G r a s s e s

E l y m u s v i r g i n i c u s V i r g i n i a w i l d r y e
L e g u m e s
C h a m a e c r i s t a f a s c i c u l a t a P a r t r i d g e p e a
D e s m a n t h u s i l l i n o i e n s i s I l l i n o i s b u n d l e f l o w e r
L e s p e d e z a c a p i t a t a R o u n d h e a d l e s p e d e z a
F l o w e r s
A s t e r l a e v i s S m o o t h b l u e a s t e r
A s t e r n o v a e - a n g l i a e N e w E n g l a n d a s t e r
R a t i b i d a p i n n a t a G r a y h e a d c o n e f l o w e r
S a l v i a a z u r i a P i t c h e r s a g e
S i l p h i u m l a c i n i a t u m C o m p a s s p l a n t
G r a s s e s
C a l a m o v i l f a l o n g i f o l i a P r a i r i e s a n d r e e d
E l y m u s v i r g i n i c u s V i r g i n i a w i l d r y e
N a s s e l l a v i r i d u l a G r e e n n e e d l e g r a s s
L e g u m e s
C h a m a e c r i s t a f a s c i c u l a t a P a r t r i d g e p e a
D e s m a n t h u s i l l i n o i e n s i s I l l i n o i s b u n d l e f l o w e r
L e s p e d e z a c a p i t a t a R o u n d h e a d l e s p e d e z a
F l o w e r s
A s t e r l a e v i s S m o o t h b l u e a s t e r
A s t e r n o v a e - a n g l i a e N e w E n g l a n d a s t e r
E r y s i m u m a s p e r u m W e s t e r n w a l l f l o w e r
R a t i b i d a p i n n a t a G r a y h e a d c o n e f l o w e r
G r a s s e s
A n d r o p o g o n h a l l i i S a n d b l u e s t e m
C a l a m o v i l f a l o n g i f o l i a P r a i r i e s a n d r e e d
N a s s e l l a v i r i d u l a G r e e n n e e d l e g r a s s
L e g u m e s
D e s m a n t h u s i l l i n o i e n s i s I l l i n o i s b u n d l e f l o w e r
L e s p e d e z a c a p i t a t a R o u n d h e a d l e s p e d e z a
F l o w e r s
A r g e m o n e p o l y a n t h e m o s P r i c k l y p o p p y
A s t e r l a e v i s S m o o t h b l u e a s t e r
A s t e r n o v a e - a n g l i a e N e w E n g l a n d a s t e r
C a l l i r h o e i n v o l u c r a t a P u r p l e p o p p y m a l l o w
E r y s i m u m a s p e r a W e s t e r n w a l l f l o w e r
G r a s s e s
A n d r o p o g o n h a l l i i S a n d b l u e s t e m
C a l a m o v i l f a l o n g i f o l i a P r a i r i e s a n d r e e d
E l y m u s l a n c e o l a t u s T h i c k s p i k e w h e a t g r a s s
E l y m u s v i r g i n i c u s V i r g i n i a w i l d r y e
N a s s e l l a v i r i d u l a G r e e n n e e d l e g r a s s
L e g u m e s
D e s m a n t h u s i l l i n o i e n s i s I l l i n o i s b u n d l e f l o w e r
L e s p e d e z a c a p i t a t a R o u n d h e a d l e s p e d e z a
F l o w e r s
A r g e m o n e p o l y a n t h e m o s P r i c k l y p o p p y
A s t e r l a e v i s S m o o t h b l u e a s t e r
A s t e r n o v a e - a n g l i a e N e w E n g l a n d a s t e r
C a l l i r h o e i n v o l u c r a t a P u r p l e p o p p y m a l l o w
E r y s i m u m a s p e r u m W e s t e r n w a l l f l o w e r
T r a d e s c a n t i a s p e c i e s S p i d e r w o r t
G r a s s e s
C a l a m o v i l f a l o n g i f o l i a P r a i r i e s a n d r e e d
E l y m u s l a n c e o l a t u s T h i c k s p i k e w h e a t g r a s s
E l y m u s v i r g i n i c u s V i r g i n i a w i l d r y e
L e g u m e s
C h a m a e c r i s t a f a s c i c u l a t a P a r t r i d g e p e a
D e s m a n t h u s i l l i n o i e n s i s I l l i n o i s b u n d l e f l o w e r
