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A POCKET GUIDE TO

Kansas Red HillsWildflowers

By Ken Brunson, Phyllis Scherich,Chris Berens, and Carl Jarboe

Sponsored by Chickadee Checkoff, Westar Energy Green Team,

The Nature Conservancy in Kansas,Kansas Grazing Lands Coalition

and Comanche Pool Prairie Resource FoundationPublished by the Friends of the Great Plains Nature Center

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Table of Contents• Introduction • 2

Blue/Purple■ Oklahoma Phlox • 6■ Twist-flower • 7■ Blue Funnel-lily • 8■ Purple Poppy Mallow • 9■ Prairie Spiderwort • 10■ Purple Ground Cherry • 11■ Purple Locoweed • 12■ Stevens’ Nama • 13■ Woolly Locoweed • 14■ Wedge-leaf Frog Fruit • 15■ Silver-leaf Nightshade • 16■ Prairie Gentian • 17■ Woolly Verbena • 18■ Stout Scorpion-weed • 19

Pink/Red■ Rayless Gaillardia • 20■ Velvety Gaura • 21■ Western Indigo • 22■ Pincushion Cactus • 23■ Scarlet Gaura • 24■ Bush Morning-glory • 25■ Indian Blanket Flower • 26■ Clammy-weed • 27■ Goat’s Rue • 28

White/Cream Easter Daisy • 29 Old Plainsman • 30 White Aster • 31 Western Spotted Beebalm • 32 Lazy Daisy • 33 Prickly Poppy • 34 White Beardtongue • 35

Easter Daisy©Phyllis Scherich

Cover Photo: BushMorning-glory

©Phyllis Scherich

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Yucca • 36 White Flower Ipomopsis • 37 Stenosiphon • 38 White Milkwort • 39 Annual Eriogonum • 40 Devil’s Claw • 41 Ten-petal Mentzelia • 42

Yellow/Orange■ Slender Fumewort • 43■ Bladderpod • 44■ Stiffstem Flax • 45■ Lemon Paintbrush • 46■ Hartweg Evening Primrose • 47■ Prairie Coneflower • 48■ Rocky Mountain Zinnia • 49■ Slender Greenthread • 50■ Plains Hymenoxys • 51■ Goat’s Beard • 52■ Paper Flower • 53■ Scarlet Globe Mallow • 54■ Engelmann’s Daisy • 55■ Serrate-leaf Evening Primrose • 56■ Plains Prickly Pear • 57■ Buffalo Gourd • 58■ Showy Partridge Pea • 59■ Silktop Dalea • 60■ Broadleaf Milkweed • 61■ Cocklebur • 62■ Camphor Weed • 63■ Prairie Blanket Flower • 64■ Broom Snakeweed • 65

• References • 66• Authors • 66• Acknowledgements • 67• Pocket Guides • 68

Indian BlanketFlower

©Phyllis Scherich

Prairie BlanketFlower

©Phyllis Scherich

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IntroductionThe purpose of this pocket guide is to highlight

wildflower species found in the Red Hills orpredominately in south-central or western portionsof Kansas. It is intended to provide Red Hills’visitors and residents with a small, convenient,and quick reference to the region’s wildflowerbeauty. Hopefully, one will take away an evengreater understanding and appreciation for thenatural history, the biological diversity, and theoverall beauty of this unique landscape of Kansas.

The Red Hills physiographic region of Kansasincludes all or parts of seven counties in thesouth-central portion of the state. Also known asthe Gyp Hills, the area gets its names from theiron-rich red soils and gypsum rock outcrops andsubsurface layers. The broader Red Hills boundaryrepresented by the map is taken from Frank

Wilson’s “Kansaslandscapes: ageological diary.” Amore confinedgeographicalrepresentation fromthe article,“Ecoregions of theUnited States,” byJames Omernikpublished in theAnnals of the

© Scott SharpA young botanistexplores StoutScorpion-weed

American Association of Geographers in 2005,categorizes about 2 million acres as SouthwesternTablelands. The region contains one of two largetracts of untilled landscapes in Kansas and isrepresentative of the mixed-grass prairieecosystem. Included in this are sand prairie andsand-sage prairie habitats dissected byintermittent and permanent flowing streams. TheRed Hills is one of the most biologically diverseregions of Kansas.

According to Craig Freeman, Senior Curatorfor the R. L. McGregor Herbarium at theUniversity of Kansas, there are roughly 540 nativeand 90 non-native plant species in the Red Hills.The karst topography from limestone and gypsumformations is not only beautiful but creates uniquecaves and sinkholes. These features harbor smallfern species at cave entrances as well as habitatsfor porcupines, wood rats, bats, salamanders, andsnakes. Several animals on Kansas’ sensitivespecies lists rely on these special places, includingTownsend’s Big-eared Bat and Pallid Bat. Red-spotted Toad and Checkered Garter Snake, statethreatened species, depend on the small streamsand lower prairies. Long-nosed Snake and NewMexico Blind Snake (New Mexico Threadsnake),state threatened species, can be found in someupland areas. The Arkansas Darter, a federal

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candidate fish species that is also on the statethreatened list, occurs in most of the smallstreams. Lesser Prairie-chicken, currently underconsideration for federal threatened status, occursin open prairies in the northwestern and westernportions of the Red Hills.

Major threats to these and other native speciesinclude poor range health, encroachment of invasivespecies, such as Eastern Red Cedar and Old WorldBluestem grass, and landscape fragmentation fromenergy development and ranch subdivision.Although cedars are native to the area, thesuppression of wildfire has resulted in majorencroachment by this evergreen into uplandgrasslands and riparian zones. Besides squeezingout native species of plants and animals, cedarsprevent rainfall from reaching the soil and usesignificant amounts of water in transpiration.Resulting losses of alluvial and soil moisture reducesstream flow contributing to dewatered uppersegments of formerly permanent flowing streams.

Several programs, agencies, and organizationsare striving to improve rangelands by controllingcedars through brush management and prescribedfire. The challenge is daunting, but strides arebeing made to improve ranching viability whilealso protecting native flora and fauna. The

Indian Blanket Flower and Lazy Daisies

following selections highlight some of the mostinteresting and distinctive plants, as well as thosethat best reflect the uniqueness of the region. Forsome, such as Stout Scorpion-weed, Twist-flower,and Stevens’ Nama, the Kansas distribution ismostly restricted to the Red Hills. Nearly allrepresented species are native; Goat’s Beard beingthe exception. While some are known to bepoisonous to livestock, some are favored forgrazing. Accounts are organized by flower colors,then by general season of bloom. Each accountfollows an outline depicting the most recentlyaccepted common name, followed by alternatives;then scientific name. Nomenclature followsMichael Haddock’s website for “KansasWildflowers and Grasses” which is updated fromhis 2005 book with the similar name. Simpledescriptors include the family classification, plantlongevity, typical height, and Kansas distribution.Abbreviated description of plant morphology isorganized by general plant form, leaves, floweringstalk and parts, fruits, and seeds. Interesting factson distribution, biology, and published uses of theplant are included in the comments section.Months of typical blooming time are presented atthe end of each account.

© Phyllis Scherich

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Oklahoma Phlox Phlox oklahomensis

F a m i l y : Phlox H e i g h t : 3-6 inchesL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : Comanche, Cowley, Elk,

Butler, and Chautauqua countiesD e s c r i p t i o n : Tufted with woody stems at the base

that produce shoots. Forms colonies. Leavesnarrowly oblong to lance-shaped, edges hairy.Flowers borne in few to several hairy terminalclusters, each a long, slender, slightly curved tubewith 5 white, sometimes pale blue, pink, or lilacnotched petals. Fruits capsules.

C o m m e n t s : Upon drying, the capsule quicklyseparates along three joints and catapults its seedoutward, sometimes up to 2 yards. As it splits, thesound is similar to a kernel of corn popping. Theflowers have a delicate fragrance. This rather rareplant is limited to a few counties in Kansas,northeast Oklahoma, and Dallas County, Texas.

B l o o m P e r i o d : Mar | Apr | May

■ Oklahoma Phlox

©Phyllis Scherich

©Phyllis Scherich

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Twist-flower(Smooth Twist-flower, Jewelflower)Streptanthus hyacinthoides

F a m i l y : Mustard H e i g h t : To 40 inchesL o n g e v i t y : AnnualK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : Barber and Comanche

countiesD e s c r i p t i o n : Stems erect, usually unbranched,

smooth, often purplish. Leaves curling downward,alternate, smooth, tip pointed, short-stalked.Flowers 10-30 in elongate, terminal clusters, eachflower drooping on short stalks, petals fiddle-shaped, wavy-edged, from lavender to dark purple,filaments distinct. Fruits ascending, smooth,straight or slightly curved inward, flattened. Seedscircular, flattened, smooth, brown.

C o m m e n t s : The name comes from Greek streptos“twisted” and anthos “flower” for the wavymargins of the petals. As with most members of themustard family, flowers have 4 petals. By the time itblooms, the basal leaves have often turned yellowto brown. The soil surrounding it is usually bare. Itgrows on sand dunes and is more common inOklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana.

B l o o m P e r i o d : Apr | May | Jun

■ Twist-flower

©Phyllis Scherich

©Phyllis Scherich

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Blue Funnel-lilyAndrostephium coeruleum

F a m i l y : Lily H e i g h t : 4-10 inchesL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : Central and south-centralD e s c r i p t i o n : Stemless. Smooth, gray-green, leafless,

flowering stalk rises from a corm 3 inches belowground. Leaves basal, smooth, grass-like, somewhatfolded. Flowers light blue to blue, sometimes white,1 inch across, tubular below, funnel-shaped inupper half with 6 spreading lobes. Central tubefrom partially united filaments, three-parted stigma(female part). Fruits three-angled capsules. Seedslarge, black, flattened, wrinkled.

