Bluebunch Wheatgrass

Agropyron spicatum, Pseudoroegneria spicata

Native to Alaska,western Canada and the West. Important bunchgrass of the sagebrush steppe.

Region

Xeric

Flower Time

Size

W, S

summer

very

1.5 - 4 ft,

Big Bluestem

Andropogon gerardii

Turkey-foot grass. Tallgrass prairie native - from Canada to Mexico, east and midwest.

Region

Xeric

Flower Time

Size

M

summer

somewhat

3 - 10 ft.

Basin wildrye

Elymus cinereus

Showy tall bunchgrass of the sagebrush steppe. Grows in somewhat moister sites, like swales and the base of north slopes.

Region

Xeric

Flower Time

Size

L, R, W

summer

yes

4 - 5 ft.

Prairie Junegrass

Koeleria macrantha

Prairie junegrass is a native, perennial, cool season tufted bunchgrass found on rangelands, plains and open forestlands. One of the first grasses to green-up in the early spring.
Perennial grass found in a wide variety of native plant
communities.

Region

Xeric

Flower Time

Size

L,R, W, S, M

late spring

yes

1/2 - 2 ft.

Indian Ricegrass

Oryzopsis hymenoides

The baby’s breath of grasses – nice in floral arrangements. Birds love the seeds.

Region

Xeric

Flower Time

Size

L, R, W, M

summer

very

1- 2 ft.

Switchgrass

Panicum virgatum

Clump-forming, perennial, warm-season grass with open, lacy sprays with small seeds, Aug-Oct. Turns yellow in fall.

Region

Xeric

Flower Time

Size

M

summer

yes

3 - 6 ft.

Little Bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium

Beautiful upright bunchgrass of the midwestern mixed grass prairie. GREAT fall/winter color.

Region

Xeric

Flower Time

Size

M

Late summer

somewhat

3-4 ft.

Indian Grass

Sorghastrum nutans

Very showy tall bunchgrass from the midwestern tallgrass prairie.

Region

Xeric

Flower Time

Size

M

Late summer

somewhat

4 - 5 ft.