Indiangrass – Sorghastrum nutans
This grass is one of the “big four” native grasses of the original tall grass prairie. It can be found in the Cross Timbers region at undisturbed sites. . It provides good soil erosion control, makes a nice accent grass for landscaping, provides seed for wildlife, is an important forage grass & is an indicator of good range conditions.
Switchgrass – Panicum virgatum
Switchgrass is a dominant bunchgrass found in the original tall grass prairie and is one of the “big four” along with Indiangrass, Little bluestem & Big bluestem. It is a perennial that grows in large clumps, which in this regard, makes it good for soil erosion. It would be perfect to fill in an unused corner of a lot. Wildlife use Switchgrass for nesting & denning material & it serves as a larval host for many different butterfly species.
Canada wildrye – Elymus canadensis
Canada wildrye grows in shady spots or openings in the woods. It provides good early grazing for livestock & fair forage for wildlife such as deer. Many species of small mammal & birds eat the grain & use it for nesting material & cover. The seed heads make an attractive accent to a garden. This grass can help fill in those shady spots in your yard where you can’t get other things to grow.
Inland seaoats – Chasmanthium latifolium
This perennial grass loves the shade. It grows along streams & moist woodlands. Seaoats provides excellent forage for wildlife. It makes an attractive ornamental grass for landscaping. This is a good grass to plant in a shady spot for your backyard wildlife habitat. It is a larval host for several varieties of skipper butterflies.
Hairy grama – Bouteloua hirsuta
Hairy grama is a warm season perennial bunchgrass. It provides good forage for cattle & wildlife. Although this grass doesn’t reach the proportions of other bunchgrasses, it makes for an attractive planting interspersed amongst the larger bunchgrasses & wildflowers.
Silver bluestem – Bothriochloa laguroides
Silver bluestem reaches up to 42″ in height & is a warm season perennial bunchgrass. The silver seed heads glisten in the sun when the grass is swaying in the wind on a summer day. This grass would make an attractive accent in a garden, especially in a breezy garden!