1. Unit IV Kansas Plants: Wildflowers and Grasses Information

2. Introduction to Wildflowers There are literally hundreds of species of wildflowers occurring in Kansas. There are literally hundreds of species of wildflowers occurring in Kansas. I will only attempt here to cover a very few of the most common, showy wildflowers that people notice and that are found throughout most of the state. I will only attempt here to cover a very few of the most common, showy wildflowers that people notice and that are found throughout most of the state. In some cases, we will look at the family as a whole, rather than one species. In some cases, we will look at the family as a whole, rather than one species. Kansas has a wide variety of habitats, and many species of wildflowers are somewhat particular in their habitat needs. Kansas has a wide variety of habitats, and many species of wildflowers are somewhat particular in their habitat needs. Eastern Kansas has much more precipitation than western Kansas, and therefore has different plant communities. Eastern Kansas has much more precipitation than western Kansas, and therefore has different plant communities.

3. Intro, cont. Kansas has three general types of habitat: Kansas has three general types of habitat: Tallgrass prairie, eastern/central region that gets the most rainfall. Tallgrass prairie, eastern/central region that gets the most rainfall. Mixed-grass prairie, central/western region that gets less rainfall than tallgrass. Mixed-grass prairie, central/western region that gets less rainfall than tallgrass. Shortgrass prairie, western 1/5 of Kansas, gets the least amount of rainfall. Shortgrass prairie, western 1/5 of Kansas, gets the least amount of rainfall. Within each of these regions, there are even more specific habitat types, like riparian woodlands (along streams), sand-sage prairie, wet and dry conditions in all of the habitats above.

4. Intro, cont. The growing season in most of Kansas is from about mid-April until about mid-late October (from the last freeze until the first freeze). The growing season in most of Kansas is from about mid-April until about mid-late October (from the last freeze until the first freeze). A great many species of wildflowers have been used as food or medicines by Native Americans. A great many species of wildflowers have been used as food or medicines by Native Americans. Wherever you see a name on a slide, followed by “sp.”, that means we are looking at a group of species in that family. Wherever you see a name on a slide, followed by “sp.”, that means we are looking at a group of species in that family. Example: Sunflower sp. Means we are learning generic information about all the sunflower species, not one species in particular. Example: Sunflower sp. Means we are learning generic information about all the sunflower species, not one species in particular.

5. Intro, cont. When identifying flowers in the wild, you should look for: When identifying flowers in the wild, you should look for: Color of flower. Most field guides are arranged by color. Color of flower. Most field guides are arranged by color. Type of flower. There is usually a guide to the types of flowers at the beginning of the field guides. Type of flower. There is usually a guide to the types of flowers at the beginning of the field guides. Shape and arrangement of leaves on plant. There are also descriptions of these at the beginning of most field guides. Shape and arrangement of leaves on plant. There are also descriptions of these at the beginning of most field guides.

6. Common Milkweed

8. Asclepiadaceae, milkweed family Asclepiadaceae, milkweed family 3-4’ tall. 3-4’ tall. Usually has pinkish veins filled with a milky sap that is white. Usually has pinkish veins filled with a milky sap that is white. This is the main host plant for Monarch butterflies. The larvae feed on the milkweed leaves, ingest the toxic sap, and become poisonous themselves. This is the main host plant for Monarch butterflies. The larvae feed on the milkweed leaves, ingest the toxic sap, and become poisonous themselves. Abundant in open, disturbed areas throughout the tallgrass region. Abundant in open, disturbed areas throughout the tallgrass region. There are at least fourteen different species of milkweeds found in Kansas. There are at least fourteen different species of milkweeds found in Kansas.

9. Butterfly Milkweed

10. Asclepiadaceae, milkweed family Asclepiadaceae, milkweed family About 3’ tall, somewhat sprawling or bushy. About 3’ tall, somewhat sprawling or bushy. Clear sap (not milky) Clear sap (not milky) Flower clusters are a brilliant orange typically. Flower clusters are a brilliant orange typically. Common in well-drained prairies. Common in well-drained prairies.

