Plains and Prairie Native Plant List
- 5 days ago
- 1 min read
The Colorado Prairie is dominated by shortgrass prairie and wildflower. Taller grasses appear in swathes, and big cottonwood trees cast their shade over rivers and creeks that run through the plains. The majority of plants here have co-evolved with range animals, they send roots deep down into the soil and are able to survive low water availability and intense grazing. When conditions are right, they become vibrant with beauty.
Common Name | Scientific Name | Mature Size | Water | Exposure | Wildlife Value |
Prairie Coneflower | Ratibida columnifera | 24” x 18” | low | sun | Bee, butterfly, native pollinator |
Blue Grama (grass) | Boutleloua gracilis | 14” x 12” | low | sun | Birds and specific larvae |
Wild Plum | Prunus Americana | 15’ x 8’ | low | sun/part shade | Birds and butterfly larvae |
Prairie Zinnia | Zinnia grandiflora | 6” x 12” | low | sun/part shade | Native pollinator, bee, butterfly |
Prickly Pear Cactus | Opuntia polycantha | 8” x 12” | low | sun | Native pollinator, bee, butterfly |
Yucca | Yucca glauca | 3’ x 1’ | low | sun | Bee, butterfly, native pollinator |
Prairie Dropseed | Sporobolus heterolepsis | 24” x 24” | low | sun | Birds |
This list was created with resources from the Xerces Society, the Colorado Native Plant Society, and the Biota of North America Project. Check out their websites for even more plant recommendations!
Photo of Prairie Coneflowers from City of Fort Collins. Photo of Prickly Pear by Rob Greer.
