Prairie Plant References
Laurie Weiss, Commercial Horticulture Agent for Milwaukee County

Two good references can help you become more knowledgeable about prairies and prairie gardens.

University of Wisconsin-Extension has finally reprinted its very popular publication The Prairie Primer, a very attractive 59-page spiral bound book that is packed with information with a real focus on Wisconsin prairies. Line drawings and good plant information as well as excellent how-to planting information for small scale prairie plantings make this a very useful reference for the gardener and a great starting reference on the subject for the interested professional.  To look over the Prairie Primer, click here.  Click here for a complete listing of UW-Extension publications and ordering information.

An excellent book on identifying wildflowers in prairies in the upper Midwest, Wildflowers of the Tallgrass Prairie is a 300-age book (5-1/2 x 9 inches, soft back) with more than 125 species of wildflowers that you might find in prairies. It covers the spectrum of prairie plants from grasses to daisies. Each species has a full and excellent color photo plus a list of all common names, the derivation of the Latin names, where the species is commonly found, its key characteristics, and any known historical uses of the plant. Plants are arranged in the approximate order that they flower during the year. This would seem to be a "must have" book for those that work in prairie habitats or have an interest in wildflower gardens. Published in 1989, it is now in its fifth printing (1996) and is available from Iowa State University Press, 2121 South State AV, Ames, IA 56014-8300 for $22.45 plus $4.00 for shipping and handling (phone 1-800-862-6657); or check their website www.isupress.edu.