What is a prairie?

The North American prairie

Prairies are flat, temperate grasslands found in North America.

Like the British wildflower meadow, this landscape is predominantly made up of grasses, along with wildflowers.

Location is important when defining a prairie.

Similar temperate grasslands in South America are called Pampas, while in Africa they are described as velds, and in Asia are known as steppes.

The peak flowering season of the North American prairies is in late summer or early autumn.

3 prairie subtypes

Across North America, there are three main subtypes of prairie – the tallgrass, midgrass and shortgrass prairie.

The tallgrass prairie, as the name reveals, is abundant with tallgrasses such as big bluestem, prairie cordgrass and prairie dropseed. This subtype has rich soil and is located in the eastern, more humid area of the central North American plains.

Midgrass prairie is found in the central part of this region and covers the widest area. Bunchgrasses and sod-forming grasses grow here.

The most western and driest section of the plains is the shortgrass prairie. Here, you’ll see species of buffalo grass and grama grasses.

Why are prairies important?

Prairies are vital ecosystems.

Many native animal species depend on these habitats for survival, from birds and insects to reptiles and mammals.

This complex ecosystem also plays an important role in capturing and storing carbon.

The long roots of prairie grasses reach deep underground and structure and nourish the soil and prevent erosion. Some plants have roots that extend a whopping 12 to 15 feet down.

When some of these roots die and decompose, the large amounts of organic matter help create rich, fertile soil.

Did you know? Prairies can store more carbon than forests.

Fire and teeth

Though it sounds destructive, fire helps prairie plants thrive.

These perennial plants have protected root systems which mean they can grow back speedily. After the flames pass, the grasses and wildflowers bloom in abundance.

So how does fire help? It stops certain plants, such as trees, invading the prairie which would have a detrimental effect on the competing native prairie species.

Fire also burns away dead vegetation, clearing the way for new growth, and improves habitat for prairie wildlife.

Read more about how fire plays a role

Another helpful stress on the prairie ecosystem is grazing.

Bison roamed the prairies and grazed on new shoots after the fires. Dead material left in their wake was then fuel for the next fire.

This cycle of fire and grazing helps boost the diversity of the prairie and creates plant succession, meaning different plants can grow at different phases.