Prairie Plant Guide

Grass (Poaceae):

Eastern Gamagrass

Grass (Poaceae):

Indiangrass Big Bluestem Bushy Bluestem Little Bluestem Silver Bluestem Knotroot Bristlegrass Gulf Coast Muhly

Switchgrass Brownseed Pasalum Florida Paspalum Longspike Tridens

Orchid (Orchidaceae):

Eastern Gamagrass Indiangrass

Big Bluestem Bushy Bluestem Little Bluestem Silver Bluestem Knotroot Bristlegrass Gulf Coast Muhly

Switchgrass Brownseed Pasalum Florida Paspalum Longspike Tridens

Orchid (Orchidaceae):

Gulf Cordgrass

Spring Ladies’ Tresses

Gulf Cordgrass

Spring Ladies’ Tresses

Grass (Poaceae):

Eastern Gamagrass

Grass (Poaceae):

Eastern Gamagrass

Indiangrass Big Bluestem Bushy Bluestem Little Bluestem Silver Bluestem Knotroot Bristlegrass Gulf Coast Muhly Gulf Cordgrass

Switchgrass Brownseed Pasalum Florida Paspalum Longspike Tridens

Orchid (Orchidaceae): Spring Ladies’ Tresses

Indiangrass Big Bluestem Bushy Bluestem Little Bluestem Silver Bluestem Knotroot Bristlegrass Gulf Coast Muhly Gulf Cordgrass

Switchgrass Brownseed Pasalum Florida Paspalum Longspike Tridens

Orchid (Orchidaceae): Spring Ladies’ Tresses

Little Bluestem

Little Bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium (SCSC)

Schizachyrium scoparium (SCSC)

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 50 - 200 cm Flowers: August - November Description: The dominant forage of the True Prairie and considered on of the “big four” grasses. The leaves often have a blue-green appearance and the stems are flattened, especially near the base of the plant. It has a single inflorescence which emerges from a slightly inflated leaf. It provides screening and nesting cover for some wildlife species and good forage for cattle. It is used as an ornamental in some landscapes. Larval host for Ottoe Skipper, Indian Skipper, Crossline Skipper, Cobweb butterfly, and Dixie Skipper. Forage for bison, deer and cattle.

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 50 - 200 cm Flowers: August - November Description: The dominant forage of the True Prairie and considered on of the “big four” grasses. The leaves often have a blue-green appearance and the stems are flattened, especially near the base of the plant. It has a single inflorescence which emerges from a slightly inflated leaf. It provides screening and nesting cover for some wildlife species and good forage for cattle. It is used as an ornamental in some landscapes. Larval host for Ottoe Skipper, Indian Skipper, Crossline Skipper, Cobweb butterfly, and Dixie Skipper. Forage for bison, deer and cattle.

Little Bluestem

Little Bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium (SCSC)

Schizachyrium scoparium (SCSC)

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 50 - 200 cm Flowers: August - November Description: The dominant forage of the True Prairie and considered on of the “big four” grasses. The leaves often have a blue-green appearance and the stems are flattened, especially near the base of the plant. It has a single inflorescence which emerges from a slightly inflated leaf. It provides screening and nesting cover for some wildlife species and good forage for cattle. It is used as an ornamental in some landscapes. Larval host for Ottoe Skipper, Indian Skipper, Crossline Skipper, Cobweb butterfly, and Dixie Skipper. Forage for bison, deer and cattle.

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 50 - 200 cm Flowers: August - November Description: The dominant forage of the True Prairie and considered on of the “big four” grasses. The leaves often have a blue-green appearance and the stems are flattened, especially near the base of the plant. It has a single inflorescence which emerges from a slightly inflated leaf. It provides screening and nesting cover for some wildlife species and good forage for cattle. It is used as an ornamental in some landscapes. Larval host for Ottoe Skipper, Indian Skipper, Crossline Skipper, Cobweb butterfly, and Dixie Skipper. Forage for bison, deer and cattle.

Big Bluestem

Big Bluestem

Andropogon gerardii Vitman (ANGE)

Andropogon gerardii Vitman (ANGE)

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 200 - 250 cm Flowers: August - November Description: Occurs from the short grass prairie region to the Atlantic Ocean. It is tufted, forms sod, and has short, scaly rhizomes. It is very leafy at the base, with some leaves carried up on the stem. The seed heads normally have 3 spikelets that appear like a ‘turkey foot’. A favorite grazing grass for bison and cattle. Cover for greater than 24 species songbirds, nesting sites for Grasshopper Sparrow, Henslow’s Sparrow, Sedge Wrens, Western Meadowlark.

Larval host for Delaware Skipper and Dusted Skipper.

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 200 - 250 cm Flowers: August - November Description: Occurs from the short grass prairie region to the Atlantic Ocean. It is tufted, forms sod, and has short, scaly rhizomes. It is very leafy at the base, with some leaves carried up on the stem. The seed heads normally have 3 spikelets that appear like a ‘turkey foot’. A favorite grazing grass for bison and cattle. Cover for greater than 24 species songbirds, nesting sites for Grasshopper Sparrow, Henslow’s Sparrow, Sedge Wrens, Western Meadowlark.

Larval host for Delaware Skipper and Dusted Skipper.

Big Bluestem

Big Bluestem

Andropogon gerardii Vitman (ANGE)

Andropogon gerardii Vitman (ANGE)

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 200 - 250 cm Flowers: August - November Description: Occurs from the short grass prairie region to the Atlantic Ocean. It is tufted, forms sod, and has short, scaly rhizomes. It is very leafy at the base, with some leaves carried up on the stem. The seed heads normally have 3 spikelets that appear like a ‘turkey foot’. A favorite grazing grass for bison and cattle. Cover for greater than 24 species songbirds, nesting sites for Grasshopper Sparrow, Henslow’s Sparrow, Sedge Wrens, Western Meadowlark.

Larval host for Delaware Skipper and Dusted Skipper.

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 200 - 250 cm Flowers: August - November Description: Occurs from the short grass prairie region to the Atlantic Ocean. It is tufted, forms sod, and has short, scaly rhizomes. It is very leafy at the base, with some leaves carried up on the stem. The seed heads normally have 3 spikelets that appear like a ‘turkey foot’. A favorite grazing grass for bison and cattle. Cover for greater than 24 species songbirds, nesting sites for Grasshopper Sparrow, Henslow’s Sparrow, Sedge Wrens, Western Meadowlark.

Larval host for Delaware Skipper and Dusted Skipper.

Silver Bluestem

Silver Bluestem

Bothriochloa saccharoides (BOSA)

Bothriochloa saccharoides (BOSA)

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 60 - 130 cm Flowers: May - November Description: Typically occurs on dry upland sites and is often an indicator of declining or improving range conditions. The inflorescence is conspicuously hairy. It is of little value to most wildlife species but may provide cover for some. It provides fair forage for cattle.

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 60 - 130 cm Flowers: May - November Description: Typically occurs on dry upland sites and is often an indicator of declining or improving range conditions. The inflorescence is conspicuously hairy. It is of little value to most wildlife species but may provide cover for some. It provides fair forage for cattle.

Silver Bluestem

Silver Bluestem

Bothriochloa saccharoides (BOSA)

Bothriochloa saccharoides (BOSA)

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 60 - 130 cm Flowers: May - November Description: Typically occurs on dry upland sites and is often an indicator of declining or improving range conditions. The inflorescence is conspicuously hairy. It is of little value to most wildlife species but may provide cover for some. It provides fair forage for cattle.

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 60 - 130 cm Flowers: May - November Description: Typically occurs on dry upland sites and is often an indicator of declining or improving range conditions. The inflorescence is conspicuously hairy. It is of little value to most wildlife species but may provide cover for some. It provides fair forage for cattle.

Bushy Bluestem

Bushy Bluestem

Andropogon glomeratus (ANGL)

Andropogon glomeratus (ANGL)

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 75 – 150 cm Flowers: September - November Description: Typically occurs in low-lying wet areas.

Is very similar in appearance to Broomsedge bluestem but with a more “bushy” inflorescence. It provides screening and nesting cover for some species of wildlife, is poor quality forage for cattle and is often used as an ornamental grass in landscapes. Seeds eaten by Prairie Chickens, wild Turkey, Chipping Sparrow, small mammals, meadow mouse. Forage for White-tailed deer and meadow mouse.

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 75 – 150 cm Flowers: September - November Description: Typically occurs in low-lying wet areas.

Is very similar in appearance to Broomsedge bluestem but with a more “bushy” inflorescence. It provides screening and nesting cover for some species of wildlife, is poor quality forage for cattle and is often used as an ornamental grass in landscapes. Seeds eaten by Prairie Chickens, wild Turkey, Chipping Sparrow, small mammals, meadow mouse. Forage for White-tailed deer and meadow mouse.

Bushy Bluestem

Bushy Bluestem

Andropogon glomeratus (ANGL)

Andropogon glomeratus (ANGL)

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 75 – 150 cm Flowers: September - November Description: Typically occurs in low-lying wet areas.

Is very similar in appearance to Broomsedge bluestem but with a more “bushy” inflorescence. It provides screening and nesting cover for some species of wildlife, is poor quality forage for cattle and is often used as an ornamental grass in landscapes. Seeds eaten by Prairie Chickens, wild Turkey, Chipping Sparrow, small mammals, meadow mouse. Forage for White-tailed deer and meadow mouse.

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 75 – 150 cm Flowers: September - November Description: Typically occurs in low-lying wet areas.

Is very similar in appearance to Broomsedge bluestem but with a more “bushy” inflorescence. It provides screening and nesting cover for some species of wildlife, is poor quality forage for cattle and is often used as an ornamental grass in landscapes. Seeds eaten by Prairie Chickens, wild Turkey, Chipping Sparrow, small mammals, meadow mouse. Forage for White-tailed deer and meadow mouse.

Switchgrass

Switchgrass

Panicum virgatum L. (PAVI2)

Panicum virgatum L. (PAVI2)

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 50 - 300 cm Flowers: August - November Description: A dominant bunchgrass of the Tallgrass prairie considered one of the “big four” grasses, occur-­ ring on various soil types throughout our region. It is strongly rhizomatous and has leaves to over 1 cm wide.

It often can be identified vegetatively by dense hairs at the leaf base. It provides nestling and screening cover for some wildlife species and excellent forage for cattle.

Serves as a larval host for many different butterfly species.

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 50 - 300 cm Flowers: August - November Description: A dominant bunchgrass of the Tallgrass prairie considered one of the “big four” grasses, occur-­ ring on various soil types throughout our region. It is strongly rhizomatous and has leaves to over 1 cm wide.

It often can be identified vegetatively by dense hairs at the leaf base. It provides nestling and screening cover for some wildlife species and excellent forage for cattle.

Serves as a larval host for many different butterfly species.

Switchgrass

Switchgrass

Panicum virgatum L. (PAVI2)

Panicum virgatum L. (PAVI2)

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 50 - 300 cm Flowers: August - November Description: A dominant bunchgrass of the Tallgrass prairie considered one of the “big four” grasses, occur-­ ring on various soil types throughout our region. It is strongly rhizomatous and has leaves to over 1 cm wide.

It often can be identified vegetatively by dense hairs at the leaf base. It provides nestling and screening cover for some wildlife species and excellent forage for cattle.

Serves as a larval host for many different butterfly species.

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 50 - 300 cm Flowers: August - November Description: A dominant bunchgrass of the Tallgrass prairie considered one of the “big four” grasses, occur-­ ring on various soil types throughout our region. It is strongly rhizomatous and has leaves to over 1 cm wide.

It often can be identified vegetatively by dense hairs at the leaf base. It provides nestling and screening cover for some wildlife species and excellent forage for cattle.

Serves as a larval host for many different butterfly species.

Indiangrass

Indiangrass

Sorghastrum nutans L. (SONU2)

Sorghastrum nutans L. (SONU2)

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 100 - 200 cm Flowers: September - October Description: The state grass of Oklahoma. It is a Tallgrass of the True Prairie and one of the “big four” grasses. It provides forage for livestock. The leaves are broad with a blue-green color and the ligules/auricles take on the appearance of rabbit ears, which make it easy to identify vegetatively. It provides screening cover for some wildlife species. Used as grain by Early Americans. Serves as larval host for many different butterfly species.

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 100 - 200 cm Flowers: September - October Description: The state grass of Oklahoma. It is a Tallgrass of the True Prairie and one of the “big four” grasses. It provides forage for livestock. The leaves are broad with a blue-green color and the ligules/auricles take on the appearance of rabbit ears, which make it easy to identify vegetatively. It provides screening cover for some wildlife species. Used as grain by Early Americans. Serves as larval host for many different butterfly species.

Indiangrass

Indiangrass

Sorghastrum nutans L. (SONU2)

Sorghastrum nutans L. (SONU2)

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 100 - 200 cm Flowers: September - October Description: The state grass of Oklahoma. It is a Tallgrass of the True Prairie and one of the “big four” grasses. It provides forage for livestock. The leaves are broad with a blue-green color and the ligules/auricles take on the appearance of rabbit ears, which make it easy to identify vegetatively. It provides screening cover for some wildlife species. Used as grain by Early Americans. Serves as larval host for many different butterfly species.

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 100 - 200 cm Flowers: September - October Description: The state grass of Oklahoma. It is a Tallgrass of the True Prairie and one of the “big four” grasses. It provides forage for livestock. The leaves are broad with a blue-green color and the ligules/auricles take on the appearance of rabbit ears, which make it easy to identify vegetatively. It provides screening cover for some wildlife species. Used as grain by Early Americans. Serves as larval host for many different butterfly species.

Eastern Gamagrass

Eastern Gamagrass

Tripsacum dactyloides L. (TRDA3)

Tripsacum dactyloides L. (TRDA3)

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 100 - 200 cm Flowers: April - November Description: A tallgrass of the True Prairie mostly found in wetter undisturbed sites. It is palatable to livestock and cannot withstand overgrazing. Closely related to corn, it has broad leaves and an inflorescence with male flowers occurring above the female flowers. It provides screening cover for some wildlife species.