C o m m e n t s : The diminutive Blue Funnel-lily can behard to find among the old foliage of the previousyear. At time of blooming the bulb consists of anupper and lower segment, the lower producing aring of roots, the upper bearing the leaves andflowers. A beautiful representative of the Red Hills,it grows in grasslands and rocky slopes. This flowerhas a wonderful fragrance.

B l o o m P e r i o d : Apr | May

■ Blue Funnel-lilly

©Phyllis Scherich

©Phyllis Scherich

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Purple Poppy Mallow(Poppy Mallow, Prairie Winecup, CowboyRose, Low Poppy Mallow)Callirhoe involucrata

F a m i l y : Mallow H e i g h t : 2-12 inchesL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : StatewideD e s c r i p t i o n : Multi-branched, often hairy, trailing

stems extending to 30 inches. Leaves alternate,heart-shaped, deeply lobed. Flowers cup-shapedwith 5 bright purplish-pink, white-based,overlapping petals. Center flower parts form apompom. Fruits rings of kidney-shaped segments.Seeds brown, nearly round in outline.

C o m m e n t s : Callirhoe is from the Greek meaning“beautiful.” Purple Poppy Mallow has a deeptaproot (comparable to a very large carrot) thathelps it survive drought. It is frequently seen onroadsides and prairies in western Kansas. Mowingmay stimulate the production of numerous stemsand masses of flowers. The root is edible, tastessimilar to turnips and sweet potatoes, and was usedby Native Americans medicinally and for food.

B l o o m P e r i o d : Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug

©Larry Miller

■ Purple Poppy Mallow

©Phyllis Scherich

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Prairie Spiderwort(Cow-slobbers)Tradescantia occidentalis

F a m i l y : Spiderwort H e i g h t : 8-20 inchesL o n g e v i t y : Perennial K a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ¾D e s c r i p t i o n : Plants covered with whitish, waxy

substance that rubs off, giving it a lighter greencolor. Stems occurring singly, slender, upright,much-branched, some slender, others thick andfleshy. Leaves linear, to ½ inch wide, alternate,waxy, often folded, recurved, surrounding the stemat the nodes. Flowers three-parted, egg-shaped,solitary and terminal or with another one on thestalk of a flower cluster from an upper node. Fruitsround to oblong capsules containing 2-6 seeds.

C o m m e n t s : Flower color varies from bluish-violet tomagenta. When a stem is broken, the mucilaginoussap emerges. It can be drawn out in a long, thinthread similar to spider’s silk and lends to the othercommon name, Cow-slobbers. The petals aredelicate, lasting but one day. Rather than shrivelingand falling from the plant, the petals are dissolvedby enzymes and liquify. Prairie spiderwort is one offour spiderworts that occur in Kansas. LakotaIndians made a jelly-like blue paint from the flowers.

B l o o m P e r i o d : Apr | May

■ Prairie Spiderwort

©Ken Brunson

©Phyllis Scherich ©Phyllis Scherich

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Purple Ground Cherry(Plains Chinese Lantern)Quincula lobata

F a m i l y : Nightshade H e i g h t : 2-6 inchesL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ½D e s c r i p t i o n : Multi-branched, leafy, prostrate stems.

Leaves alternate, simple, spatula-shaped, up to 4inches long. Flowers about 1 inch, flat, disk-like,round to angular with 5 united petals displayinglight purple with 5 darker purple radiations fromthe center. Stamens 5, yellow anthers. Fruits small,spherical, yellow-green berries enclosed in theinflated, papery, lantern-like structure.

C o m m e n t s : Quincula loosely translated means “agroup of five,” while lobata refers to “lobes,” hencethe name. It forms a compact ground cover spreadby rhizomes and is especially showy when growingwith Scarlet Globe Mallow. It is extremely drought-resistant. The name Plains Chinese Lantern comesfrom the shape of the seedpod. Native Americansmade jelly from the berries, but be careful assimilar-looking species in the same genus are toxic.

B l o o m P e r i o d : Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep

■ Purple Ground Cherry©Ken Brunson

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Purple Locoweed(Lambert Crazyweed)Oxytropis lambertii

F a m i l y : Bean H e i g h t : To 20 inchesL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ¾D e s c r i p t i o n : Spreading, appearing stemless. Leaves

basal, odd-pinnately compound, to 7 inches long,with 7-19 linear to narrowly oblong leaflets, eachleaflet to 1½ inches long, with smooth edges,pointed tips, and covered in whitish hairs. Flowersin elongate clusters to 4 inches long with up to 25lavender flowers. Fruits pods, cylindric, to 1 inchlong, with dense hairs. Seeds smooth, brown.

C o m m e n t s : This plant is poisonous to livestock. Ifgrazing conditions are poor, cattle may eat it andbecome addicted to it leading to dazed behaviorand lack of muscle control. In extreme cases, deathwill occur. The Navajo people used the plant totreat constipation and also ate it as a mush. PurpleLocoweed’s upright flowering stalk helpsdistinguish it from the similar-appearing MissouriMilk-vetch.

B l o o m P e r i o d : May | Jun | Jul | Aug

■ Purple Locoweed

©Phyllis Scherich

©Phyllis Scherich

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Stevens’ Nama(Stevens’ Fiddleleaf)Nama stevensii

F a m i l y : Waterleaf H e i g h t : To 10 inchesL o n g e v i t y : AnnualK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : Barber, Clark, and

Comanche countiesD e s c r i p t i o n : Stems erect, widely branching, with

stiff hairs. Leaves alternate, simple, linear to lance-shaped, to 1¼ inches long and less than 1/8 inchwide, hairy with smooth edges, rolling under andpointed. Flowers solitary or in terminal, flat-toppedclusters. Petals lavender, five-parted, funnel to bell-shaped, about ¼ inch long. Fruits capsulescontaining up to 50 small seeds.

C o m m e n t s : Another splendid representative of theRed Hills, this plant grows in gypsum soils. It isnamed after George Stevens, an early 20th centuryteacher and botanical explorer in Oklahoma.

B l o o m P e r i o d : May | Jun | Jul

■ Stevens’ Nama

©Phyllis Scherich

©Phyllis Scherich

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Woolly LocoweedAstragalus mollissimus

F a m i l y : Bean H e i g h t : 4-16 inchesL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ½D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems several, stout, upright early but

becoming prostrate as pods develop, ½ - 5 ½ incheslong, covered in dense hair. Leaves alternate,arching, 3-10 inches long, each with 15-33 leafletsthat are oval, to 1 inch long, and covered in hairs.Flowers pink-purple, fading to light blue as theyage, the upper petal or “banner” of each flowerwith a pronounced backward flare at the tip.Fleshy, plump pods in boat-shaped clusters, about 1inch long.

C o m m e n t s : This perennial is toxic to livestock. Underconditions of average or above averageprecipitation, livestock will seek better quality forbsand grasses. Consumption of this forb, especiallyduring drought, can cause livestock to get hookedon it, grazing it in preference to more nutritiousgrasses and forbs, hence the name “locoweed.”Astragalus means “ankle bone” in Greek, perhaps inreference to the shape of the seeds; mollissimus isLatin for “very soft.”

B l o o m P e r i o d : May | Jun

■ Woolly Locoweed©Ken Brunson

©Phyllis Scherich

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Wedge-leaf Frog Fruit(Fog Fruit)Lippia cuneifolia

F a m i l y : Vervain H e i g h t : To 3 feetL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ¾D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems woody at base, prostrate, often

growing in dense colonies. Leaves opposite, simple,stalkless, lance-shaped to wedge-shaped, to 2 incheslong and ½ inch wide. Flowers in dome-like headsto ½ inch wide on stalks to 2½ inches long andarising from leaf axils. Flowers four-parted. Fruitstwo nutlets, each containing one seed.

C o m m e n t s : There are three species of frog fruit inKansas. The more common one is represented here;however, Lippia incisa, is a small representative knownfrom about six Kansas counties including BarberCounty. L. lanceolata is more common in easternKansas. It is an excellent nectar plant for butterflies.


■ Wedge-leaf Frog Fruit

©Phyllis Scherich

©Phyllis Scherich

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Silver-leaf Nightshade(White Nightshade)Solanum elaeagnifolium

F a m i l y : Nightshade H e i g h t : To 2 feetL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : South ¾D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems erect, often branched, few to

many. Leaves alternate, simple, short-stalked,narrowly lance-shaped to egg-shaped, with entire,wavy, or toothed edges. Stems and lower leafsurfaces covered with tiny, star-shaped hairs andshort, yellowish prickles. Flowers in clusters of 1-7,stalked. Petals 5, light to dark blue or violet andrarely white, united below but with separate tips.Stamens 5, prominent, yellow. Fruits yellowishberries eventually turning black. Seeds brown.

C o m m e n t s : The color combinations of this plant arestriking, with greenish-silvery foliage, purplepetals, golden anthers, and green, purple, yellow,and black fruits. It grows in disturbed sites,including over-grazed pastures, fields, roadsides,and waste areas. This plant may be toxic to cattlewhen consumed in large quantities. “Nightshade”refers to the medicinal use of Solanum species toinduce sleep.

