POWER OF THE PRAIRIE:  ROOTS

Did you know that approximately 70% of the average prairie plant is roots? The leaves, stems and flowers account for only about a third of the total living matter. Why? Because prairie plants have to survive in an environment that is among the most extreme in the world: The American Midwest.

With summer’s heat and drought, temperatures can exceed 110 degrees f. It may not rain for months. In winter, the temperature on the Wisconsin prairie where our nursery is located can dip to –40, without the chill factor. These plants must have hefty underground “bank accounts” to weather the bad times that would put lesser plants out of business for good.

During the summer droughts that periodically visit the American landscape, the deep-rooted prairie plants draw moisture and nutrients from deep in the soil. Some prairie plants are known to have roots that exceed twenty feet deep! This allows them to laugh in the face of drought and continue to grow even under extremely trying conditions.

The tremendous root systems of many prairie flowers and grasses provide them with a longevity that rivals Methuselah. Their ability to store food and water allows many of these native perennials to live for decades. This means you never have to replant a prairie that has been properly installed and maintained. A prairie is a long term investment that pays dividends year after year in beauty, habitat and reduced maintenance costs.

The roots of prairie plants actually help to build the soil. One third of the roots of the average prairie grass die at the end of the growing season. These dead roots decay into organic matter in the soil, becoming natural compost. This adds to the fertility and water-holding capacity of the soil, and helps to heal depleted farmland and abused soils. The dense prairie roots are like a giant sponge, greatly increasing infiltration of rainwater into the groundwater aquifer. This reduces runoff and flooding, and re-charges our precious groundwater resources. Help heal the earth, create habitat for wildlife and make a beautiful natural flower garden on your property...plant a prairie this year.

   Submitted by State Wildflower Chairman
 Beverly Russell

Reprinted with permission of Prairie Nursery