Saltbush shrublands (Atriplex sp.), with an understorey of grasses and forbs, was the dominant plant community at the time of European settlement.
One particular forb, the purple coneflower, is recognized more readily by its scientific name Echinacea purpurea, or just Echinacea, which is used as an herbal remedy for colds.
The Artemisia tridentata/Agropyron spicatum association is a drier habitat which includes many forbs such as Allium acuminatum, Agoseris grandiflora, Lomatium nudicaule, and Lupinus sericeus.
Typical tallgrass prairie vegetation such as grasses, forbs, shrubs, and sedges, increase with an increase in the amount of fire, whereas tree density and basal area decreases.