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 …