelestinum	mistflower	wet prairies; low woods; borders of streams	C, S	3-4′	long-tongued bees (6), short-tongued bees (5), other Hymenoptera (1), Diptera (5), Lepidoptera (8), Coleoptera (1)	achenes with tufts of hair	upland gamebirds, songbirds, butterflies		easy by seed, self sows
Eupatorium serotinum	late boneset	mesic prairies; open woods and clearings	N, C, S	3-4′	long-tongued bees (21), short-tongued bees (11), other Hymenoptera (44), Diptera (34), Lepidoptera (15), Hemiptera (1)	achenes with tufts of hair	upland gamebirds, songbirds, butterflies		easy by seed, self sows
Euphorbia corollata	flowering spurge	sand and hill prairies; dry to mesic prairies; savannas; open woods	N, C, S	2-3′	monoecious; short-tongued bees (7), other Hymenoptera (22),Diptera (21), Lepidoptera (1), Hemiptera (1)	capsules with hard seeds	upland gamebirds, songbirds, small mammals	seed difficult to get	best propagated from moist stratified seeds
Fragaria virginiana	wild strawberry	wet to mesic prairies; woods	N, C, S	5-8”	long-tongued bees (12), short-tongued bees (15), other Hymenoptera (1), Diptera (21), Lepidoptera (7)	fleshy with tiny achenes	small mammals, songbirds, gamebirds	excellent fruit	easy from seed
Galium boreale	northern bedstraw	wet to mesic prairies; shores; woodland borders	N	1-2.5′	Diptera, Lepidoptera , sawflies	nutlets			seed or seedling transplant, needs no stratification,	readily spreads
Gaura biennis	butterfly-weed	hill prairies; dry, mesic, wet prairies; open woods; roadsides	N, C, S	3-6′	long-tongued bees (5)	nut-like			easy from seed
Gentiana alba (G. flavida)	pale gentian, yellowish gentian	mesic prairies; wooded slopes	N, C, S	1-3′	probably similar to G. andrewsii	capsules with tiny seeds			probably similar to G. andrewsii
Gentiana andrewsii	closed gentian	mesic to wet prairies; swales	N, C, S	2-3′	bumble bees, Coleoptera	capsules with tiny seeds		unusual blue, balloon-like flowers	easily grown from moist stratified seeds
Gentiana puberulenta	downy gentian	mesic to dry prairies	N, C	1-2′	bumble bees	capsules with tiny seeds			probably similar to G. andrewsii
Gentiana saponaria	soapwort gentian	sand prairies and woods; mesic prairies	N, S	1.5-4′	probably similar to G.andrewsii	capsules with tiny seeds			probably similar to G. andrewsii
Gentianella quinquefolia	stiff gentian	hill and gravel prairies; calcareous meadows and woods	N, C	1.5-2.5′	probably similar to G.andrewsii	capsules with tiny seeds			probably similar to G. andrewsii
Geum trifolium	prairie smoke	calcareous gravel hill prairies	N	1-2′	long-tongue bees (1), short-tongued bees (9), other Hymenoptera (6), Diptera (3), Coleoptera (2)	plummed achenes		unusual fruit; mature plants form dense stands	establish by fresh or dry stratified seeds or rhizomes
Helenium autumnale	sneezeweed	wet prairies; sedgemeadows; lowland woods; shors;	N, C, S	2-5′	long-tongued bees (15), short-tongued (3), other Hymenoptera (7), Diptera (4), Lepidoptera (4), Hemiptera (1)	achenes	upland gamebirds, songbirds, small mammals		readily grown
Helianthus grosseserratus	sawtooth sunflower	mesic to wet prairies; degraded prairie remnants	N, C, S	6-10′	long-tongued bees (29), short-tongued bees (9), other Hymenoptera (3), Diptera (14), Lepidoptera (13), Hemiptera (1)	achenes	upland gamebirds, songbirds, small mammals	important food source	easy from dry stratified seed	spreads rapidly with moisture
Helianthus mollis	downy sunflower	dry to mesic prairies; woods	C, S	2-4′	long-tongued bees (12), short-tongued bees (7), Diptera (6), Lepidoptera (2)	achenes	upland gamebirds, songbirds, small mammals	important food source	easy from dry stratified seed	spreads rapidly with moisture
