The Prairie Ecosystem
Because of their deep roots, prairie plants are resistant to drought.
About two-thirds of a prairie is actually underground as a dense mat of roots.
Individual prairie roots live only a short time, while the entire plant may live for centuries.
As the roots die they continually add organic matter to the soil, making it exceptionally fertile.
Because of the matting of roots, prairies absorb excess water and stop soil erosion.
A prairie planted from seedlings can become mature in two or three years.
Prairie pollen tends to remain in the flowers and does not cause hay fever.
Prairies exhibit delightful forms and textures in winter snows and frosts.
Provide food and shelter for many wild species, including butterflies and songbirds.
Prairie plants have deep roots that allow them to survive even severe droughts.
They require little or no fertilizer, sprays, or watering.
Some of these majestic grasses and flowers can reach heights of 6-7 feet.
Though much of undisturbed, wild Ohio was originally a great forest, scattered across the Buckeye State there were also magnificent grasslands comprised of wonderful flowers and rare tall grasses. These prairies were quickly plowed and converted to some of the most fertile agricultural lands in the world. Great prairies existed right here in the Hilliard area. The Darby Plains Prairies, shown in section six on the map above, once covered 380 miles of west Central Ohio landscape. However, only a few natural prairies still exist. Native Ohio prairies are among the rarest - and most beautiful - native wild habitats. It is appropriate that concerned Ohioans personally begin to restore, even in small garden or yard plots, this great natural ecosystem.