- Big Bluestem -

Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) is a warm-season, clump-forming prairie grass that once dominated Midwestern tallgrass prairies. Growing 4–8 feet tall, it features distinctive “turkey foot” seed heads and blue-green foliage that turns rich shades of red, bronze, and copper in fall. Deep-rooted and resilient, it thrives in full sun and a range of soils, making it excellent for erosion control and habitat restoration while providing valuable cover and support for native wildlife.

• 8 Feet

• Sun - Part Shade

• Medium Wet - Medium - Medium Dry - Dry

• June - September

• Attracts Birds
• Deer Resistant
• Spreads Quickly

Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus hystrix) is a striking native woodland grass known for its unique, bristly seed heads that resemble a bottlebrush. Thriving in part-shade to shade, it is an excellent choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and naturalized landscapes. This cool-season grass provides beautiful texture from spring through late summer and offers important habitat and food for wildlife. Adaptable and low-maintenance, Bottlebrush Grass spreads gently by seed, making it a great option for adding soft structure and ecological value to shaded spaces.

• 3 Feet

• Part Shade - Shade

• Medium - Medium Dry

• June - August

• Attracts Birds
• Deer Resistant

Canada Wild Rye (Elymus canadensis) is a hardy, native perennial grass that adds texture and movement to any landscape. Known for its graceful, arching seed heads and adaptability, it thrives in a variety of soil conditions, making it an excellent choice for erosion control, prairie restorations, and wildlife habitat. This cool-season grass establishes quickly and provides valuable cover and food for birds and pollinators. Its distinctive seed heads turn golden in the fall, adding seasonal interest to native gardens and naturalized areas.

• 5 Feet

• Sun - Part Shade

• Medium Wet - Medium - Medium Dry - Dry

• July - October

• Attracts Birds
• Deer Resistant

Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans) is a beautiful, native warm-season grass that adds height, texture, and golden color to prairies, meadows, and native gardens. Growing up to 6 feet tall, it features striking golden seed heads in late summer that provide food for birds and habitat for pollinators. Highly adaptable, Indian Grass thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for erosion control and wildlife-friendly landscapes. Its deep roots improve soil health, and its resilience to drought and poor soils makes it a low-maintenance addition to any native planting.

• 6 Feet

• Sun - Part Shade

• Medium - Medium Dry - Dry

• August - September

• Attracts Birds
• Deer Resistant
• Spreads Quickly

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a hardy, clump-forming native prairie grass known for its fine blue-green summer foliage that turns brilliant shades of copper, orange, and red in the fall. Growing 2–3 feet tall, it provides beautiful structure, winter interest, and habitat for pollinators and birds. This adaptable species thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, tolerating drought and poor soils with ease. Perfect for prairie plantings, meadow gardens, and naturalized landscapes, Little Bluestem adds movement, texture, and year-round ecological value to any native planting.

• 3 Feet

• Sun - Part Shade

• Medium - Medium Dry - Dry

• July - October

• Attracts Birds
• Deer Resistant

Prairie Cord Grass (Spartina pectinata) is a bold, architectural native grass that brings height, texture, and movement to the landscape. Growing 4–8 feet tall, it features long, arching leaves and distinctive comb-like seed heads that emerge in late summer. Naturally found in wet prairies, marsh edges, and low areas, Prairie Cord Grass thrives in moist to wet soils but is adaptable to average garden conditions once established. Its extensive root system makes it excellent for erosion control and stabilization, while also providing valuable habitat and cover for wildlife. This species adds strong vertical structure to rain gardens, shoreline plantings, and larger native landscapes.

• 8 Feet

• Sun - Part Shade

• Wet - Medium Wet - Medium

• July - September

• Attracts Birds
• Deer Resistant

River Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) is a graceful, clump-forming native grass known for its distinctive, drooping seed heads that resemble flattened oats. Thriving in part shade and adaptable to a variety of soil types, River Oats is especially well-suited for woodland edges, shaded gardens, and erosion control along streambanks. Its airy green seed heads mature to a beautiful bronze in late summer and persist into fall, adding movement, texture, and winter interest to the landscape. A valuable native species, it also provides habitat and food for wildlife while bringing a soft, natural look to garden spaces.

• 3 Feet

• Part Shade

• Medium Wet - Medium

• July - September

• Deer Resistant
• Spreads Quickly

Side Oats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) is a warm-season, clump-forming native prairie grass known for its distinctive rows of oat-like seed spikes that dangle gracefully from one side of the stem. Blooming in mid to late summer, it adds movement and texture to sunny landscapes while supporting native pollinators and providing habitat for wildlife. This drought-tolerant species thrives in well-drained soils and is an excellent choice for prairies, meadow plantings, erosion control, and low-maintenance gardens. Side Oats Grama pairs beautifully with native wildflowers and brings a soft, naturalistic feel to any planting.

• 2 Feet

• Sun - Part Shade

• Medium - Medium Dry - Dry

• August - September

• Attracts Birds
• Deer Resistant

Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum) is a warm-season native prairie grass that adds height, texture, and movement to the landscape. Growing in upright clumps and typically reaching 3–5 feet tall, it produces airy, cloud-like seed heads in late summer that persist into winter. Its deep root system makes it exceptionally drought-tolerant and excellent for erosion control, while also supporting soil health. Switch Grass provides habitat and nesting cover for birds, supports pollinators, and offers seasonal interest with blue-green summer foliage that turns golden in the fall. Thriving in full sun and adaptable to a wide range of soils, it is a versatile and reliable choice for native gardens, meadows, and restoration projects.

• 4 Feet

• Sun - Part Shade

• Medium Wet - Medium - Medium Dry - Dry

• July - September

• Attracts Birds
• Deer Resistant
• Spreads Quickly