Modest, but attractive grass, that is native to all states (excluding Nevada). Heat and drought tolerant and easy to grow, adaptable prairie grass.
2' tall, narrower clumps that open wide with age, gray-green leaves, one side-placed flowers with purple-red anthers in summer, flowers July/August - September.
Full sun, half shade, average soils, dry to medium, rocky soil, gritty soil, tolerates dry clay.
This perennial grass has excellent ecological value - it is host plant for many species of grasshoppers, stinkbug, mealybug and for larvae of skippers - Dakota Skipper, Leonard's Skipper, Ottoe's Skipper. Seeds are eaten by upland gamebirds, granivorous songbirds, including turkey.
It is deer resistant, but other big mammals feed on leaves too (bison, elk, horses, cattle).
Hardy in zones 4 to 9. Native to most of USA, see the USDA distribution map.
Can be used in public spaces (especially in traffic islands with extreme conditions), or private gardens, cottage gardens, naturalistic plantings or prairie gardens.Great for erosion control on dry slopes or dry spots.
It's fine structure looks the best, if combined with rough structure of Echinacea, Ratibida, Rudbeckia or Silphium.
Pot size : square 3.5" x 4" deep perennial pot
Picture copyright : US Perennials nursery