E pluribus unum

Diversity of grasses and forbs in the roadside creates a strong plant community.  As rural roads and adjacent roadsides are being regraded and improved, roadside managers across Iowa are reseeding ditches to the same vegetation that covered pre-settlement Iowa.  The grasses and forbs that built our rich prairie soils are now the preferred vegetation for Iowa roadsides.  Adapted to local climate, growing season and a wide range of soil conditions, these plants are the logical choice for the tough job of stabilizing ditches.  Prairie grasses grow aggressively during hot, dry summer months thereby providing superior erosion control on steep slopes.  Deep, fibrous root systems also help prevent invasion by noxious weeds.  A mix of four or five grasses, some native legumes and several species of wildflowers provides a stable plant community and a progression of color throughout the growing season.