B l o o m p e r i o d : May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep

■ Silver-leaf Nightshade

©Phyllis Scherich

©Phyllis Scherich

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Prairie Gentian(Showy Prairie Gentian, Texas Bluebell,Downy Gentian)Eustoma exaltatum

F a m i l y : Gentian H e i g h t : 1-2 feetL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ½D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems stout, erect, single to several,

blue-green, and waxy. Leaves opposite, somewhatclasping the stem, simple, longer than wide, widestat middle and narrowing to rounded or pointedends, ½-3 inches long. Flowers 2-6, in terminalclusters on stout stalks. Petals showy, five-lobed,bell-shaped, deeply cleft, bluish-purple, pink, orwhite in color. Fruits are oblong, pointed capsuleswith numerous, small, pitted seeds.

C o m m e n t s : The large, showy, lavender-purple,sometimes white, Prairie Gentian flowers oftenpersist until the first hard frost of fall. This plantgrows in meadows and prairies with moist sandyto sandy loam soils.

B l o o m P e r i o d : Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep

■ Prairie Gentian©Phyllis Scherich

©Phyllis Scherich

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Woolly Verbena(Hoary Vervain)Verbena stricta

F a m i l y : Vervain H e i g h t : 1-5 feetL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : StatewideD e s c r i p t i o n : Stems erect, stout, typically densely

hairy, simple or branched above. Leaves opposite,numerous, without a stalk, blades spear-shaped toegg-shaped with coarsely toothed to doublytoothed edges, densely hairy, conspicuously veinedunderneath. Flowers in slender spears at the end ofnarrow, erect stalks borne singly or several together.Petals united at base, but five-lobed, purple, blue,or occasionally white. Fruits nutlets, covered withtiny bumps, grayish brown, each nutlet one-seeded.

C o m m e n t s : This is the sturdiest and mostly widelydistributed of all Kansas verbenas. It is one of themost frequent invaders of abused or drought-strickenpastures. The plant’s secretions are bitter, and cattlewill refuse to graze it even if forage is lacking.


■ Woolly Verbena©Phyllis Scherich

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Stout Scorpion-weed(Gypsum Blue-eyes)Phacelia integrifolia

F a m i l y : Waterleaf H e i g h t : 1-3 feetL o n g e v i t y : Annual or biennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : Red HillsD e s c r i p t i o n : Stems erect, stout, and sticky. Leaves

alternate, thick, velvety, with rounded, toothedlobes. Flowers tiny, pinkish to lavender, united,trumpet-shaped, grow in coils like a scorpion's tailon protruding stems. Stamens 5, purple,protruding. Fruits egg-shaped. Seeds black.

C o m m e n t s : This plant of arid areas is most oftenfound on gypsum outcrops. Upon discovery, localopinion characterized it as “ugly weed.” It has anunpleasant odor. As it matures the leaves dry andturn brown from the bottom up. By fall, the entireplant turns brown and scraggly. It is not a showyplant because of its very small flowers; but up-close, it is beautiful when in bloom. It can be seengrowing in the road ditch on the north side of USHwy 160 between mile-markers 210 and 214.

B l o o m P e r i o d : Jun | Jul | Aug

■ Stout Scorpion-weed

©Phyllis Scherich

©Phyllis Scherich

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Rayless Gaillardia(Fragrant Gaillardia, Pincushion Daisy)Gaillardia suavis

F a m i l y : Sunflower H e i g h t : 1-3 feetL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : North-central and south-

centralD e s c r i p t i o n : Stem erect. Flower stalk slender,

leafless, and hairy. Leaves simple, variable, broadlyspear-shaped, 2-6 inches long, loosely hairy at baseof plant. Leaf margins smooth to toothed or deeplycleft. Flowers solitary, borne at the end of theflowering stalk, spherical, ¾-1 inch wide. Rayflorets absent or few, inconspicuous, and brownish.Disk florets reddish-brown, interspersed withnumerous bristles. Fruits small, long, hairy, eachcontaining a small seed.

C o m m e n t s : Rayless Gaillardia is often found on dry,rocky sites in sand or gypsum soils. It has an enticing,sweet fragrance lending to its other common name,Fragrant Gaillardia. It provides an irresistible aromawhen added to a wildflower garden.


■ Rayless Gaillardia

©Phyllis Scherich

©Ken Brunson

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Velvety Gaura(Small-flowered Gaura)Gaura mollis

F a m i l y : Evening Primrose H e i g h t : 1-9 feetL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : StatewideD e s c r i p t i o n : Erect, usually solitary, unbranched

below flowers, densely hairy. Leaves alternate,simple, egg-shaped, 1-5 inches long, ½-2 incheswide, soft-hairy, tips tapered to points, marginswavy. Lower leaves usually absent at flowering.Flowers in spikes 2-20 inches long. Petals, pink torose, less than ¼ inch long. Fruits nut-like capsules,¼-½ inch long. Seeds 3-4, tiny, reddish brown.

C o m m e n t s : Velvety Gaura is found on dry, rockyhillsides, pastures, old fields, open woodlands,waste areas, and roadsides. Native Americans aresaid to have used a liquid made from the roots totreat snakebites, burns, and inflammation. Theleaves feel soft and damp before the plant blooms.


©Phyllis Scherich

■ Velvety Gaura

©Phyllis Scherich

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Western Indigo(Scarlet Pea, Texas Indigo)Indigofera miniata

F a m i l y : Bean H e i g h t : 3-12 inchesL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : Comanche, Barber, Clark,

and Pratt countiesD e s c r i p t i o n : Low-growing with several, much-

branched, sprawling or trailing, grayish-green hairystems. Leaves alternate, small, soft-hairy, short-stalked, with blades divided into 5-9 leaflets, theterminal one unpaired. Flowers in terminal clustersof 7-10, striking salmon-pink. Pods long, narrow,straight or angled averaging 10 square seeds.

C o m m e n t s : Look closely for the unique flower color,which is rare among members of the bean family.While not a consistent bloomer, the flowers are veryshowy. This plant has a deep root system, isdrought tolerant, and flourishes in sandy, well-drained soil. It is relished by deer, grazed bylivestock, and often is recommended in rangeseeding and pasture plantings. It is caterpillar hostfor at least six species of butterflies.

B l o o m P e r i o d : May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep

■ Western Indigo©Phyllis Scherich

©Phyllis Scherich

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PincushionCactusEscobaria vivipara

F a m i l y : Cactus H e i g h t : 1-4 inchesL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ¾D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems usually more than ½ above

ground, spherical, dark green, and covered withspirally arranged projections called “tubercles.”Tubercles grooved on the upperside with round,cushion-like spots at the tips. Spines bright white toreddish-brown, with darker tips. Flowers funnel-shaped, situated at the base of the upper side oftubercles, petals magenta to pale pink, outer onesconspicuously fringed. Fruits green, fleshy, oblongberries not appearing until about 2 months afterflowering. Seeds oblong, ½-¾ inch in diameter,fleshy, yellowish to reddish-brown.

C o m m e n t s : This is a small, solitary or colonial cactus.It is densely covered in a mat of star-shaped rows ofspines. The Pincushion Cactus grows on dry, sandy,or rocky prairies and shows good resistance to freezedamage. Its showy flowers usually don’t open untilmid- to late-afternoon and close in the evening. Asimilar cactus in the Red Hills is the Nipple Cactus,which has greenish to pale yellow flowers and brightred fruits. Some Native Americans used the ripefruits of both species as food.


■ Pincushion Cactus

©Phyllis Scherich

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Scarlet Gaura(Waving Butterfly)Gaura coccinea

F a m i l y : Evening Primrose H e i g h t : 8-24 inchesL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ¾D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems erect to ascending, several to

many, slender, branched at base, densely short-hairyor nearly smooth. Leaves alternate, simple, attachedto stem, mostly lance-shaped, ¼-2 inches long, lessthan ½ inch wide, minutely hairy, margins smoothto shallow-toothed, tip pointed or blunt. Flowersstalkless. Petals 4, initially white, pink, or red, to ½inch long, clawed at base. Stamens 8, anthers yellowto red; stigma (female part) deeply lobed. Fruits nut-like capsules, cylindric, narrow above. Seeds 1-4,tiny, reddish-brown.

C o m m e n t s : Scarlet Gaura is sometimes called “WavingButterfly” because the petals are twisted and movelike wings in the wind, and the anthers and stamensresemble insect antennae. Grazing seems to havelittle effect on the abundance of this plant.


■ Scarlet Gaura

©Ken Brunson

©Phyllis Scherich

25

Bush Morning-glory(Big-root Morning-glory)Ipomoea leptophylla

F a m i l y : Morning-glory H e i g h t : 1-4 feetL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ¾D e s c r i p t i o n : Shrublike with many bushy, branching,

smooth stems. Leaves simple, alternate, short-stalked, ascending, linear to narrowly spear-shaped,2-6 inches long with tips that taper to a point.Flowers conspicuous, 2-3½ inches long, funnel-shaped, pinkish-lavender to purplish-red withdarker throat. Fruits capsule-like, egg-shaped, long,pointed, smooth. Seeds 1-4, densely hairy, brown.

C o m m e n t s : Bush Morning-glory belongs to the samefamily as sweet potato. It is found in dry prairies,disturbed sites, and on sandy and gravelly soils.The above-ground portion can grow to several feetin diameter. The taproot can be up to 8 inches indiameter and 6 feet long with lateral rootsbranching out 10-15 feet. Due to the large rootsystem, this plant is highly drought resistant.Native Americans utilized the large taproot as food.


