Coneflower Prairie Gift Categories

Long-headed Coneflower (Ratibida columnifera): These gorgeous coneflowers bloom June through September in Minnesota prairies. American Indians made a tea from the flower cones and leaves. Aster Family (Asteraceae)
Yellow Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata): This species, also known as a gray-headed coneflower, was once used by the Meskwaki to cure toothaches. It is found in dry prairies and blooms throughout the summer months. Aster Family (Asteraceae)
Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii): Known as the King of Native Grasses, big bluestem was the main constituent of prairie hay when tall grass prairie spread throughout southern Minnesota. Grass Family (Poaceae)
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium): This species is common on dry prairies. It grows to heights nearing three feet and sets seed in late autumn. Though smaller than big bluestem it is equally beautiful with a beautiful blue tinted color during spring and summer that fades into reddish brown tones in the fall. Grass Family (Poaceae)
Button Blazing Star (Liatris aspera): Button blazing star, also called rough blazing star, blooms July through September in Minnesota and is found on dry, sandy prairie soils. The bulbs of blazing star were historically given to horses to increase their endurance. Aster Family (Asteraceae)

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Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya): The Latin pycnostachya means crowded which refers to the structure of flowers and leaves. The roots of the blazing star have the flavor of carrots. Aster Family (Asteraceae)
Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans): A common constituent of prairie hay, Indian grass is a nutritious forage. The Greek word nutans means nodding or swaying. Grass Family (Poaceae)

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Porcupine Grass (Stipa spartea): Usually found in association with the big bluestem in tall grass prairies. It is called porcupine grass because of the long quill like awns. Grass Family (Poaceae)

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Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis): This species is an important source of food for ground-feeding birds because of the heavy dropped seeds. The seed of prairie drop seed is fragrant and tasty and was used by the Kiowa to produce flour. Grass Family (Poaceae)
Side Oats Grama Grass (Bouteloua curtipendula): This grass is a nutritious forage grain with wide use for grazing. Side oats grama is included in most prairie plantings and is excellent for conservation plantings. Grass Family (Poaceae)

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Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum): Switchgrass is found in dry areas of prairie and is an important food source for many birds. It was avoided by buffalo hunters when they cut up carcasses as the tiny spikes tended to stick in the meat. Grass Family (Poaceae)
Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Early settlers dried black eyed Susan leaves and used them to brew a tea as a kidney stimulant. Their seeds make an abundant food source for goldfinches and house finches. Aster Family (Asteraceae)
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa): Butterfly weed is a host plant for gray hairstreak and monarch butterfly caterpillars. The root was eaten raw for bronchial and pulmonary trouble. The root was also chewed and put on wounds. Milkweed Family (Asclepidaceae)
Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum): Often the tallest plant in the prairie, it bears golden blooms throughout the summer and fall. Finches are crazy for the seeds of the compass plant, harvesting them before they ripen. Aster Family (Asteraceae)
Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea): Blooming during the spring, golden alexanders were once used to heal wounds and relieve fevers. The genus Zizia was named in honor of Johann Baptist Ziz, a German botanist of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Carrot Family (Apiaceae)
Maximillian Sunflower (Helianthus maximilliani): This sunflower blooms in July to October. A textile fiber can be extracted from the strong, coarse stalks, and a yellow dye from the flowers. Aster Family (Asteraceae)

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Ox-eye (Heliopsis helianthoides): The ox-eye grows in dry areas of a tall grass prairie, blooming throughout the summer and fall growing to heights of five feet. The genus Heliopsis is two words in Greek, helios meaning sun and opsis meaning appearance. Aster Family (Asteraceae)
Prairie Coreopsis or Tickseed (Coreopsis palmata): Native Americans made a poultice of the boiled seeds of Coreopsis and applied it to painful areas of the body to relieve ailments such as rheumatism. Aster Family (Asteraceae)
Puccoon (Lithospermum canescens): Puccoon is a Native American name for any plant used for color dye. This puccoon makes a red dye and is a bright species blooming in spring. Forget-me-not Family (Boraginaceae)
Stiff Goldenrod (Solidago ridiga): The flowers of the goldenrod are excellent sources of nectar, attracting butterflies, bees, flies, and beetles. Stiff goldenrod is rigid and has blue-gray leaves making it an easy species to identify among the many goldenrods. Aster Family (Asteraceae)
Yellow Star Grass (Hypoxis hirsuta): Preparations of the root (corm) have been used to treat ulcers. The word Hypoxis means acidic referring to sour leaves. Amaryllis Family (Amaryllidaceae)
Prairie Rose (Rosa spp.): Native Americans and pioneers ate the hips, flowers, leaves, and new shoots of the prairie rose when food was scarce. Rose hips contain as much vitamin C as an orange. Rose Family (Rosaceae)

