Nebraska Native Plant Species
Traveling through Nebraska affords an opportunity to observe and learn about the diverse array of native plant species that inhabit the state's prairies, woodlands, and wetlands. Nebraska's flora is characterized by a mix of prairie and woodland species that have adapted to the state's continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. The eastern part of the state is generally more forested, while the western part is dominated by grasslands.
The Sandhills region, located in north-central Nebraska, is home to a unique assemblage of native plant species that have adapted to the area's deep sand dunes and limited water availability. Species such as big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) are common in the Sandhills, where they form dense grasslands that support a variety of wildlife. The nearby Platte River valley, which spans from Omaha in the east to Kearney in the west, is also home to a diverse array of native plant species, including cottonwood (Populus deltoides), willow (Salix spp.), and bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa).
The southeastern part of the state is home to the Tallgrass Prairie region, which is characterized by dense stands of tall grasses such as big bluestem and indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans). This region is also home to a variety of wildflowers, including coneflower (Echinacea spp.), black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), and ironweed (Vernonia spp.). The Rowe Sanctuary, located near Kearney, is a prime example of a well-preserved Tallgrass Prairie ecosystem.
In addition to its prairies and grasslands, Nebraska is also home to several wetland ecosystems, including the Rainwater Basin region in south-central Nebraska. This region is characterized by a series of shallow wetlands and marshes that support a diverse array of aquatic plant species, including cattails (Typha spp.), bulrushes (Schoenoplectus spp.), and water lilies (Nymphaea spp.). The region is particularly important for migratory waterfowl, which rely on the wetlands for food and shelter during their journeys.
Nebraska's native plant species also play an important role in the state's agricultural industry, with many species providing important ecosystem services such as soil conservation and pest control. For example, the use of native grasses and legumes as cover crops has become increasingly popular in recent years, as these species can help to reduce erosion and improve soil health. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Great Plains Systems Research Unit, located in Denver, Colorado, but with research stations in eastern and western Nebraska, conducts research on the use of native plants in agricultural systems and their potential benefits for ecosystem services.
The best way to experience Nebraska's native plant species is by visiting the many natural areas and parks throughout the state. For example, Chadron State Park, located in northwestern Nebraska, offers excellent opportunities for hiking and birdwatching in a scenic prairie setting. Similarly, the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center, located near Bellevue in eastern Nebraska, features trails and exhibits that highlight the unique ecosystems of the region.
Some Nebraska cities and towns also have specific gardens showcasing native species. The Lauritzen Gardens located in Omaha have forty-five garden display areas totaling 120 acres of exhibit spaces that also includes many exclusively native Nebraska species. These initiatives could greatly assist in providing more widespread appreciation and even utilization of Nebraska native plant species for cities and state horticultural landscaping.
In conclusion, Nebraska's native plant species are an important and fascinating part of the state's natural heritage, with many species playing critical roles in the state's ecosystems and economy.
The Sandhills region, located in north-central Nebraska, is home to a unique assemblage of native plant species that have adapted to the area's deep sand dunes and limited water availability. Species such as big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) are common in the Sandhills, where they form dense grasslands that support a variety of wildlife. The nearby Platte River valley, which spans from Omaha in the east to Kearney in the west, is also home to a diverse array of native plant species, including cottonwood (Populus deltoides), willow (Salix spp.), and bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa).
The southeastern part of the state is home to the Tallgrass Prairie region, which is characterized by dense stands of tall grasses such as big bluestem and indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans). This region is also home to a variety of wildflowers, including coneflower (Echinacea spp.), black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), and ironweed (Vernonia spp.). The Rowe Sanctuary, located near Kearney, is a prime example of a well-preserved Tallgrass Prairie ecosystem.
In addition to its prairies and grasslands, Nebraska is also home to several wetland ecosystems, including the Rainwater Basin region in south-central Nebraska. This region is characterized by a series of shallow wetlands and marshes that support a diverse array of aquatic plant species, including cattails (Typha spp.), bulrushes (Schoenoplectus spp.), and water lilies (Nymphaea spp.). The region is particularly important for migratory waterfowl, which rely on the wetlands for food and shelter during their journeys.
Nebraska's native plant species also play an important role in the state's agricultural industry, with many species providing important ecosystem services such as soil conservation and pest control. For example, the use of native grasses and legumes as cover crops has become increasingly popular in recent years, as these species can help to reduce erosion and improve soil health. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Great Plains Systems Research Unit, located in Denver, Colorado, but with research stations in eastern and western Nebraska, conducts research on the use of native plants in agricultural systems and their potential benefits for ecosystem services.
The best way to experience Nebraska's native plant species is by visiting the many natural areas and parks throughout the state. For example, Chadron State Park, located in northwestern Nebraska, offers excellent opportunities for hiking and birdwatching in a scenic prairie setting. Similarly, the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center, located near Bellevue in eastern Nebraska, features trails and exhibits that highlight the unique ecosystems of the region.
Some Nebraska cities and towns also have specific gardens showcasing native species. The Lauritzen Gardens located in Omaha have forty-five garden display areas totaling 120 acres of exhibit spaces that also includes many exclusively native Nebraska species. These initiatives could greatly assist in providing more widespread appreciation and even utilization of Nebraska native plant species for cities and state horticultural landscaping.
In conclusion, Nebraska's native plant species are an important and fascinating part of the state's natural heritage, with many species playing critical roles in the state's ecosystems and economy.
