It’s been a while since we’ve done a plant identification quiz, so let’s see how you do. Can you identify this common prairie flower? It is found throughout the eastern half of the United States. While it has a beautiful flower, this plant is rarely recognized for that trait. Many ranchers in Nebraska would love to get rid of it because they think it reduces the amount of livestock forage in native pastures. I’m skeptical that its impact is significant in most cases. Regardless, it’s been mowed and sprayed for years but still persists, which is fortunate since its fruits/seeds are highly sought after by wildlife.
What do you think? Put your answers in the comments section below (if you can’t see the comments section, click on the title of this post and then try again). 400 points to the first person to correctly identify it.
I’ll post the answer tomorrow, along with some more information on the species.
The Prairie Ecologist 
Milkweed
How about Symphoricarpos occidentalis?
Swamp Milkweed
Milkweed
Sericea lespedeza
I agree it’s Symphoricarpos. S. albus is native here in S.W. Pennsylvania,. They are attractive shrubs and are underutilized in gardens. They could take the place of many irrelevant non natives in landscaping.
I agree with Symphoricarpos occidentalis, aka wolf berry.
Symphoricarpos occidentalis
Round-headed Bush Clover
looks like Asclepia syriaca – common milkweed?
Buck brush
Symphoricarpos orbiculatus
The folks saying ‘asclepias’ need to take a closer look at some milkweed flowers…
indeed!
I think this May be a milkweed? Beautiful photography!
Autumn Olive. I’m looking forward to your next post.
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