Helianthus occidentalis	western sunflower	sand prairies	N, C	1-3′	probably similar to H. grosseseratus	achenes	upland gamebirds, songbirds, small mammals	important food source	easy from dry straified seed	spreads rapidly with moisture
Helianthus rigidus	prairie sunflower	hill prairies; dry to mesic prairies	N, C, S	3′	probably similar to H. grosseseratus	achenes	upland gamebirds, songbirds, small mammals	important food source	easy from dry stratified seed	spreads rapidly with moisture
Heliopsis helianthoides	false sunflower	open woods; dry prairies	N, C, S	2-5′	long-tongued bees (19), short-tongued bees (11), other Hymenoptera (4), Diptera (11), Lepidoptera (4)	achenes	probably similar to H. occidentalis		easy from seed
Heuchera richardsonii	prairie alumroot	hill and sand prairies; dry to mesic prairies; ledges	N, C	2-3′	bees	capsules with small seeds	upland gamebirds, small mammals	tiny seeds	from fresh or dry stratified seeds
Hieracium longipilum	hairy hawkweed	sand prairies; dry prairies; old fields	N, C, S	2-4′	bees, Diptera	capsules with tiny seeds			readily from seed
Houstonia purpurea	broad-leafed bluets	mesic prairies	S	0.5-3′	long-tongued bees (9), short-tongued bees (9), Diptera (9), Lepidoptera (7), Coleoptera (3)	capsules with tiny seeds			sometimes stubborn from seed, but once established self-sows
Hypericum sphaerocarpum	round fruited St. John’s-wort	mesic prairies; dry woods	N, C, S	1-2′	flying insects, Diptera	capsules with tiny seeds		one of several species of Hypericum to consider
Hypoxis hirsuta	yellow star grass	hill prairies; dry, mesic, wet prairies; calcareous soil;bluff tops	N, C, S	3-7”	long-tongued bees (4), short-tongued bees (9), Diptera (2), Coleoptera (1)	capsules		difficult to find seeds	easy from seed
Iris shrevei	wild blue iris	wet prairies; marshes; edges of ponds	N, C, S	2-3′	bees, Diptera	capsules with plump seeds	waterfowl, small mammals	beautiful flowers	fresh seed or rootstock
Juncus interior	inland rush	mesic to prairies; ditches; roadsides	N, C, S	0.5-1.5′	wind	capsules with tiny seeds	ungulates	excellent nesting cover	from seed
Koeleria macrantha (K. cristata)	June grass	hill and sand prairies; mesic prairies; savannas	N, C, S	2-3′	wind	grains	gamebirds, songbirds, small mammals	attractive inflorescence	transplants or dry stratified seeds
Lespedeza capitata	round-headed bush clover	hill and sand prairies; dry to mesic prairies; open woodlands	N, C, S	2-5′	long-tongue bees (2), short-tongue bees (1), Lepidoptera (1)	one seeded legume	gamebirds, small mammals	nesting cover; nitrogen fixing; very deep taproot	easy from scarified, inoculated, moist stratified seed
Liatris aspera	rough blazing star	hill and sand prairies; mesic to dry prairies	N, C, S	1.5-4′	bees, butterflies, flies	achenes with tufts of hair	small mammals	beautiful flowers	easy from dry stratified seed	drought resistant; excellent plant for dry areas
Liatris cylindracea	cylindrical blazing star	hill prairies; dry prairies; dry open woods	N, C, S	1-2′	bees, butterflies, flies	achenes with tufts of hair	small mammals	beautiful flowers	easy from dry stratified seed	drought resistant
Liatris pycnostachya	prairie blazing star	mesic to wet prairies;	N, C, S	2-4′	long-tongued bees (14), short tongued bees (2), Diptera (6), Lepidoptera (12)	achenes with tufts of hair	small mammals	beautiful flowers	easy from moist stratified seed	drought resistant
Lilium michiganense	turk’s cap lily	mesic to wet prairies; swales; woods	N, C, S	2-6′	Lepidoptera	capsules with plump seeds	hummingbirds	beautiful large flowers	seed or transplants
Lithospermum canescens	hoary puccoon	hill prairies; dry to mesic prairies; woods (sand prairies??)	N, C, S	8”-1′	long-tongued bees (17), Diptera (2), Lepidoptera (18)	hard nutlets		beautiful flowers	from seeds soaked in hot water or scarified