L e s p e d e z a c a p i t a t a R o u n d h e a d l e s p e d e z a
F l o w e r s
A s t e r n o v a e - a n g l i a e N e w E n g l a n d a s t e r
C a l l i r h o e i n v o l u c r a t a P u r p l e p o p p y m a l l o w
S i l p h i u m l a c i n i a t u m C o m p a s s p l a n t
T r a d e s c a n t i a S p e c i e s S p i d e r w o r t
G r a s s e s
A n d r o p o g o n h a l l i i S a n d b l u e s t e m
C a l a m o v i l f a l o n g i f o l i a P r a i r i e s a n d r e e d
E l y m u s l a n c e o l a t u s T h i c k s p i k e w h e a t g r a s s
N a s s e l l a v i r i d u l a G r e e n n e e d l e g r a s s
F l o w e r s
A r g e m o n e p o l y a n t h e m o s P r i c k l y p o p p y
A s t e r l a e v i s S m o o t h b l u e a s t e r
C a l l i r h o e i n v o l u c r a t a P u r p l e p o p p y m a l l o w
E r y s i m u m a s p e r u m W e s t e r n w a l l f l o w e r
T r a d e s c a n t i a S p e c i e s S p i d e r w o r t
G r a s s e s
A n d r o p o g o n g e r a r d i i B i g b l u e s t e m
B o u t e l o u a c u r t i p e n d u l a S i d e o a t s g r a m a
B o u t e l o u a g r a c i l i s B l u e g r a m a
B u c h l o e d a c t y l o i d e s B u f f a l o g r a s s
E r a g r o s t i s t r i c h o d e s S a n d l o v e g r a s s
E l y m u s c a n a d e n s i s C a n a d a w i l d r y e
P a s c o p y r u m s m i t h i i W e s t e r n w h e a t g r a s s
P a n i c u m v i r g a t u m S w i t c h g r a s s
S c h i z a c h y r i u m s c o p a r i u m L i t t l e b l u e s t e m
S o r g h a s t r u m n u t a n s I n d i a n g r a s s
L e g u m e s
A m o r p h a c a n e s c e n s L e a d p l a n t
D a l e a p u r p u r e a P u r p l e p r a i r i e c l o v e r
F l o w e r s
A c h i l l e a m i l l e f o l i u m Y a r r o w
A n e m o n e c a n a d e n s i s C a n a d a a n e m o n e
C l e o m e s e r r u l a t a R o c k y M o u n t a i n b e e p l a n t
C o r e o p s i s t i n c t o r i a P l a i n s c o r e o p s i s
E c h i n a c e a s p e c i e s P u r p l e c o n e f l o w e r s / b l a c k S a m s o n
H e l i a n t h u s m a x i m i l i a n i M a x i m i l i a n s u n f l o w e r
L i a t r i s s p e c i e s B l a z i n g s t a r
L i n u m l e w i s i i B l u e f l a x
P e n s t e m o n g r a n d i f l o r u s S h e l l - l e a f p e n s t e m o n
P o l y g o n u m s p e c i e s S m a r t w e e d
R a t i b i d a c o l u m n i f e r a U p r i g h t p r a i r i e c o n e f l o w e r
R a t i b i d a c o l u m n i f e r a , r e d M e x i c a n r e d h a t
R o s a a r k a n s a n a P r a i r i e w i l d r o s e
R u d b e c k i a h i r t a B l a c k - e y e d S u s a n
N a t i v e S p e c i e s U s e d S t a t e w i d e
N e b r a s k a D e p a r t m e n t o f R o a d s
L a n d s c a p e R e g i o n s
Discover Nebraskas
Roadside Flowers
and Grasses
R o a d s i d e v e g e t a t i o n i n N e b r a s k a f e a t u r e s p l a n t s t h a t
a r e a d a p t e d t o t h e s t a t e s e n v i r o n m e n t a l c o n d i t i o n s .
C o n d i t i o n s s u c h a s c l i m a t e , s o i l s , a n d t o p o g r a p h y
d i f f e r f r o m r e g i o n t o r e g i o n a c r o s s t h e s t a t e . R a i n f a l l
v a r i e s f r o m a b o u t 1 6 i n c h e s a n n u a l l y i n t h e
n o r t h w e s t a t H a r r i s o n t o 3 4 i n c h e s a n n u a l l y i n t h e
s o u t h e r n p a r t o f t h e s t a t e a t F a l l s C i t y .