©Ken Brunson

■ Bush Morning-glory

©Phyllis Scherich

26

Indian Blanket Flower(Rose-ring Gaillardia, Showy Gaillardia,Cowboy Daisy)Gaillardia pulchella

F a m i l y : Sunflower H e i g h t : 4-24 inchesL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ¾D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems erect, simple, or freely branched

from near the base, rough, hairy. Leaves alternate,simple, attached directly to stem, broadly spear-shaped or oblong, to 3 inches long, coarsely hairy,margins entire to weakly toothed or wavy. Flowersone to few, spherical, 1-3 inches wide, borne at theend of a flowering stalk. Ray florets 10-20, red orpurplish (sometimes yellow) bases, yellow nearthree-lobed tips, ½-1 inch long, ¼ inch wide. Diskflorets reddish-brown, interspersed with numerousbristles. Fruits small, long, hairy, enclosing a smallseed.

C o m m e n t s : Indian Blanket Flower is often found ondry, sandy soils and along roadsides and disturbedareas. It can form dense, colorful, highly visiblestands. This species is the state wildflower ofOklahoma.


■ Indian Blanket Flower©Ken Brunson

©Phyllis Scherich

27

Clammy-weed Polanisia dodecandra

F a m i l y : Caper H e i g h t : 8-32 inchesL o n g e v i t y : AnnualK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : Statewide, more common in

West ½D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems erect, much-branched, sticky-

hairy. Leaves sticky-hairy, alternate, on a stalk with3 lance-shaped leaflets. Flowers borne in a clusterof about 20 that continue to elongate during theflowering season. Petals 4, white, sometimes tingedpink or purple, heart-shaped with a long, narrowbase. Stamens 8-12, reddish-purple, about twice aslong as the petals. Fruits pea-pod-shaped capsules,1-3 inches long. Seeds rust-brown or dark brown,round, flattened.

C o m m e n t s : Clammy-weed has a strong, unpleasantodor. Its common name alludes to the sticky foliage.At the base of each flower is a gland that secretes aconspicuous drop of bright red fluid. Clammy-weedgrows on sandy or rocky areas, often alongroadsides, and has a long blooming period.

B l o o m P e r i o d : May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct

©Phyllis Scherich

■ Clammy-weed

©Phyllis Scherich

28

©Phyllis Scherich

■ Goat’s Rue

©Phyllis Scherich

Goat’s Rue(Catgut)Tephrosia virginiana

F a m i l y : Bean H e i g h t : 3-28 inchesL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : East ¾D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems in a cluster arising from a

branched or unbranched woodstock, sparsely todensely hairy, few to many. Leaves alternate, short-stalked, with leaflets arranged alternately on bothsides of leaf stalk, 2-6 inches long. Leaflets 7-31,oval, tapering at both ends, nearly smooth above,while silky-hairy below. Flowers pea-shaped, interminal, compact, pyramidal bunches. Flowersfive-parted, each flower with a prominent, erect,pale yellow upper petal, the other petals pink todark pink or rose. Fruits 1-2 inches long, flattened,hairy, light grey, resembling a skinny green beanand containing 3-8 dark, mottled seeds.

C o m m e n t s : This plant is highly nutritious tolivestock and its seeds are eaten by bobwhite quailand wild turkey. Its name derives from itsresemblance to an Old World species that was fedto goats to increase milk production.

B l o o m P e r i o d : Jun | Jul

29

Easter Daisy Townsendia exscapa

F a m i l y : Sunflower H e i g h t : 1-4 inchesL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ¾D e s c r i p t i o n : Stemless or nearly so, from a branched

rootstock and a woody taproot. Low, somewhattufted, and hairy. Leaves are simple, basal, 1-3inches long, narrowly lance-shaped, and smooth-edged. Heads numerous, to 1½ inches wide,stalkless. Ray florets 20-40, white to pinkish,sometimes appearing waxy. Disk florets numerousand yellow. Seed heads similar to dandelions butsmaller and denser. Fruits one-seeded, smooth,with finely barbed bristles.

C o m m e n t s : This delightful composite is one of theearliest blooming wildflowers, flowering aroundEaster. It is not uncommon, but finding it ischallenging because it is close to the ground andnot brightly colored. It will often be found on dry,rocky, gypsum slopes with little vegetationsurrounding it. The ray florets curl under at night,spreading again in the morning.


Easter Daisy©Phyllis Scherich

30

Old Plainsman(White-bract Hymenopappus)Hymenopappus scabiosaeus

F a m i l y : Sunflower H e i g h t : 1-3 feetL o n g e v i t y : BiennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : East ¾D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems erect, branched above, smooth

below, woolly above. Leaves in basal rosettes,alternate, stalked to nearly stalkless, 2-6 inches long,to 3 inches wide, deeply divided below, less dividedabove, white-woolly below, smooth above. Flowerheads 40-100, in terminal and flattened groups.Only disk flowers present, white to cream-colored.Fruits small, nutlike, four-angled. Seeds small.

C o m m e n t s : Old Plainsman is an early bloomer andoften forms prominent, expansive stands inpastures. A close look at each flower reveals abeautiful pattern, often with purplish to pinkishcolors along with the dominating white. The name,Old Plainsman, cues us to the fact that this plant isan old resident of dry, open prairies.


Old Plainsman

©Phyllis Scherich

©Phyllis Scherich

31

White Aster(Baby-white Aster, Rose Heath Aster)Chaetopappa ericoides

F a m i l y : Sunflower H e i g h t : 2-8 inchesL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ½D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems erect or spreading, numerous,

loosely clustered, and hairy. Leaves simple,unbranched, alternate 3-5 inches long, less than ¼inch wide, grayish-green, often fringed with hairsand somewhat glandular or sticky. Flowers borneon short, solitary stems. Heads ½-¾ inch wide. Rayflorets 12-24, often curling downward towardevening but straightening by morning. Disk floretsyellow. Seeds flattened, hairy, tipped withnumerous, hair-like bristles.

C o m m e n t s : This diminutive aster grows in open,sandy, and gravelly locations and on erodedhillsides. It may form large clusters but normallywill be in small, scattered groups of plants. NativeAmericans used this plant to treat snakebites, noseailments, toothaches, rheumatism, and swelling.


White Aster©Phyllis Scherich

32

Western Spotted Beebalm(Dotted Beebalm, Horsemint)Monarda punctata

F a m i l y : Mint H e i g h t : 6-20 inchesL o n g e v i t y : Annual or short-lived perennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ¾D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems square, as with most mints, erect,

branching. Leaves simple, opposite, short-stalked,lance-shaped to elliptic, to 2 inches long and ½ inchwide, margins shallowly toothed, both surfaceshighly glandular and sometimes hairy. Flowers inspikes, whorls of flowers to 1½ inches wide. Petalsyellowish or whitish with purple spots, ¾ inchlong. Seeds small.

C o m m e n t s : This species occurs widely in the westernpart of the state. It can occur in thick stands insandy soils. Parts of this plant were known sincethe early 1880s as a source of thymol, which hasbeen used to treat typhoid fever, rheumatism, andother ailments. Oil from the genus Monarda wasalso reported as being used to prevent vomitingand to relieve gas.


Western Spotted Beebalm©Phyllis Scherich

©Phyllis Scherich

33

Lazy DaisyAphanostephus skirrhobasis

F a m i l y : Sunflower H e i g h t : 4-20 inchesL o n g e v i t y : AnnualK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : South-centralD e s c r i p t i o n : Stems erect or spreading, branched,

soft, gray, hairy. Leaves simple, opposite, soft, gray,hairy. Leaves 1-4 inches long, about ¾ inch wide.Flowers solitary, on long stalks, ¾-1½ inches wide.Ray florets 20-44, lower surface reddish-purple torose-colored, upper surface white. Disk floretsnumerous, yellow.

C o m m e n t s : Lazy Daisy is found in many locationsincluding roadsides, dry sandy soils, prairies, andopen woods in south-central Kansas. The namecomes from this forb’s habit of keeping its flowersclosed until late-morning. Lazy Daisy is sometimescultivated and may be available at local gardencenters or nurseries.


Lazy Daisy

©Ken Brunson

©Phyllis Scherich

34

Prickly Poppy(White Prickly Poppy)Argemone polyanthemos

F a m i l y : Poppy H e i g h t : 1-5 feetL o n g e v i t y : AnnualK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : StatewideD e s c r i p t i o n : Stems erect, mostly solitary, somewhat

prickly, waxy. Leaves 3-10 inches long, 1-4 incheswide, bluish-green, deeply lobed, prickly mainly attips and on veins, margins wavy. Flowers showy,white, six-petaled, 2-4 inches wide. Stamensnumerous, yellow, surrounding a purple stigma(female part). Fruits capsules 1-1½ inches long, ½inch wide, covered in yellow spines.

C o m m e n t s : The waxy, blue-green color of stems andleaves, large, poppy-like flowers, and yellow sapallow easy identification of this species. NativeAmericans used this sap as a dye, and the seeds werecrushed to treat burns and cuts. Seen commonlyalong roadsides and disturbed areas, large stands ofPrickly Poppy can indicate over-grazing.


Prickly Poppy

©Phyllis Scherich

©Phyllis Scherich

35

White Beardtongue(White Penstemon)Penstemon albidus

F a m i l y : Figwort H e i g h t : To 20 inchesL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ½D e s c r i p t i o n : Stem erect, unbranched. Leaves simple,

opposite, stalked below, clasping stem above, lance-shaped, to 4 inches long, nearly smooth. Flowers inelongate clusters to nearly 12 inches long withlower flowers opening first. Petals white with redlines within, sticky, funnel-shaped, with 2 lobesabove and 3 lobes below. Fruits egg-shapedcapsules. Seeds many small, black, angular.

