GARDEN

from Fargo Inspired Home Magazine March/April 2020

CUISINE

GARDEN

On a warm summer day, nature seems entirely in balance and at peace. The tall big bluestem grass provides a perfect backdrop for black-eyed susans and bee balm, also known as wild bergamot. Native flowers are an excellent pollen and nectar source for bees and butterflies.

Prairie grasses, a precious asset

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREN FERRAGUT CARLSON

There is a particular beauty about prairie grass bending under it’s own weight, the speckled spectrum of color that dots the prairies in early spring, and the undulating waves of wind through them. Growing up in North Dakota I was raised to notice the quiet and humble things my state has to offer: the endless expanse of space, the subtle change in light as seasons progress and the wind winding herself through our native grasses. North Dakota, steeped in natural beauty and color, still claims her prairie although the original native prairie exists now only in small portions of our state. Less than one-tenth of 1% of all tallgrass prairie remains in North Dakota. The Sheyenne National Grassland located in the areas of the Sheyenne River in Ransom and Richland counties, is a protected ecosystem that remains for us to enjoy and conserve. Prairie may be thought of as a humble and far less showy rainforest. It supports a tremendous amount of life including bison, pronghorn sheep, elk, plains grizzlies, wolves and, at one time, an innumerable variety of prairie grasses, forbs (herbaceous flowering plants) and insects.

Native prairie once extended hundreds of miles across the heartland, colorfully carpeting a quarter of the lower 48. Today, threats remain for our fractional remaining prairie. Large-scale agriculture and intensive grazing are easily criticized, but there are multiple facets to consider such as fire suppression, introduction of new plant species, insecticides and altered hydrology. Because of its unpretentious appearance, it is easy to forget the prairie’s importance. Worldwide prairies, like rainforests, are considered one of the most imperiled habitats. In North Dakota, 80% of our native prairie is gone, with more than a 95% loss in the Red River Valley. Most remaining prairie lies in the western part of our state, a tragic loss

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King of the native grasses, big bluestem plays a dramatic role in tallgrass prairies. Tall and proud, it is drought tolerant with main roots that grow 6-10 feet. Identifiable by its "turkey foot" top, the mature plant turns deep burgundy in color.

An endangered species since 2008, the western prairie fringed orchid grows about 2 feet tall and may have nearly two dozen beautiful "fringed" flowers running up and down its stem. The flowers are most fragrant at night and are pollinated by Sphinx moths.

program has been in decline since 2008, following higher commodity prices.

What can we do? The first step is to become educated on the issue. Individuals young and old can become involved in prairie management in small yet effective ways. Recreating pieces of small prairie land can truly make a difference by planting native grasses and flowers in your own yard.

After two to three years of planting even a small tract of space, you’ll help foster “natural order” to attract wildlife. We can all help North Dakota revert to its original grandeur. Joseph Nicollet, French scientist, explorer and expedition leader through North Dakota in 1839, described the prairie as “perhaps the most beautiful land within the territory of the United States.”

There is a particular beauty about prairie grass bending under its own weight, the speckled spectrum of color that dots the prairies in early spring and the undulating waves of wind through them. It is a peaceful and innate freedom. This spring, plant native grasses in your own yard. It is a testament to our state and to our pioneer spirit.

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The powershiek skipperling was once an abundant prairie butterfly in Manitoba, the Dakotas and Michigan. In February 2019, it was declared an endangered species. Since 2018, the Minnesota Zoo is rearing and releasing the butterfly to reestablish its populations.

for wildlife habitat. Loss of prairie grasses and forbs are of great concern, but we lose more than plants. Native grasslands are primary nesting sites for a large number of bird species and are refuge areas for birds during long migratory flights. Many of our own prairie bird populations are in decline including Sprague’s pipit, which is a candidate under the Endangered Species Act, among others. The western prairie-fringed orchid, once abundant in the tall-grass prairies, is now a rare find. Pollinators like the powershiek skipperling butterfly, which uses little bluestem and purple coneflower as a nutrient source, is another candidate for the endangered species list.

U.S. Forest Service, Nature Conservancy, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Ducks Unlimited are all at work to conserve and protect North Dakota’s remaining native prairie. The Conservation Reserve Program, enacted in 1987, is a government program that pays farmers to plant grass on marginal land previously plowed for crops. In an initially successful attempt to create grassland, the Acrylic Frame

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IMAGINE the view the first settlers experienced from atop a grassy knoll — the Great Plains in its unbroken state. Within those waves of gold and green, these striking grasses surely stood out from the rest. Add these beautiful North Dakota tallgrass native grasses to your landscape!

big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), perennial

The king of the prairie grasses, it reaches towards the skies and sends deep roots. Its vertical stems stand firmly and sway with a slight breeze. They change to a vibrant shade of maroon red in the fall. Three-pronged seed heads give it its nickname, “turkey foot.” Sunloving, it grows well in medium to moist soil and grows 4 to 8 feet. It attracts birds, pollinators and is deer resistant.

little blue stem (Schizachyrium scoparium), perennial

A very ornamental bunchgrass, the finetextured foliage forms dense mounds 18-24 inches tall. Slender blue-green stems reach 3 feet by September and turn radiant mahogany-red with white, shiny seed tufts in the fall, staying colorful through winter. They prefer sun to part shade, are drought tolerant, deer resistant and attract birds, butterflies and pollinators.

Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans), perennial

Easy to spot on the prairie with its yellow/tan plumes and vase shape, this grass loves heavy clay soils, but it will grow in many soil types. It prefers medium to dry soils and grows 3 to 8 feet high, with mature plants reaching a 5-foot wide clump. This striking grass in fall turns gold and purple. Deer resistant and drought tolerant, it attracts birds, butterflies and loves tall companions for support.

prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis), perennial

This tall native is a mounding grass that adds elegance to any landscape. The bright green fountain appearance is well defined and creates stunning borders when planted 18 to 24 inches apart. Sun loving, it prefers medium to dry soil. A beautiful golden yellow in fall, this grass is deer resistant, attracts birds and is drought resistant.

switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), perennial

Airy seed heads and upright habit make a beautiful statement in your landscape. Adding structure, texture and movement they grow 4 to 8 feet in clumping patterns. Fall colors range from red, golden yellow to blue foliage with purple seed heads, depending on variety. It prefers sun to part-shade and dry to moist soils. Deer resistant, it attracts songbirds, butterflies and bees.

sedge grass (Carex muskingumensis), perennial

This North Dakota native grass is a dense clump forming wetland sedge with striking texture. Attractive bright green and reminiscent of palm fronds, it prospers in shaded or partly shaded wet sites but will tolerate sun if moisture is present. Bright yellow foliage in fall, this native grass is perfect for erosion control, stormwater management, rain gardens, ground cover and mass plantings. Growing 2 to 3 feet high, it is deer and drought resistant.

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