T h e p l a n t s y o u s e e a l o n g t h e r o a d s i d e m a y o c c u r
n a t u r a l l y , m a y h a v e b e e n i n t e n t i o n a l l y s e e d e d , o r m a y
h a v e b e e n c a r r i e d t h e r e b y w i n d , w i l d l i f e , o r a
p a s s i n g v e h i c l e . T h e N e b r a s k a D e p a r t m e n t o f R o a d s
R o a d s i d e V e g e t a t i o n i n N e b r a s k a
N e b r a s k a R o a d s i d e P l a n t I d e n t i f i c a t i o n
N e b r a s k a s r o a d s i d e s e e d m i x t u r e s h a v e c h a n g e d t h r o u g h
t i m e . T h e p l a n t s t h a t y o u s e e a l o n g t h e h i g h w a y a r e t h e r e
b e c a u s e t h e i r s e e d s :
o c c u r n a t u r a l l y i n p r a i r i e s o i l ,
w e r e i n c l u d e d i n a p l a n t e d s e e d m i x t u r e , o r
w e r e i n t r o d u c e d b y w i n d , w a t e r , o r o t h e r e x t e r n a l f a c t o r s .
P h o t o s a r e i n c l u d e d h e r e t o h e l p s a t i s f y y o u r c u r i o s i t y
a n d t o i d e n t i f y s e v e r a l p r o m i n e n t s p e c i e s o f f l o w e r s ,
l e g u m e s a n d g r a s s e s i n y o u r r o a d s i d e v i e w . B e c a u s e o f
c h a n g i n g p h i l o s o p h i e s r e g a r d i n g r o a d s i d e m a n a g e m e n t ,
s o m e o f t h e s p e c i e s p i c t u r e d h e r e a r e n o l o n g e r u s e d i n
D e p a r t m e n t o f R o a d s s e e d m i x t u r e s , e s p e c i a l l y t h e p l a n t s
s h o w n i n t h e n o n - n a t i v e s e c t i o n .
( N D O R ) h a s d e v e l o p e d a p l a n t o p r o m o t e t h e u s e o f
n a t i v e p l a n t s p e c i e s t h a t a r e m o s t l i k e l y t o t h r i v e i n t h e
d i f f e r e n t r e g i o n s o f t h e s t a t e . N a t i v e p l a n t s t h a t o c c u r i n
t h e s e r e g i o n s w i t h i n N e b r a s k a a r e a d a p t e d f o r t h e s p e c i f i c
g r o w i n g c o n d i t i o n s .
N D O R s r o a d s i d e s e e d i n g m i x t u r e s i n c l u d e c o o l - a n d
w a r m - s e a s o n g r a s s e s , l e g u m e s , a n d f l o w e r s . S p e c i e s a r e
s e l e c t e d a s a r o a d s i d e s e e d m i x t u r e a c c o r d i n g t o t h e
N e b r a s k a r e g i o n i n w h i c h t h e N D O R p r o j e c t o c c u r s .
w w w . t r a n s p o r t a t i o n . n e b r a s k a . g o v / d o c s / f l o w e r s
B e n e f i t s f r o m t h e s e c u s t o m i z e d s e e d m i x t u r e s i n c l u d e :
I n c r e a s e d l i k e l i h o o d o f t h e s e e d e d p l a n t s g e r m i n a t i n g
a n d b e c o m i n g e s t a b l i s h e d o n t h e r o a d s i d e
I n c r e a s e d d u r a b i l i t y a n d p e r m a n e n c e o f t h e p l a n t s t h a t
s t a b i l i z e a n d b e a u t i f y r o a d s i d e s
A c t i v e p l a n t g r o w t h t h r o u g h o u t t h e g r o w i n g s e a s o n
I n c r e a s e d c o n t r o l o f s o i l e r o s i o n
L o w e r m a i n t e n a n c e a n d m o w i n g c o s t s
P l a n t e d a r e a s b l e n d w i t h t h e n a t u r a l c o n t e x t o f t h e
r e g i o n s
T h e f i r s t 1 2 t o 1 6 f e e t o f f t h e s u r f a c e d r o a d w a y i s m o w e d
r e g u l a r l y d u r i n g t h e g r o w i n g s e a s o n . N D O R d e v e l o p s
s e e d m i x t u r e s o f s h o r t - g r o w i n g g r a s s e s f o r t h i s a r e a
i m m e d i a t e l y n e x t t o t h e p a v e m e n t . V e g e t a t i o n f a r t h e r
a w a y f r o m t h e r o a d w a y i s m o w e d e v e r y 3 t o 5 y e a r s . S e e d
m i x t u r e s f o r t h e s e a r e a s i n c l u d e t a l l e r g r a s s e s a n d f l o w e r s
t h a t a d d c o l o r a n d t e x t u r e t o t h e r o a d s i d e .