Seeds believed to have been popped like popcorn by Early Americans.

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 100 - 200 cm Flowers: April - November Description: A tallgrass of the True Prairie mostly found in wetter undisturbed sites. It is palatable to livestock and cannot withstand overgrazing. Closely related to corn, it has broad leaves and an inflorescence with male flowers occurring above the female flowers. It provides screening cover for some wildlife species.

Seeds believed to have been popped like popcorn by Early Americans.

Eastern Gamagrass

Eastern Gamagrass

Tripsacum dactyloides L. (TRDA3)

Tripsacum dactyloides L. (TRDA3)

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 100 - 200 cm Flowers: April - November Description: A tallgrass of the True Prairie mostly found in wetter undisturbed sites. It is palatable to livestock and cannot withstand overgrazing. Closely related to corn, it has broad leaves and an inflorescence with male flowers occurring above the female flowers. It provides screening cover for some wildlife species.

Seeds believed to have been popped like popcorn by Early Americans.

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 100 - 200 cm Flowers: April - November Description: A tallgrass of the True Prairie mostly found in wetter undisturbed sites. It is palatable to livestock and cannot withstand overgrazing. Closely related to corn, it has broad leaves and an inflorescence with male flowers occurring above the female flowers. It provides screening cover for some wildlife species.

Seeds believed to have been popped like popcorn by Early Americans.

Brownseed Paspalum

Brownseed Paspalum

Paspalum plicatulum Vasey (PAPL3)

Paspalum plicatulum Vasey (PAPL3)

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 50 - 100 cm Flowers: May - November Description: Brown-seed paspalum is a warm season bunchgrass that grows on sand and sandy loam soils in South Texas. Plants from moist, sandy soils usually have very pronounced rhizomes. This grass is considered a climax dominant on sandy upland sites. It provides good to excellent nesting cover for bobwhite quail, as well as a hard seed that is consumed by quail and turkey. In addition, it provides fair forage for livestock. Larval host for Bunchgrass Skipper.

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 50 - 100 cm Flowers: May - November Description: Brown-seed paspalum is a warm season bunchgrass that grows on sand and sandy loam soils in South Texas. Plants from moist, sandy soils usually have very pronounced rhizomes. This grass is considered a climax dominant on sandy upland sites. It provides good to excellent nesting cover for bobwhite quail, as well as a hard seed that is consumed by quail and turkey. In addition, it provides fair forage for livestock. Larval host for Bunchgrass Skipper.

Brownseed Paspalum

Brownseed Paspalum

Paspalum plicatulum Vasey (PAPL3)

Paspalum plicatulum Vasey (PAPL3)

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 50 - 100 cm Flowers: May - November Description: Brown-seed paspalum is a warm season bunchgrass that grows on sand and sandy loam soils in South Texas. Plants from moist, sandy soils usually have very pronounced rhizomes. This grass is considered a climax dominant on sandy upland sites. It provides good to excellent nesting cover for bobwhite quail, as well as a hard seed that is consumed by quail and turkey. In addition, it provides fair forage for livestock. Larval host for Bunchgrass Skipper.

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 50 - 100 cm Flowers: May - November Description: Brown-seed paspalum is a warm season bunchgrass that grows on sand and sandy loam soils in South Texas. Plants from moist, sandy soils usually have very pronounced rhizomes. This grass is considered a climax dominant on sandy upland sites. It provides good to excellent nesting cover for bobwhite quail, as well as a hard seed that is consumed by quail and turkey. In addition, it provides fair forage for livestock. Larval host for Bunchgrass Skipper.

Florida Paspalum

Florida Paspalum

Paspalum floridanum Michx. (PAFL4)

Paspalum floridanum Michx. (PAFL4)

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 100 - 200 cm Flowers: August - November Description: Similar to Dallisgrass but more robust. It is frequently found growing in grassland and open woodlands in the eastern part of our region but never abundant. Spikelets are glabrous - smooth, hairless - and broadly rounded. It provides good forage for cattle and the seeds are used by some wildlife species.

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 100 - 200 cm Flowers: August - November Description: Similar to Dallisgrass but more robust. It is frequently found growing in grassland and open woodlands in the eastern part of our region but never abundant. Spikelets are glabrous - smooth, hairless - and broadly rounded. It provides good forage for cattle and the seeds are used by some wildlife species.

Florida Paspalum

Florida Paspalum

Paspalum floridanum Michx. (PAFL4)

Paspalum floridanum Michx. (PAFL4)

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 100 - 200 cm Flowers: August - November Description: Similar to Dallisgrass but more robust. It is frequently found growing in grassland and open woodlands in the eastern part of our region but never abundant. Spikelets are glabrous - smooth, hairless - and broadly rounded. It provides good forage for cattle and the seeds are used by some wildlife species.

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 100 - 200 cm Flowers: August - November Description: Similar to Dallisgrass but more robust. It is frequently found growing in grassland and open woodlands in the eastern part of our region but never abundant. Spikelets are glabrous - smooth, hairless - and broadly rounded. It provides good forage for cattle and the seeds are used by some wildlife species.

Longspike Tridens

Longspike Tridens

Tridens strictus (TRST2)

Tridens strictus (TRST2)

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 50 - 170 cm Flowers: July - November Description: Longspike tridens is most frequently found on heavier textured, low-lying, moist soils in our region.

However, it is also common to upland prairies. Its inflorescence is narrow but with glumes exceeding or equaling the spikelet. It provides cover for some wildlife species and fair forage for cattle.

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 50 - 170 cm Flowers: July - November Description: Longspike tridens is most frequently found on heavier textured, low-lying, moist soils in our region.

However, it is also common to upland prairies. Its inflorescence is narrow but with glumes exceeding or equaling the spikelet. It provides cover for some wildlife species and fair forage for cattle.

Longspike Tridens

Longspike Tridens

Tridens strictus (TRST2)

Tridens strictus (TRST2)

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 50 - 170 cm Flowers: July - November Description: Longspike tridens is most frequently found on heavier textured, low-lying, moist soils in our region.

However, it is also common to upland prairies. Its inflorescence is narrow but with glumes exceeding or equaling the spikelet. It provides cover for some wildlife species and fair forage for cattle.

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 50 - 170 cm Flowers: July - November Description: Longspike tridens is most frequently found on heavier textured, low-lying, moist soils in our region.

However, it is also common to upland prairies. Its inflorescence is narrow but with glumes exceeding or equaling the spikelet. It provides cover for some wildlife species and fair forage for cattle.

Gulf Cordgrass

Gulf Cordgrass

Spartina spartinae (Trin.) (SPSP)

Spartina spartinae (Trin.) (SPSP)

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 15 – 25 cm Flowers: May - August Description: Gulf cordgrass is a stout, grass that grows in dense clumps. It has a non-rhizomatous base, although occasionally it can be sub-rhizomatous towards the outer edges of the clump. The tips of this grass’s leaf blades are sharp and spine-like. It is moderately saline tolerant (0-18ppt.) and does well in mesic areas. It can even grow in soils that are occasionally submerged, but are above sea level most of the time. A favorite for grazing animals.

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 15 – 25 cm Flowers: May - August Description: Gulf cordgrass is a stout, grass that grows in dense clumps. It has a non-rhizomatous base, although occasionally it can be sub-rhizomatous towards the outer edges of the clump. The tips of this grass’s leaf blades are sharp and spine-like. It is moderately saline tolerant (0-18ppt.) and does well in mesic areas. It can even grow in soils that are occasionally submerged, but are above sea level most of the time. A favorite for grazing animals.

Gulf Cordgrass

Gulf Cordgrass

Spartina spartinae (Trin.) (SPSP)

Spartina spartinae (Trin.) (SPSP)

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 15 – 25 cm Flowers: May - August Description: Gulf cordgrass is a stout, grass that grows in dense clumps. It has a non-rhizomatous base, although occasionally it can be sub-rhizomatous towards the outer edges of the clump. The tips of this grass’s leaf blades are sharp and spine-like. It is moderately saline tolerant (0-18ppt.) and does well in mesic areas. It can even grow in soils that are occasionally submerged, but are above sea level most of the time. A favorite for grazing animals.

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 15 – 25 cm Flowers: May - August Description: Gulf cordgrass is a stout, grass that grows in dense clumps. It has a non-rhizomatous base, although occasionally it can be sub-rhizomatous towards the outer edges of the clump. The tips of this grass’s leaf blades are sharp and spine-like. It is moderately saline tolerant (0-18ppt.) and does well in mesic areas. It can even grow in soils that are occasionally submerged, but are above sea level most of the time. A favorite for grazing animals.

Knotroot Bristlegrass

Knotroot Bristlegrass

Setaria parviflora (SEPA10)

Setaria parviflora (SEPA10)

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 - 100 cm Flowers: May - November Description: Usually found growing in low, moist areas.

The stems arise from a “knotty” rhizomatous base and the leaves and stems often appear purple. There are many bristles below each spikelet and the bristly inflorescence appears yellowish at maturity. It is of fair value to some wildlife species and it provides fair forage for cattle.

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 - 100 cm Flowers: May - November Description: Usually found growing in low, moist areas.

The stems arise from a “knotty” rhizomatous base and the leaves and stems often appear purple. There are many bristles below each spikelet and the bristly inflorescence appears yellowish at maturity. It is of fair value to some wildlife species and it provides fair forage for cattle.

Knotroot Bristlegrass

Knotroot Bristlegrass

Setaria parviflora (SEPA10)

Setaria parviflora (SEPA10)

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 - 100 cm Flowers: May - November Description: Usually found growing in low, moist areas.

The stems arise from a “knotty” rhizomatous base and the leaves and stems often appear purple. There are many bristles below each spikelet and the bristly inflorescence appears yellowish at maturity. It is of fair value to some wildlife species and it provides fair forage for cattle.

Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 - 100 cm Flowers: May - November Description: Usually found growing in low, moist areas.

The stems arise from a “knotty” rhizomatous base and the leaves and stems often appear purple. There are many bristles below each spikelet and the bristly inflorescence appears yellowish at maturity. It is of fair value to some wildlife species and it provides fair forage for cattle.

Spiderlily

Spiderlily

Hymenocallis liriosme (HYLI)

Hymenocallis liriosme (HYLI)

Family Amaryllidaceae(Amaryllis)(Liliaceae (Lily) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: 20 – 100 cm Flowers: March - May Description: Upright, smooth, fleshy or succulent perennial herb to 100 cm high from large, onionlike bulb; stems solitary or several in clump, thick and spongy, sharply 2-edged.

Flower to 15 cm across, snowy-white tinged with yellow in center, intensely fragrant; petallike segments 6, very narrow; stamens 6, the lower portion connected by thin, membranous tissue to form large, spreading cup then extending from rim of cup as very narrow segments; anthers golden-yellow, conspicuous. Leaves to 80 cm long, to 5 cm wide or less, from bulb, pale green and shiny with midrib forming conspicuous groove.

Family Amaryllidaceae(Amaryllis)(Liliaceae (Lily) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: 20 – 100 cm Flowers: March - May Description: Upright, smooth, fleshy or succulent perennial herb to 100 cm high from large, onionlike bulb; stems solitary or several in clump, thick and spongy, sharply 2-edged.

Flower to 15 cm across, snowy-white tinged with yellow in center, intensely fragrant; petallike segments 6, very narrow; stamens 6, the lower portion connected by thin, membranous tissue to form large, spreading cup then extending from rim of cup as very narrow segments; anthers golden-yellow, conspicuous. Leaves to 80 cm long, to 5 cm wide or less, from bulb, pale green and shiny with midrib forming conspicuous groove.

Spiderlily

Spiderlily

Hymenocallis liriosme (HYLI)

Hymenocallis liriosme (HYLI)

Family Amaryllidaceae(Amaryllis)(Liliaceae (Lily) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: 20 – 100 cm Flowers: March - May Description: Upright, smooth, fleshy or succulent perennial herb to 100 cm high from large, onionlike bulb; stems solitary or several in clump, thick and spongy, sharply 2-edged.

Flower to 15 cm across, snowy-white tinged with yellow in center, intensely fragrant; petallike segments 6, very narrow; stamens 6, the lower portion connected by thin, membranous tissue to form large, spreading cup then extending from rim of cup as very narrow segments; anthers golden-yellow, conspicuous. Leaves to 80 cm long, to 5 cm wide or less, from bulb, pale green and shiny with midrib forming conspicuous groove.

Family Amaryllidaceae(Amaryllis)(Liliaceae (Lily) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: 20 – 100 cm Flowers: March - May Description: Upright, smooth, fleshy or succulent perennial herb to 100 cm high from large, onionlike bulb; stems solitary or several in clump, thick and spongy, sharply 2-edged.

Flower to 15 cm across, snowy-white tinged with yellow in center, intensely fragrant; petallike segments 6, very narrow; stamens 6, the lower portion connected by thin, membranous tissue to form large, spreading cup then extending from rim of cup as very narrow segments; anthers golden-yellow, conspicuous. Leaves to 80 cm long, to 5 cm wide or less, from bulb, pale green and shiny with midrib forming conspicuous groove.

Spring Ladies’ Tresses

Spring Ladies’ Tresses

Spiranthes vernalis (SPVE)

Spiranthes vernalis (SPVE)

Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: 10 – 40 cm Flowers: April - June Description: Plants identified by tall stems (20 - 65 cm) and single spiral of fairly large flowers. Basal leaves usually present at time of flowering. Lower stem portions smooth, but stem in inflorescence is densely shorthairy. The tallest and earliest flowering orchid in Texas.

