Bucheloe dactyloides, Buffalograss Our North American turfgrass, native to the shortgrass prairie and elevations below 7,000 ft. This warm season perennial grass grows to 4-6 inches tall and spreads by stolons to form a thick sod. It will grow on most soils but prefers heavy clay soils to sand. It is an excellent choice for homeowners who want a lawn without having to water frequently. ![]() NPS Photo Aristida purpurea, Purple Threeawn Grass This grass produces slender purple-reddish leaves from May until the summer heat ![]() NPS Photo Bouoteloua curtipendula, Sideoats gramagrass Upright native, warm season, clumping grass. Grows up to 30 inches tall. Large seeds hang from one size of a stiff zigzag stem. Designated the State Grass of Texas is 1971 and is widespread throughout the U.S. Sideoats provide a nutritious forage for many species of wildlife, including deer, antelope and turkey. ![]() NPS Photo Schizachyrium scoparium, Little Bluestem Grass Shortgrass native to most areas of North America, it's size and shape are often dependent upon growing conditions. It is a warm season bunchgrass through out much of North America, with new growth taking on a bluish hue. Color matures to a reddish-gold through the growing season. ![]() NPS Photo Panicum virgatum, Switch grass This species form very tall clumps, often 4-5' tall x 2 feet wide. This species is native to most prairie ecosystems and can tolerate a variety of soils. Its ability to grow well and produce a lot of biomass each season has led to its use in the bioenergy industry. |
Last updated: October 6, 2017