R o a d s i d e s o i l s a r e c o m p a c t e d a n d n u t r i e n t - p o o r - - a
d i f f i c u l t s e t t i n g i n w h i c h t o s t a r t n e w v e g e t a t i o n . M o i s t u r e
a n d t e m p e r a t u r e c o n d i t i o n s c a n b e e x t r e m e , a s w e l l . T o
a t t a i n s u c c e s s f u l r e - v e g e t a t i o n a f t e r a r o a d c o n s t r u c t i o n
p r o j e c t i s c o m p l e t e d , N D O R c r a f t s s e e d m i x t u r e s u s i n g
a m a j o r i t y o f n a t i v e s p e c i e s , a n d u s e s c o m m o n
a g r o n o m i c p r a c t i c e s . T h i s r e s u l t s i n i m p r o v e d s o i l
s t a b i l i z a t i o n , r e d u c e d m a i n t e n a n c e r e q u i r e m e n t s , a n d a
v i s u a l l y - p l e a s i n g r o a d s i d e .
G i a n t G o l d e n r o d ( 6 )
S t a t e F l o w e r
L i t t l e B l u e s t e m ( 3 )
S t a t e G r a s s
2 0 0 9
Grasses
Elymus virginicus Virginia wildrye
Legumes
Chamaecrista fasciculata Partridge pea
Desmanthus illinoiensis Illinois bundleflower
Lespedeza capitata Roundhead lespedeza
Flowers
Aster laevis Smooth blue aster
Aster novae-angliae New England aster
Ratibida pinnata Grayhead coneflower
Salvia azuria Pitcher sage
Silphium laciniatum Compass plant
Grasses
Calamovilfa longifolia Prairie sandreed
Elymus virginicus Virginia wildrye
Nassella viridula Green needlegrass
Legumes
Chamaecrista fasciculata Partridge pea
Desmanthus illinoiensis Illinois bundleflower
Lespedeza capitata Roundhead lespedeza
Flowers
Aster laevis Smooth blue aster
Aster novae-angliae New England aster
Erysimum asperum Western wallflower
Ratibida pinnata Grayhead coneflower
Grasses
Andropogon hallii Sand bluestem
Calamovilfa longifolia Prairie sandreed
Nassella viridula Green needlegrass
Legumes
Desmanthus illinoiensis Illinois bundleflower
Lespedeza capitata Roundhead lespedeza
Flowers
Argemone polyanthemos Prickly poppy
Aster laevis Smooth blue aster
Aster novae-angliae New England aster
Callirhoe involucrata Purple poppy mallow
Erysimum aspera Western wallflower
Grasses
Andropogon hallii Sand bluestem
Calamovilfa longifolia Prairie sandreed
Elymus lanceolatus Thickspike wheatgrass
Elymus virginicus Virginia wildrye
Nassella viridula Green needlegrass
Legumes
Desmanthus illinoiensis Illinois bundleflower
Lespedeza capitata Roundhead lespedeza
Flowers
Argemone polyanthemos Prickly poppy
Aster laevis Smooth blue aster
Aster novae-angliae New England aster
Callirhoe involucrata Purple poppy mallow
Erysimum asperum Western wallflower
Tradescantia species Spiderwort
Grasses
Calamovilfa longifolia Prairie sandreed
Elymus lanceolatus Thickspike wheatgrass
Elymus virginicus Virginia wildrye
Legumes
Chamaecrista fasciculata Partridge pea
Desmanthus illinoiensis Illinois bundleflower
Lespedeza capitata Roundhead lespedeza
Flowers
Aster novae-angliae New England aster
Callirhoe involucrata Purple poppy mallow
Silphium laciniatum Compass plant
Tradescantia Species Spiderwort
Grasses
Andropogon hallii Sand bluestem
Calamovilfa longifolia Prairie sandreed
Elymus lanceolatus Thickspike wheatgrass
Nassella viridula Green needlegrass
Flowers
Argemone polyanthemos Prickly poppy
Aster laevis Smooth blue aster
Callirhoe involucrata Purple poppy mallow
Erysimum asperum Western wallflower
Tradescantia Species Spiderwort
Grasses
Andropogon gerardii Big bluestem
Bouteloua curtipendula Sideoats grama
Bouteloua gracilis Blue grama
Buchloe dactyloides Buffalograss
Eragrostis trichodes Sand lovegrass
Elymus canadensis Canada wildrye
Pascopyrum smithii Western wheatgrass
Panicum virgatum Switchgrass
Schizachyrium scoparium Little bluestem
Sorghastrum nutans Indiangrass
Legumes
Amorpha canescens Leadplant
Dalea purpurea Purple prairie clover
Flowers
Achillea millefolium Yarrow
Anemone canadensis Canada anemone
Cleome serrulata Rocky Mountain bee plant
Coreopsis tinctoria Plains coreopsis
Echinacea species Purple coneflowers / black Samson
Helianthus maximiliani Maximilian sunflower
Liatris species Blazing star
Linum lewisii Blue flax
Penstemon grandiflorus Shell-leaf penstemon
Polygonum species Smartweed
Ratibida columnifera Upright prairie coneflower
Ratibida columnifera, red Mexican red hat
Rosa arkansana Prairie wild rose
Rudbeckia hirta Black-eyed Susan
Native Species Used Statewide
Nebraska Department of Roads
Landscape Regions
D i s c o v e r N e b r a s k a s
R o a d s i d e F l o w e r s
a n d G r a s s e s
Roadside vegetation in Nebraska features plants that
are adapted to the states environmental conditions.
