Grasses

Giant Plume Grass

NPS/Rusty Wilson

Giant Plume Grass (Saccharum giganteum)

Where to find: In marshes and ditches.
Pollination Season: Fall/Winter
How are they used: Used to decorate and attract various butterflies and other insects.
Fun Fact: Many people plant this grass to deter deer.

 

Little Blue Stem Grass

NPS/Rusty Wilson

Little Blue Stem Grass (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Where to find: Woodlands’ edge, openings, hillsides, slopes, prairies, plains, meadows, pastures, and savannas.
Pollination Season: Fall
How are they used: As a grazing plant, for covering open areas, nesting materials for a variety of animal species.
Fun Fact: This grass can grow in almost any soil if it drains well.

 

Indian Grass

NPS/VIP Rusty Wilson

Indian Grass

Where to find: Prairies; open woods; fields; dry slopes.Sand, loam, clay, limestone.
Pollination Season: Fall
How were they used: Farmers will also use this in pastures as a hay substitute. Like little bluestem, Indian grass is best planted in masse or in a wildflower meadow.
Fun Fact: Along with little bluestem, big bluestem and switchgrass, Indian grass is an important species in the tallgrass prairie. The bright yellow flowers contrast attractively with the blue-gray foliage. The grass stays low most of the year and then gets tall before blooming in early autumn.