"short grass prairie" is in drier areas, and is usually one to two feet (0.3 to 0.6 meters) high and has more space between plants. the "american west" (from central texas up into canada, east of the arid semi-desert) is all short grass prairie. much of this area is converted to pastures for grazing cows and sheep. areas near rivers are irrigated for crops. some of the original native plants are still widespread.