Conditions such as climate, soils, and topography
differ from region to region across the state. Rainfall
varies from about 16 inches annually in the
northwest at Harrison to 34 inches annually in the
southern part of the state at Falls City.
The plants you see along the roadside may occur
naturally, may have been intentionally seeded, or may
have been carried there by wind, wildlife, or a
passing vehicle. The Nebraska Department of Roads
Roadside Vegetation in Nebraska
Nebraska Roadside Plant Identification
Nebraskas roadside seed mixtures have changed through
time. The plants that you see along the highway are there
because their seeds:
occur naturally in prairie soil,
were included in a planted seed mixture, or
were introduced by wind, water, or other external factors.
Photos are included here to help satisfy your curiosity
and to identify several prominent species of flowers,
legumes and grasses in your roadside view. Because of
changing philosophies regarding roadside management,
some of the species pictured here are no longer used in
Department of Roads seed mixtures, especially the plants
shown in the non-native section.
(NDOR) has developed a plan to promote the use of
native plant species that are most likely to thrive in the
different regions of the state. Native plants that occur in
these regions within Nebraska are adapted for the specific
growing conditions.
NDORs roadside seeding mixtures include cool- and
warm-season grasses, legumes, and flowers. Species are
selected as a roadside seed mixture according to the
Nebraska region in which the NDOR project occurs.
www.transportation.nebraska.gov/docs/flowers
Benefits from these customized seed mixtures include:
Increased likelihood of the seeded plants germinating
and becoming established on the roadside
Increased durability and permanence of the plants that
stabilize and beautify roadsides
Active plant growth throughout the growing season
Increased control of soil erosion
Lower maintenance and mowing costs
Planted areas blend with the natural context of the
regions
The first 12 to 16 feet off the surfaced roadway is mowed
regularly during the growing season. NDOR develops
seed mixtures of short-growing grasses for this area
immediately next to the pavement. Vegetation farther
away from the roadway is mowed every 3 to 5 years. Seed
mixtures for these areas include taller grasses and flowers
that add color and texture to the roadside.
Roadside soils are compacted and nutrient-poor - - a
difficult setting in which to start new vegetation. Moisture
and temperature conditions can be extreme, as well. To
attain successful re-vegetation after a road construction
project is completed, NDOR crafts seed mixtures using
a majority of native species, and uses common
agronomic practices. This results in improved soil
stabilization, reduced maintenance requirements, and a
visually-pleasing roadside.
