Great Plains Studies, Center for

 

Date of this Version

Spring 1985

Citation

Great Plains Quarterly Vol. 5, No. 2, Spring 1985, pp. 134-35.

Comments

Copyright 1985 by the Center for Great Plains Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Abstract

In recent years, perhaps because of the dwindling virgin prairie in North America, there has been increased public interest in prairie restoration and the cultivation of native species. However, readily accessible information concerning the germination and propagation requirements of many prairie plants, especially the nongrass species or the so-called "wildflowers," has been limited. Prairie Wildflowers is a synthesis of three years of study on the horticultural suitability of more than 140 species of native forbs and shrubs by the University of Alberta Devonian Botanic Garden.

For each species examined, information is given on botanical characteristics (growth habit; flower, fruit, and seed characteristics; and phenology), ecological aspects (habitat and soil preference, mycorrhizal association, and distribution), and propagation techniques (germination requirements and vegetative propagation methods). Excellent line drawings accompany most species descriptions and aid in identification. Unfortunately seed and fruit illustrations are not included, though the authors do provide a list of references for each species where additional taxonomic and/or illustrative information can be found. A particularly nice feature is the inclusion of the names and addresses of U.s. and Canadian seed suppliers when seed is commercially available.

While the emphasis of this manual is on plants native to southern Alberta, many of the species that are described here are common inhabitants of prames throughout North America. Prairie Wildflowers should thus serve as a valuable and convenient reference for all prairie enthusiasts, in addition to those involved in prairie revegetation projects, landscaping, and native gardening.

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