Leaves linear, spike densely spiraled. Flowers 5 - 10 mm long, white or yellowish, white or even pink, fragrant. In wet prairies, savannahs, meadows, fresh and coastal salt marshes, swamps, beaches, and dune areas. Eastern third of Texas.

Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: 10 – 40 cm Flowers: April - June Description: Plants identified by tall stems (20 - 65 cm) and single spiral of fairly large flowers. Basal leaves usually present at time of flowering. Lower stem portions smooth, but stem in inflorescence is densely shorthairy. The tallest and earliest flowering orchid in Texas.

Leaves linear, spike densely spiraled. Flowers 5 - 10 mm long, white or yellowish, white or even pink, fragrant. In wet prairies, savannahs, meadows, fresh and coastal salt marshes, swamps, beaches, and dune areas. Eastern third of Texas.

Spring Ladies’ Tresses

Spring Ladies’ Tresses

Spiranthes vernalis (SPVE)

Spiranthes vernalis (SPVE)

Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: 10 – 40 cm Flowers: April - June Description: Plants identified by tall stems (20 - 65 cm) and single spiral of fairly large flowers. Basal leaves usually present at time of flowering. Lower stem portions smooth, but stem in inflorescence is densely shorthairy. The tallest and earliest flowering orchid in Texas.

Leaves linear, spike densely spiraled. Flowers 5 - 10 mm long, white or yellowish, white or even pink, fragrant. In wet prairies, savannahs, meadows, fresh and coastal salt marshes, swamps, beaches, and dune areas. Eastern third of Texas.

Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: 10 – 40 cm Flowers: April - June Description: Plants identified by tall stems (20 - 65 cm) and single spiral of fairly large flowers. Basal leaves usually present at time of flowering. Lower stem portions smooth, but stem in inflorescence is densely shorthairy. The tallest and earliest flowering orchid in Texas.

Leaves linear, spike densely spiraled. Flowers 5 - 10 mm long, white or yellowish, white or even pink, fragrant. In wet prairies, savannahs, meadows, fresh and coastal salt marshes, swamps, beaches, and dune areas. Eastern third of Texas.

Snow-on-the-Prairie Euphorbia bicolor (EUBI2)

Snow-on-the-Prairie Euphorbia bicolor (EUBI2)

Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge) Longevity: Annual Season: Warm Height: 30 – 100 cm Origin: Native Flowers: July - November Description: Upright, rather stout, hairy annual, stem solitary, often reddish in lower portion, branched in upper portion with the branches in two’s or three’s. Plant contains sticky, milky sap. Flower minute; about 35 male and 1 female flower borne in a cup-shaped structure having 5 white, petallike glands around rim, the whole appearing as a 5-petaled flower. “Flowers” 2-5, in terminal cluster, with several clusters forming larger mass surrounded by leaflike bracts; bracts several, to 10 cm long, to 2 cm wide, conspicuously white-margined.

Leaves 5 – 10 cm long, alternate, rather thin in texture; upper leaves usually in whorls of 3.

Locally abundant, usually in tight clay soil.

Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge) Longevity: Annual Season: Warm Height: 30 – 100 cm Origin: Native Flowers: July - November Description: Upright, rather stout, hairy annual, stem solitary, often reddish in lower portion, branched in upper portion with the branches in two’s or three’s. Plant contains sticky, milky sap. Flower minute; about 35 male and 1 female flower borne in a cup-shaped structure having 5 white, petallike glands around rim, the whole appearing as a 5-petaled flower. “Flowers” 2-5, in terminal cluster, with several clusters forming larger mass surrounded by leaflike bracts; bracts several, to 10 cm long, to 2 cm wide, conspicuously white-margined.

Leaves 5 – 10 cm long, alternate, rather thin in texture; upper leaves usually in whorls of 3.

Locally abundant, usually in tight clay soil.

Snow-on-the-Prairie Euphorbia bicolor (EUBI2)

Snow-on-the-Prairie Euphorbia bicolor (EUBI2)

Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge) Longevity: Annual Season: Warm Height: 30 – 100 cm Origin: Native Flowers: July - November Description: Upright, rather stout, hairy annual, stem solitary, often reddish in lower portion, branched in upper portion with the branches in two’s or three’s. Plant contains sticky, milky sap. Flower minute; about 35 male and 1 female flower borne in a cup-shaped structure having 5 white, petallike glands around rim, the whole appearing as a 5-petaled flower. “Flowers” 2-5, in terminal cluster, with several clusters forming larger mass surrounded by leaflike bracts; bracts several, to 10 cm long, to 2 cm wide, conspicuously white-margined.

Leaves 5 – 10 cm long, alternate, rather thin in texture; upper leaves usually in whorls of 3.

Locally abundant, usually in tight clay soil.

Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge) Longevity: Annual Season: Warm Height: 30 – 100 cm Origin: Native Flowers: July - November Description: Upright, rather stout, hairy annual, stem solitary, often reddish in lower portion, branched in upper portion with the branches in two’s or three’s. Plant contains sticky, milky sap. Flower minute; about 35 male and 1 female flower borne in a cup-shaped structure having 5 white, petallike glands around rim, the whole appearing as a 5-petaled flower. “Flowers” 2-5, in terminal cluster, with several clusters forming larger mass surrounded by leaflike bracts; bracts several, to 10 cm long, to 2 cm wide, conspicuously white-margined.

Leaves 5 – 10 cm long, alternate, rather thin in texture; upper leaves usually in whorls of 3.

Locally abundant, usually in tight clay soil.

Rattlesnake Master Eryngium yuccifolium (ERYU)

Prairie Indicator Species

Rattlesnake Master Eryngium yuccifolium (ERYU)

Prairie Indicator Species

Rattlesnake Master (Button Eryngo) Family: Apiaceae (Carrot) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 – 120 cm Flowers: May - August Description: Stiffly upright, stout, smooth perennial, stem slender, solitary, usually branching in upper portion.

Flower minute, white or greenish; petals 5, styles exserted. Flowers numerous, subtended by tiny, sharppointed leaflike bracts and tightly congested in rounded spike. Spike to 3 cm across, subtended by short, sharppointed bracts, with several spikes in terminal cluster.

Leaves to 100 cm long but usually much shorter; to 3 cm wide, rigid, unlobed but occasionally with bristles along margins, sharp-pointed at tip. Leaves becoming fewer and smaller in size toward upper portion of stem.

Rattlesnake Master (Button Eryngo) Family: Apiaceae (Carrot) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 – 120 cm Flowers: May - August Description: Stiffly upright, stout, smooth perennial, stem slender, solitary, usually branching in upper portion.

Flower minute, white or greenish; petals 5, styles exserted. Flowers numerous, subtended by tiny, sharppointed leaflike bracts and tightly congested in rounded spike. Spike to 3 cm across, subtended by short, sharppointed bracts, with several spikes in terminal cluster.

Leaves to 100 cm long but usually much shorter; to 3 cm wide, rigid, unlobed but occasionally with bristles along margins, sharp-pointed at tip. Leaves becoming fewer and smaller in size toward upper portion of stem.

Rattlesnake Master Eryngium yuccifolium (ERYU)

Prairie Indicator Species

Rattlesnake Master Eryngium yuccifolium (ERYU)

Prairie Indicator Species

Rattlesnake Master (Button Eryngo) Family: Apiaceae (Carrot) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 – 120 cm Flowers: May - August Description: Stiffly upright, stout, smooth perennial, stem slender, solitary, usually branching in upper portion.

Flower minute, white or greenish; petals 5, styles exserted. Flowers numerous, subtended by tiny, sharppointed leaflike bracts and tightly congested in rounded spike. Spike to 3 cm across, subtended by short, sharppointed bracts, with several spikes in terminal cluster.

Leaves to 100 cm long but usually much shorter; to 3 cm wide, rigid, unlobed but occasionally with bristles along margins, sharp-pointed at tip. Leaves becoming fewer and smaller in size toward upper portion of stem.

Rattlesnake Master (Button Eryngo) Family: Apiaceae (Carrot) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 – 120 cm Flowers: May - August Description: Stiffly upright, stout, smooth perennial, stem slender, solitary, usually branching in upper portion.

Flower minute, white or greenish; petals 5, styles exserted. Flowers numerous, subtended by tiny, sharppointed leaflike bracts and tightly congested in rounded spike. Spike to 3 cm across, subtended by short, sharppointed bracts, with several spikes in terminal cluster.

Leaves to 100 cm long but usually much shorter; to 3 cm wide, rigid, unlobed but occasionally with bristles along margins, sharp-pointed at tip. Leaves becoming fewer and smaller in size toward upper portion of stem.

Indian Plantain Arnoglossum plantagineum

Indian Plantain (Groovestem Indian Plantain)

(ARPL4)

Indian Plantain Arnoglossum plantagineum (ARPL4)

Family: Asteraceae (Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: 40 – 150 cm Flowers: May - August Description: Towering high above most wildflowers, the Indian Plantain features large umbrellas of white flowers. This rare species thrives in wet meadows, glades, rocky open woods, thickets, and roadsides, and is loved by birds, bees, and butterflies alike. A must-have for those wishing to replant an authentic prairie habitat!

Prairie Indicator Species

Indian Plantain Arnoglossum plantagineum

Family: Asteraceae (Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: 40 – 150 cm Flowers: May - August Description: Towering high above most wildflowers, the Indian Plantain features large umbrellas of white flowers. This rare species thrives in wet meadows, glades, rocky open woods, thickets, and roadsides, and is loved by birds, bees, and butterflies alike. A must-have for those wishing to replant an authentic prairie habitat!

Prairie Indicator Species

Indian Plantain (Groovestem Indian Plantain)

(ARPL4)

Indian Plantain Arnoglossum plantagineum

Indian Plantain (Groovestem Indian Plantain)

(ARPL4) Family: Asteraceae (Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: 40 – 150 cm Flowers: May - August Description: Towering high above most wildflowers, the Indian Plantain features large umbrellas of white flowers. This rare species thrives in wet meadows, glades, rocky open woods, thickets, and roadsides, and is loved by birds, bees, and butterflies alike. A must-have for those wishing to replant an authentic prairie habitat!

Prairie Indicator Species

Indian Plantain (Groovestem Indian Plantain)

Family: Asteraceae (Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: 40 – 150 cm Flowers: May - August Description: Towering high above most wildflowers, the Indian Plantain features large umbrellas of white flowers. This rare species thrives in wet meadows, glades, rocky open woods, thickets, and roadsides, and is loved by birds, bees, and butterflies alike. A must-have for those wishing to replant an authentic prairie habitat!

Prairie Indicator Species

Narrowleaf Boneset Eupatorium hyssopifoliuum (EUHY)

Narrowleaf Boneset Eupatorium hyssopifoliuum (EUHY)

Narrowleaf Boneset

Narrowleaf Boneset

(Hyssopleaf Thoroughwort)

(Hyssopleaf Thoroughwort)

Family: Asteraceae (Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 – 100 cm Flowers: August - November Description: White flowers in a flattish-topped terminal cluster. Leaves are narrow, sometimes slightly toothed, and mostly occur in whorls of 3 or 4 with clusters of smaller leaves growing in the axils. Found in various soils of open areas. Seeds are eaten by birds. Their leaves were used as a poultice under splints to heal broken bones by early pioneers.

Narrowleaf Boneset Eupatorium hyssopifoliuum (EUHY)

Family: Asteraceae (Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 – 100 cm Flowers: August - November Description: White flowers in a flattish-topped terminal cluster. Leaves are narrow, sometimes slightly toothed, and mostly occur in whorls of 3 or 4 with clusters of smaller leaves growing in the axils. Found in various soils of open areas. Seeds are eaten by birds. Their leaves were used as a poultice under splints to heal broken bones by early pioneers.

Narrowleaf Boneset

Narrowleaf Boneset

(Hyssopleaf Thoroughwort)

(Hyssopleaf Thoroughwort)

Family: Asteraceae (Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 – 100 cm Flowers: August - November Description: White flowers in a flattish-topped terminal cluster. Leaves are narrow, sometimes slightly toothed, and mostly occur in whorls of 3 or 4 with clusters of smaller leaves growing in the axils. Found in various soils of open areas. Seeds are eaten by birds. Their leaves were used as a poultice under splints to heal broken bones by early pioneers.

Narrowleaf Boneset Eupatorium hyssopifoliuum (EUHY)

Family: Asteraceae (Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 – 100 cm Flowers: August - November Description: White flowers in a flattish-topped terminal cluster. Leaves are narrow, sometimes slightly toothed, and mostly occur in whorls of 3 or 4 with clusters of smaller leaves growing in the axils. Found in various soils of open areas. Seeds are eaten by birds. Their leaves were used as a poultice under splints to heal broken bones by early pioneers.

Plains Wild-indigo Baptisia bracteata var. leucophaea (BABRL2)

Plains Wild-indigo Baptisia bracteata var. leucophaea (BABRL2)

Plains Wild Indigo (Longbract Wild Indigo) Family: Fabaceae (Pea) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: To 75 cm Flowers: March- April Description: Upright, smooth perennial; stem solitary, much-branched and forming low, bushy mound. Flower to 2 cm long, creamy to dark yellow; petals 5, upper petal wide-spreading, notched at tip. Flowers numerous, in long horizontal or curved raceme near base of plant, sometimes lying on ground; each flower subtended by large, leaflike. Found in sandy soils in prairies. Bumble bees visit flowers for nectar. Also called Nodding Wild Indigo.

Plains Wild Indigo (Longbract Wild Indigo) Family: Fabaceae (Pea) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: To 75 cm Flowers: March- April Description: Upright, smooth perennial; stem solitary, much-branched and forming low, bushy mound. Flower to 2 cm long, creamy to dark yellow; petals 5, upper petal wide-spreading, notched at tip. Flowers numerous, in long horizontal or curved raceme near base of plant, sometimes lying on ground; each flower subtended by large, leaflike. Found in sandy soils in prairies. Bumble bees visit flowers for nectar. Also called Nodding Wild Indigo.