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Blueflag Iris (Iris shrevei): Pioneers learned to pound the root into a pulp and apply it as a dressing to relieve the swelling pain or bruises and sores. Also known as the northern iris, it blooms during late spring and early summer. Iris Family (Iridaceae)

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Bottle Gentian (Gentiana andrewsii): The bottle gentian has curiously closed flowers and is also called the closed gentian. Bumblebees force themselves inside the flower through the top by pushing apart the petals. Pioneers used the root of this species to promote appetite. Gentian Family (Gentianaceae)
Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta): Native Americans roasted the seeds and ground them into flour. The Latin word Verbena means sacred. Verbena Family (Verbenaceae)
Large-flowered Beardtongue (Penstemon grandiflorus): Native Americans treated toothaches by chewing the root pulp of beardstongue and placing it in the cavity. This species requires sandy, well drained soils on the prairie. Snapdragon Family (Scrophulariaceae)
Leadplant (Amorpha canescens): Leadplant can live for decades and still not grow larger than three feet tall. Many parts of this plant have been used for folk medicine. The common name leadplant refers to the gray color of this rugged plant. Pea Family (Fabaceae)
Heath Aster (Aster ericoides): Known to usher in autumn, blooming in September, heath aster is found in dry areas of a prairie. The white flowers with yellow centers are one of the last blooms remaining in Minnesota prairies. Aster Family (Asteraceae)

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Prairie Phlox (Phlox pilosa): Prairie phlox is important for hummingbirds. Its vibrant purple blooms appear from April until June. The genus Phlox is Greek in origination and means flame, referring to the vibrant flower color. Phlox Family (Polemoniaceae)

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Prairie Violet (Viola pedatifida): Natures vitamin pills, the leaves of violets are a rich source of Vitamin C. This is one of the first spring species to bloom. Violet Family (Violaceae)

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Purple Coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia): Echinacea is popular for herbal remedies. Early doctors thought purple coneflower made the body more resistant to infection, and they used it to induce profuse sweating. Aster Family (Asteraceae)

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Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpureum): Like other members of the pea family, prairie clover has the ability to gather nitrogen from the air and trap it in the soil, thus enhancing soil fertility. Pea Family (Fabaceae)

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Silky Aster (Aster sericeus): Silky aster has been used to treat arthritis; patients were immersed in hot water bath infused with leaves, stems, and flowers. This species is an indicator species of dry or sandy prairie soil. Aster Family (Asteraceae)

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Spiderwort (Tradescantia bracteata): When this plant is exposed to air pollution, its flowers change from blue to purple, a natural barometer for air quality. Spiderwort Family (Commelinaceae)

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Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa): Wild bergamot, found in moist rich soils, blooms July through September. It has a strong odor when rubbed or crushed and has been used as a mint tea folk medicine to treat respiratory and digestive ailments. Mint Family (Lamiaceae)

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Prairie Larkspur (Delphinium virescens): Related to garden larkspurs, the purple flowers appear in spring and early summer. All parts of the plant contain delphinine, which is poisonous to livestock. Buttercup Family (Ranunculaceae)

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Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum): Wild geraniums, also known as cranes bills, are a common plant in prairies and well lit woodlands. The root was dried, powdered, and put in the mouth to relieve mouth sores. Geranium Family (Geraniaceae)

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Alumroot (Heuchera richardsonii): Native Americans and early pioneers used a powder made from the roots of this plant as an astringent to close wounds. Alumroot is closely related to coral bells found in gardens. Saxifrage Family (Saxifragaceae)

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Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis): Blue grama likes dry rocky soil and blooms from July to August. This grass is a hidden treasure with unique flowers and is one of the shorter grass species. Grass Family (Poaceae)

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Buffalo Grass (Buchloe dactyloides): Early settlers of the Great Plains made their sod houses from dense sod buffalo grass mats. This species grows about 5 inches tall and is an important species for erosion control. Grass Family (Poaceae)

