Meadowbrook Prairie Through the Year

In the early spring, part of the prairie is burned to renew the landscape, and kill invading, non-prairie plants. The charred, black landscape soon changes to green, and by late April Shooting Stars and Golden Alexanders are blooming. [JPEG image of prairie fire]
[JPEG image of Baptisia] In June, the Penstemon dominates much of the prairie, and the first Baptisia bloom. Culvers Root and Queen of the Prairie add their contribution.
In July, the Monarda, and Yellow Coneflower add purple and yellow to the landscape. The Michigan Lily adds a touch of orange.

[JPEG image of Yellow Coneflowers]
[JPEG image of Michigan Lily]
By August, the prairie is dominated by towering yellow flowers of Compassplant, and Prairie Dock, and the stems of Big Bluestem and Indian Grass reach 10 feet or more.

[JPEG image of Compass Plant]
[JPEG image of Big Bluestem]
Following the final burst of yellow and white from Goldenrod and Boneset, the prairie turns various shades of tan and brown, as the plants die back to wait for next year.

[JPEG image of Boneset]
Photographs by Janet Day Jackson, Judy Miller, Steven L. Mullen, and Bob Vaiden.

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