Lobelia cardinalis	cardinal flower	wet prairies; swamps; wet ditches	N, C, S	3′	hummingbirds, long-tongued bees (1), Lepidoptera (2)	capsules with tiny seeds	hummingbirds	beautiful red flowers	from transplants or moist stratified seed	does well in moist soils
Lobelia siphilitica	giant blue Lobelia	wet prairies; low woods; swamps	N, C, S	2′	long-tongued bees (5), short-tongued bees (3), Lepidoptera (2)	capsules with tiny seed	bees	beautiful blue flowers	from transplants or moist stratified seed
Lupinus perennis	wild lupine	sand prairies; savannas; dunes	N	1-2′	bees	legumes with few seeds	bees, moths, butterflies	excellent soil builder	from scarified, inoculated, and moist stratified seeds
Lythrum alatum	winged loosestrife	mesic to wet prairies; marshes; fens; alkaline seeps	N, C, S	2-3′	heterostylous; insects	capsules with tiny seeds
Monarda fistulosa	wild bergamot	hill prairies; dry to mesic prairies; edges of woods	N, C, S	2-3′	long-tongued bees (21), short-tongued bees (7), Lepidoptera (23)	nutlets	attracts many insects	quite competitive	easy from moist stratified seeds	adaptable to roadsides
Oenothera pilosella	prairie sundrops	mesic to wet prairies	N, C, S	1.5-3′	moths	capsules with many seeds	upland gamebirds, songbirds, small mammals	beautiful flowers	easy from dry stratified seeds and root cuts	often found on roadsides
Oenothera rhombipetala	sand primrose	sand prairies	N, C, S	1.5-3′	moths	capsules with many seeds	upland gamebirds, songbirds, small mammals	beautiful flowers	probably simliar to O. pilosella
Oxalis violacea	purple oxalis	hill and gravel prairies; mesic prairies; bluffs	N, C, S	4-8′	long-tongued bees (12), short-tongued bees (14), Diptera (1), Lepidoptera (3)	capsules	waterfowl, upland gamebirds, songbirds, small mammals		easy from transplants, difficult from seeds
Panicum virgatum	switch grass	dry to mesic prairies	N, C, S	3-5′	wind	grain	meadow voles, small mammals	aggressive grass; provides excellent nesting cover	easy from dry stratified seed	adaptable to roadsides
Parthenium integrifolium	American feverfew	dry to mesic prairies; dry open woods	N, C, S	2-3′	long-tongued bees (4), short-tongued bees (7), other Hymenoptera (15), Diptera (20), Coleoptera (6), Hemiptera (3)	achenes			easy
Pedicularis canadensis	lousewort	hill and sand prairies; mesic to dry prairies; savannas;	N, C, S	0.5-1.5′	bees	capsules with tiny seeds			seeds and transplants, difficult to establish	prefers slightly acidic soils
Penstemon digitalis	foxglove beardstongue	mesic prairies; woods;	N, C, S	3-5′	bees	capsules with tiny seeds		readily self-sows	easy from seed or transplants	a very tolerent species
Penstemon pallidus	pale beardstongue	hill and sand prairies; dry to mesic prairies	N, C, S	1-3′	bees	capsules with tiny seeds		readily self-sows	easy despite fine seed	needs well drained soil
Perideridea americana	perideridia	mesic prairies; floodplains; woods	N, C, S	2-3.5′	insects	nutets	butterflies, small mammals
Petalostemum candidum	white prairie clover	hill, gravel, and sand prairies; dry to mesic prairies; savannas	N, C, S	1-3′	long-tongued bees (4), short-tongued bees (11), other Hymenoptera (7), Diptera (7), Lepidoptera (1)	one seeded legumes	small mammals, butterfly larvae; highly sought by herbivores	nitrogen fixing; attractive flowers which riseabove grasses; some damping off problems with seedlings	easy from scarified, inoculated and moist stratified seeds, also transplants
