Tallgrass prairies are now rare in eastern
Nebraska, but for those who seek, native
wildflowers can be found and enjoyed.
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In this recently burned prairie with
scant plant litter, ample sunlight
reaches and warms the soil,
encouraging the growth of the long-
bracted spiderwort (Tradescantia
bracteata) and other wildflowers. The
frail and succulent petals of spiderworts
last but a day before dissolving into a
mucilaginous mass. Their persistently
fresh, showy flowers with large yellow
stamens set against complementary
purple petals make them a focus of
nature photographers.
The pleated and funnel-
shaped flowers of Macoun's
bindweed (Calystegia
macounii) are characteristic
of the morning-glory
family to which this plant
belongs. An uncommon and
little-known wildflower of
loamy prairies in eastern
Nebraska, its close relatives
include the more twining
and weedy hedge bindweed
(C. sepium) and the dreaded
field bindweed (Convolvulus
arvensis) that invades lawns,
gardens and croplands.
30 NEBRASKAland • APRIL 2017
