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Growing on the High Plains: What's in a Name?

High Plains Public Radio | By Skip Mancini
Published May 31, 2018 at 10:35 AM CDT
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How might a plant come to be known as "rattlesnake master" by Native Americans? Can the "compass plant" actually aid in navigation? Flipping through a copy of a recent gardening catalog, the unusual noms de plume of some plant life piqued my interest and inspired me to dig a little deeper into their meanings. On today’s Growing on the High Plains, I’ll introduce you to a handful of these curiously named native prairie plants and the fascinating origin stories of their mysterious monikers. It nothing to be "sneezeweed" at.

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Skip Mancini
Years ago Skip Mancini left the rocky coast of Northern California to return to her roots in the heartland. Her San Francisco friends, concerned over her decision to live in a desolate flatland best known for a Hollywood tornado, were afraid she would wither and die on the vine. With pioneer spirit, Skip planted a garden. She began to learn about growing not only flowers and vegetables, but hearts and minds. If you agree that the prairie is a special place, we think you'll enjoy her weekly sojourns into Growing on the High Plains.
See stories by Skip Mancini
  1. Growing On The High Plains: Much Ado And Adieu, Azalea
  2. Growing on the High Plains: Lovely Lavender
  3. Growing On The High Plains: House Plants For Health Care
  4. Growing On The High Plains: Lincoln Center—This Summer
  5. Growing On The High Plains: Memory Of My Mother ... And Sun-dried Tomatoes