Bluegrass, other turf grasses, and most ornamental plants are usually very susceptible to drought, often requiring frequent watering. Native prairie shrubs are resistant to cold winter temperatures, unlike cultivated roses and other ornamentals which are killed or severely injured, especially if left unprotected. Considerable variation may be found in the heights, leaf sizes and shapes, flower color, and flowering times of prairie plants compared to the monotonous uniformity of traditional plantings. A prairie landscape is educational. Few areas of prairie remain in the state, so these plantings help individuals to learn about these plants which caused Illinois to be known as the prairie state.
Prairie plants attract butterflies and other interesting insects.
Prairie grasses are spectacular during the fall when they assume their russet, yellow, bronze, and orange colors. Many non native ornamental plants do not have any fall color. Prairie plants, including shrubs, have ornamental features other than flowers that make them attractive throughout the year. Using prairie plants will reduce noise, conserve gasoline and oil, reduce pollution, and help to reduce accidents associated with lawn mowers. Prairie plantings provide valuable habitat for certain insects, birds, and other animals that live in grasslands.