Giant Goldenrod (6)
State Flower
Little Bluestem (3)
State Grass
2009
Grasses
Elymus virginicus Virginia wildrye
Legumes
Chamaecrista fasciculata Partridge pea
Desmanthus illinoiensis Illinois bundleflower
Lespedeza capitata Roundhead lespedeza
Flowers
Aster laevis Smooth blue aster
Aster novae-angliae New England aster
Ratibida pinnata Grayhead coneflower
Salvia azuria Pitcher sage
Silphium laciniatum Compass plant
Grasses
Calamovilfa longifolia Prairie sandreed
Elymus virginicus Virginia wildrye
Nassella viridula Green needlegrass
Legumes
Chamaecrista fasciculata Partridge pea
Desmanthus illinoiensis Illinois bundleflower
Lespedeza capitata Roundhead lespedeza
Flowers
Aster laevis Smooth blue aster
Aster novae-angliae New England aster
Erysimum asperum Western wallflower
Ratibida pinnata Grayhead coneflower
Grasses
Andropogon hallii Sand bluestem
Calamovilfa longifolia Prairie sandreed
Nassella viridula Green needlegrass
Legumes
Desmanthus illinoiensis Illinois bundleflower
Lespedeza capitata Roundhead lespedeza
Flowers
Argemone polyanthemos Prickly poppy
Aster laevis Smooth blue aster
Aster novae-angliae New England aster
Callirhoe involucrata Purple poppy mallow
Erysimum aspera Western wallflower
Grasses
Andropogon hallii Sand bluestem
Calamovilfa longifolia Prairie sandreed
Elymus lanceolatus Thickspike wheatgrass
Elymus virginicus Virginia wildrye
Nassella viridula Green needlegrass
Legumes
Desmanthus illinoiensis Illinois bundleflower
Lespedeza capitata Roundhead lespedeza
Flowers
Argemone polyanthemos Prickly poppy
Aster laevis Smooth blue aster
Aster novae-angliae New England aster
Callirhoe involucrata Purple poppy mallow
Erysimum asperum Western wallflower
Tradescantia species Spiderwort
Grasses
Calamovilfa longifolia Prairie sandreed
Elymus lanceolatus Thickspike wheatgrass
Elymus virginicus Virginia wildrye
Legumes
Chamaecrista fasciculata Partridge pea
Desmanthus illinoiensis Illinois bundleflower
Lespedeza capitata Roundhead lespedeza
Flowers
Aster novae-angliae New England aster
Callirhoe involucrata Purple poppy mallow
Silphium laciniatum Compass plant
Tradescantia Species Spiderwort
Grasses
Andropogon hallii Sand bluestem
Calamovilfa longifolia Prairie sandreed
Elymus lanceolatus Thickspike wheatgrass
Nassella viridula Green needlegrass
Flowers
Argemone polyanthemos Prickly poppy
Aster laevis Smooth blue aster
Callirhoe involucrata Purple poppy mallow
Erysimum asperum Western wallflower
Tradescantia Species Spiderwort
Grasses
Andropogon gerardii Big bluestem
Bouteloua curtipendula Sideoats grama
Bouteloua gracilis Blue grama
Buchloe dactyloides Buffalograss
Eragrostis trichodes Sand lovegrass
Elymus canadensis Canada wildrye
Pascopyrum smithii Western wheatgrass
Panicum virgatum Switchgrass
Schizachyrium scoparium Little bluestem
Sorghastrum nutans Indiangrass
Legumes
Amorpha canescens Leadplant
Dalea purpurea Purple prairie clover
Flowers
Achillea millefolium Yarrow
Anemone canadensis Canada anemone
Cleome serrulata Rocky Mountain bee plant
Coreopsis tinctoria Plains coreopsis
Echinacea species Purple coneflowers / black Samson
Helianthus maximiliani Maximilian sunflower
Liatris species Blazing star
Linum lewisii Blue flax
Penstemon grandiflorus Shell-leaf penstemon
Polygonum species Smartweed
Ratibida columnifera Upright prairie coneflower
Ratibida columnifera, red Mexican red hat
Rosa arkansana Prairie wild rose
Rudbeckia hirta Black-eyed Susan
Native Species Used Statewide
Nebraska Department of Roads
Landscape Regions
D i s c o v e r N e b r a s k a s
R o a d s i d e F l o w e r s
a n d G r a s s e s
Roadside vegetation in Nebraska features plants that
are adapted to the states environmental conditions.
Conditions such as climate, soils, and topography
differ from region to region across the state. Rainfall
varies from about 16 inches annually in the
northwest at Harrison to 34 inches annually in the
southern part of the state at Falls City.
The plants you see along the roadside may occur
naturally, may have been intentionally seeded, or may
have been carried there by wind, wildlife, or a
passing vehicle. The Nebraska Department of Roads
Roadside Vegetation in Nebraska
Nebraska Roadside Plant Identification
Nebraskas roadside seed mixtures have changed through
time. The plants that you see along the highway are there
because their seeds:
occur naturally in prairie soil,
were included in a planted seed mixture, or
were introduced by wind, water, or other external factors.
Photos are included here to help satisfy your curiosity
and to identify several prominent species of flowers,
legumes and grasses in your roadside view. Because of
changing philosophies regarding roadside management,
some of the species pictured here are no longer used in
Department of Roads seed mixtures, especially the plants
shown in the non-native section.
(NDOR) has developed a plan to promote the use of
native plant species that are most likely to thrive in the
different regions of the state. Native plants that occur in
these regions within Nebraska are adapted for the specific
growing conditions.
