Prairie plants are well suited to the soils and environment of Illinois.
Prairie plants are nearly free of disease and insects.
Bluegrass lawns and ornamentals like roses and other flowers require constant care, including mowing and the application of fungicides, fertilizers, and insecticides. Due to their extensive root systems, prairie plants are resistant to drought and dry conditions. 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.