Petalostemum purpureum	purple prairie clover	hill, gravel, and sand prairies; dry to mesic prairies; savannas; usually slightly moister sites than P. candidum	N, C, S	1-3′	long-tongued bees (37), short-tongued bees (18), Diptera (12), Lepidoptera (6), Coleoptera (4), Hemiptera (2), other Hymenoptera (15)	one seeded legumes	small mammals, butterfly larvae; highly sought by herbivores	nitrogen fixing; attractive wherever grown	easy from scarified, inoculated and moist stratified seeds, also transplants
Phlox glaberrima	smooth phlox	wet prairies; fens	N, C, S	1.5-3′	Lepidoptera (7), Diptera (1)	capsules	hummingbirds	attractive flowers	easy from cold stratified seed
Phlox pilosa	downy phlox	hill prairies; dry to mesic prairies	N, C, S	1-2′	long-tongued bees (7), Diptera (1), Lepidoptera (12)	capsules	small mammals, gamebirds	attractive flowers	easy from moist stratified seeds	can be subject to pests
Physalis heterophylla	ground cherry	hill and sand prairies; dry to mesic prairies; degraded prairies	N, C, S	1-4′	bees	berry	small mammals, gamebirds		easy by seed and division
Physalis subglabrata	smooth ground cherry	mesic prairies; degraded prairies	N, C, S	1-4′	short-tongued bees (1)	berry			easy by seed and division
Physostegia virginiana	false dragonhead	hill and sand prairies; dry, mesic, and wet prairies	N, C, S	2-3′	birds (1), long-tongued bees (4), Lepidoptera (2)	nutlets			easy from seeds and spot planting
Polytaenia nuttallii	prairie parsley	hill and gravel prairies; dry prairies	N, C, S	2-3′	long-tongued bees (4), short-tongued bees (20), other Hymenoptera (20), Diptera (17), Coleoptera (1), Hemiptera (3)	nutlets	butterflies		use dry stratified seeds
Potentilla arguta	prairie cinquefoil	hill and gravel prairies; dry to mesic prairies	N, C	1-3′	bees	achenes			easy from stratified seed
Prenanthes aspera	rough white lettuce	mesic prairies	N, C, S	3-4′	long-tongued bees (1)	achenes with tufts of hair			easy from seed
Prenanthes racemosa	glaucous white lettuce	mesic to wet prairies	N, C, S	2-4′	bees	achenes with tufts of hair			easy from seed
Prunella vulgaris	self-heal	mesic prairies; woodlands	N, C, S	8-10”	long-tongued bees (9), short-tongued bees(3), other Hymenoptera (1), Diptera (2), Lepidoptera (8)	nutlets			easy
Pycnanthemum tenuifolium	slender mountain mint	mesic to dry prairies	N, C, S	2-3′	long-tongued bees (44), short-tongued bees (38), other Hymenoptera (88), Diptera (54), Lepidoptera (29), Coleoptera (9), Hemiptera (5)	nutlets			reliable by seed
Pycnanthemum virginianum	common mountain mint	hill prairies; dry, mesic, wet prairies; fens	N, C, S	2-3′	long-tongued bees (10), short-tongued bees (15), other Hymenoptera (23), Diptera (14), Lepidoptera (2)	nutlets			reliable by seed
Ratibida pinnata	drooping coneflower	hill and gravel prairies; dry to mesic prairies	N, C, S	3-4′	bees	achenes	upland gamebirds, songbirds, ungulates	binds soil; very aggressive; tall showy species	very easy from moist stratified seed
Rosa carolina	pasture rose	hill and sand prairies; dry to mesic prairies	N, C, S	2-4′	bees, Coleoptera, probably similar to R. setigera	fleshy hips with achenes	upland gamebirds, songbirds, ungulates		best establishment from cuttings
Rosa setigera	prairie rose; Illinois rose	mesic prairies; woods; thickets; clearings	N, C, S	2′	long-tongued bees (12), short-tongued bees (6), Diptera (16), Coleoptera (1)	fleshy hips with achenes	songbirds		best establishment from cuttings
Rudbeckia hirta	black-eyed Susan	hill, gravel, and sand prairies; dry to mesic prairies; degraded prairies	N, C, S	1-3′	long-tongued bees (14), short-tongued bees (13), other Hymenoptera (7), Diptera (31), Lepidoptera (12), Coleoptera (6), Hemipteras (1)	achenes	songbirds	attractive sunflower	from transplants and moist stratified seeds	a very flexibleand adaptable species; prefers dry, poor acid soil