C o m m e n t s : White Beardtongue is the most commonof four Penstemons in the Red Hills. It grows insandy soils and on slopes, and is able to out-compete other plants in challenging environments.“Beardtongue” refers to the hairy, sterile stamen inthe throat of the flowers. Beardtongues were usedextensively by Native Americans for a wide varietyof ailments, as well as for tea. This plant is easilyrecognized in winter with its persistent, four-partseed pods.


White Beardtongue

©Phyllis Scherich

©Ken Brunson

36

Yucca(Small Soapweed)Yucca glauca

F a m i l y : Agave H e i g h t : 3-6 feetL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ¾D e s c r i p t i o n : Stemless. Elongate, vertical, stout

rootstock bears a rosette of many stiffly ascending,bayonet-shaped leaves. Rootstock with horizontalbranches of several feet. Flowers borne on a tallstalk with younger flowers toward the top, 15-50,whitish, with 3 sepals (modified leaves) and 3petals. Fruits capsules, woody, oblong, six-sided.

C o m m e n t s : The leaves bear a waxy film that helpskeep them from drying. Small Soapweed isdependent on the yucca moth for pollination, and theyucca plant provides the moth with food and shelterthat it needs to complete its life cycle. When soakedor rubbed in water, the roots lather and can be usedas a soap substitute, hence the other common name.The flowers and fruit pods were eaten raw or cookedby Native Americans, and the leaf fibers were used tomake cords, baskets, and sandals.

B l o o m P e r i o d : May | Jun

Yucca©Phyllis Scherich

37

White Flower Ipomopsis (White-flowered Gilia)Ipomopsis longiflora

F a m i l y : Phlox H e i g h t : 6-24 inchesL o n g e v i t y : Annual or biennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ½D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems erect to spreading. Leaves

inconspicuous, alternate, mostly stalkless, to 2inches long, pinnate with 3-5 long and narrowsegments. Flowers trumpet-shaped, few-to-many,white to light bluish-violet, to 2 inches long, interminal clusters. Fruits small capsules. Seedssmall, elongate, angular.

C o m m e n t s : Larger specimens of this plant are showywhen in bloom. White Flower Ipomopsis typicallyoccurs in low densities in sandy to rocky soils in theRed Hills. Its long flower is suited to the longproboscises of butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds.

B l o o m P e r i o d : May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct

White Flower Ipomopsis

©Chris Berens

©Phyllis Scherich

38

Stenosiphon(False Gaura)Stenosiphon linifolius

F a m i l y : Evening Primrose H e i g h t : 2-9 feetL o n g e v i t y : Biennial or short-lived perennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : StatewideD e s c r i p t i o n : Stems, erect, wiry-branched, brittle,

smooth, waxy, with a woody taproot. Leavesalternate, linear to lance-shaped, ½-2 inches longand to ½ inch wide. Flowers dainty, white, borne inspikes. Petals 4, stamens 8, unequal, stylethreadlike, as long as or longer than the stamens,stigma (female part) four-lobed. Fruits capsules,nut-like, oval, ribbed, hairy, one-seeded. Seedssmall, whitish yellow.

C o m m e n t s : During droughts, this plant drops itsleaves and conducts photosynthesis in the stem. Arosette appears the first year, and the stem arises inthe second year. Its flowers resemble those of VelvetyGaura, and the leaves are similar to those of flaxplants. The flower head is said to resemble plumedpens often used for wedding guest books. In Greek,steno means “narrow” and siphon means “tube,”alluding to the flowers.


Stenosiphon

©Ken Brunson

©Phyllis Scherich

39

White Milkwort(White Polygala)Polygala alba

F a m i l y : Milkwort H e i g h t : To 16 inchesL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ½D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems erect, usually several, smooth.

Leaves simple, alternate, stalked below or claspingstem above, to 4 inches long, ½-1 inch wide,margins smooth. Flower head a spike, tapering tothe tip, to 3 inches, maturing from bottom to top.Flowers white with green centers, ¼ inch long.Fruits capsules with dark, hairy seeds.

C o m m e n t s : This small plant with dainty flowers isfound primarily on dry, rocky, or sandy soils. Whendescribing plants, “wort” means “weed.” The namemilkwort originates from an old belief that plantscould stimulate lactation in nursing mothers. TheSioux used the boiled roots to treat earache. It wasapparently important enough as a natural medicineto be used as barter by Native Americans.


White Milkwort

©Phyllis Scherich

©Phyllis Scherich

40

Annual Eriogonum(Umbrella Plant) Eriogonum annuum

F a m i l y : Buckwheat H e i g h t : 1-3 feetL o n g e v i t y : AnnualK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ¾D e s c r i p t i o n : Plants densely woolly with a silvery-

whitish appearance. Stems erect, single to branchedabove. Basal leaves gone by flowering time, stemleaves alternate, 1-3 inches long and less than ¼inch wide. Flower heads terminal, flat-toppedclusters. Flowers tiny, creamy-white to pinkish,drying brown. Petals 6 in two series, united at base.Fruits smooth, pointed, one-seeded.

C o m m e n t s : Dense stands of this plant sometimes arefound in dry, open prairie slopes, waste areas, androadsides on sandy or rocky soils. The few, reducedleaves and dense hairs help this plant toleratedroughts, leading it to be quite prominent during dryperiods. Livestock rarely eat Annual Eriogonum. Thisplant is often used in dried flower arrangements.

B l o o m P e r i o d : Jul | Aug | Sep

Annual Eriogonum©Phyllis Scherich

©Phyllis Scherich

41

Devil’s Claw(Unicorn Plant)Proboscidea louisianica

F a m i l y : Unicorn-plant H e i g h t : To 3 feetL o n g e v i t y : AnnualK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : Primarily western ¾D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems erect or spreading, usually

branched, hairy. Leaves mostly alternate, heart-shaped, to 9 inches long and 10 inches wide, withsmooth, wavy edges and rounded or pointed tips.Up to 30 flowers, showy, two-lipped with 3spreading lower lobes and 2 erect upper lobes, palelavender to pink or white, throat lined with yellowstripes and reddish spots. Fruits woody capsulessplitting on maturity with curved claws at the tips, to4 inches long. Seeds many, mostly flat, round, black.

C o m m e n t s : The name means “hook plant.” The driedcapsules attach to the legs of animals, which helpspread the seeds. Occasionally they will catch onthe back of one’s shoe or boot like a cowboy’s spur.The leaves and stem emit a strong, musky odor.Native Americans and pioneers used the greenpods and seeds for food; other parts were used tomake baskets.

B l o o m P e r i o d : Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct

Devil’s Claw©Phyllis Scherich

©Phyllis Scherich

©Phyllis Scherich

42

Ten-petal Mentzelia(Chalk Lily, Candleflower, Evening Starflower)Mentzelia decapetala

F a m i l y : Stickleaf H e i g h t : 1-3 feetL o n g e v i t y : BiennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ½D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems erect, stout, branching above.

Leaves simple, short-stalked below, stalkless above,coarsely toothed, spear-shaped, 2-6 inches long, ½inch wide, pointed with toothed, wavy edges.Flowers star-shaped, fragrant, terminal to 6 inchesdiameter, petals white, stamens yellow. Fruitscapsules cylindric, to 2 inches long. Seeds numerous.

C o m m e n t s : There are four species of Mentzelia inKansas, three of which occur in the Red Hills. TheSand Lily, Mentzelia nuda, (see inset) closelyresembles Ten-petal Mentzelia, but there aredifferences in the flowers of the two species. Mostnotably, Ten-petal Mentzelia can exhibit prominentyellow stamens which do not extend to the end ofits petals; Sand Lily typically has longer, whitestamens. The Mentzelias have “sticky” leaves thatcling to clothing. The delicate-looking flowers openin the afternoon, yielding a beautiful evening floraldisplay against the red soil and rocks of the RedHills. These plants accumulate selenium and areslightly poisonous to livestock.

B l o o m P e r i o d : Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct

Ten-petal Mentzelia

©Ken Brunson

©Ken Brunson©Phyllis ScherichSand Lily

43

Slender Fumewort(Scrambled Eggs)Corydalis micrantha

F a m i l y : Fumewort H e i g h t : 4-12 inchesL o n g e v i t y : AnnualK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : East ¾D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems several, erect, simple, or

sparingly branched, smooth, without hairs. Leavesalternate, stalkless above, pinnately compoundwith segments 2-3½ inches long, sticky and oftenwaxy. Flowers bright yellow, long-spurred, about ½inch long, resembling a cluster of tiny bananas.Fruits small capsules. Seeds numerous, shiny, black.

C o m m e n t s : These annuals germinate in the fall andstay green all winter, blooming and fruiting in thespring to complete their life cycle. SlenderFumewort may be found growing in many differenthabitats, including roadsides, waste ground, andopen woods in sandy soils. It has been used to treatdysentery and diarrhea. More common in easternKansas, it is one of the earliest blooming plants inthe Red Hills. The common name, Scrambled Eggs,alludes to the appearance of the flower.


■ Slender Fumewort

©Phyllis Scherich

©Phyllis Scherich

44

Bladderpod(Gordon’s Bladderpod, Popweed)Lesquerella gordonii

F a m i l y : Mustard H e i g h t : 2-9 inchesL o n g e v i t y : AnnualK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : Southwest ¼D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems erect or ascending, branched

from the base. Lower leaves with stalks, upperleaves variable, oval to lance-shaped or spoon-shaped, about 1 inch long, margins not toothed orlobed, gray-green, usually with rounded tips.Flowers yellow, petals 4, less than ½ inch long.Fruits spherical. Seeds small, orange-brown, oval tonearly round with one side notched.

