Ohio Native Prairie
COSI's prairie represents a landscape that once covered over 1700 square miles of Ohio prior to European settlement.
Returning land to its native prairie state has a multitude of benefits for our health and environment:
- Prairies rarely need mowing, which reduces harmful pollutants released into the air we breathe.
- Prairies create a habitat for animals that cannot survive on standard lawns.
- Prairies do not require fertilizing, which protects streams from this pollution.
Even small prairies woven into the suburban landscape are beneficial. Consider planting prairie seed in a section of your yard at home.
The COSI Prairie Field Guide (2.7 MB PDF) can help you learn about the plants found in a native Ohio prairie. Bring a copy with you to COSI and see how many plants you can find while you're here!
Some Plants Found in a Native Ohio Prairie
Royal Catchfly
Silene regia
Type: Forb
Small clusters of bright red flowers occur at the top of the plant. Flowers are star shaped with 5 narrow petals that flare outward. The blooming period occurs from mid to late summer and lasts about a month. The nectar of the flowers attracts the larger butterflies and hummingbirds. Red is an uncommon color among prairie plants.
Prairie Dropseed
Sporobolus heterolepis
Type: Grass
Dropseed leaves grow densely around a circular base, and vary in color from green to steely blue-gray. It is a beautiful 'clump' grass found in high-quality prairies around the region. It is readily identified by its narrow, long leaves, rarely wider then 1/8 inch, which spring from the soil and fall to the ground like a smooth waterfall.
Gray Headed Coneflower
Ratibida pinnata
Type: Forb
Yellow flower petals droop back from a gray seed head. Later the seed turns brown. Grows best in rich, well drained soil and full sun where it will create a dramatic show. The crushed seed heads have a sharply aromatic scent. Coneflower seeds are eaten by songbirds and its flowers attract butterflies.
Questions about COSI's Ohio Native Prairie?
Sharon Tinianow, Director of Sustainability Initiatives
614.629.3146
Email
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