The native tallgrass prairie was once the dominant ecosystem of much of the Midwest region and gardeners can recreate some of the beauty of this lost “sea of grass” by planting native grasses. Not only are they beautiful, they are also hardy and drought tolerant, and many provide food or shelter for birds and other wildlife. Many native grasses make excellent forage for deer, cattle, and other large mammals as well.

The following species are well suited to ornamental use in gardens, as well as large scale habitat restorations:

Tallgrass Species

• Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii). Once the dominant species of the tallgrass ecosystem, this beautiful blue-green grass reaches 4-9 feet tall.
• Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). Lacy, ornamental seedheads and an attractive golden color in winter.
• Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans).  Produces beautiful golden seedheads in autumn.
• Prairie Cordgrass (Spartina pectinata). This 6-8 foot grass is an especially good choice for wet areas.

The beauty of Little Bluestem

Midgrass Species

• Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium). The blue-green foliage of this grass turns a gorgeous red-bronze in autumn.
• Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis). Widely considered to be the most beautiful prairie grass.
• Sideoats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula). Attractive short grass with unique seedheads.
• Bottlebrush Grass (Hystrix patula). Delicate seedheads that actually resemble a bottlebrush.
• Junegrass (Koeleria macrantha). One of relatively few native cool-season grasses.

Shortgrass Species

• Buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides). Native to the Great Plains, buffalograss makes an excellent heat and drought tolerant lawn grass.
• Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis). A drought tolerant grass that can be used for landscaping or erosion control.

Related posts:

1. Xeriscaping Basics for Midwestern Gardeners
2. Plant an Edible Hedgerow
3. Attracting Wild Turkeys With Acorn Mast