C o m m e n t s : Under good conditions in early spring,Bladderpod forms striking, yellow carpets abovethe red soils of the Red Hills. Its flowers display thetypical four-petal arrangement seen in mostmustards. There are two other species ofbladderpods in Kansas: Oval-leaved Bladderpodand Slender Bladderpod. The common namealludes to the small pods that pop when crushed.

B l o o m P e r i o d : Mar | Apr | May | Jun

■ Bladderpod©Phyllis Scherich

©Phyllis Scherich

45

Stiffstem Flax(Stiff Flax, Yellow Flax, Rigid Flax)Linum rigidum

F a m i l y : Flax H e i g h t : 2-20 inchesL o n g e v i t y : AnnualK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ¾D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems erect, stiff, with ascending

branches near the top. Leaves alternate, linear, 1½inches long, hardly noticeable on upper branches ofplant as they are nearly clasping stem, smooth.Flowers in branched, terminal clusters. Petals 5,yellow with orangish bases. Fruits straw-coloredcapsules. Seeds small, flattened, reddish-brown.

C o m m e n t s : Stiffstem Flax is the most common flax inthe Red Hills. Others found here are Grooved Flax,which does not have the orangish color at the baseof the petals, and Norton’s Flax, with blue flowers.Farther west in the state, Berlandier’s Flax is ashorter variety with brick-red pigment at the baseof its petals. Petals are short-lived, typically lastingonly a day or two, and are easily dislodged bywind or other disturbance.


■ Stiffstem Flax©Phyllis Scherich

46

Lemon Paintbrush(Citron Paintbrush)Castilleja purpurea

F a m i l y : Figwort H e i g h t : 4-16 inchesL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : Southwest ¼D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems erect, typically several growing

from one base, covered with woolly hair. Leavesalternate, simple, 1¼ -2½ inches long. Flowers inspikes, bright yellow to greenish-yellow, in somecases with an orange tint or even pink. Seeds egg-shaped, small, angular.

C o m m e n t s : Look for Lemon Paintbrush on dry rockyor sandy hillsides. When you find one of theseplants you may notice the immediate surroundingground is bare of vegetation. This plant is parasitic,obtaining water from the roots of other plantsgrowing close by, mainly grasses. This eliminatescompetition from other plants for nutrients andwater. The woody seed pods persist long afterleaves and flowers have fallen.


■ Lemon Paintbrush©Phyllis Scherich

47

Hartweg Evening Primrose(Hartweg’s Sundrop, Fendler EveningPrimrose)Calylophus hartwegii

F a m i l y : Evening Primrose H e i g h t : 2-16 inchesL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : South part of southwest ¼D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems bushy, one to several, usually

branched, prostrate or ascending. Leaves alternate,simple, to 2 inches long, less than ½ inch wide,smooth, tips pointed, margins smooth or serrate.Flowers with 4 petals, pale yellow, fading topinkish or orange as they age. Fruits capsulescylindric, ribbed, ¼-1½ inches long.

C o m m e n t s : Look for this plant in dry rocky or sandyhillsides and upland sites. It is conspicuous alongroadsides of US Hwy 160 west of Medicine Lodge.As the family name suggests, the flowers of thisplant open in the late afternoon. This plant lookssimilar to Missouri Evening Primrose, which isprominent east of the Red Hills, but the fruit ofHartweg Evening Primrose is cylindric in cross-section; in Missouri Evening Primrose it is cross-shaped. Some Native American tribes supposedlyused this plant to treat internal bleeding.

B l o o m P e r i o d : Apr | May | Jun | Jul

■ Hartweg Evening Primrose©Phyllis Scherich

©Phyllis Scherich

48

Prairie ConeflowerRatibida columnifera

F a m i l y : Sunflower H e i g h t : 6-36 inchesL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : StatewideD e s c r i p t i o n : Stems erect, slender, grooved, single or

clustered, often branched. Leaves deeply divided,decreasing in size toward the end of stem. Flowersborne on leafless stalks to 10 inches long, ray florets7-12, yellow, drooping, surrounding a long, centraldisk, disk florets initially gray.

C o m m e n t s : The foliage has a strong odor that repelsdeer. Plants are easy to grow from seed, aredrought resistant, and grow aggressively and maypush out other, weaker species. Indians used PrairieConeflower for making tea, and to treat poison ivy,rattlesnake bites, headaches, and stomachaches.Some plants of this species have rich, brown-purpleray flowers.

B l o o m P e r i o d : Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep

■ Prairie Coneflower©Phyllis Scherich

©Ken Brunson

49

Rocky Mountain Zinnia(Plains Zinnia)Zinnia grandiflora

F a m i l y : Sunflower H e i g h t : 4-8 inchesL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : Southwest ½D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems several, branched above a

woody rootstock, greenish, hairs flattened. Leavesopposite, simple, mostly lance-shaped to linear, ½-1¼ inches long, ¼ inch wide, covered with smallglands. Flowers numerous, terminal, to 1½ incheswide. Ray florets 3–6, pale to deep yellow, papery,disk florets, many, brownish-yellow to reddish-orange. Fruits small, angular, one-seeded.

C o m m e n t s : This plant grows on open, dry areas,often on limestone soils. In the Red Hills, it occurson dry, gypsum-covered hillsides. It sometimesgrows with Black-footed Daisies in Clark County,Kansas. The flowers were used by NativeAmericans to make yellow dye for wool and wereground into paste to make red body paint.


■ Rocky Mountain Zinna©Phyllis Scherich

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Slender Greenthread(Rayless Thelesperma)Thelesperma megapotamicum

F a m i l y : Sunflower H e i g h t : 1-3 feetL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ¾, infrequent

in East ¼D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems erect, 1-2, branched above,

smooth, bluish-green. Leaves opposite, short-stalked, simple to deeply divided with narrowsegments, evenly but sparsely distributed along thestem, mostly on lower half. Flowers about ¾ inchwide, borne on 3-9 inch long stalks. Ray flowersabsent. Disk florets dull orangish-yellow. Modifiedleaves (bracts) at base of flowers egg-shaped andunited at base. Fruits one-seeded, dark brown,tipped with 2 triangular, barbed bristles.

C o m m e n t s : The name, Slender Greenthread, aptlydescribes the appearance of this tall and ganglyplant. The flowers yield rust-colored dye while theroots yield a yellowish-orange dye. Plants are well-adapted to dry soils and climates, with taproot toabout 3 feet deep. Native Americans used this plantto make tea.


■ Slender Greenthread

©Ken Brunson

©Phyllis Scherich

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Plains Hymenoxys(Plains Yellow Daisy, Four-nerve Daisy)Tetraneuris scaposa

F a m i l y : Sunflower H e i g h t : 4-12 inchesL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ½D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems not obvious. Flowering stalk

leafless, silky. Leaves basal, numerous, narrow,silvery-green, sometimes branched near base,smooth to sparsely hairy, gland-dotted, smooth-edged. New leaves not tightly clustered. Flowerssolitary on terminal stalks, 3-4 inches above theleaves, bright yellow, 1-50 per plant, tip of each rayfloret three-toothed with 4 veins leading into theteeth, disk florets numerous, darker yellow. Fruitssmall, one-seeded.

C o m m e n t s : This is one of the most common, and oneof the most beautiful, early spring flowers of theRed Hills and sometimes blooms again inSeptember. It can be confused with Tetraneurisacaulis (Stemless Hymenoxys), Thelesperma filifolium(Plains Greenthread in the far southwest corner ofKansas), and Hymenoxys odorata (Western Bitterweedin the extreme southwest corner of the state).

B l o o m P e r i o d : May | Jun | Sep

■ Plains Hymenoxys©Phyllis Scherich

©Phyllis Scherich

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Goat’s Beard(Western Salsify)Tragopogon dubius

F a m i l y : Sunflower H e i g h t : 1-3 feetL o n g e v i t y : Biennial to short-lived perennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : StatewideD e s c r i p t i o n : Stems erect, 1 to several, sparingly

branched, white-woolly when young, smooth whenmature. Leaves alternate, very narrow, up to 12inches long, margins smooth, tapering to a point.Flowers solitary, terminal on hollow stalks, to 2inches wide. Modified leaves (bracts) at base ofheads longer than the florets. Fruits and seedsresemble very large dandelion seed heads.

C o m m e n t s : Brought from Eurasia, this species can bequite common but is not a major problem. Theflower and, particularly the seed head, resembleWild Dandelion. However, the leaves of Goat’sBeard have long, narrow, grass-like bladescompared to the broader blades of Wild Dandelion.Goat’s Beard possesses a white, milky sap similar tothat observed in milkweeds. Roots of Goat’s Beardare edible, and livestock will graze young plants.


■ Goat’s Beard©Phyllis Scherich

©Phyllis Scherich

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Paper FlowerPsilostrophe villosa

F a m i l y : Sunflower H e i g h t : To 2 feetL o n g e v i t y : Perennial or biennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : Southwest ¼D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems erect, much-branched. Leaves

simple, alternate, short-stalked below to stalklessabove, spoon-shaped, woolly, to 4 inches long and¾ inch wide. Flowers in congested clusters, floretsyellow, ray florets 3-4, each with 3-4 lobes, diskflorets to 12, each five-lobed. Fruits small, smooth,one-seeded.

C o m m e n t s : Paper Flower is well adapted to dryconditions and is fairly common on sandy andgypsum soils of the Red Hills. The bright yellowflowers turn whitish and paper-like as they age,thus the common name.


