Identify Kansas Plants

Search the Plants Database to identify an unknown plant species

About Me

Me at Wilson County Wildflower Tour. Photo by Donna Gallon

Background in Gardening

Gardening has always been a hobby of mine - mostly vegetables. But in 1997 I was introduced to the idea of using native prairie wildflowers and grasses in the home landscape, because of their hardiness.

Getting Started with Native Plants

In the past I had purchased typical perennials and watched them die in our hot summers. It made sense to me to use plants native to a region instead of exotic plants that were not adapted to the rigorous climate of Kansas. I started researching the topic, bought a few field guides for identifying Kansas wildflowers.

Learning to Use Natives in the Landscape

I began searching for seed in road sides and public areas that fall. After a few years of experimenting, I learned how to grow wildflowers and grasses from seed; and incorporate them into my naturally landscaped yard. I learned what plants work well in the landscape and which ones were too aggressive. I also learned that some plants don't do well in cultivation and do not persist.

As I became more interested in native wildflowers, I began to learn about our woody plants: trees, shrubs and vines. I expanded my yard to include many of these species - especially our native shrubs.

Learning Plant Identification

When I first started searching for various species to collect seed for propagation, I kept encountering plants I didn't recognize. I would consult all of my field guides and usually determine what the plant was. Some plants I couldn't identify, so I would take a specimen to the herbarium at KU. The KU botanists would help me to determine the identity of these plants. Over the years I kept increasing my knowledge and have become a well trained botanist.

The Kansas Native Plant Society

With my enthusiasm for native plants, I was asked to serve on the board for the Kansas Native Plant Society (KNPS). Representing KNPS, I decided to lead some of their wildflower walks at various prairies in northeast Kansas. In 2005, I was elected to serve as president of the organization.

Credentials