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Canada Anemone (Anemone canadensis): An ancient legend tells us that an anemone sprang up where each teardrop of the mythological Venus struck the earth as she mourned the death of her beloved Adonis. Buttercup Family (Ranunculaceae)

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Canada Wild Rye (Elymus canadensis): Persisting through winter, wild rye seeds are an important winter food for wildlife. This species is found on dry, sandy, or rocky portions of a prairie. Grass Family (Poaceae)

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June Grass (Koeleria macrantha): June grass flowers in June and is common on sandy or dry prairies. This species is important for grazing wildlife because of its early emergence. Grass Family (Poaceae)

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Locoweed (Oxytropis lambertii): This species is poisonous to livestock and makes them behave very strangely, hence its common name, loco (crazy). Pea Family (Fabaceae)

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Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum): Early settlers used a mountain mint poultice on animal bites as a rabies preventative. This species is found on dry prairie habitat and blooms July to September. Mint Family (Lamiaceae)

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Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla patens): Pasque flower is the earliest spring bloom. The Dakota Indians had a special song about the pasque flower encouraging other flowers to follow the pasque flower to welcome spring. Buttercup Family (Ranunculaceae)

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Prairie Onion (Allium stellata): Found on dry sites within a prairie, the prairie onion is adorned with lavender flowers during July and August. The bulb of this species was mixed with water, sweetened and drank to relieve colds. Lily Family (Liliaceae)

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Prairie Sage (Artemisia ludoviciana): Dakota Indians began ceremonies with burning sage to drive away any evil influences. Prairie sage is related to the sage found in your spice cabinet. Aster Family (Asteraceae)

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Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum): One of the earliest spring blooms, the feathery texture of the seed head gives it a smoky appearance. Roots of prairie smoke were used to make a weak tea that was used to treat colic and digestive tract ailments. Rose Family (Rosaceae)

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Round-headed Bush Clover (Lespedeza capitata): Bush clover provides nutritious high-protein forage for wild grazing animals and the seeds are eaten by birds and other wildlife making it a vital species to attracting wildlife. Pea Family (Fabaceae)

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Silverleaf Scurf Pea (Pediomelum argophyllum): Native Americans used this species to treat wounds and fevers. The plant is densely hairy and dark blue flowers appear from mid June to early July. Pea Family (Fabaceae)

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Smooth Blue Aster (Aster laevis): One of the late prairie bloomers, purple flowers appear in late August and persist into early autumn. The genus Aster is Latin for star referring to the shape of the flower. Aster Family (Asteraceae)

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White Prairie Clover (Dalea candida): The showy clusters of creamy white flowers open from the bottom upward and like any clover has the ability to fix nitrogen, increasing soil fertility. Pea Family (Fabaceae)

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Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias vericillata): Asclepias comes from the name of the Greek god of healing and medicine. Early doctors used the root as a diaphoretic, expectorant, diuretic, laxative, escharotic, carminative, astringent, antirheumatic, and antisyphilitic. Milkweed Family (Asclepidaceae)

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Wild Licorice (Glycyrrhiza lepidota): Pioneers chewed the root for its flavor, used it as flavoring for medicine, candy and root beers, and used it as chewing tobacco. The root of wild licorice was also chewed to relieve toothaches. Pea Family (Fabaceae)

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Windflower or Thimbleweed (Anemone cylindrica): The central portion of the flower resembles a thimble. The root of this plant contains anemonin, which is said to be a potent antiseptic. Buttercup Family (Ranunculaceae)

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Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium campestre): A tea for stomach cramps has been prepared from blue-eyed grass. Blue-eyed grass blooms during spring and early summer. Iris Family (Iridaceae)

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Bastard Toadflax (Comandra umbellata): This plant is semiparisitic, stealing nutrients from the roots of nearby plants. The common name, bastard toadflax, is in reference to the common (true) toadflax, Linaria, which resembles this species. Sandalwood Family (Santalaceae)

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Bedstraw (Galium spp.): The leaves of bedstraw stick together making it good material to stuff mattresses. According to folklore a newly married couple who filled their mattress with bedstraw would be blessed with many children. The leaves of young bedstraw have been used to curdle milk for making cheese. Bedstraw Family (Rubiaceae)