■ Paper Flower©Phyllis Scherich

©Phyllis Scherich

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Scarlet Globe MallowSphaeralcea coccinea

F a m i l y : Mallow H e i g h t : To 1 footL o n g e v i t y : Perennial K a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ½D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems mostly erect, single or clustered,

branched, silvery-hairy, 6-12 inches tall. Leavesalternate, stalked, deeply divided into 3 or 5segments. Flowers in terminal clusters orsometimes arising from bases of leaves. Petals 5,sometimes notched, usually a brilliant salmon butmay be reddish-orange to brick red to pink.Stamens numerous, yellow. Fruits rings of 10-15wrinkled, somewhat hairy, kidney-shapedsegments, each containing few, brown seeds.

C o m m e n t s : This fragrant plant is drought resistantand usually grows on dry or sandy soils. Its relative,Narrow-leaf Globe Mallow, can occasionally befound in the southwest ¼ of Kansas, including theRed Hills. The latter has lance-shaped leaves, theflowers are arranged in open, elongate, branchedcluster arrangements, and can grow to 4 feet tall.Both species are in the same family as Cotton,Hollyhock, Rose-of-Sharon, and Okra.


■ Scarlet Globe Mallow©Kyle Gerstner

©Phyllis Scherich

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Engelmann’s Daisy Engelmannia peristenia

F a m i l y : Sunflower H e i g h t : 6-24 inchesL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ½D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems erect or spreading from a woody

taproot. Leaves alternate, stalked or stalkless,deeply pinnately lobed, 4-10 inches long, 3 incheswide, bearing stiff hairs, lobes round-toothed withupper part of leaf less divided. Flowers 1-1½ incheswide, in loose clusters on 1-5 inches-long stalks.Ray florets 8, yellow, ½ inch long, indented at thetip, disk florets numerous, yellow. Fruits small, egg-shaped with short scales at tip.

C o m m e n t s : The most identifiable feature of thisflower is the yellow ray florets that curl under atthe tips during hot weather. This species is nottypically found in grazed pastures; it is preferredlivestock forage. Look for it along highways andother non-grazed areas.


■ Engelmann’s Daisy©Phyllis Scherich

©Phyllis Scherich

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Serrate-leaf Evening Primrose(Plains Yellow Primrose)Calylophus serrulatus

F a m i l y : Evening Primrose H e i g h t : 6-30 inchesL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : StatewideD e s c r i p t i o n : Stems erect or somewhat prostrate, few

to many, smooth or hairy. Leaves alternate,stalkless, narrow, hairy above, gray below, oftenfolded, margins slightly toothed or sometimessmooth. Flowers 1-2 inches wide. Petals 4, brightyellow, to ¾ inch long. Fruits tubular capsules to 1inch long. Seeds numerous, small, brown.

C o m m e n t s : This drought-tolerant plant is highlypalatable for livestock and decreases in abundancewith heavy grazing. The leaves fold during the day,reducing water loss. A fairly early and consistentbloomer through summer, stands of Serrate-leafEvening Primrose often are showy. The flowerstypically fade to pale yellow, and sometimespinkish, with age.


■ Serrate-leaf Evening Primrose©Phyllis Scherich

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Plains Prickly Pear Opuntia macrorhiza

F a m i l y : Cactus H e i g h t : To 6 inchesL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : Statewide but mostly westD e s c r i p t i o n : Stems comprising fleshy, waxy, dark

green, flattened, oval- or egg-shaped pads bearingclusters of many needle-like spines, spines notbarbed, to 2 inches long. Leaves absent. Flowers of7 or more light yellow, papery petals, often reddishat base and on upper edges of older segments.Fruits fleshy, reddish-purple, spineless, egg-shapedberries. Seeds pale, flattened, circular.

C o m m e n t s : Where stem joints of this plant rest on theground, they may take root, often leading to aclump of numerous pads. Once cleaned the fruitsare quite tasty and make a good jelly. A clammy,white fuzz often found at the joints is formed bythe cochineal scale insect. The female insect is asource for red dye used by Native Americans andstill in use today, often under the name of carmineor carminic acid. Plains Prickly Pear increases inover-grazed pastures and periods of drought.


■ Plains Prickly Pear©Phyllis Scherich

©Phyllis Scherich

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Buffalo Gourd(Wild Gourd)Cucurbita foetidissima

F a m i l y : Cucumber H e i g h t : To 2 feetL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ¾D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems to 20 feet long, arising from a

thick, woody root that reaches 4-6 feet long andweighs 100 pounds or more. Leaves triangular,gray-green, large, coarse. Flowers solitary, darkyellow, somewhat protected by large overhangingleaves, trumpet-shaped, with 5 lobes. Male andfemale flowers produced separately on same plant.Male flowers on long stalks, female flowers onshort stalks. Fruits about the size of an orange,green and white or yellow striped, inedible. Seedswhite, smooth, flattened, oval.

C o m m e n t s : These relatively low-growing, sprawlingplants are noteworthy for their constantly freshappearance, demonstrating their efficiency atextracting water with their deep taproots. Thegourd (fruit), when crushed, can be used as asubstitute for soap. Native Americans used the rootmedicinally, but they took great care not to mutilateit while digging believing that personal injurymight happen to them or their family.

B l o o m P e r i o d : Jun | Jul | Aug

■ Buffalo Gourd

©Ken Brunson

©Ken Brunson

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Showy Partridge Pea(Prairie Senna)Chamaecrista fasciculata

F a m i l y : Bean H e i g h t : 4-48 inchesL o n g e v i t y : AnnualK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : Statewide except

northwest ¼D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems slender, erect, usually branched,

not growing much more than 24 inches in the RedHills. Leaves alternate, 1-4 inches long, with 12-30leaflets arranged evenly on both sides of stalk.Flowers yellow, petals 5, unequal in size, the lowerone with 4 red spots at its base, anthers 6-7,drooping, reddish-brown. Seed pods bean-like, 1-3inches long, flattened, eventually splitting with atwisting motion and flinging the seeds. Seeds small,dark, flattened.

C o m m e n t s : Showy Partridge Pea has sensitivefoliage; the leaflets will fold when touched andduring the night. In large quantities, it has acathartic effect on livestock although deer seemunaffected. Wild turkeys and quail, as well assongbirds, eat the seeds. This plant can be found indisturbed sites, open woods, and sandy, rocky soils.

B l o o m P e r i o d : Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct

■ Showy Partridge Pea©Phyllis Scherich

©Phyllis Scherich

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Silktop Dalea(Golden Prairie-clover)Dalea aurea

F a m i l y : Bean H e i g h t : 8-30 inchesL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ¾D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems upright, silky-hairy. Leaves

alternate, few, with 5-9 egg-shaped leafletsarranged alternately on both sides of a stalk.Flowers in dense, terminal, thimble-shaped spikes,petals lemon-yellow. Fruits flat, hairy pod, like abean. Seeds 1-2.

C o m m e n t s : Silktop Dalea is sometimes called GoldenPrairie-clover. Aurea means “gold” and its flowersresemble those of other prairie clovers. This daleagrows on rocky prairie slopes, waste areas, and inravines. Livestock find this plant palatable andover-grazing may reduce or even eliminate it fromthe prairie. Silktop Dalea’s deep taproot and sparsefoliage contribute to its ability to withstanddrought. Native Americans used it to treat diarrheaand colic.


■ Silktop Dalea

©Ken Brunson

©Phyllis Scherich

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Broadleaf MilkweedAsclepias latifolia

F a m i l y : Milkweed H e i g h t : 1-3 feetL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ½D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems stout, erect, unbranched, new

spring shoots of blue-green color. Leaves alternate,thick, leathery, egg-shaped, 2-6 inches long, 1-5inches wide. Flowers in dense clusters arising fromthe bases of upper leaves and almost hidden by theleaves, yellowish- to pale-green. Fruits pods,oblong. Seeds numerous, bearing silky hairs at tip.

C o m m e n t s : Broadleaf Milkweed has copiousamounts of milky, latex sap. This beneficialmilkweed attracts large numbers of bees andparasitoid insects that prey upon insect pests. It is,however, poisonous to livestock although seldomconsumed. Native Americans ground the stems andinhaled the dust to treat respiratory ailments.

B l o o m P e r i o d : Jul | Aug

■ Broadleaf Milkweed©Phyllis Scherich

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CockleburXanthium strumarium

F a m i l y : Sunflower H e i g h t : 8-60 inchesL o n g e v i t y : AnnualK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : StatewideD e s c r i p t i o n : Stems erect, simple or branched, coarse,

often covered with resinous dots. Leaves alternatesimple, long-stalked, light green, blades broadlyegg-shaped, surfaces rough, hairy, margins coarselytoothed, tip rounded or broadly pointed, baseheart-shaped. Flowers clustered, inconspicuous,cream-colored and green, male and female flowersseparate on the same plant. Fruits bur-like, coveredwith many stout prickles with two incurved hookson the end. Seeds flattened, dark brown.

C o m m e n t s : The young leaves of Cocklebur are toxicto cattle, sheep, and pigs. The prickly burs haveearned this plant the nicknames, “Velcro Plant” and“Porcupine Eggs.” Cocklebur invades pastures andponds where water has receded. Several dye colorscan be achieved from this plant depending ontreatment of the dye bath.