Plains Wild-indigo Baptisia bracteata var. leucophaea (BABRL2)

Plains Wild-indigo Baptisia bracteata var. leucophaea (BABRL2)

Plains Wild Indigo (Longbract Wild Indigo) Family: Fabaceae (Pea) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: To 75 cm Flowers: March- April Description: Upright, smooth perennial; stem solitary, much-branched and forming low, bushy mound. Flower to 2 cm long, creamy to dark yellow; petals 5, upper petal wide-spreading, notched at tip. Flowers numerous, in long horizontal or curved raceme near base of plant, sometimes lying on ground; each flower subtended by large, leaflike. Found in sandy soils in prairies. Bumble bees visit flowers for nectar. Also called Nodding Wild Indigo.

Plains Wild Indigo (Longbract Wild Indigo) Family: Fabaceae (Pea) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: To 75 cm Flowers: March- April Description: Upright, smooth perennial; stem solitary, much-branched and forming low, bushy mound. Flower to 2 cm long, creamy to dark yellow; petals 5, upper petal wide-spreading, notched at tip. Flowers numerous, in long horizontal or curved raceme near base of plant, sometimes lying on ground; each flower subtended by large, leaflike. Found in sandy soils in prairies. Bumble bees visit flowers for nectar. Also called Nodding Wild Indigo.

Canadian goldenrod Solidago canadensis (SOCA6)

Canadian goldenrod Solidago canadensis (SOCA6)

Canadian Goldenrod (Canada Goldenrod) Family: Asteraceae Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 60 – 200 cm Flowers: August - October Description: Is generally described as a perennial forb or herb. Is native to the U.S. and has its most growth period in the summer. Has green foliage and conspicuous yellow flowers, with conspicuous brown fruits or seeds.

The greatest bloom is usually observed in the indeterminate, with fruit and seed production starting in the summer and continuing until fall. Leaves are not retained year to year. They furnish abundant nectar and pollen for numerous insects.

Canadian Goldenrod (Canada Goldenrod) Family: Asteraceae Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 60 – 200 cm Flowers: August - October Description: Is generally described as a perennial forb or herb. Is native to the U.S. and has its most growth period in the summer. Has green foliage and conspicuous yellow flowers, with conspicuous brown fruits or seeds.

The greatest bloom is usually observed in the indeterminate, with fruit and seed production starting in the summer and continuing until fall. Leaves are not retained year to year. They furnish abundant nectar and pollen for numerous insects.

Canadian goldenrod Solidago canadensis (SOCA6)

Canadian goldenrod Solidago canadensis (SOCA6)

Canadian Goldenrod (Canada Goldenrod) Family: Asteraceae Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 60 – 200 cm Flowers: August - October Description: Is generally described as a perennial forb or herb. Is native to the U.S. and has its most growth period in the summer. Has green foliage and conspicuous yellow flowers, with conspicuous brown fruits or seeds.

The greatest bloom is usually observed in the indeterminate, with fruit and seed production starting in the summer and continuing until fall. Leaves are not retained year to year. They furnish abundant nectar and pollen for numerous insects.

Canadian Goldenrod (Canada Goldenrod) Family: Asteraceae Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 60 – 200 cm Flowers: August - October Description: Is generally described as a perennial forb or herb. Is native to the U.S. and has its most growth period in the summer. Has green foliage and conspicuous yellow flowers, with conspicuous brown fruits or seeds.

The greatest bloom is usually observed in the indeterminate, with fruit and seed production starting in the summer and continuing until fall. Leaves are not retained year to year. They furnish abundant nectar and pollen for numerous insects.

Texas Coneflower Rudbeckia texana (RUTE4)

Texas Coneflower

Texas Coneflower Rudbeckia texana (RUTE4)

Family: Asteraceae (Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 – 100 cm Flowers: May - September Description: This is a smooth-stemmed, annual coneflower, with terminal, solitary flower heads. The leaves are oblong with heart-shaped, clasping bases. The yellow petals, with reddish-purple bases, are numerous and droop away from the dark, elongated, cone-shaped center. Larval food for Silvery Checkerspot.

Prairie Indicator Species

Texas Coneflower Rudbeckia texana (RUTE4)

Family: Asteraceae (Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 – 100 cm Flowers: May - September Description: This is a smooth-stemmed, annual coneflower, with terminal, solitary flower heads. The leaves are oblong with heart-shaped, clasping bases. The yellow petals, with reddish-purple bases, are numerous and droop away from the dark, elongated, cone-shaped center. Larval food for Silvery Checkerspot.

Prairie Indicator Species

Texas Coneflower

Texas Coneflower Rudbeckia texana (RUTE4)

Family: Asteraceae (Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 – 100 cm Flowers: May - September Description: This is a smooth-stemmed, annual coneflower, with terminal, solitary flower heads. The leaves are oblong with heart-shaped, clasping bases. The yellow petals, with reddish-purple bases, are numerous and droop away from the dark, elongated, cone-shaped center. Larval food for Silvery Checkerspot.

Prairie Indicator Species

Texas Coneflower

Texas Coneflower Family: Asteraceae (Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 – 100 cm Flowers: May - September Description: This is a smooth-stemmed, annual coneflower, with terminal, solitary flower heads. The leaves are oblong with heart-shaped, clasping bases. The yellow petals, with reddish-purple bases, are numerous and droop away from the dark, elongated, cone-shaped center. Larval food for Silvery Checkerspot.

Prairie Indicator Species

Narrowleaf Sunflower Helianthus angustifolius (HEAN2)

Narrowleaf Sunflower Helianthus angustifolius (HEAN2)

Narrowleaf Sunflower (Swamp Sunflower) Family: Asteraceae (Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 50 – 200 cm Flowers: June - November Description: A relative of the annual sunflower, this perennial sunflower has smaller flowers but blooms for a longer period of time. Golden-yellow blooms cover this plant in late summer into fall. Blooms are daisy-like with yellow-black eyes. The narrow, deep-green leaves with burgundy stems are coarse to the touch. Salt tolerant; good for coastal regions. This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds.

Narrowleaf Sunflower (Swamp Sunflower) Family: Asteraceae (Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 50 – 200 cm Flowers: June - November Description: A relative of the annual sunflower, this perennial sunflower has smaller flowers but blooms for a longer period of time. Golden-yellow blooms cover this plant in late summer into fall. Blooms are daisy-like with yellow-black eyes. The narrow, deep-green leaves with burgundy stems are coarse to the touch. Salt tolerant; good for coastal regions. This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds.

Narrowleaf Sunflower Helianthus angustifolius (HEAN2)

Narrowleaf Sunflower Helianthus angustifolius (HEAN2)

Narrowleaf Sunflower (Swamp Sunflower) Family: Asteraceae (Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 50 – 200 cm Flowers: June - November Description: A relative of the annual sunflower, this perennial sunflower has smaller flowers but blooms for a longer period of time. Golden-yellow blooms cover this plant in late summer into fall. Blooms are daisy-like with yellow-black eyes. The narrow, deep-green leaves with burgundy stems are coarse to the touch. Salt tolerant; good for coastal regions. This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds.

Narrowleaf Sunflower (Swamp Sunflower) Family: Asteraceae (Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 50 – 200 cm Flowers: June - November Description: A relative of the annual sunflower, this perennial sunflower has smaller flowers but blooms for a longer period of time. Golden-yellow blooms cover this plant in late summer into fall. Blooms are daisy-like with yellow-black eyes. The narrow, deep-green leaves with burgundy stems are coarse to the touch. Salt tolerant; good for coastal regions. This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds.

Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta (RUHI2)

Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta (RUHI2)

Black-eyed Susan (Blackeyed Susan) Family: Asteraceae (Aster) Longevity: Annual/Short Lived Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 60 – 100 cm Flowers: May - November Description: A stiff, upright annual or short-lived perennial native to the eastern United States, but has become endemic throughout North America. The Blackeyed Susan is probably the most common of all American wildflowers. The characteristic brown, domed center is surrounded by bright yellow ray florets. Thrives in most soils in full sun. A true sunshine worshiper that forgives neglect. Benefits nectar bees, butterflies, and insects and seed-eating birds; larval host for Gorgone Checkerspot, Bordered Patch butterfly.

Black-eyed Susan (Blackeyed Susan) Family: Asteraceae (Aster) Longevity: Annual/Short Lived Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 60 – 100 cm Flowers: May - November Description: A stiff, upright annual or short-lived perennial native to the eastern United States, but has become endemic throughout North America. The Blackeyed Susan is probably the most common of all American wildflowers. The characteristic brown, domed center is surrounded by bright yellow ray florets. Thrives in most soils in full sun. A true sunshine worshiper that forgives neglect. Benefits nectar bees, butterflies, and insects and seed-eating birds; larval host for Gorgone Checkerspot, Bordered Patch butterfly.

Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta (RUHI2)

Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta (RUHI2)

Black-eyed Susan (Blackeyed Susan) Family: Asteraceae (Aster) Longevity: Annual/Short Lived Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 60 – 100 cm Flowers: May - November Description: A stiff, upright annual or short-lived perennial native to the eastern United States, but has become endemic throughout North America. The Blackeyed Susan is probably the most common of all American wildflowers. The characteristic brown, domed center is surrounded by bright yellow ray florets. Thrives in most soils in full sun. A true sunshine worshiper that forgives neglect. Benefits nectar bees, butterflies, and insects and seed-eating birds; larval host for Gorgone Checkerspot, Bordered Patch butterfly.

Black-eyed Susan (Blackeyed Susan) Family: Asteraceae (Aster) Longevity: Annual/Short Lived Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 60 – 100 cm Flowers: May - November Description: A stiff, upright annual or short-lived perennial native to the eastern United States, but has become endemic throughout North America. The Blackeyed Susan is probably the most common of all American wildflowers. The characteristic brown, domed center is surrounded by bright yellow ray florets. Thrives in most soils in full sun. A true sunshine worshiper that forgives neglect. Benefits nectar bees, butterflies, and insects and seed-eating birds; larval host for Gorgone Checkerspot, Bordered Patch butterfly.

Indian-Blanket

Indian-Blanket

Gaillardia pulchella (GAPU)

Gaillardia pulchella (GAPU)

Family: Asteraceae (Aster) Longevity: Annual Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 - 60 cm Flowers: February - December Description: Upright to sprawling hairy annual, usually much-branched, becoming woody at base. Sandy or somewhat clay soils of prairies, fields, and woodlands and openings and in sand or shells among the coast. It is much used in cultivation.

Family: Asteraceae (Aster) Longevity: Annual Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 - 60 cm Flowers: February - December Description: Upright to sprawling hairy annual, usually much-branched, becoming woody at base. Sandy or somewhat clay soils of prairies, fields, and woodlands and openings and in sand or shells among the coast. It is much used in cultivation.

Indian-Blanket

Indian-Blanket

Gaillardia pulchella (GAPU)

Gaillardia pulchella (GAPU)

Family: Asteraceae (Aster) Longevity: Annual Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 - 60 cm Flowers: February - December Description: Upright to sprawling hairy annual, usually much-branched, becoming woody at base. Sandy or somewhat clay soils of prairies, fields, and woodlands and openings and in sand or shells among the coast. It is much used in cultivation.

Family: Asteraceae (Aster) Longevity: Annual Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 - 60 cm Flowers: February - December Description: Upright to sprawling hairy annual, usually much-branched, becoming woody at base. Sandy or somewhat clay soils of prairies, fields, and woodlands and openings and in sand or shells among the coast. It is much used in cultivation.

Purplehead Sneezeweed Helenium flexuosum (HEFL)

Purplehead Sneezeweed Helenium flexuosum (HEFL)

Purplehead Sneezeweed Family: Asteraceae(Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 40 – 100 cm Flowers: May - June Description: This species graces the meadows of our state in late summer with its bold yellow daisies and, like goldenrod, is wrongly blamed for causing hayfever.

Flowers are born in bouquets at the tops of 100 cm uniquely ridged, clumping stems. The ray flowers ("petals") are scalloped and lay very flat, like little saucers of sunlight waiting to greet the day. Sneezeweed is an adaptable plant that is not bothered much by pests.

You can shorten it by removing 1/3 of the top growth in midsummer. Deadheading brings on a second flush of bloom. Found in moist sandy areas.

Purplehead Sneezeweed Family: Asteraceae(Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 40 – 100 cm Flowers: May - June Description: This species graces the meadows of our state in late summer with its bold yellow daisies and, like goldenrod, is wrongly blamed for causing hayfever.

Flowers are born in bouquets at the tops of 100 cm uniquely ridged, clumping stems. The ray flowers ("petals") are scalloped and lay very flat, like little saucers of sunlight waiting to greet the day. Sneezeweed is an adaptable plant that is not bothered much by pests.

You can shorten it by removing 1/3 of the top growth in midsummer. Deadheading brings on a second flush of bloom. Found in moist sandy areas.

Purplehead Sneezeweed Helenium flexuosum (HEFL)

Purplehead Sneezeweed Helenium flexuosum (HEFL)

Purplehead Sneezeweed Family: Asteraceae(Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 40 – 100 cm Flowers: May - June Description: This species graces the meadows of our state in late summer with its bold yellow daisies and, like goldenrod, is wrongly blamed for causing hayfever.

Flowers are born in bouquets at the tops of 100 cm uniquely ridged, clumping stems. The ray flowers ("petals") are scalloped and lay very flat, like little saucers of sunlight waiting to greet the day. Sneezeweed is an adaptable plant that is not bothered much by pests.

You can shorten it by removing 1/3 of the top growth in midsummer. Deadheading brings on a second flush of bloom. Found in moist sandy areas.

Purplehead Sneezeweed Family: Asteraceae(Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 40 – 100 cm Flowers: May - June Description: This species graces the meadows of our state in late summer with its bold yellow daisies and, like goldenrod, is wrongly blamed for causing hayfever.