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Brown-headed fox sedge (Carex alopecoidea): Sedges have edges, meaning that the stems of this grass-like plant are triangular. The genus Carex was established by Carolus Linnaeus (Swedish botanist) in his work Species Plantarum in 1753. Sedge Family (Cyperaceae)
Canada Milk Vetch (Astragalus canadensis): This plant can be toxic like its other members of the Astragalus genus. Canada milk vetch is common in all types of prairie soils and blooms during July and August. Pea Family (Fabaceae)
Culvers Root (Veronicastrum virginicum): Culvers root was used by American pioneers as a medicinal plant; its roots contain toxic compounds, and its sap contains a strong emetic and laxative. This species prefers rich, moist soils and blooms throughout the summer months. Snapdragon Family (Scrophulariaceae)
Dogbane (Apocynum spp.): Dogbane was used by Native Americans as a source of fiber. This species can grow to heights near four feet and blooms during the summer months. Dogbane Family (Apocynaceae)

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False Gromwell (Onosmodium molle): This species grows to heights near three feet and is covered in small silvery hairs. Roots and leaves of the plant have been used to make a liniment to treat swelling in both horses and humans. The genus Onosmodium means smell of a donkey referring to the unique odor of this plant. Forget-me-not Family (Boraginaceae)

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False Indigo (Baptisia spp.): The genus name, Baptisia, comes from the Greek word baptizein (to dye), and refers to its sap, which turns purple when exposed to the air. To defend itself, this plant is poisonous to both humans and animals. Pea Family (Fabaceae)

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Ground Plum (Astragalus crassicarpus): Some American Indians chewed small amounts of ground plum leaves to ease a sore throat. The fruits are large and can be found lying on the ground. The fruit is edible in the unripe stage. Pea Family (Fabaceae)

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Ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata): The name ironweed refers to the toughness of the plant. This species prefers wet areas of prairies and blooms July to September. Aster Family (Asteraceae)
Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus): This species flowers during August and September and is found in moist soil. The edible tuber resembles the flavor of an artichoke. Aster Family (Asteraceae)

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Prairie Meadow Rue (Thalictrum dasycarpum): The Ojibwa used the root of meadow rue to make a tea for reducing fevers. The seeds of meadow rue are the best source of a drug called thalicarpine, which is believed to be a possible cancer control. Buttercup Family (Ranunculaceae)
Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia racemosa): The name muhly grass comes from the genus, Muhlenbergia, named in honor of Gotthilf Henry Ernest Muhlenberg, an American botanist of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Grass Family (Poaceae)
New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus): With a root and bark that are high in tannin, New Jersey tea was used to tan hides. The deep taproots are capable of fixing nitrogen. Buckthorn Family (Rhamnaceae)
Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata): Partridge pea is also called sensitive pea because the leaves fold up in direct sunlight. This species bloom July through September in Minnesota. Senna Family (Caesalpiniaceae)
Prairie Brome (Bromus kalmii): This grass species, also known as arctic brome, grows well in all soil types to heights nearing three feet. Prairie brome will set seed August through October, producing spikelets that are nodding and softly silky. Grass Family (Poaceae)
Prairie Groundsel (Senecio plattensis): This species was used by American Indian women for general health, hence, the alternate common name, squaw-weed. This species is a showy yellow bloomer against a drab spring backdrop. Aster Family (Asteraceae)

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Prairie Turnip (Pediomelum esculentum): The storage tuber-like root is the size of a hens egg and was important to the Plain Indians diet, and thus was also called breadroot. Pea Family (Fabaceae)
Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale): Sneezeweed grows in wet meadows and prairies. A snuff of dried and powdered plant parts was used to treat colds and induced sneezing, hence its common name. Aster Family (Asteraceae)

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Tick Trefoil (Desmodium illinoense): The Tick trefoil prefers moist soil, reaches heights near three feet, and blooms June through September. Trefoil means three leaves in French referring to the unique leaf structure of this species. Pea Family (Fabaceae)

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Wood Betony (Pedicularis canadensis): Several tribes used the wood betony as a love charm. The Ojibwa chopped up the root and slipped it into food unbeknownst to the consumers, resulting in resolved quarrels and reestablished love. Snapdragon Family (Scrophulariaceae)

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Bees, Beetles, and Butterflies

Coneflower Prairie Gift Categories

Coneflowers ($275,000)

Bluestem Grasses ($100,000)

Blazing Stars ($50,000)

Glorious Grasses ($25,000)

Gustie Golds ($10,000)

Purple Passion ($5,000)

Bountiful Blooms ($1,000)

Petal Pushers ($500)

Bees, Beetles, and Butterflies ($250 or Less)