11. Purple Coneflower sp.

12. Asteraceae, sunflower family. Asteraceae, sunflower family. 3-5’ tall, depending on the species 3-5’ tall, depending on the species Several species of purple coneflowers occur in Kansas. Several species of purple coneflowers occur in Kansas. The purple coneflowers are in the genus Echinacea (pronounced: EK-in-AY-shuh), and all of these species are used and currently sold as an herbal medicine thought to boost the immune system. Illegal digging of the roots poses a major threat to this plant in some areas. The purple coneflowers are in the genus Echinacea (pronounced: EK-in-AY-shuh), and all of these species are used and currently sold as an herbal medicine thought to boost the immune system. Illegal digging of the roots poses a major threat to this plant in some areas.

13. Black-eyed Susan

14. Asteraceae, sunflower family. Asteraceae, sunflower family. 1-2’ tall, but can be 3.5’ tall. 1-2’ tall, but can be 3.5’ tall. Has bristly-hairy stems, leaves with parallel veins. Has bristly-hairy stems, leaves with parallel veins. Flowers 2-3” wide with yellow petals and a brown center. Flowers 2-3” wide with yellow petals and a brown center. Widely distributed. Widely distributed. Common garden plant, spreads actively. Common garden plant, spreads actively.

15. Daisy Fleabane

16. Asteraceae, sunflower family. Asteraceae, sunflower family. Grows about 2 ½ feet tall, with flowers that are about ½ inch across. Grows about 2 ½ feet tall, with flowers that are about ½ inch across. Very common throughout the tallgrass region: prairies, roadsides, pastures. Very common throughout the tallgrass region: prairies, roadsides, pastures. People use to plant this around barns thinking that it kept fleas away from the animals. I don’t know if it does or not. People use to plant this around barns thinking that it kept fleas away from the animals. I don’t know if it does or not.

17. Chicory Chicory commonly grows along the roadsides as seen here.

18. Chicory

19. Chicory Asteraceae, sunflower family. Asteraceae, sunflower family. Showy blue flowers. Showy blue flowers. Found along the roadsides and in waste places. Found along the roadsides and in waste places. Non-native plant. Sometimes a pest plant in places, also sought after for food uses: can be roasted and ground as a coffee substitute or additive. Non-native plant. Sometimes a pest plant in places, also sought after for food uses: can be roasted and ground as a coffee substitute or additive.

20. Yarrow Soft, fern-like leaves

21. Yarrow Asteraceae, the sunflower family. Asteraceae, the sunflower family. Plants typically 1-2’ tall. Plants typically 1-2’ tall. Leaves are fern like and feathery. Leaves are fern like and feathery. Abundant and widespread in fields, pastures, disturbed sites, roadsides and prairies. Abundant and widespread in fields, pastures, disturbed sites, roadsides and prairies. Used for a variety of medicinal purposes. Used for a variety of medicinal purposes.

22. Gayfeather (a.k.a. Blazing Star)

23. Asteraceae, sunflower family. Asteraceae, sunflower family. Several species in Kansas, including Narrow-leaf Gayfeather and Prairie Blazing star. Several species in Kansas, including Narrow-leaf Gayfeather and Prairie Blazing star. Slender, spike-like plants up to 5’ tall. Slender, spike-like plants up to 5’ tall. Common throughout tallgrass region. Common throughout tallgrass region.

24. Sunflower sp.

25. Asteraceae, the sunflower family, genus is Helianthus Asteraceae, the sunflower family, genus is Helianthus Sunflowers (of different species) range from 2’ tall in Western Kansas to over 9’ tall in Eastern Kansas. Sunflowers (of different species) range from 2’ tall in Western Kansas to over 9’ tall in Eastern Kansas. There are at least 9 species of sunflowers in the tallgrass region. There are at least 9 species of sunflowers in the tallgrass region. Common Sunflower is the State Flower. It has broad, triangular shaped leaves and a reddish brown central disk. Common Sunflower is the State Flower. It has broad, triangular shaped leaves and a reddish brown central disk. Very valuable plant to humans and wildlife for the edible seeds it produces. Very valuable plant to humans and wildlife for the edible seeds it produces.

26. Goldenrod sp.

27. Asteraceae, sunflower family. Asteraceae, sunflower family. There are at least 9 different species in the tallgrass region. There are at least 9 different species in the tallgrass region. Tall Goldenrod is pictured here, and this is the “weediest” goldenrod. It grows very commonly in open areas especially if the area has had a history of disturbance (plowing, mowing, heavy grazing, roadsides, etc). Tall Goldenrod is pictured here, and this is the “weediest” goldenrod. It grows very commonly in open areas especially if the area has had a history of disturbance (plowing, mowing, heavy grazing, roadsides, etc). Sometimes is blamed for allergies, but I have heard this is incorrect—it happens to grow in the same areas and bloom at the same time as ragweed (midsummer-fall). Sometimes is blamed for allergies, but I have heard this is incorrect—it happens to grow in the same areas and bloom at the same time as ragweed (midsummer-fall).

