The Wild Garden of the Grasslands

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

What Grows in a Grassland?

The Grass is the Boss

Grasslands are named after their most important plant: grass! But not all grasslands are the same. There are two major types.

• Temperate Grasslands (like prairies)

• Tropical Grasslands (like savannas)

Both kinds of grasslands are dominated by different species of grasses, but they also include wildflowers, small shrubs, and sometimes even trees!

Plants of the Temperate Grasslands

These grasslands often look like oceans of green and gold. They’re found in places like the central United States, South America, and Eurasia.

Plants here must survive cold winters, summer heat, strong winds, and occasional wildfires.

Here’s what you’ll find growing.

• Grasses: buffalo grass, wheatgrass, purple needlegrass, and blue grama grass

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• Wildflowers: blazing stars, sunflowers, coneflowers, clover, wild indigo, asters, Indian blanket

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Fun Fact: These plants grow low to the ground and store nutrients in their roots. During dry seasons, they stop growing and turn brown to save water!

Plants of the Tropical Grasslands (Savannas)

Savannas are found in places like Africa, India, Australia, and South America. These areas are hot year-round, with a long dry season and a short wet season.

Many plants grow here including some grass that grows taller than a giraffe!

• Grasses: elephant grass, red oat grass, star grass, Rhodes grass, lemon grass, Bermuda grass

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• Wildflowers and Shrubs: purple coneflowers, asters, blazing stars

• Drought-tough Trees: umbrella thorn acacia, baobab trees (in some regions)

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These trees have deep roots and small leaves, which help them survive in dry conditions.

Fun Fact: Grazing animals like elephants and zebras help keep trees from taking over by munching on young tree shoots!

Grow Smart, Survive Better

Grassland plants have clever tricks to survive.

• Deep roots help them find hidden water.

• Growing fast during the wet season lets them soak up sunshine and rain.

• Brown leaves in dry seasons help stop water loss.

• Fire-resistant roots mean they can regrow even after wildfires!

Ready to Test Your Plant Power?

Now that you’ve explored the leafy life of the grasslands, see what you remember!

In the Got It? section, you’ll quiz yourself and try a fun activity to put your new plant smarts to work!