Rudbeckia subtomentosa	fragrant coneflower; sweet black-eyed Susan	sand prairies; prairie/woodland borders	N, C, S	3-5′	long-tongued bees (13), short-tongued bees (14), other Hymenoptera (16), Diptera (35), Lepidoptera (12), Coleoptera (3), Hemiptera (4)	achenes	songbirds	attractive sunflower	probably similar to R. hirta
Rudbeckia triloba	brown-eyed Susan	wet prairies; open woods; along streams	N, C, S	1-4′	long-tongue bees (23), short-tongued bees (25), other Hymenoptera (12), Diptera (37), Lepidoptera (7),	achenes	songbirds	attractive sunflower	probably similar to R. hirta
Ruellia humilis	wild petunia	hill and sand prairies; dry to mesic prairies	N, C, S	1-1.5′	insects	capsules	songbirds, gamebirds, small mammals
Salix humilis	see “Shrubs” table					see “Shrubs” table
Schizachyrium scoparium	little bluestem	hill, gravel, and sand prairies; dry to mesic prairies; roadsides	N, C, S	3-4′	long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, Diptera	hairy grain	songbirds, small mammals, gamebirds	moderately aggressive; excellent nesting cover	easy from dry stratified seed	prefers drier soils, but very adaptable
Schrankia uncinata	cat-claw	dry prairies	N, C	3′	wind	prickly legumes
Scirpus pendulus	bulrush	mesic prairies; low woods; along streams	N, C, S	3′	wind	achenes		good nesting cover
Senecio plattensis	prairie groundsel	hill and gravel prairies; bluff tops	N, C	1-1.5′	Diptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera	achenes with tufts of hair			establish from moist stratified seed or transplants	needs rich, moist soils
Silphium integrifolium	rosinweed	hill prairies; dry, mesic, wet prairies	N, C, S	3-5′	long-tongued bees (18), short-tongued bees (3), Diptera (3)	achenes	small mammals, songbirds	soil forming	easy from seeds, transplants
Silphium laciniatum	compass plant	mesic prairies	N, C, S	4-9′	long-tongued bees (13), short-tongued bees (5), Diptera (9), Lepidoptera (2)	achenes	small mammals, songbirds	soil forming; very aggressive	easy from moist stratified seeds, and transplants
Silphium terebinthinaceum	prairie-dock	mesic to wet prairies	N, C, S	5-10′	long-tongued bees (7), short-tongued bees (2), other Hymenoptera (1), Diptera (2)	achenes	small mammmals	classic prairie species	easy from moist stratified seeds, and transplants
Sisyrinchium albidum	blue-eyed grass	hill, gravel, and sand prairies; dry to mesic prairies	N, C, S	6-10”	long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, Diptera	capsules with round seeds	underground rhizomes eaten by herbivores	lovely flowers	easy from fresh or dry stratified seeds
Solanum carolinense	horse-nettle	sand prairies; disturbed areas	N, C, S	3′	long-tongued bees (3), probably many other insects	berry		weedy, but attracts many pollinators	easy from seed; readily self-sows
Solidago canadensis	tall goldenrod	mesic prairies; roadsides; open fields	N, C, S	1-4′	long-tongued bees (22), short-tongued bees (28), other Hymenoptera (81), Diptera (62), Lepidoptera (8), Coleoptera (14), Hemiptera (3)	achenes with tufts of hair	songbirds, small mammals	spreads rapidly; binds soil; does not cause allergies; somewhat weedy	easy from stratified seeds, or transplants
Solidago juncea	early goldenrod	dry to mesic prairies; open woods; old fields	N, C, S	2-4′	probably similar to S. missouriensis	achenes with tufts of hair	songbirds, small mammals	soil binding; spreads rapidly; does not cause allergies	easy from stratified seeds, or transplants
Solidago missouriensis	Missouri goldenrod	mesic prairies; degraded prairies; old fields	N, C, S	1-3′	long-tongued bees (6), short-tongued bees (10), other Hymenoptera (31), diptera (17), Coleoptera (3), Hemiptera (1)	achenes with tufts of hair	songbirds, small mammals	soil binding; spreads rapidly; does not cause allergies	easy from stratified seeds, or transplants