28. Giant Ragweed

29. Asteraceae, sunflower family. Asteraceae, sunflower family. Several species of ragweed occur in Kansas. Several species of ragweed occur in Kansas. They are notorious for the allergies and hay fever they cause from their airborne pollen. They are notorious for the allergies and hay fever they cause from their airborne pollen. Can grow up to 3’ tall, but usually about 1’ tall. Can grow up to 3’ tall, but usually about 1’ tall. Grows in dry areas, especially disturbed sites such as roadsides and new housing developments where there is bare ground. Grows in dry areas, especially disturbed sites such as roadsides and new housing developments where there is bare ground. Has tiny, drab flowers that most people don’t notice. They hang downward and are greenish in color. Has tiny, drab flowers that most people don’t notice. They hang downward and are greenish in color. Flowers midsummer-fall. Flowers midsummer-fall.

30. Aster sp.

31. Asteraceae, sunflower family. Asteraceae, sunflower family. There are at least 16 species of asters in the tallgrass region. There are at least 16 species of asters in the tallgrass region. Plants can be 2’-5’ tall, with very thin long leaves. Plants can be 2’-5’ tall, with very thin long leaves. Flower heads are about 1” across. Flower heads are about 1” across. Most species have a yellow disk surrounded by up to 40 thin petals ranging in color from white to light purple to dark purple. Most species have a yellow disk surrounded by up to 40 thin petals ranging in color from white to light purple to dark purple. One of the last plants to still have flowers on it until the first freeze. One of the last plants to still have flowers on it until the first freeze.

32. Thistle sp.

33. Asteraceae, sunflower family. Asteraceae, sunflower family. Several species of thistles grow in Kansas. Several species of thistles grow in Kansas. Most are spiny plants that can grow up to 8’ tall. Most are spiny plants that can grow up to 8’ tall. Flowers are 2-2.5” wide, with purple thread-like “petals”. Flowers are 2-2.5” wide, with purple thread-like “petals”. Common in areas of disturbance. Common in areas of disturbance.

34. Spiderwort

35. Spiderwort

36. Spiderwort Commelinaceae, Spiderwort family Commelinaceae, Spiderwort family Spindly plants up to 3’ tall with long, pointed leaves. Spindly plants up to 3’ tall with long, pointed leaves. Each stem has clusters of individually stalked flowers about 1” wide. Each stem has clusters of individually stalked flowers about 1” wide. Flowers have three purple petals with yellow stamens (where the yellow pollen is). Flowers have three purple petals with yellow stamens (where the yellow pollen is).

37. Wild Garlic

38. Liliaceae, the Lily family Liliaceae, the Lily family 8-24” tall 8-24” tall Slender, grass-like leaves Slender, grass-like leaves Pink or whitish flowers are replaced by very small bulbs. Pink or whitish flowers are replaced by very small bulbs. Has a very strong garlic taste, and is edible. Has a very strong garlic taste, and is edible.

39. Prickly-Pear Cactus

40. Cactaceae, the cactus family. Cactaceae, the cactus family. A low, spreading, spiny cactus, usually less than ½ foot tall. A low, spreading, spiny cactus, usually less than ½ foot tall. Showy yellowish-reddish flowers that are 2-3” wide. Showy yellowish-reddish flowers that are 2-3” wide. Grows in dry rocky prairies. Grows in dry rocky prairies. Fruits and de-spined pads are edible. Fruits and de-spined pads are edible.

41. Queen Anne’s Lace

43. Apiaceae, the parsley family. Apiaceae, the parsley family. Also called Wild Carrot, as it has a long taproot that is edible and related to our cultivated carrots. Also called Wild Carrot, as it has a long taproot that is edible and related to our cultivated carrots. Found in tallgrass prairie, roadsides, pastures and disturbed sites, in Eastern 1/3 of Kansas. Found in tallgrass prairie, roadsides, pastures and disturbed sites, in Eastern 1/3 of Kansas. The seeds are about 1/8 inch long, and covered with bristles that get stuck in socks and on clothes when you walk through it. Hard to pick out of your clothes! The seeds are about 1/8 inch long, and covered with bristles that get stuck in socks and on clothes when you walk through it. Hard to pick out of your clothes! Has been used in dyes and for various medicinal purposes. Has been used in dyes and for various medicinal purposes.

