This warm season grass is very drought hardy and will out compete taller grasses in times of low moisture. The roots of the purple coneflower were used by Aboriginals as a painkiller for toothaches and sore throats. The natural forces of fire and grazing helped shape and form mixed grass prairie. The extensive root reserves of native prairie plants allow them to regrow quickly after grazing or burning occurs. In order to maintain good quality native mixed grass prairie, rotational grazing and occasional controlled burning must continue to be used.
Excessive grazing can eliminate or suppress many species.
However, the absence of grazing can increase woody growth and lead to a build up of plant litter, choking out some native species. Haying or mowing can also decrease woody species when burning or grazing are not possible. It is recommended that haying or mowing be done after mid-July, when ground nesting birds have left their nests. How often a prairie should be burned depends on the purpose of the burn and local moisture conditions. Properly timed burns can help decrease woody growth and the presence of weedy species without long-term detrimental effects.