Solidago nemoralis	field goldenrod	hill prairies; dry to mesic prairies; old fields	N, C, S	1-3′	long-tongued bees (8), short-tongued bees (15), other Hymenoptera (28), Diptera (27), Lepidoptera (6), Coleoptera (5), Hemiptera (3)	achenes with tufts of hair	songbirds, small mammals	soil binding; spreads rapidly; does not cause allergies	easy by division, can also use dry stratified seed
Solidago riddellii	Riddell goldenrod	mesic to wet prairies; fens and seeps	N, C, S	2-3′	bees, flies	achenes with tufts of hair	songbirds, small mammals	soil binding	easy from seeds	adaptable to moist situations
Solidago rigida	rigid goldenrod	hill prairies; dry to mesic prairies; degraded prairies	N, C, S	2-4′	long-tongued bees (9), short-tongued (3), other Hymenoptera (16), Diptera (13), Lepidoptera (7), Coleoptera (3)	achenes with tufts of hair	songbirds, small mammals	soil binding; too aggressive for small plantings	easy from seeds	often envades roadsides and disturbed areas, especially if moist sites
Solidago speciosa	showy goldenrod	hill and sand prairies; dry to mesic prairies; open woods	N, C, S	2-6′	long-tongued bees (5), other Hymenoptera (1), Lepidoptera (2)	achenes with tufts of hair	songbirds	soil binding; becomes aggressive with increasing moisture	from dry stratified seeds	adaptable to various moisture regimes
Sorghastrum nutans	Indian grass	hill and sand prairies; dry, mesic, wet prairies	N, C, S	4-8′	wind	hairy grain	waterfowl, marshbirds, songbirds; muskrats eat roots	soil forming; aggressive; excellent nesting cover	from cold stratified seeds
Spartina pectinata	cord grass	wet to wet prairies; wet ditches	N, C, S	3-6′	wind	grain	small mammals, songbirds, gamebirds	excellent nesting cover	from cold stratified seeds, viability often poor
Spiranthes cernua	nodding ladies’ tresses	sand prairies; fens; dry woodlands; old fields	N, C, S	1-2′	long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees	capsules with minute seeds		viability low	not difficult to transplant
Spiranthes mag-nicamporum	fragrant ladies’ tresses	hill and sand prairies; mesic prairies; dry upland wood	N, C	1-2′	long-tongued bees, short-tongeud bees	capsules with minute seeds	gamebirds, songbirds
Sporobolus heterolepis	northern prairie dropseed	dry to mesic prairies; dry uplands	N, C, S	2-3′	wind	grain	songbirds, small mammals	very important food source; beautiful tufted clumps	easy from dry stratified seed
Stipa spartea	porcupine grass	hill and sand prairies; dry to mesic prairies	N, C	2-4′	wind	grain	gamebirds	very important food source	from cold stratified seeds
Tephrosia virginiana	goat’s rue	hill and sand prairies; dry prairies; upland sites	N, C, S	1-2′	long-tongued bees (5)	legumes	gamebirds	nitrogen fixing; attractive flowers	best establishment from scarified, inoculated, and moist stratified seed	thrives on dry soil
Thalictrum dasycarpum	purple meadow rue	mesic to wet prairies; sedge meadows; streambanks	N, C, S	3-4′	mostly dioecious; wind, Diptera, bees	achenes		attractive plant	transplants or stratified seeds
Thaspium barbinode	hairy meadow parsnip	mesic prairies; savannas	N, C	3′	insects, especially Diptera	nutlets	butterflies		easily grown
Tradescantia ohiensis	spiderwort	hill, gravel, and sand prairies; dry, mesic, wet prairies; savannas	N, C, S	2-3′	probably similar to T. virginiana	capsules	songbirds		easy from fresh or moist stratified seeds	drought resistant
Tradescantia virginiana	spiderwort	sand prairies; savannas; woodlands	C, S	1′	long-tongued bees (7), short-tongued bees (2), Coleoptera (1)	capsules	songbirds		easy from fresh or moist stratified seeds	drought resistant
