Ten Native Prairie Powerhouse Species for Your Farmstead – Food, Medicine, and Pollinators
You’re a steward of your land, and you’re considering a native pollinator planting – a commendable step towards ecological health. But what if that beautiful expanse could offer even more? What if it could also provide nutritious edibles for your table and natural remedies for minor ailments?
The prairie, as ethnobotanist Kelly Kindscher documents in his works, is a treasure trove of multi-purpose plants. For thousands of years, Indigenous people thrived in this landscape, understanding the intricate connections between flora, fauna, and themselves. By intentionally selecting the right native species for your farmstead, you can create a vibrant ecosystem that nourishes both wildlife and your family.
Here are ten native plants that offer more than just beauty:
1. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
For Your Pollinators: A beacon for a wide array of bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. It provides continuous nectar and pollen. In fall, the seed heads are a vital food source for songbirds, especially goldfinches.
For Your Medicine Cabinet: Celebrated for its immune-boosting properties, the roots and flowers of Purple Coneflower have been traditionally used to combat colds, flu, and other infections. You can create a tincture from the roots or steep the flowers for a soothing tea.
2. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
For Your Pollinators: Also known as Bee Balm, this aromatic plant is irresistible to bumblebees, honeybees, and a variety of butterflies. Its distinctive lavender-pink flowers add a unique texture and fragrance to your planting.
For Your Pantry & Medicine Cabinet: The leaves of Wild Bergamot possess a flavor reminiscent of oregano and mint, making them a delightful addition to teas and culinary dishes. Traditionally, it has been used to alleviate symptoms of colds, sore throats, and digestive upset due to its antiseptic and calming qualities.
3. Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
For Your Pollinators: The is an absolute necessity for Monarch butterfly survival, providing the sole food source for their caterpillars. Its flower clusters also attract numerous other nectar-seeking insects.
For Your Pantry: Young shoots, flower buds, and young pods of Common Milkweed are edible when harvested at specific stages and properly prepared (boiling in multiple changes of water is crucial to remove bitterness and toxins). They offer flavors ranging from asparagus to something akin to green beans. Caution: Consume only young, actively growing parts and always cook thoroughly. When in doubt, do not eat.
4. Stiff Goldenrod (Solidago rigida)
For Your Pollinators: While often unfairly blamed for fall allergies (ragweed is the culprit!), Goldenrods are a late-season lifeline for pollinators preparing for winter. They provide a massive source of nectar and pollen when many other flowers have faded.
For Your Medicine Cabinet: Certain species of goldenrod have a history of use in traditional medicine as a diuretic and to support kidney health.
5. Prairie Onion (Allium stellatum)
For Your Pollinators: The delicate pink, star-shaped flowers of Prairie Onion attract various small bees and other pollinators.
For Your Pantry: As its name suggests, this native onion offers a mild, garlicky flavor. The bulbs and leaves can be used sparingly to season dishes.
6. Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)
For Your Pollinators: A tall, striking plant with cup-like leaf bases that collect rainwater – a natural drinking fountain for insects and birds. Its bright yellow flowers are prolific nectar producers.
For Your Pantry: Young shoots and leaves can be cooked and eaten. The seeds also contain oil, though extraction can be laborious.
7. Virginia Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum)
For Your Pollinators: This plant is absolutely buzzing with life! Its clusters of tiny white flowers are incredibly attractive to a wide range of bees, wasps, and butterflies. It loves wetter areas, so it is a great species for ditches.
For Your Pantry & Medicine Cabinet: As a member of the mint family, it has a strong, refreshing minty aroma and flavor. It can be used to make a flavorful tea with digestive and calming properties.
8. Sawtooth Sunflower (Helianthus grosseserratus)
For Your Pollinators: The classic sunflower form provides ample pollen and nectar for large bees and butterflies. The large seed heads are also a crucial food source for birds in the fall.
For Your Pantry: Sawtooth sunflower seeds are a well-known edible treat. These native sunflowers produce smaller seeds than cultivated varieties but are still nutritious and can be roasted.
9. Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
For Your Pollinators: While not the primary host for Monarch caterpillars (they prefer Common Milkweed), Butterfly Milkweed provides essential nectar for adult Monarchs and a stunning burst of vibrant orange color to your garden. It also attracts a wide variety of other butterflies.
For Your (Traditional) Medicine Cabinet: Historically, the root was used by some Native American tribes for various medicinal purposes, though its use requires careful knowledge. We do not recommend self-medicating with Butterfly Milkweed.
10. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
For Your Pollinators: Yarrow's flat-topped flower clusters are made up of many tiny blooms, providing a landing pad and nectar source for a diverse array of small beneficial insects.
For Your Medicine Cabinet: Yarrow has a long history of medicinal use, particularly for staunching bleeding and as an anti-inflammatory. A tea made from the leaves and flowers has been traditionally used for colds and fevers.
By thoughtfully integrating these ten native prairie species into your farmstead pollinator plot, you're not just creating a beautiful space – you're cultivating a living, breathing ecosystem that supports pollinators, offers potential sustenance, and connects you to the rich natural heritage of the prairie.
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