The prairie grasses that grow here do not form woody tissue or increase in girth. Their stems are hollow except where the leaves join. Leaves are narrow with parallel veins and flowers are usually small and inconspicuous. Some grasses such as big bluestern, indiangrass, and switchgrass can reach heights of eight or nine feet. As impressive as the height of the grasses are, the root structure of prairie plants is even more impressive.
Roots reach many feet deep.
This is necessary in sandy soils where water is quickly absorbed and stored many feet underground. Root systems also store energy which produces new growth. This helps the plant endure extreme conditions such as a harsh winter or a fire. Growth of prairie grass is stimulated with prescribed burning. Spring fires set back non-native grasses before the latter native grasses begin to grow.