■ Cocklebur©Phyllis Scherich

©Phyllis Scherich

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Camphor WeedHeterotheca subaxillaris

F a m i l y : Sunflower H e i g h t : 1-5 feetL o n g e v i t y : Annual or short-lived perennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ¾D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems erect, sometimes bushy, simple

below, branched above. Leaves alternate, simple,lower stalked, upper stalkless and clasping stem,oblong or egg-shaped, to 4 inches long, ½-2 incheswide, surfaces rough or hairy, margins toothed ornearly smooth, middle leaves progressivelyreduced in size. Flowers to ½-¾ inch wide, borne inloose, flat-topped cluster. Ray florets 20-40, yellow.Disk florets yellow. Fruits, one-seeded, ray flowerseeds triangular, thick, mostly smooth; seeds ofdisk florets flattened, hairy.

C o m m e n t s : Camphor Weed is found on dry, rockyhillsides, pastures, old fields, open woodlands,waste areas, and roadsides. It often dominates insandy soils. The common name comes from thecamphor-like aroma of this plant. Livestock will notgraze Camphor Weed.

B l o o m p e r i o d : Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct

■ Camphor Weed©Phyllis Scherich

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Prairie Blanket Flower(Prairie Gaillardia, Gaillardia, Slender-leafBlanket Flower, Lance-leaf Blanket Flower)Gaillardia aestivalis

F a m i l y : Sunflower H e i g h t : 8-24 inchesL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : CentralD e s c r i p t i o n : Stems erect, branched, with deep,

woody taproot. Leaves alternate, ½-2½ inches long,to ½ inch wide, upper leaves narrowly spear-shaped to lance-shaped, lower leaves spoon-shaped, smooth-edged or with few teeth. Flowersterminal, 2-5 inches wide, ray florets yellow,occasionally reddish at base, three-toothed at tip,disk florets dark purple. Fruits small seeds.

C o m m e n t s : Found in sandy, rocky soils of the RedHills, Prairie Blanket Flower exhibits distinct,widely spaced ray florets. There are small bristlesdistributed among the brownish disk florets. Thisspecies is not typically found in dense stands as isoften the case for its close relative, Indian BlanketFlower. This plant grows in sandy prairies, openwoods, and disturbed areas.


■ Prairie Blanket Flower©Phyllis Scherich

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Broom Snakeweed(Perennial Broomweed, Turpentine Weed)Gutierrezia sarothrae

F a m i l y : Sunflower H e i g h t : 4-16 inchesL o n g e v i t y : PerennialK a n s a s D i s t r i b u t i o n : West ½D e s c r i p t i o n : Stems woody, several to many, usually

branched, arising from a woody rootstock. Leavesalternate, stalkless, linear or threadlike, withsmooth edges. Flowers abundant, small-roundedheads in clusters at end of branches. Fertile rayflorets 3-8, yellow, fertile disk florets 2-6, yellow.Fruits small seeds less than 1/8 inch long.

C o m m e n t s : The name, Turpentine Weed, alludes tothe odor of the crushed plants. The Red Hills alsohosts Annual Broomweed which can be confusedwith Broom Snakeweed. If the plant has a woodystem, it is Broom Snakeweed. Annual Broomweedis rare in the western third of Kansas, thoughrelatively common in the Red Hills. BroomSnakeweed is toxic to many animals, resulting inabortion, if eaten in large enough quantities. Thisspecies was used as a treatment for snakebite byNative Americans.

B l o o m P e r i o d : Aug | Sep

■ Broom Snakeweed©Phyllis Scherich

©Phyllis Scherich

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References:This booklet focuses on plant ecology, providing only

brief descriptions of each plant. There are many excellentfield guides offering detailed descriptions available at localbook dealers and Kansas libraries. Reference lists and plantimages are available at www.kansasnativeplantsociety.org,www.kswildflower.org, and www.wildflower.org/plants.Here are a few suggested references:

Bare, Janèt E. Wildflowers and Weeds of Kansas, Lawrence,KS: The Regents Press of Kansas, 1979.

Freeman, Craig Carl and Eileen K. Schofield. RoadsideWildflowers of the Southern Great Plains. Lawrence, KS: Univ.Press of KS, 1991.

Haddock, Michael John. Wildflowers and Grasses ofKansas: A Field Guide. Lawrence, KS: Univ. Press of KS, 2005.

Kindscher, Kelly. Edible Wild Plants of the Prairie.Lawrence, KS: Univ. Press of KS, 1987.

Kindscher, Kelly. Medicinal Wild Plants of the Prairie, AnEthnobotanical Guide. Lawrence, KS: Univ. Press of KS, 1992.

Owensby, Clenton E. Kansas Prairie Wildflowers. Ames,IA: Iowa State University Press, 1980.

Phillips Petroleum Company. Pasture and Range Plants.Bartlesville, OK: Phillips Petroleum Company, 1963.

The Great Plains Flora Association, McGregor, Ronald L.& Barkley, T. M., Editors, Flora of the Great Plains, Lawrence,KS: University of Kansas Press, 1986.

Authors:Ken Brunson is the Red Hills Project Coordinator for

The Nature Conservancy in Kansas.Phyllis Scherich has lived on the Merrill Ranch in the

Red Hills for 37 years, is on the Board of the Kansas NativePlant Society, and enjoys identifying wildflowers.

Chris Berens is an ecologist with the KansasDepartment of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.

Carl D. Jarboe works for the Natural ResourcesConservation Service as a Soil Conservation Technician inMedicine Lodge.

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Acknowledgments:Thanks to Lorrie Beck, Craig Freeman, Bob Gress, and Jim

Mason for reviewing the plant descriptions and editing themanuscript. Photographs were generously provided by PhyllisScherich, Ken Brunson, Chris Berens, Kyle Gerstner, LarryMiller, and Scott Sharp. Jim Mason provided the maps used inthe Introduction.

A special thanks to the Kansas Native Plant Society whoseefforts encourage awareness and appreciation of the native plantsof Kansas. For more information about Kansas wildflowers andwildflower field trips in Kansas, contact the Kansas Native PlantSociety at www.kansasnativeplantsociety.org.

© 2013 Great Plains Nature Center

This publication would not be possible withoutfinancial support from the following sponsors:

Chickadee Checkoff

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Pocket Guides Bob Gress, Editor

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Single copies of these Pocket Guides may be picked up free at theGreat Plains Nature Center. Copies can be mailed for $3.00 each bysending your check, payable to GPNC, to: Pocket Guides, GreatPlains Nature Center, 6232 East 29th Street North, Wichita, KS 67220.

Great Plains Nature CenterThe Great Plains Nature Center is a cooperative project between

the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Kansas Department of Wildlife,Parks, and Tourism and the City of Wichita Department of Park andRecreation. The Nature Center features the Koch Habitat Hall, Owl’sNest Gift Shop, Coleman Auditorium and 2 miles of Chisholm CreekPark nature trails. For more information visit the Great Plains NatureCenter web site at www.gpnc.org. Please visit or contact us at: GreatPlains Nature Center, 6232 East 29th Street North, Wichita, KS67220. Phone: (316) 683-5499.

manages more than 46,000 acres ofbiologically rich and diverse habitat. Inrecognition of one of the most importantecosystems in Kansas, the Conservancybegan The Red Hills Initiative in 2011. Formore information, contact The NatureConservancy in Kansas at (785)-233-4400,by email at [email protected] or visit ourwebsite at nature.org/kansas.

Kansas Grazing Lands Coalition

The Kansas Grazing Lands Coalition(KGLC) is a not-for-profit that holdseducational events, and interacts withorganized regional grazing groups such asthe Tallgrass Legacy Alliance, ComanchePool Prairie Resource Foundation, KansasGraziers Association, and others to supportlocal efforts to solve priority grasslandissues. The Coalition helped birth theKansas Prescribed Fire Council in 2008. TheKGLC has a long-term strategy guiding itsgrowth through 2015. Learn more byvisiting www.kglc.org.

Comanche Pool PrairieResource Foundation

The Comanche Pool Prairie ResourceFoundation is a privately-funded, non-profitorganization dedicated to providingdemonstration, education and consultationto regenerate the natural resources, and topromote the economic growth of the ruralcommunity in a fourteen county area ofsouth-central Kansas and north-centralOklahoma. The Comanche Pool, incooperation with many state, federal, andprivate partners, is assisting privatelandowners in meeting the economic andland stewardship goals of privatelandowners as well as conservation goalsof the resource agencies and theenvironmental community.

Chickadee CheckoffThe Chickadee Checkoff program is a

voluntary donation program for nongameprojects sponsored by the KansasDepartment of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.Kansas taxpayers are able to contribute ontheir individual state income tax form.Donations can also be made by sending acheck to Chickadee Checkoff Program, 512SE 25th Ave., Pratt, KS 67124. Since 1980,the Chickadee Checkoff program hasdistributed over $4 million to projects thathelp endangered species, assist inreintroduction efforts of sensitive species,supports wildlife education projects atschools and nature centers, and supportshundreds of other nongame conservationprojects.

Westar Energy Green TeamWestar Energy, Inc. is the largest utility

in Kansas serving nearly 700,000customers with about 35,000 miles oftransmission and distribution lines. Since1989, their employees have operated anenvironmental team. The Green Teammembers volunteer hours to improvewildlife habitat through wetland creationand restoration and native grass and treeplanting. They build bridges and trails andwork to protect and reintroduce sensitiveplant and animal species. The Green Teamcan be contacted at 785-575-8125 or [email protected].

The Nature ConservancyThe Nature Conservancy is the leading

conservation organization working aroundthe world to protect ecologically importantlands and waters for nature and people.Our effective and pragmatic solutions haveenabled The Nature Conservancy to protectmore than 119 million acres worldwide. InKansas, the Conservancy has acquired and

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