Spiked lobelia is another plant that is often upstaged by its more colorful and showy relatives. Lobelia cardinalis, or cardinal flower, is commonly cultivated and is a favorite with hummingbirds due to its bright red flowers. Lobelia siphilitica, or great blue lobelia, is blue instead of red.

Look for spiked lobelia near the

beginning of the wildflower trail in early summer.

Prairies often tend toward softer colors, and won't normally resemble the rainbow of color found in zinnias and other cultivated garden plants. Expect a show of color from spring until fall in your prairie garden, but not necessarily the display of primary colors many gardeners have come to expect.