Verbena strica	hoary vervain	hill prairies; dry prairies; degraded prairies; pastures; fields	N, C, S	2-3′	long-tongued bees (59), short-tongued bees (11), other Hymenoptera (5), Diptera (15), Lepidoptera (30)	nutlets	songbirds, butterflies	somewhat weedy	easily grown from cold stratified seeds
Vernonia fasciculata	common ironweed	mesic to wet prairies	N, C, S	2-4′	long-tongued bees (20), short-tongued bees (6), Diptera (3), Lepidoptera (16)	achenes with tufts of hair	butterflies	aggressive establisher	easily grown from cold stratified seeds
Veronicastrum virginicum	Culver’s root	mesic to wet prairies	N, C, S	3-6′	bees, other Hymenoptera	capsules with many tiny seeds	ants, gamebirds	seeds small and difficult to germinate, although spreads easily once established	from seed and stem cuttings
Viola pedata	birdfoot violet	gravel and sand prairies; dry to mesic prairies; savannas	N, C, S	3-6”	long-tongued bees (6), Diptera (1), Lepidoptera (7)	capsules	ants, gamebirds eat roots, butterfly larvae	difficult to grow; showy flowers; only moderately competitive	best from dry stratified seeds
Viola pedatifida	prairie violet	dry to mesic prairie; upland prairies	N, C	3-6”	long-tongued bees (1)	capsules	ants, gamebirds eat roots, butterflies larvae	showy flower	use fresh seeds
Zizia aptera	heart-leafed meadow parsnip	gravel prairies; dry prairies	N	1-2′	bees, Diptera	nutlets	butterfly larvae	attractive early lowers	use fresh seeds which need long period of stratification
Zizia aurea	golden Alexanders	mesic to wet prairies; fens; woodlands	N, C, S	1-3′	long-tongued bees (19), short-tongued bees (42), other Hymenoptera (32), Diptera (65), Lepidoptera (5), Coleoptera (13)	nutlets	butterfly larvae	attractive early flowers	use fresh seeds which need long period of stratification

Almost all species of prairie plants occur in habitats other than prairies; in this column the emphasis is on the different types of prairies in which the species occur. Information on habitat based primarily on Evers (1955); Kirt (1989); Korling (1972); Lunn (1982); Mohlenbrock (1986); Runkel & Roosa (1989); Swink & Wilhelm (1979); Voight & Mohlenbrock (1979); White (1978) as well as personal observations.
Information on region based primarily on Mohlenbrock & Ladd (1978); Mohlenbrock (1986); “n” = north of Interstate 80; “c” = central, between Interstate 80 and Interstate 64; “s” = south of Interstate 64; a capital letter indicates that the species is native to that region while a lower case letter indicates that the species can be cultivated in the region although it is not native there.
Information on height based primarily on Kirt (1989); Korling (1972); Lunn (1982); Mohlenbrock (1986); Runkel & Roosa (1989); Voight & Mohlenbrock (1979).
All flowers perfect unless otherwise mentioned; information on pollination mostly from Robertson (1929). Perfect flowers = flowers have both female & male parts; monoecious = separate female and male flowers on the same plant; dioecious = separate female and male flowers on different plants; polygamous = a mix of perfect and/or female and male flowers on the same plant. The numbers in parentheses refer to the number of species reported visiting this species by Robertson (1929).
Information of fruits largely from Fernald (1950) and personal observations by K. R. Robertson.
Information on wildlife primarily based on: DeGraaf & Witman (1979); Ehrlich et al. (1988); Gill & Healy (1974); Martin et al. (1951).
Information on special largely from Kirt (1989); Runkel & Roosa (1989); Voss & Mohlenbrock (1979).
Information on Establishment and Adaptability mostly from McClain (1986); Rock (1979).