NDORs roadside seeding mixtures include cool- and
warm-season grasses, legumes, and flowers. Species are
selected as a roadside seed mixture according to the
Nebraska region in which the NDOR project occurs.
www.transportation.nebraska.gov/docs/flowers
Benefits from these customized seed mixtures include:
Increased likelihood of the seeded plants germinating
and becoming established on the roadside
Increased durability and permanence of the plants that
stabilize and beautify roadsides
Active plant growth throughout the growing season
Increased control of soil erosion
Lower maintenance and mowing costs
Planted areas blend with the natural context of the
regions
The first 12 to 16 feet off the surfaced roadway is mowed
regularly during the growing season. NDOR develops
seed mixtures of short-growing grasses for this area
immediately next to the pavement. Vegetation farther
away from the roadway is mowed every 3 to 5 years. Seed
mixtures for these areas include taller grasses and flowers
that add color and texture to the roadside.
Roadside soils are compacted and nutrient-poor - - a
difficult setting in which to start new vegetation. Moisture
and temperature conditions can be extreme, as well. To
attain successful re-vegetation after a road construction
project is completed, NDOR crafts seed mixtures using
a majority of native species, and uses common
agronomic practices. This results in improved soil
stabilization, reduced maintenance requirements, and a
visually-pleasing roadside.
Giant Goldenrod (6)
State Flower
Little Bluestem (3)
State Grass
2009
Blazing Star (3) Blue Flax (5) Blue Vervain (3) Butterfly Milkweed (5) Big Bluestem (3) Blue Grama (5) Buffalograss (5)
Crown Vetch (1)
Hairy Vetch (1)
Birds Foot Trefoil (4)
Illinois Bundleflower (3)
Canada Wildrye (5) Green Needlegrass (10) Indiangrass (3)
Leadplant (2) Purple Prairie Clover (3)
Roundhead Lespedeza (3)
Partridge Pea (5)
Little Bluestem (3)
State Grass
Prairie Junegrass (5) Prairie Sandreed (3)
Sand Bluestem (3) Sand Lovegrass (5)
Sideoats Grama (5) Switchgrass (3)
Virginia Wildrye (2) Western Wheatgrass (5)
Nebraska Roadside Plant Identification
Upright Coneflower (5) Western Wallflower (5)
Canada Anemone (3)
Chickory (5)
Compass Plant (5)
Plains Coreopsis (3)
4-Point Evening Primrose (2)
Giant Goldenrod (6)
State Flower
Grayhead Coneflower (6) Indian Blanket Flower (5) Mexican Red Hat (5) New England Aster (5)
Shell Leaf Penstemon (5)
Pitcher Sage (5) Plains Sunflower (5) Prairie Wild Rose (3)
Prickly Poppy (5)
Pale Purple Coneflower (2)
Purple Poppy Mallow (3) Smartweed (5)
Smooth Blue Aster (6)
Maximilian Sunflower (5)
Wild Bergamot (5)
Rocky Mt. Bee Plant (3)
Flowers Grasses Legumes
(1) Photo by Scott Brummond (NDOR)
(2) Photo by Alison Krohn (NDOR)
(3) Photo by Steve Duecker (NDOR)
(4) Photo by Dewaine Knutson (NDOR)
(5) Photo by Carol Wienhold (NDOR)
(Photographer of Cover Photo)
(6) Photo by Mike Haddock
(7) NDOR File Photo
(8) Photo by Sheri Hagwood
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
(9) Photo by R. Soreng, courtesy of
Smithsonian Institution
(10) Photo taken from "Grassland
Plants of South Dakota and the
Northern Great Plains" by James R.
