Editor
Mary Brashier
Bulletin No.
B 566
Document Type
Bulletin
Department
Department of Plant Science
Description
In each section (grasses and grass-like plants, forbs, and woody plants), plants are grouped alphabetically by family, then alphabetically by genus and species within families. This arrangement places plants with similar floral features together, hopefully making a search for similar-looking plants easier.
Plant descriptions are brief and as nontechnical as possible. In cases of possible confusion between closely related species, an effort has been made to point out key differences. A glossary is included. Currently accepted scientific names are used, often followed by names which were earlier applied. Common names that the authors feel are best known or most appropriate are given first, but other frequently used names are included in the writeups.
Plant origins (native or introduced), distributions, and habitats are discussed in broad terms, inclusive enough to be useful locally as well as regionally.
Anecdotal items are provided in the comments section for each plant. These include descriptions of forage values for livestock; responses of plants to grazing, if known; and wildlife values including food, nesting, and shelter. Where applicable, poisonous properties, medicinal values, and conservation uses are listed. Plains Indian and contemporary human uses are included.
Keywords
grassland plants, South Dakota native plants, Upper Midwest prairie plants, Great Plains prairie forbs, grasses, sedges, shrubs, plant field guide
Pages
289
Publication Date
8-1999
Type
Text
Format
application/pdf
Language
English
Publisher
South Dakota State University, College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, Ag Communications
Recommended Citation
Johnson, James R. and Larson, Gary E., "Grassland Plants of South Dakota and the Northern Great Plains" (1999). Research Bulletins of the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station (1887-2011). 764.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/agexperimentsta_bulletins/764