Unique Adaptations in Prairie Plants

The tallgrass prairie ecosystem is one of the rarest ecosystems in the world. It’s home to plants uniquely adapted to their soil microorganisms, precipitation, pollinators, and light conditions. On May 12 at 7pm Sydney Metternich will talk about how prairie plant species are adapted to their soil microbial communities and consider how those communities change with the level of precipitation across the Midwestern United States. Hear about the performance of pale-spike lobelia (Lobelia spicata), round-headed bush clover (Lespedeza capitata), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), and rosinweed (Silphium integrifolium) in recent research by the Byers Lab at Illinois State University. Learn how adaptations in prairie plants can shift our expectations to their future success and how this work applies to planting your own garden spaces.

Note: This program will be held in-person and by livestream. A link to join the livestream will be posted to the Illinois Prairie Wild Ones website below closer to the program date. A recording of the program will be made available to chapter members soon after the program.