Common

Prairie

Plants

Blue Gramma:

This is the state grass of Colorado. It is also sometimes called eyelash grass. Can you see why?

Prickly Pear Cactus:

This is a small cactus that is close to the ground. They produce yellow flowers in early summer, and in late summer, red fruits. In Mexico, they're eaten as nopalitos. The spines of the cactus are modified leaves, which prevent the cactus from getting eaten, most of the time.

Yucca:

A very large shrub, sometimes reaching 5 feet high! The Cheyenne Native Americans would use the plant for soap, and would eat the flowers as food. The leaves or spines of the Yucca, often more than a foot long, were used to weave baskets and make jewelry.

Sunflower:

One of the most recognizable plants on the prairie, this plant can reach heighths of up to 10 feet! Sunflower seeds are still eaten today, and things like sunbutter (similar to peanut butter) and sunflower oil are used all over the world.