Flowers are born in bouquets at the tops of 100 cm uniquely ridged, clumping stems. The ray flowers ("petals") are scalloped and lay very flat, like little saucers of sunlight waiting to greet the day. Sneezeweed is an adaptable plant that is not bothered much by pests.

You can shorten it by removing 1/3 of the top growth in midsummer. Deadheading brings on a second flush of bloom. Found in moist sandy areas.

Sensitive Briar

Sensitive Briar

Sensitive Briar

Sensitive Briar

Mimosa microphylla Dryand.

(MIMI22)

(Littleleaf Sensitive-briar)

Mimosa microphylla Dryand.

(MIMI22)

(Littleleaf Sensitive-briar)

Prairie Indicator Species

Family: Fabaceae(Pea) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 100 cm Flowers: April - July Description: Trailing, prickly herbaceous perennial; usually branched, very prickly with recurved prickles.

Flower pink to rose, fragrant; petals 5, minute; stamens 8 -10, conspicuously exserted. Flowers numerous, congested in small, globelike cluster at tip of leafless stalk.

Leaves alternate, prickly stalked, the blade divided into 4 -8 pairs of small segments, these again divided into 8-15 pairs of smaller leaflets; leaflets prominently veined on lower surface. Found in sandy open areas.

Prairie Indicator Species

Family: Fabaceae(Pea) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 100 cm Flowers: April - July Description: Trailing, prickly herbaceous perennial; usually branched, very prickly with recurved prickles.

Flower pink to rose, fragrant; petals 5, minute; stamens 8 -10, conspicuously exserted. Flowers numerous, congested in small, globelike cluster at tip of leafless stalk.

Leaves alternate, prickly stalked, the blade divided into 4 -8 pairs of small segments, these again divided into 8-15 pairs of smaller leaflets; leaflets prominently veined on lower surface. Found in sandy open areas.

Sensitive Briar

Sensitive Briar

Sensitive Briar

Sensitive Briar

Mimosa microphylla Dryand.

(MIMI22)

(Littleleaf Sensitive-briar)

Mimosa microphylla Dryand.

(MIMI22)

(Littleleaf Sensitive-briar)

Prairie Indicator Species

Family: Fabaceae(Pea) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 100 cm Flowers: April - July Description: Trailing, prickly herbaceous perennial; usually branched, very prickly with recurved prickles.

Flower pink to rose, fragrant; petals 5, minute; stamens 8 -10, conspicuously exserted. Flowers numerous, congested in small, globelike cluster at tip of leafless stalk.

Leaves alternate, prickly stalked, the blade divided into 4 -8 pairs of small segments, these again divided into 8-15 pairs of smaller leaflets; leaflets prominently veined on lower surface. Found in sandy open areas.

Prairie Indicator Species

Family: Fabaceae(Pea) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 100 cm Flowers: April - July Description: Trailing, prickly herbaceous perennial; usually branched, very prickly with recurved prickles.

Flower pink to rose, fragrant; petals 5, minute; stamens 8 -10, conspicuously exserted. Flowers numerous, congested in small, globelike cluster at tip of leafless stalk.

Leaves alternate, prickly stalked, the blade divided into 4 -8 pairs of small segments, these again divided into 8-15 pairs of smaller leaflets; leaflets prominently veined on lower surface. Found in sandy open areas.

Spotted Beebalm

Spotted Beebalm

Monarda punctata L. (MOPU)

Monarda punctata L. (MOPU)

Family: Lamiaceae Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: To 100 cm Flowers: May - August Description: Upright, hairy perennial; stems 4-angled, solitary or few from base and forming clump, commonly branched in upper portion. Flower 2 -3 cm long, yellowish or rarely pinkish, spotted with dark maroon, hairy, tubular in basal portion, prominently 2-lipped; upper lip slender, unlabed, cupped forward; lower lip 3-lobed; stamens 2, arched beneath upper lip and not exserted. Flowers many, in whorls, forming dense, elongated spike at end of stem or from leaf axils. Each whorl subtended by large, conspicuous, whitish or yellowish purple-tinged leaflike bracts.

Found in sandy open areas.

Family: Lamiaceae Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: To 100 cm Flowers: May - August Description: Upright, hairy perennial; stems 4-angled, solitary or few from base and forming clump, commonly branched in upper portion. Flower 2 -3 cm long, yellowish or rarely pinkish, spotted with dark maroon, hairy, tubular in basal portion, prominently 2-lipped; upper lip slender, unlabed, cupped forward; lower lip 3-lobed; stamens 2, arched beneath upper lip and not exserted. Flowers many, in whorls, forming dense, elongated spike at end of stem or from leaf axils. Each whorl subtended by large, conspicuous, whitish or yellowish purple-tinged leaflike bracts.

Found in sandy open areas.

Spotted Beebalm

Spotted Beebalm

Monarda punctata L. (MOPU)

Monarda punctata L. (MOPU)

Family: Lamiaceae Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: To 100 cm Flowers: May - August Description: Upright, hairy perennial; stems 4-angled, solitary or few from base and forming clump, commonly branched in upper portion. Flower 2 -3 cm long, yellowish or rarely pinkish, spotted with dark maroon, hairy, tubular in basal portion, prominently 2-lipped; upper lip slender, unlabed, cupped forward; lower lip 3-lobed; stamens 2, arched beneath upper lip and not exserted. Flowers many, in whorls, forming dense, elongated spike at end of stem or from leaf axils. Each whorl subtended by large, conspicuous, whitish or yellowish purple-tinged leaflike bracts.

Found in sandy open areas.

Family: Lamiaceae Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: To 100 cm Flowers: May - August Description: Upright, hairy perennial; stems 4-angled, solitary or few from base and forming clump, commonly branched in upper portion. Flower 2 -3 cm long, yellowish or rarely pinkish, spotted with dark maroon, hairy, tubular in basal portion, prominently 2-lipped; upper lip slender, unlabed, cupped forward; lower lip 3-lobed; stamens 2, arched beneath upper lip and not exserted. Flowers many, in whorls, forming dense, elongated spike at end of stem or from leaf axils. Each whorl subtended by large, conspicuous, whitish or yellowish purple-tinged leaflike bracts.

Found in sandy open areas.

Hairy Spiderwort Tradescantia hirsutiflora (TRHI)

Hairy Spiderwort Tradescantia hirsutiflora (TRHI)

Hairy Spiderwort (Hairyflower Spiderwort) Family: Commelinaceae (Spiderwort) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 80 cm Flowers: February - June Description: Slender, grasslike leaves with bases sheathing the stem. Flowers are terminal clusters subtended by a leaflike bract. The flowers consist of three green sepals, three white, pink, or blue petals, six stamens supported on hairy filaments, and a single, threeparted pistil. Some have observed that in the sun the flowers, which open in the early morning, appear to melt leaving a drop of colored liquid. Found in moist open areas.

Hairy Spiderwort (Hairyflower Spiderwort) Family: Commelinaceae (Spiderwort) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 80 cm Flowers: February - June Description: Slender, grasslike leaves with bases sheathing the stem. Flowers are terminal clusters subtended by a leaflike bract. The flowers consist of three green sepals, three white, pink, or blue petals, six stamens supported on hairy filaments, and a single, threeparted pistil. Some have observed that in the sun the flowers, which open in the early morning, appear to melt leaving a drop of colored liquid. Found in moist open areas.

Hairy Spiderwort Tradescantia hirsutiflora (TRHI)

Hairy Spiderwort Tradescantia hirsutiflora (TRHI)

Hairy Spiderwort (Hairyflower Spiderwort) Family: Commelinaceae (Spiderwort) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 80 cm Flowers: February - June Description: Slender, grasslike leaves with bases sheathing the stem. Flowers are terminal clusters subtended by a leaflike bract. The flowers consist of three green sepals, three white, pink, or blue petals, six stamens supported on hairy filaments, and a single, threeparted pistil. Some have observed that in the sun the flowers, which open in the early morning, appear to melt leaving a drop of colored liquid. Found in moist open areas.

Hairy Spiderwort (Hairyflower Spiderwort) Family: Commelinaceae (Spiderwort) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 80 cm Flowers: February - June Description: Slender, grasslike leaves with bases sheathing the stem. Flowers are terminal clusters subtended by a leaflike bract. The flowers consist of three green sepals, three white, pink, or blue petals, six stamens supported on hairy filaments, and a single, threeparted pistil. Some have observed that in the sun the flowers, which open in the early morning, appear to melt leaving a drop of colored liquid. Found in moist open areas.

Eastern Blue-eyed Grass

Eastern Blue-eyed Grass

Eastern Blue-eyed Grass

Eastern Blue-eyed Grass

Sisyrinchium atlanticum (SIAT)

Family: Iridaceae (Iris) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: 15 – 40 cm Flowers: April - May Description: Plant grasslike. Flowers blue, with 6 petals, each petal with a spine at its tip. Center of flower and stamens yellow. Fruit a small, round pod. Flowers and fruit on short peduncles (stalks). Flowers arranged in small clusters, the base of the cluster with a leaflike bract (spathe). At least some of the plant stems branched. Stem very thin and slender. Clay or sandy clay in open prairies found abundantly.

Sisyrinchium atlanticum (SIAT)

Family: Iridaceae (Iris) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: 15 – 40 cm Flowers: April - May Description: Plant grasslike. Flowers blue, with 6 petals, each petal with a spine at its tip. Center of flower and stamens yellow. Fruit a small, round pod. Flowers and fruit on short peduncles (stalks). Flowers arranged in small clusters, the base of the cluster with a leaflike bract (spathe). At least some of the plant stems branched. Stem very thin and slender. Clay or sandy clay in open prairies found abundantly.

Eastern Blue-eyed Grass

Eastern Blue-eyed Grass

Eastern Blue-eyed Grass

Eastern Blue-eyed Grass

Sisyrinchium atlanticum (SIAT)

Family: Iridaceae (Iris) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: 15 – 40 cm Flowers: April - May Description: Plant grasslike. Flowers blue, with 6 petals, each petal with a spine at its tip. Center of flower and stamens yellow. Fruit a small, round pod. Flowers and fruit on short peduncles (stalks). Flowers arranged in small clusters, the base of the cluster with a leaflike bract (spathe). At least some of the plant stems branched. Stem very thin and slender. Clay or sandy clay in open prairies found abundantly.

Sisyrinchium atlanticum (SIAT)

Family: Iridaceae (Iris) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: 15 – 40 cm Flowers: April - May Description: Plant grasslike. Flowers blue, with 6 petals, each petal with a spine at its tip. Center of flower and stamens yellow. Fruit a small, round pod. Flowers and fruit on short peduncles (stalks). Flowers arranged in small clusters, the base of the cluster with a leaflike bract (spathe). At least some of the plant stems branched. Stem very thin and slender. Clay or sandy clay in open prairies found abundantly.

Prairie Nymph Herbertia lahue ssp. caerulea (HELAC)

Prairie Nymph Family: Iridaceae (Iris) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: 20 – 30 cm Flowers: February - April Description: A member of the Iris family which consists of herbs growing from rhizomes, bulbs, or corms, with narrow basal leaves and showy clusters at the tips of long stalks, upright, delicate, smooth perennial from deep, globelike bulb. Flowers solitary or 2 or 3 at tip of leafless stem. Sandy or clay soils in prairies, meadows, grasslands and other open areas.

Prairie Indicator Species

Prairie Nymph Herbertia lahue ssp. caerulea (HELAC)

Prairie Indicator Species

Prairie Nymph Herbertia lahue ssp. caerulea (HELAC)

Prairie Nymph Family: Iridaceae (Iris) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: 20 – 30 cm Flowers: February - April Description: A member of the Iris family which consists of herbs growing from rhizomes, bulbs, or corms, with narrow basal leaves and showy clusters at the tips of long stalks, upright, delicate, smooth perennial from deep, globelike bulb. Flowers solitary or 2 or 3 at tip of leafless stem. Sandy or clay soils in prairies, meadows, grasslands and other open areas.

Prairie Indicator Species

Prairie Nymph Family: Iridaceae (Iris) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: 20 – 30 cm Flowers: February - April Description: A member of the Iris family which consists of herbs growing from rhizomes, bulbs, or corms, with narrow basal leaves and showy clusters at the tips of long stalks, upright, delicate, smooth perennial from deep, globelike bulb. Flowers solitary or 2 or 3 at tip of leafless stem. Sandy or clay soils in prairies, meadows, grasslands and other open areas.

Prairie Nymph Herbertia lahue ssp. caerulea (HELAC)

Prairie Indicator Species

Prairie Nymph Family: Iridaceae (Iris) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: 20 – 30 cm Flowers: February - April Description: A member of the Iris family which consists of herbs growing from rhizomes, bulbs, or corms, with narrow basal leaves and showy clusters at the tips of long stalks, upright, delicate, smooth perennial from deep, globelike bulb. Flowers solitary or 2 or 3 at tip of leafless stem. Sandy or clay soils in prairies, meadows, grasslands and other open areas.

Family:

Maypop Passiflora incarnata (PAIN6)

Passifloraceae (Passionflower) Longevity: Annual Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: To 75 cm Flowers: April - September Description: Upright, sprawling, trailing or climbing herbaceous vine supported by tendrils from leaf axils; stem angled when young, to 25 feet long. Flower to 2½ inch across, lavender to purplish, solitary, short-stalked, from leaf axils. The 5 sepals and 5 petals much alike, subtending a fringe of wavy or crimple hairlike segments, stamens. Leaves 3-5 in long and wide, alternate, stalked, with two conspicuous nectar glands on stalk near base of blade, the blade dark green above, whitish below, deeply 3-lobed. The plants comprise the food plant of several species of butterfly larvae -Gulf Fritillary, Zebra Longwing, Crimson-Patch Longwing, Red-banded Hairstreak, Julia Butterfly, Mexican butterfly.

Maypop Passiflora incarnata (PAIN6)

Family:

Maypop Passiflora incarnata (PAIN6)

Passifloraceae (Passionflower) Longevity: Annual Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: To 75 cm Flowers: April - September Description: Upright, sprawling, trailing or climbing herbaceous vine supported by tendrils from leaf axils; stem angled when young, to 25 feet long. Flower to 2½ inch across, lavender to purplish, solitary, short-stalked, from leaf axils. The 5 sepals and 5 petals much alike, subtending a fringe of wavy or crimple hairlike segments, stamens. Leaves 3-5 in long and wide, alternate, stalked, with two conspicuous nectar glands on stalk near base of blade, the blade dark green above, whitish below, deeply 3-lobed. The plants comprise the food plant of several species of butterfly larvae -Gulf Fritillary, Zebra Longwing, Crimson-Patch Longwing, Red-banded Hairstreak, Julia Butterfly, Mexican butterfly.

Family:

Passifloraceae (Passionflower) Longevity: Annual Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: To 75 cm Flowers: April - September Description: Upright, sprawling, trailing or climbing herbaceous vine supported by tendrils from leaf axils; stem angled when young, to 25 feet long. Flower to 2½ inch across, lavender to purplish, solitary, short-stalked, from leaf axils. The 5 sepals and 5 petals much alike, subtending a fringe of wavy or crimple hairlike segments, stamens. Leaves 3-5 in long and wide, alternate, stalked, with two conspicuous nectar glands on stalk near base of blade, the blade dark green above, whitish below, deeply 3-lobed. The plants comprise the food plant of several species of butterfly larvae -Gulf Fritillary, Zebra Longwing, Crimson-Patch Longwing, Red-banded Hairstreak, Julia Butterfly, Mexican butterfly.

Family:

Maypop Passiflora incarnata (PAIN6)

Passifloraceae (Passionflower) Longevity: Annual Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: To 75 cm Flowers: April - September Description: Upright, sprawling, trailing or climbing herbaceous vine supported by tendrils from leaf axils; stem angled when young, to 25 feet long. Flower to 2½ inch across, lavender to purplish, solitary, short-stalked, from leaf axils. The 5 sepals and 5 petals much alike, subtending a fringe of wavy or crimple hairlike segments, stamens. Leaves 3-5 in long and wide, alternate, stalked, with two conspicuous nectar glands on stalk near base of blade, the blade dark green above, whitish below, deeply 3-lobed. The plants comprise the food plant of several species of butterfly larvae -Gulf Fritillary, Zebra Longwing, Crimson-Patch Longwing, Red-banded Hairstreak, Julia Butterfly, Mexican butterfly.

Eastern Blue-star Amsonia Tabernaemontan (AMTA2)

Eastern Blue-star Amsonia Tabernaemontan (AMTA2)

Eastern Bluestar Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbane) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: 30 – 100 cm Flowers: March - May Description: Eastern bluestar is an erect-stemmed perennial forming large, multi-stemmed clumps. The smooth stems are crowded with narrow, oval leaves which turn golden-yellow in the fall. Blue, tubular flowers, the rim flaring to a star-shape, appear in loosely congested clusters at the tips of the stems. Usually found in wetter areas.

Eastern Bluestar Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbane) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: 30 – 100 cm Flowers: March - May Description: Eastern bluestar is an erect-stemmed perennial forming large, multi-stemmed clumps. The smooth stems are crowded with narrow, oval leaves which turn golden-yellow in the fall. Blue, tubular flowers, the rim flaring to a star-shape, appear in loosely congested clusters at the tips of the stems. Usually found in wetter areas.

Eastern Blue-star Amsonia Tabernaemontan (AMTA2)

Eastern Blue-star Amsonia Tabernaemontan (AMTA2)

Eastern Bluestar Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbane) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: 30 – 100 cm Flowers: March - May Description: Eastern bluestar is an erect-stemmed perennial forming large, multi-stemmed clumps. The smooth stems are crowded with narrow, oval leaves which turn golden-yellow in the fall. Blue, tubular flowers, the rim flaring to a star-shape, appear in loosely congested clusters at the tips of the stems. Usually found in wetter areas.

Eastern Bluestar Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbane) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: 30 – 100 cm Flowers: March - May Description: Eastern bluestar is an erect-stemmed perennial forming large, multi-stemmed clumps. The smooth stems are crowded with narrow, oval leaves which turn golden-yellow in the fall. Blue, tubular flowers, the rim flaring to a star-shape, appear in loosely congested clusters at the tips of the stems. Usually found in wetter areas.

Blue Sage Salvia azurea var.

Grandiflora (SAAZG)

Blue Sage (Pitcher Sage) Family: Lamiaceae (Mint) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 125 cm Flowers: June - October Description: Common in the eastern half of Oklahoma and Texas, Blue Sage occurs in open fields and pastures, along roadsides, and in partially shaded areas. Flowers are light blue to sky blue, occur on terminal spikes and have a large, nearly flat lower lip. Leaves are coarsely serrate past the middle. Found in sandy prairie soil.

Bees, Skippers, and butterflies visit the flowers.

Prairie Indicator Species

Blue Sage Salvia azurea var.

Grandiflora (SAAZG)

Prairie Indicator Species

Blue Sage Salvia azurea var.

Grandiflora (SAAZG)

Blue Sage (Pitcher Sage) Family: Lamiaceae (Mint) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 125 cm Flowers: June - October Description: Common in the eastern half of Oklahoma and Texas, Blue Sage occurs in open fields and pastures, along roadsides, and in partially shaded areas. Flowers are light blue to sky blue, occur on terminal spikes and have a large, nearly flat lower lip. Leaves are coarsely serrate past the middle. Found in sandy prairie soil.

Bees, Skippers, and butterflies visit the flowers.

Prairie Indicator Species

Blue Sage (Pitcher Sage) Family: Lamiaceae (Mint) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 125 cm Flowers: June - October Description: Common in the eastern half of Oklahoma and Texas, Blue Sage occurs in open fields and pastures, along roadsides, and in partially shaded areas. Flowers are light blue to sky blue, occur on terminal spikes and have a large, nearly flat lower lip. Leaves are coarsely serrate past the middle. Found in sandy prairie soil.

Bees, Skippers, and butterflies visit the flowers.

Blue Sage Salvia azurea var.

Grandiflora (SAAZG)

Prairie Indicator Species

Blue Sage (Pitcher Sage) Family: Lamiaceae (Mint) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 125 cm Flowers: June - October Description: Common in the eastern half of Oklahoma and Texas, Blue Sage occurs in open fields and pastures, along roadsides, and in partially shaded areas. Flowers are light blue to sky blue, occur on terminal spikes and have a large, nearly flat lower lip. Leaves are coarsely serrate past the middle. Found in sandy prairie soil.

Bees, Skippers, and butterflies visit the flowers.

Kansas Gayfeather Liatris pycnostachya (LIPY)

Prairie Indicator Species

Kansas Gayfeather Liatris pycnostachya (LIPY)

Prairie Indicator Species

Kansas Gayfeather (Prairie Blazing Star) Family: Asteraceae(Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: Grows to 1.5 m Flowers: July - August Description: Nearly half the stem of this showy perennial and is the flower spike - a spike of rayless, rose-purple (rarely white), cylindrical, stalkless flower heads densely crowded on a coarse, hairy, very leafy stem. Stamens and styles protrude from the purple, tufted flower heads, creating a fuzzy appearance. Flowers bloom from the top of the spike downward. The lower portion of the stem is covered with short, fuzzy, grass-like leaves. Found in well-drained areas of prairie. Bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies kuse this plant for its rich nectar supply. Birds eat seeds, rodents eat the corms.

Kansas Gayfeather (Prairie Blazing Star) Family: Asteraceae(Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: Grows to 1.5 m Flowers: July - August Description: Nearly half the stem of this showy perennial and is the flower spike - a spike of rayless, rose-purple (rarely white), cylindrical, stalkless flower heads densely crowded on a coarse, hairy, very leafy stem. Stamens and styles protrude from the purple, tufted flower heads, creating a fuzzy appearance. Flowers bloom from the top of the spike downward. The lower portion of the stem is covered with short, fuzzy, grass-like leaves. Found in well-drained areas of prairie. Bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies kuse this plant for its rich nectar supply. Birds eat seeds, rodents eat the corms.

Kansas Gayfeather Liatris pycnostachya (LIPY)

Prairie Indicator Species

Kansas Gayfeather Liatris pycnostachya (LIPY)

Prairie Indicator Species

Kansas Gayfeather (Prairie Blazing Star) Family: Asteraceae(Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: Grows to 1.5 m Flowers: July - August Description: Nearly half the stem of this showy perennial and is the flower spike - a spike of rayless, rose-purple (rarely white), cylindrical, stalkless flower heads densely crowded on a coarse, hairy, very leafy stem. Stamens and styles protrude from the purple, tufted flower heads, creating a fuzzy appearance. Flowers bloom from the top of the spike downward. The lower portion of the stem is covered with short, fuzzy, grass-like leaves. Found in well-drained areas of prairie. Bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies kuse this plant for its rich nectar supply. Birds eat seeds, rodents eat the corms.

Kansas Gayfeather (Prairie Blazing Star) Family: Asteraceae(Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: Grows to 1.5 m Flowers: July - August Description: Nearly half the stem of this showy perennial and is the flower spike - a spike of rayless, rose-purple (rarely white), cylindrical, stalkless flower heads densely crowded on a coarse, hairy, very leafy stem. Stamens and styles protrude from the purple, tufted flower heads, creating a fuzzy appearance. Flowers bloom from the top of the spike downward. The lower portion of the stem is covered with short, fuzzy, grass-like leaves. Found in well-drained areas of prairie. Bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies kuse this plant for its rich nectar supply. Birds eat seeds, rodents eat the corms.

Texas Ironweed Vernonia texana (VEMI2)

Texas Ironweed Vernonia texana (VEMI2)

Missouri Ironweed Family: Asteraceae(Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 100 - 150 cm Flowers: June - September Description: This plant is locally abundant in Southeast Texas - hybridizes with V. Baldwinni - Western Ironweed. Erect, i - 1.5 m tall, branched in upper parts, hairy, leaves numerous. Conspicuous purple flowers in late summer. Grows in wetlands and prairies. The common name “Ironweed” probably refers to its toughness.

Missouri Ironweed Family: Asteraceae(Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 100 - 150 cm Flowers: June - September Description: This plant is locally abundant in Southeast Texas - hybridizes with V. Baldwinni - Western Ironweed. Erect, i - 1.5 m tall, branched in upper parts, hairy, leaves numerous. Conspicuous purple flowers in late summer. Grows in wetlands and prairies. The common name “Ironweed” probably refers to its toughness.

Texas Ironweed Vernonia texana (VEMI2)

Texas Ironweed Vernonia texana (VEMI2)

Missouri Ironweed Family: Asteraceae(Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 100 - 150 cm Flowers: June - September Description: This plant is locally abundant in Southeast Texas - hybridizes with V. Baldwinni - Western Ironweed. Erect, i - 1.5 m tall, branched in upper parts, hairy, leaves numerous. Conspicuous purple flowers in late summer. Grows in wetlands and prairies. The common name “Ironweed” probably refers to its toughness.

Missouri Ironweed Family: Asteraceae(Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 100 - 150 cm Flowers: June - September Description: This plant is locally abundant in Southeast Texas - hybridizes with V. Baldwinni - Western Ironweed. Erect, i - 1.5 m tall, branched in upper parts, hairy, leaves numerous. Conspicuous purple flowers in late summer. Grows in wetlands and prairies. The common name “Ironweed” probably refers to its toughness.

Late Purple Aster

Late Purple Aster

Symphyotrichum patens (SYPA2)

Symphyotrichum patens (SYPA2)

Family: Asteraceae(Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 – 100 cm Flowers: August - October Description: Late purple aster looks similar to smooth aster (Aster laevis) -- they both have purple rays and clasping leaves. Distinguish them by their stems -- Late Purple Aster has a rough, hairy stem; Smooth Aster has a smooth stem with a whitish coating. Found in sandy prairie. Dainty Sulphur sips its nectar. Synonym: Aster patens.

Family: Asteraceae(Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 – 100 cm Flowers: August - October Description: Late purple aster looks similar to smooth aster (Aster laevis) -- they both have purple rays and clasping leaves. Distinguish them by their stems -- Late Purple Aster has a rough, hairy stem; Smooth Aster has a smooth stem with a whitish coating. Found in sandy prairie. Dainty Sulphur sips its nectar. Synonym: Aster patens.

Prairie Indicator Species

Prairie Indicator Species

Prairie Indicator Species

Late Purple Aster

Late Purple Aster

Symphyotrichum patens (SYPA2)

Symphyotrichum patens (SYPA2)

Family: Asteraceae(Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 – 100 cm Flowers: August - October Description: Late purple aster looks similar to smooth aster (Aster laevis) -- they both have purple rays and clasping leaves. Distinguish them by their stems -- Late Purple Aster has a rough, hairy stem; Smooth Aster has a smooth stem with a whitish coating. Found in sandy prairie. Dainty Sulphur sips its nectar. Synonym: Aster patens.

Family: Asteraceae(Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 – 100 cm Flowers: August - October Description: Late purple aster looks similar to smooth aster (Aster laevis) -- they both have purple rays and clasping leaves. Distinguish them by their stems -- Late Purple Aster has a rough, hairy stem; Smooth Aster has a smooth stem with a whitish coating. Found in sandy prairie. Dainty Sulphur sips its nectar. Synonym: Aster patens.

Prairie Indicator Species

American Aloe Manfreda virginica (MAVI5)

Prairie Indicator Species

American Aloe Manfreda virginica (MAVI5)

Prairie Indicator Species

American Aloe Manfreda virginica (MAVI5) Family: Agavaceae (Century Plant) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 100 – 180 cm Flowers: April - August Description: Manfreda is an Agave-like plant with thinner, less succulent and more relaxed leaves than true Agaves. Manfreda tolerates the extra water of summer storms and typical Eastern winter wetness better than its cousin. Basal, linear, fleshy leaves are lined and speckled randomly with red. The summertime bloom stalk can reach heights of 100 – 180 cm with many small fragrant yellow flowers that attract hummers.

American Aloe Manfreda virginica (MAVI5) Family: Agavaceae (Century Plant) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 100 – 180 cm Flowers: April - August Description: Manfreda is an Agave-like plant with thinner, less succulent and more relaxed leaves than true Agaves. Manfreda tolerates the extra water of summer storms and typical Eastern winter wetness better than its cousin. Basal, linear, fleshy leaves are lined and speckled randomly with red. The summertime bloom stalk can reach heights of 100 – 180 cm with many small fragrant yellow flowers that attract hummers.

American Aloe Manfreda virginica (MAVI5)

Prairie Indicator Species

American Aloe Manfreda virginica (MAVI5)

Prairie Indicator Species

American Aloe Manfreda virginica (MAVI5) Family: Agavaceae (Century Plant) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 100 – 180 cm Flowers: April - August Description: Manfreda is an Agave-like plant with thinner, less succulent and more relaxed leaves than true Agaves. Manfreda tolerates the extra water of summer storms and typical Eastern winter wetness better than its cousin. Basal, linear, fleshy leaves are lined and speckled randomly with red. The summertime bloom stalk can reach heights of 100 – 180 cm with many small fragrant yellow flowers that attract hummers.

American Aloe Manfreda virginica (MAVI5) Family: Agavaceae (Century Plant) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 100 – 180 cm Flowers: April - August Description: Manfreda is an Agave-like plant with thinner, less succulent and more relaxed leaves than true Agaves. Manfreda tolerates the extra water of summer storms and typical Eastern winter wetness better than its cousin. Basal, linear, fleshy leaves are lined and speckled randomly with red. The summertime bloom stalk can reach heights of 100 – 180 cm with many small fragrant yellow flowers that attract hummers.

Wooly Croton

Woolly Croton Croton capitatus (CRCA6)

(Hogwort) Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge) Longevity: Annual Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 – 100 cm Flowers: July - October Description: Woolly Croton can grow in sandy prairies, openings and waste places of the Edwards Plateau and South Texas Plains. The grayish-green stems have small hairs and branch at the nodes. The leaves are a narrow lance shape and are 10 cm long. The small green male flowers are positioned above the female flowers on a stalk.

The fruit is a three-seeded capsule. The seeds are eaten by quail, mourning dove, and turkeys. Woolly croton blooms from summer to fall and is a caterpillar food source for Leafwing and Starred Skipper butterflies. Food source for White-tailed Deer.

Wooly Croton

Woolly Croton Croton capitatus (CRCA6)

Wooly Croton

Woolly Croton Croton capitatus (CRCA6)

(Hogwort) Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge) Longevity: Annual Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 – 100 cm Flowers: July - October Description: Woolly Croton can grow in sandy prairies, openings and waste places of the Edwards Plateau and South Texas Plains. The grayish-green stems have small hairs and branch at the nodes. The leaves are a narrow lance shape and are 10 cm long. The small green male flowers are positioned above the female flowers on a stalk.

The fruit is a three-seeded capsule. The seeds are eaten by quail, mourning dove, and turkeys. Woolly croton blooms from summer to fall and is a caterpillar food source for Leafwing and Starred Skipper butterflies. Food source for White-tailed Deer.

(Hogwort) Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge) Longevity: Annual Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 – 100 cm Flowers: July - October Description: Woolly Croton can grow in sandy prairies, openings and waste places of the Edwards Plateau and South Texas Plains. The grayish-green stems have small hairs and branch at the nodes. The leaves are a narrow lance shape and are 10 cm long. The small green male flowers are positioned above the female flowers on a stalk.

The fruit is a three-seeded capsule. The seeds are eaten by quail, mourning dove, and turkeys. Woolly croton blooms from summer to fall and is a caterpillar food source for Leafwing and Starred Skipper butterflies. Food source for White-tailed Deer.

Wooly Croton

Woolly Croton Croton capitatus (CRCA6)

(Hogwort) Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge) Longevity: Annual Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 – 100 cm Flowers: July - October Description: Woolly Croton can grow in sandy prairies, openings and waste places of the Edwards Plateau and South Texas Plains. The grayish-green stems have small hairs and branch at the nodes. The leaves are a narrow lance shape and are 10 cm long. The small green male flowers are positioned above the female flowers on a stalk.

The fruit is a three-seeded capsule. The seeds are eaten by quail, mourning dove, and turkeys. Woolly croton blooms from summer to fall and is a caterpillar food source for Leafwing and Starred Skipper butterflies. Food source for White-tailed Deer.

Green Milkweed

Green Milkweed

Asclepias viridiflora (ASVI)

(Green Comet Milkweed)

Prairie Indicator Species

Green Milkweed

Green Milkweed

Green Milkweed

Asclepias viridiflora (ASVI)

(Green Comet Milkweed)

Family: Asclepiadaceae(Milkweed) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 – 100 cm Flowers: June - September Description: Green Milkweed is a perennial from a vertical rootstock. 60 cm tall stems are mostly solitary or in pairs and bear are opposite leaves up to 10 cm long.

Leaves are variable in shape with plants from dry sites having long narrow leaves and those from moist sites having round leaves. 20-80 pale green flowers occur in 5cm clusters in upper leaf axils. The pods of green milkweed are about 10 cm long and pointed at both ends. The pods lack the warts or tubercles found on other common milkweeds. Host plant of Monarch Butterfly larvae.

Prairie Indicator Species

Family: Asclepiadaceae(Milkweed) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 – 100 cm Flowers: June - September Description: Green Milkweed is a perennial from a vertical rootstock. 60 cm tall stems are mostly solitary or in pairs and bear are opposite leaves up to 10 cm long.

Leaves are variable in shape with plants from dry sites having long narrow leaves and those from moist sites having round leaves. 20-80 pale green flowers occur in 5cm clusters in upper leaf axils. The pods of green milkweed are about 10 cm long and pointed at both ends. The pods lack the warts or tubercles found on other common milkweeds. Host plant of Monarch Butterfly larvae.

Green Milkweed

Green Milkweed

Asclepias viridiflora (ASVI)

(Green Comet Milkweed)

Prairie Indicator Species

Family: Asclepiadaceae(Milkweed) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 – 100 cm Flowers: June - September Description: Green Milkweed is a perennial from a vertical rootstock. 60 cm tall stems are mostly solitary or in pairs and bear are opposite leaves up to 10 cm long.

Leaves are variable in shape with plants from dry sites having long narrow leaves and those from moist sites having round leaves. 20-80 pale green flowers occur in 5cm clusters in upper leaf axils. The pods of green milkweed are about 10 cm long and pointed at both ends. The pods lack the warts or tubercles found on other common milkweeds. Host plant of Monarch Butterfly larvae.

Green Milkweed

Asclepias viridiflora (ASVI)

(Green Comet Milkweed)

Prairie Indicator Species

Family: Asclepiadaceae(Milkweed) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 – 100 cm Flowers: June - September Description: Green Milkweed is a perennial from a vertical rootstock. 60 cm tall stems are mostly solitary or in pairs and bear are opposite leaves up to 10 cm long.

Leaves are variable in shape with plants from dry sites having long narrow leaves and those from moist sites having round leaves. 20-80 pale green flowers occur in 5cm clusters in upper leaf axils. The pods of green milkweed are about 10 cm long and pointed at both ends. The pods lack the warts or tubercles found on other common milkweeds. Host plant of Monarch Butterfly larvae.

Whitetop Sedge Rhynchospora colorata (RHCO7)

Whitetop Sedge Rhynchospora colorata (RHCO7)

Whitetop Sedge (Starrush Whitetop) Family: Cyperaceae, Sedge Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 20 – 60 cm Flowers: March - November Description: Spikelets in a round cluster enclosed at base by a set of 5 – 6 long, drooping, white bracts with green tips; stem triangular. Flowers cluster to 2 cm wide; spikelet about 1 cm long, with oblong, whitish scales; sepals and petals absent; stamens 6; style 2-cleft; bracts beneath cluster widely spreading, unequal, to 7 cm long.

Found in wet areas.

Whitetop Sedge (Starrush Whitetop) Family: Cyperaceae, Sedge Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 20 – 60 cm Flowers: March - November Description: Spikelets in a round cluster enclosed at base by a set of 5 – 6 long, drooping, white bracts with green tips; stem triangular. Flowers cluster to 2 cm wide; spikelet about 1 cm long, with oblong, whitish scales; sepals and petals absent; stamens 6; style 2-cleft; bracts beneath cluster widely spreading, unequal, to 7 cm long.

Found in wet areas.

Whitetop Sedge Rhynchospora colorata (RHCO7)

Whitetop Sedge Rhynchospora colorata (RHCO7)

Whitetop Sedge (Starrush Whitetop) Family: Cyperaceae, Sedge Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 20 – 60 cm Flowers: March - November Description: Spikelets in a round cluster enclosed at base by a set of 5 – 6 long, drooping, white bracts with green tips; stem triangular. Flowers cluster to 2 cm wide; spikelet about 1 cm long, with oblong, whitish scales; sepals and petals absent; stamens 6; style 2-cleft; bracts beneath cluster widely spreading, unequal, to 7 cm long.

Found in wet areas.

Whitetop Sedge (Starrush Whitetop) Family: Cyperaceae, Sedge Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 20 – 60 cm Flowers: March - November Description: Spikelets in a round cluster enclosed at base by a set of 5 – 6 long, drooping, white bracts with green tips; stem triangular. Flowers cluster to 2 cm wide; spikelet about 1 cm long, with oblong, whitish scales; sepals and petals absent; stamens 6; style 2-cleft; bracts beneath cluster widely spreading, unequal, to 7 cm long.

Found in wet areas.

Flowering Spurge

Flowering Spurge Euphorbia corollata L. (EUCO10)

Prairie Indicator Species

Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: Grows to 1 m Flowers: June - October Description: One or more bright green stems grows erect to 1 m. A whorl of smooth, bright green leaves surrounds the stem at the point where 3-7 flowering stalks branch off. Minute flowers, surrounded by 5 white, round petal-like bracts, attach to the rim of a cup, all in a few-to-much-branched, open cluster atop each stem. Each flowering stalk branches again above another whorl of smaller leaves. Flowering stalks are topped by small, white flowers in large, loose, long-lasting clusters.

Sap milky - may cause skin irritation and is poisonous, if ingested.

Flowering Spurge

Flowering Spurge Euphorbia corollata L. (EUCO10)

Prairie Indicator Species

Flowering Spurge

Flowering Spurge Euphorbia corollata L. (EUCO10)

Prairie Indicator Species

Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: Grows to 1 m Flowers: June - October Description: One or more bright green stems grows erect to 1 m. A whorl of smooth, bright green leaves surrounds the stem at the point where 3-7 flowering stalks branch off. Minute flowers, surrounded by 5 white, round petal-like bracts, attach to the rim of a cup, all in a few-to-much-branched, open cluster atop each stem. Each flowering stalk branches again above another whorl of smaller leaves. Flowering stalks are topped by small, white flowers in large, loose, long-lasting clusters.

Sap milky - may cause skin irritation and is poisonous, if ingested.

Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: Grows to 1 m Flowers: June - October Description: One or more bright green stems grows erect to 1 m. A whorl of smooth, bright green leaves surrounds the stem at the point where 3-7 flowering stalks branch off. Minute flowers, surrounded by 5 white, round petal-like bracts, attach to the rim of a cup, all in a few-to-much-branched, open cluster atop each stem. Each flowering stalk branches again above another whorl of smaller leaves. Flowering stalks are topped by small, white flowers in large, loose, long-lasting clusters.

Sap milky - may cause skin irritation and is poisonous, if ingested.

Flowering Spurge

Flowering Spurge Euphorbia corollata L. (EUCO10)

Prairie Indicator Species

Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: Grows to 1 m Flowers: June - October Description: One or more bright green stems grows erect to 1 m. A whorl of smooth, bright green leaves surrounds the stem at the point where 3-7 flowering stalks branch off. Minute flowers, surrounded by 5 white, round petal-like bracts, attach to the rim of a cup, all in a few-to-much-branched, open cluster atop each stem. Each flowering stalk branches again above another whorl of smaller leaves. Flowering stalks are topped by small, white flowers in large, loose, long-lasting clusters.

Sap milky - may cause skin irritation and is poisonous, if ingested.

Gayfeather Liatris elegans (LIEL)

Gayfeather (Pinkscale Blazing Star)

Gayfeather Liatris elegans (LIEL)

Family: Asteraceae (Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: Grows to 125 cm Flowers: August - October Description: Gayfeather is a slender, unbranched plant, to 125 cm tall. Its narrow leaves, much like pine needles, are about 7 cm long, whorled around the stem. Flower spike is 150 - 300 cm long, blooming from the top downward. Flowers are purple to pale lavender-pink, about 1 cm long. There are no ray flowers, but long petal-like bracts the same color as the disk flowers are often mistaken for them.

Prairie Indicator Species

Gayfeather Liatris elegans (LIEL)

Family: Asteraceae (Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: Grows to 125 cm Flowers: August - October Description: Gayfeather is a slender, unbranched plant, to 125 cm tall. Its narrow leaves, much like pine needles, are about 7 cm long, whorled around the stem. Flower spike is 150 - 300 cm long, blooming from the top downward. Flowers are purple to pale lavender-pink, about 1 cm long. There are no ray flowers, but long petal-like bracts the same color as the disk flowers are often mistaken for them.

