How are tallgrass prairies different from shortgrass prairies?

The primary differences between tallgrass and shortgrass prairies in North America are driven by variations in annual rainfall, which dictate the vegetation and soil characteristics of each region.1

• Tallgrass Prairie: Located in the more humid eastern region of the Great Plains bordering deciduous forests, these prairies receive higher levels of precipitation. The vegetation is characterized by a dense growth of tall grasses, such as big bluestem, little bluestem, and Indian grass. These grasses often feature deep root systems in rich soil, which historically supported large herds of bison.123

• Shortgrass Prairie: Found in the driest, westernmost parts of the plains where rainfall is significantly lower, the vegetation is less luxuriant. These areas are dominated by shorter, tougher species such as buffalo grass and grama grass. In these regions, grasses often grow in bunches with patches of bare ground, gravel, or shrubs like sagebrush and cacti interspersed.12

While tallgrass regions are now largely cultivated for crops like corn, shortgrass regions are more frequently utilized as rangeland for livestock.12