At the time of European settlement, there were around 18 million acres of tallgrass prairie in the Midwest. Less than 1 percent remains today. As prairies were converted to cropland, the amount of suitable orchid habitat dwindled. Western prairie fringed orchid depends on open, sunny, prairie habitat. Its continued survival is dependent on good prairie management.
Landowners can take an active role in protecting and managing prairie habitat.
Current Threats To Western Prairie Fringed Orchid Loss of habitat Changes in habitat resulting from the conversion of pastures and hayfields into cropland continue to threaten populations of orchids. Clearing land for residential and commercial development has also added to a reduction in orchid habitat. Incompatible Land Management Haying during mid-summer prevents the orchid from fruiting and setting and dispersing its seeds. Fire suppression allows woody shrubs to invade prairies and converts them into habitats unsuitable for orchids. The absence of fire also allows plant litter to accumulate.