The deep roots of many prairie plants help to protect them from being killed by fire. Soon after a fire an exciting rebirth occurs in a prairie. The ash-blackened earth absorbs heat from the sun. Important nutrients from the charred plants are released back into the soil and help to fertilize the growing prairie plants. Soon the prairie will be green and lush with little evidence that a fire has occurred.
Most prairie plants are perennial.
This means that they will not die at the end of one growing season, but continue to grow for many years. Trees are good examples of perennial plants that live in a forest. Grasses are one of the most common perennial plants that grow in a prairie. Grasses are very distinctive plants. Grasses have flowers, but their flowers do not have petals like most plants.