Johnson and Gary E. Larson, used
by permission from South Dakota
State University
Golden Glow (3)
Ox Eye Daisy (5)
Non-Native
Dames Rocket (7)
Intermediate
Wheat Grass (10)
Smooth Brome (6)
Black-eyed Susan (5)
Spiderwort (5)
Sand Dropseed (6)
Slender Wheatgrass (9)
Thick Spike Wheatgrass (8)
White Prairie Clover (2)
Blazing Star (3) Blue Flax (5) Blue Vervain (3) Butterfly Milkweed (5) Big Bluestem (3) Blue Grama (5) Buffalograss (5)
Crown Vetch (1)
Hairy Vetch (1)
Birds Foot Trefoil (4)
Illinois Bundleflower (3)
Canada Wildrye (5) Green Needlegrass (10) Indiangrass (3)
Leadplant (2) Purple Prairie Clover (3)
Roundhead Lespedeza (3)
Partridge Pea (5)
Little Bluestem (3)
State Grass
Prairie Junegrass (5) Prairie Sandreed (3)
Sand Bluestem (3) Sand Lovegrass (5)
Sideoats Grama (5) Switchgrass (3)
Virginia Wildrye (2) Western Wheatgrass (5)
Nebraska Roadside Plant Identification
Upright Coneflower (5) Western Wallflower (5)
Canada Anemone (3)
Chickory (5)
Compass Plant (5)
Plains Coreopsis (3)
4-Point Evening Primrose (2)
Giant Goldenrod (6)
State Flower
Grayhead Coneflower (6) Indian Blanket Flower (5) Mexican Red Hat (5) New England Aster (5)
Shell Leaf Penstemon (5)
Pitcher Sage (5) Plains Sunflower (5) Prairie Wild Rose (3)
Prickly Poppy (5)
Pale Purple Coneflower (2)
Purple Poppy Mallow (3) Smartweed (5)
Smooth Blue Aster (6)
Maximilian Sunflower (5)
Wild Bergamot (5)
Rocky Mt. Bee Plant (3)
Flowers Grasses Legumes
(1) Photo by Scott Brummond (NDOR)
(2) Photo by Alison Krohn (NDOR)
(3) Photo by Steve Duecker (NDOR)
(4) Photo by Dewaine Knutson (NDOR)
(5) Photo by Carol Wienhold (NDOR)
(Photographer of Cover Photo)
(6) Photo by Mike Haddock
(7) NDOR File Photo
(8) Photo by Sheri Hagwood
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
(9) Photo by R. Soreng, courtesy of
Smithsonian Institution
(10) Photo taken from "Grassland
Plants of South Dakota and the
Northern Great Plains" by James R.
Johnson and Gary E. Larson, used
by permission from South Dakota
State University
Golden Glow (3)
Ox Eye Daisy (5)
Non-Native
Dames Rocket (7)
Intermediate
Wheat Grass (10)
Smooth Brome (6)
Black-eyed Susan (5)
Spiderwort (5)
Sand Dropseed (6)
Slender Wheatgrass (9)
Thick Spike Wheatgrass (8)
White Prairie Clover (2)
Blazing Star (3) Blue Flax (5) Blue Vervain (3) Butterfly Milkweed (5) Big Bluestem (3) Blue Grama (5) Buffalograss (5)
Crown Vetch (1)
Hairy Vetch (1)
Birds Foot Trefoil (4)
Illinois Bundleflower (3)
Canada Wildrye (5) Green Needlegrass (10) Indiangrass (3)
Leadplant (2) Purple Prairie Clover (3)
Roundhead Lespedeza (3)
Partridge Pea (5)
Little Bluestem (3)
State Grass
Prairie Junegrass (5) Prairie Sandreed (3)
Sand Bluestem (3) Sand Lovegrass (5)
Sideoats Grama (5) Switchgrass (3)
Virginia Wildrye (2) Western Wheatgrass (5)
Nebraska Roadside Plant Identification
Upright Coneflower (5) Western Wallflower (5)
Canada Anemone (3)
Chickory (5)
Compass Plant (5)
Plains Coreopsis (3)
4-Point Evening Primrose (2)
Giant Goldenrod (6)
State Flower
Grayhead Coneflower (6) Indian Blanket Flower (5) Mexican Red Hat (5) New England Aster (5)
Shell Leaf Penstemon (5)
Pitcher Sage (5) Plains Sunflower (5) Prairie Wild Rose (3)
Prickly Poppy (5)
Pale Purple Coneflower (2)
Purple Poppy Mallow (3) Smartweed (5)
Smooth Blue Aster (6)
Maximilian Sunflower (5)
Wild Bergamot (5)
Rocky Mt. Bee Plant (3)
Flowers Grasses Legumes
(1) Photo by Scott Brummond (NDOR)
(2) Photo by Alison Krohn (NDOR)
(3) Photo by Steve Duecker (NDOR)
(4) Photo by Dewaine Knutson (NDOR)
(5) Photo by Carol Wienhold (NDOR)
(Photographer of Cover Photo)
(6) Photo by Mike Haddock
(7) NDOR File Photo
(8) Photo by Sheri Hagwood
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
(9) Photo by R. Soreng, courtesy of
Smithsonian Institution
(10) Photo taken from "Grassland
Plants of South Dakota and the
Northern Great Plains" by James R.
Johnson and Gary E. Larson, used
by permission from South Dakota
State University
Golden Glow (3)
Ox Eye Daisy (5)
Non-Native
Dames Rocket (7)
Intermediate
Wheat Grass (10)
Smooth Brome (6)
Black-eyed Susan (5)
Spiderwort (5)
Sand Dropseed (6)
Slender Wheatgrass (9)
Thick Spike Wheatgrass (8)
White Prairie Clover (2)