Location - This site is located along Highway 6 from west of Ladora to the town of Marengo. To reach this site, leave Marengo on Highway 6. The remnant area is between the highway and the railroad tracks, on the north side of the highway, extending from Marengo past Ladora, a distance of approximately five miles.
When Deputy Surveyor, J.E. Whitcher surveyed the general area of the Marengo-Ladora Prairie in late October 1843 he noted that a portion of the land was "3rd rate low wet prairie."
Ground Cherry, physalis longifolia, which grows here is known to the Meskwaki as metamo'iminuni and is a low growing plant found in woodlands and prairies. The raw fruit of this plant was eaten or cooked.
Also found at this location is one of the few prairie shrubs, Leadplant, a legume. Native Americans used the leaves of this plant for tea, or, when dried, for smoking. Poultices made from Leadplant leaves were used to treat rheumatism. The scientific name of this plant is Amorpha canescens. "Amorpha" is derived from the Greek word Amphorphus, meaning, "without shape," while canescens is Latin for "gray hairy."
Visit this rich prairie site year round for a display of spectacular diversity and beauty. Early spring is marked by the blooming Prairie violet and Golden alexanders, Hoary puccom and Prairie phlox, as well as a rich diversity of native grammoid species. Summer brings many species of milkweed, the rare Hills thistle, Bunchflowers, Wild petunias and Prairie wedge grass. The fall is marked by beautiful color from several species of asters and native grasses, including Prairie dropseed.
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