44. Yellow Sweetclover

46. Fabaceae, the Pea family. Fabaceae, the Pea family. Flowers are yellow or white, and are in long, spike-like clusters Flowers are yellow or white, and are in long, spike-like clusters 3-8’ tall 3-8’ tall Found along roadsides and fields, mostly in disturbed habitat. Found along roadsides and fields, mostly in disturbed habitat. An introduced species—it is not native to the U.S. An introduced species—it is not native to the U.S. Kansas also has a white variety called White Sweetclover. Kansas also has a white variety called White Sweetclover.

47. Introduction to Grasses Grasses are in the Grass family, Gramineae (or Poaceae). Grasses are in the Grass family, Gramineae (or Poaceae). 3 grasses provide a vast majority of the worlds food: corn, rice and wheat. Barley and oats are also grasses. 3 grasses provide a vast majority of the worlds food: corn, rice and wheat. Barley and oats are also grasses. Prairie ecosystems are dominated by grasses. Prairie ecosystems are dominated by grasses. Grasses are characterized by having long narrow leaves with parallel veins and small, inconspicuous flowers. Stems are mainly hollow except where the leaf is attached (the node or joint). Grasses are characterized by having long narrow leaves with parallel veins and small, inconspicuous flowers. Stems are mainly hollow except where the leaf is attached (the node or joint).

48. Cattails

49. Cattails

50. Cattails Grow in wet places, such as the shallow edges of ponds and lakes, and very common in wetlands. Grow in wet places, such as the shallow edges of ponds and lakes, and very common in wetlands. Can grow up to 9’ tall. Can grow up to 9’ tall. Brown, cigar-shaped “flower” Brown, cigar-shaped “flower”

51. Big Bluestem

52. Also called “turkey foot” due to shape of flower. Also called “turkey foot” due to shape of flower. Grows in clumps Grows in clumps Can grow over 9’ tall in very wet places. Can grow over 9’ tall in very wet places. One of the main grass species found in the tallgrass prairie. One of the main grass species found in the tallgrass prairie.

53. Switch Grass

54. Grows in big, leafy clumps Grows in big, leafy clumps Can be up to 7’ tall. Can be up to 7’ tall. Seed heads (flowers) can be 20” long. Seed heads (flowers) can be 20” long. Another common grass of the tallgrass prairie. Another common grass of the tallgrass prairie.

55. Prairie Cord Grass

57. Sometimes called Spartina (the genus), or commonly refered to as ripgut, marshgrass or sloughgrass. Sometimes called Spartina (the genus), or commonly refered to as ripgut, marshgrass or sloughgrass. Occurs throughout Kansas in very wet areas such as wetlands, ditches, soughs. Occurs throughout Kansas in very wet areas such as wetlands, ditches, soughs. Leaf blade is extremely coarse, and if you walk through it, it will cut exposed skin. Leaf blade is extremely coarse, and if you walk through it, it will cut exposed skin.

58. Side-oats Grama

59. Low (2-3 ft tall) grass Low (2-3 ft tall) grass Grows in small clumps or as solitary stems Grows in small clumps or as solitary stems Common throughout tallgrass region on dry hillsides and well-drained prairies Common throughout tallgrass region on dry hillsides and well-drained prairies

60. References Tallgrass Prairie Wildflowers, A Falcon Guide, by Ladd and Oberle Tallgrass Prairie Wildflowers, A Falcon Guide, by Ladd and Oberle Roadside Wildflowers of the Southern Great Plains, by Freeman and Schofield Roadside Wildflowers of the Southern Great Plains, by Freeman and Schofield The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers, by Niering and Olmstead The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers, by Niering and Olmstead Grasses, and Identification Guide, by Lauren Brown. Grasses, and Identification Guide, by Lauren Brown. Web site: http://www.lib.ksu.edu/wildflower/ Web site: http://www.lib.ksu.edu/wildflower/http://www.lib.ksu.edu/wildflower/ Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses