Adam S The BotanistBY: ADAM S. FOR THE GRASSLAND PRAIRIES

The Big Bluestem Grass

It is also called “Turkey feet” because the shape of the seed looks like well… turkey feet! In my opinion so does the grass. It’s also called the beard grass. The grass can also grow from 3 to 10 feet! This grass blooms from June to September. This was used for food for the American Bison. Very important since it is the tallest grass there is. The grass has very deep roots to protect it and the dirt from blowing away in the prairie. It is also the tallest grass in the prairie.

http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/prairie_plants_page.htm

The Stinging Nettle

This plant looks like a little hairy weed. In reality it is a very dangerous plant. When you touch it with your bare hands or skin you will feel a painful sensation. It can feel like a bee sting or much worse. It can last for hours to days. This sting is caused by formic acid covering the hairs on the plant. This plant can also be very useful too. It is a medicine in Europe for over 2,000 years! It can be turned into tea through the stems and leaves. This plant is mostly found in North America but is still common all over the world. I guess it gets its name “The Stinging Nettle” from its harmful acid on its hairs.

http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/prairie_plants_page.htm

The Purple Cone Flower

The Purple Cone Flower grows to 2-3 feet tall and the center can grow to the size of a child’s fist! This plant is also part of the daisy and dandelion. This plant is very cool to me because it can relieve gub bites and stings and also toothaches, acne and boils. Also snake bites, fevers, infections, and maybe even tumors.! I might want to keep some of this around myself!

www.blueplanetbiomes.org/prairie_plants_page.htm

Fleabane

Fleabane can grow up to 4-30 inches high. When burnt a smoke arises that keeps away fleas. Probably where it gets its name from. Its weed was used to heal sore throats. It prefers well drained soil.

http://extension.usu.edu/rangeplants/htm/shaggy-fleabane

Blue Grama Grass

The Blue Brama Grass grows up to 18 inches. It’s dense shallow root mass holds it and the soil down from blowing away. It can also quickly absorb any rain that may fall because of its dense shallow roots. This makes Blue Grama Grass important.

www.blueplanetbiomes.org/prairie_plants_page.htm

Buffalo Grass

Buffalo grass grows from 5-13 cm. It has heat and cold resistance. The flower stalks are 4-8 inches (10-20 cm). It is one of the most important grass because Buffalo, white tailed deer, and etc. feed on it.

www.blueplanetbiomes.org/prairie_plants_page.htm

Indian Grass

Indian grass has long flat narrow weeds which are nicknamed “blades”. Indian Grass grows more where it is moist and its “blades” turn yellowish bronze-ish in the fall.

http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/prairie_plants_page.htm

Milkweed

Milkweed has a white poisonous sap from it which is where it gets its name from. It can grow 2 to 3 in a half feet and it attracts bees, hummingbirds etc.

http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/prairie_plants_page.htm

Abiotic Factors

-wild flowers

-shrubs

-little trees

-long tall grass

-other plants

-other animals

Biotic Factors

-the sun

-rocks and soil

-water from streams

-wind

-rain

-wildfires

Heat or cold