Prairie Indicator Species

Gayfeather (Pinkscale Blazing Star)

Gayfeather Liatris elegans (LIEL)

Family: Asteraceae (Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: Grows to 125 cm Flowers: August - October Description: Gayfeather is a slender, unbranched plant, to 125 cm tall. Its narrow leaves, much like pine needles, are about 7 cm long, whorled around the stem. Flower spike is 150 - 300 cm long, blooming from the top downward. Flowers are purple to pale lavender-pink, about 1 cm long. There are no ray flowers, but long petal-like bracts the same color as the disk flowers are often mistaken for them.

Prairie Indicator Species

Gayfeather (Pinkscale Blazing Star)

Gayfeather (Pinkscale Blazing Star) Family: Asteraceae (Aster) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: Grows to 125 cm Flowers: August - October Description: Gayfeather is a slender, unbranched plant, to 125 cm tall. Its narrow leaves, much like pine needles, are about 7 cm long, whorled around the stem. Flower spike is 150 - 300 cm long, blooming from the top downward. Flowers are purple to pale lavender-pink, about 1 cm long. There are no ray flowers, but long petal-like bracts the same color as the disk flowers are often mistaken for them.

Prairie Indicator Species

Bush Pea Baptisia sphaerocarpa (BASP)

Bush Pea (Yellow Wild Indigo) Family: Fabaceae (Pea) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: Grows to 125 cm Flowers: April - June Description: The bush pea grows to 125 cm tall with many branches, rounded into a compact clump. It has large yellow flowers along the upper part of the stems, well above the foliage. Leaves are made up of 3 leaflets about 25 cm long. Some of the upper leaves may have only 2, or sometimes 1, leaflet.

Prairie Indicator Species

Bush Pea Baptisia sphaerocarpa (BASP)

Prairie Indicator Species

Bush Pea Baptisia sphaerocarpa (BASP)

Bush Pea (Yellow Wild Indigo) Family: Fabaceae (Pea) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: Grows to 125 cm Flowers: April - June Description: The bush pea grows to 125 cm tall with many branches, rounded into a compact clump. It has large yellow flowers along the upper part of the stems, well above the foliage. Leaves are made up of 3 leaflets about 25 cm long. Some of the upper leaves may have only 2, or sometimes 1, leaflet.

Prairie Indicator Species

Bush Pea (Yellow Wild Indigo) Family: Fabaceae (Pea) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: Grows to 125 cm Flowers: April - June Description: The bush pea grows to 125 cm tall with many branches, rounded into a compact clump. It has large yellow flowers along the upper part of the stems, well above the foliage. Leaves are made up of 3 leaflets about 25 cm long. Some of the upper leaves may have only 2, or sometimes 1, leaflet.

Bush Pea Baptisia sphaerocarpa (BASP)

Prairie Indicator Species

Bush Pea (Yellow Wild Indigo) Family: Fabaceae (Pea) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool Origin: Native Height: Grows to 125 cm Flowers: April - June Description: The bush pea grows to 125 cm tall with many branches, rounded into a compact clump. It has large yellow flowers along the upper part of the stems, well above the foliage. Leaves are made up of 3 leaflets about 25 cm long. Some of the upper leaves may have only 2, or sometimes 1, leaflet.

Lindheimer’s Beebalm Monarda lindheimeri (MOLI2)

Lindheimer’s Beebalm Family: Lamiaceae (Mint) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 – 60 cm Flowers: April - August Description: Lindheimer’s Beebalm is a herbaceous perennial, 30 - 60 cm tall, with simple of branched stems, smooth or lightly hairy, with mostly oval, leaves, which are variable with respect to hairs and/or toothed margins.

Flowers are white, hairy, 1-2 cm. Grows on edges of woods, meadows, slopes and flats, usually sandy soils.

Prairie Indicator Species

Lindheimer’s Beebalm Monarda lindheimeri (MOLI2)

Prairie Indicator Species

Lindheimer’s Beebalm Monarda lindheimeri (MOLI2)

Lindheimer’s Beebalm Family: Lamiaceae (Mint) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 – 60 cm Flowers: April - August Description: Lindheimer’s Beebalm is a herbaceous perennial, 30 - 60 cm tall, with simple of branched stems, smooth or lightly hairy, with mostly oval, leaves, which are variable with respect to hairs and/or toothed margins.

Flowers are white, hairy, 1-2 cm. Grows on edges of woods, meadows, slopes and flats, usually sandy soils.

Prairie Indicator Species

Lindheimer’s Beebalm Family: Lamiaceae (Mint) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 – 60 cm Flowers: April - August Description: Lindheimer’s Beebalm is a herbaceous perennial, 30 - 60 cm tall, with simple of branched stems, smooth or lightly hairy, with mostly oval, leaves, which are variable with respect to hairs and/or toothed margins.

Flowers are white, hairy, 1-2 cm. Grows on edges of woods, meadows, slopes and flats, usually sandy soils.

Lindheimer’s Beebalm Monarda lindheimeri (MOLI2)

Prairie Indicator Species

Lindheimer’s Beebalm Family: Lamiaceae (Mint) Longevity: Perennial Season: Cool/Warm Origin: Native Height: 30 – 60 cm Flowers: April - August Description: Lindheimer’s Beebalm is a herbaceous perennial, 30 - 60 cm tall, with simple of branched stems, smooth or lightly hairy, with mostly oval, leaves, which are variable with respect to hairs and/or toothed margins.

Flowers are white, hairy, 1-2 cm. Grows on edges of woods, meadows, slopes and flats, usually sandy soils.

Gulf Coast Muhly Muhlenbergia capillaris (MUCA2)

Gulf Coast Muhly (Hairawn Muhly) Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 50 to 150 cm Flowers: June - November Description: A dense, tufted grass with leaves both along the stem and at the base. The leaf blades are rolled downwards and are often bowed or arched. The ligule is 2-3 mm long and membranous. Seeds (caryopsis) are black to dark purple, linear, and round.

Prairie Indicator Species

Gulf Coast Muhly Muhlenbergia capillaris (MUCA2)

Prairie Indicator Species

Gulf Coast Muhly Muhlenbergia capillaris (MUCA2)

Gulf Coast Muhly (Hairawn Muhly) Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 50 to 150 cm Flowers: June - November Description: A dense, tufted grass with leaves both along the stem and at the base. The leaf blades are rolled downwards and are often bowed or arched. The ligule is 2-3 mm long and membranous. Seeds (caryopsis) are black to dark purple, linear, and round.

Prairie Indicator Species

Gulf Coast Muhly (Hairawn Muhly) Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 50 to 150 cm Flowers: June - November Description: A dense, tufted grass with leaves both along the stem and at the base. The leaf blades are rolled downwards and are often bowed or arched. The ligule is 2-3 mm long and membranous. Seeds (caryopsis) are black to dark purple, linear, and round.

Gulf Coast Muhly Muhlenbergia capillaris (MUCA2)

Prairie Indicator Species

Gulf Coast Muhly (Hairawn Muhly) Family: Poaceae (Grass) Longevity: Perennial Season: Warm Origin: Native Height: 50 to 150 cm Flowers: June - November Description: A dense, tufted grass with leaves both along the stem and at the base. The leaf blades are rolled downwards and are often bowed or arched. The ligule is 2-3 mm long and membranous. Seeds (caryopsis) are black to dark purple, linear, and round.

INDEX OF SPECIES: MONOCOTS Century Plant (Agavaceae): American Aloe Amaryllis (Amaryllidaceae): Spider Lily Spiderwort (Commelinaceae): Green Milkweed Sedge (Cyperaceae): Whitetop Sedge Iris (Iridaceae): Eastern Blue-eyed Grass Prairie Nymph Missouri Ironweed Purplehead Sneezeweed Narrowleaf Sunflower Blackeyed Susan

Spurge (Euphorbiaceae): Flowering Spurge Snow-on-the-Prairie Woolly Croton Pea (Fabaceae): Plains Wild Indigo Yellow Wild Indigo Sensitive Briar Mint (Lamiaceae): Lindheimer’s Beebalm Spotted Beebalm Blue Sage

INDEX OF SPECIES: MONOCOTS Century Plant (Agavaceae): American Aloe Amaryllis (Amaryllidaceae): Spider Lily Spiderwort (Commelinaceae): Green Milkweed Sedge (Cyperaceae): Whitetop Sedge Iris (Iridaceae): Eastern Blue-eyed Grass Prairie Nymph Missouri Ironweed Purplehead Sneezeweed Narrowleaf Sunflower Blackeyed Susan

Spurge (Euphorbiaceae): Flowering Spurge Snow-on-the-Prairie Woolly Croton Pea (Fabaceae): Plains Wild Indigo Yellow Wild Indigo Sensitive Briar Mint (Lamiaceae): Lindheimer’s Beebalm Spotted Beebalm Blue Sage

INDEX OF SPECIES: MONOCOTS Century Plant (Agavaceae): American Aloe Amaryllis (Amaryllidaceae): Spider Lily Spiderwort (Commelinaceae): Green Milkweed Sedge (Cyperaceae): Whitetop Sedge Iris (Iridaceae): Eastern Blue-eyed Grass Prairie Nymph Missouri Ironweed Purplehead Sneezeweed Narrowleaf Sunflower Blackeyed Susan

Spurge (Euphorbiaceae): Flowering Spurge Snow-on-the-Prairie Woolly Croton Pea (Fabaceae): Plains Wild Indigo Yellow Wild Indigo Sensitive Briar Mint (Lamiaceae): Lindheimer’s Beebalm Spotted Beebalm Blue Sage

INDEX OF SPECIES: MONOCOTS Century Plant (Agavaceae): American Aloe Amaryllis (Amaryllidaceae): Spider Lily Spiderwort (Commelinaceae): Green Milkweed Sedge (Cyperaceae): Whitetop Sedge Iris (Iridaceae): Eastern Blue-eyed Grass Prairie Nymph Missouri Ironweed Purplehead Sneezeweed Narrowleaf Sunflower Blackeyed Susan

Spurge (Euphorbiaceae): Flowering Spurge Snow-on-the-Prairie Woolly Croton Pea (Fabaceae): Plains Wild Indigo Yellow Wild Indigo Sensitive Briar Mint (Lamiaceae): Lindheimer’s Beebalm Spotted Beebalm Blue Sage

INDEX OF SPECIES: DICOTS Carrot (Apiaceae): Rattlesnake Master Dogbane (Apocynaceae): Eastern Bluestar Milkweed (Asclepiadaceae): Green Milkweed Aster (Asteraceae): Late Purple Aster Narrowleaf Boneset Texas Coneflower Indian Blanket Indian Plantain Gayfeather

Kansas Gayfeather Canadian Goldenrod

Passionflower (Passifloraceae): Maypop Note: Common names in parentheses and species code symbols are from USDA PLANTS Database, http://plants.usda.gov.

Prairie Indicator Species have coefficient of conservatism 8 - 10, denoting highest prairie indicator status.

Version 2009.10

INDEX OF SPECIES: DICOTS Carrot (Apiaceae): Rattlesnake Master Dogbane (Apocynaceae): Eastern Bluestar Milkweed (Asclepiadaceae): Green Milkweed Aster (Asteraceae): Late Purple Aster Narrowleaf Boneset Texas Coneflower Indian Blanket Indian Plantain Gayfeather

Kansas Gayfeather Canadian Goldenrod

Passionflower (Passifloraceae): Maypop Note: Common names in parentheses and species code symbols are from USDA PLANTS Database, http://plants.usda.gov.

Prairie Indicator Species have coefficient of conservatism 8 - 10, denoting highest prairie indicator status.

Version 2009.10

INDEX OF SPECIES: DICOTS Carrot (Apiaceae): Rattlesnake Master Dogbane (Apocynaceae): Eastern Bluestar Milkweed (Asclepiadaceae): Green Milkweed Aster (Asteraceae): Late Purple Aster Narrowleaf Boneset Texas Coneflower Indian Blanket Indian Plantain Gayfeather

Kansas Gayfeather Canadian Goldenrod

Passionflower (Passifloraceae): Maypop Note: Common names in parentheses and species code symbols are from USDA PLANTS Database, http://plants.usda.gov.

Prairie Indicator Species have coefficient of conservatism 8 - 10, denoting highest prairie indicator status.

Version 2009.10

INDEX OF SPECIES: DICOTS Carrot (Apiaceae): Rattlesnake Master Dogbane (Apocynaceae): Eastern Bluestar Milkweed (Asclepiadaceae): Green Milkweed Aster (Asteraceae): Late Purple Aster Narrowleaf Boneset Texas Coneflower Indian Blanket Indian Plantain Gayfeather

Kansas Gayfeather Canadian Goldenrod

Passionflower (Passifloraceae): Maypop Note: Common names in parentheses and species code symbols are from USDA PLANTS Database, http://plants.usda.gov.

Prairie Indicator Species have coefficient of conservatism 8 - 10, denoting highest prairie indicator status.

Version 2009.10

Grasses and Forbs of the Coastal Tallgrass Prairies: Common and Indicator Species of the Galveston Bay Area of Texas

Grasses and Forbs of the Coastal Tallgrass Prairies: Common and Indicator Species of the Galveston Bay Area of Texas

Galveston Office

Created By: Helen Mueller Administrative Assistant

Galveston County Office Version 2009.10 Edited By: Diane Humes

Grasses and Forbs of the Coastal Tallgrass Prairies: Common and Indicator Species of the Galveston Bay Area of Texas

Galveston Office

Created By: Helen Mueller Administrative Assistant

Grasses and Forbs of the Coastal Tallgrass Prairies: Common and Indicator Species of the Galveston Bay Area of Texas

Galveston Office

Created By: Helen Mueller Administrative Assistant

Galveston County Office Version 2009.10 Edited By: Diane Humes

Galveston County Office Version 2009.10 Edited By: Diane Humes

Galveston Office

Created By: Helen Mueller Administrative Assistant

Galveston County Office Version 2009.10 Edited By: Diane Humes