Adaptations of Flowers in the Grasslands

Deep Root Systems

• Because temperate grasslands can be incredibly dry, many prairie flowers have developed deep root systems to help them survive seasons of hot, dry weather. When the hot sun and lack of rain kills off the plants above the ground, their subterranean root systems can still survive. When rain falls again, the roots sprout new growth and a new plant emerges. In addition deep roots also allow flowers to re-sprout if a grazing animal destroys the above-ground portion of the plant.

Narrow Leaves

• Many types of grassland flowers have narrow, short leaves rather than large, wide leaves. Small leaves have the advantage of less surface area compared to larger ones and do not lose as much water through evaporation. This helps the flowers retain moisture during times of drought.

Pollination

• Many species of flowers native to grasslands are wind pollinating flowers. This means that rather than relying on animals and insects to carry seeds to other parts of the grassland, they have light-weight seeds which are carried by the wind. Because grasslands are flat and very windy, the flowers are able to spread their seeds easily and germinate wherever the wind carries them.

Light-weight Stems

• Many prairie flowers have light-weight, pliant stems rather than thick, sturdy stems. This adaptation allows the flowers to be flexible and bend during seasons with strong winds. If the plants were not able to bend so easily due to their soft stems, they would sustain damage or break and be unable to grow and reproduce.