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Don’t let the common name “prairie dropseed” alarm you. This lovely, self-sufficient native grass is a clump-former, not a vigorous spreader.Declared a “Plant of Merit” by Missouri Botanical Garden for “outstanding quality and dependable performance,” Sporobolus is widely considered to be among the most attractive of our native prairie grasses. A natural for meadows, prairie dropseed can also be planted in rows to edge sunny walkways or lanes.Graceful arching clumps of slender emerald-green blad

For centuries, if not millennia, Andropogon gerardii, dominated America’s tallgrass prairies. It’s largely been replaced there by other grasses like Zeamays and Triticumaestivum, a.k.a. corn and wheat.But “big bluestem” is adaptable. It found new homes. Tough and self-reliant, Andropogon became a go-to plant for reclaiming damaged soils. And thanks to modern breeding, it’s increasingly welcome as an ornamental, especially in gardens dedicated to indigenous plants. Here are some of our faves.&nb

Andropogon gerardii, the North American native grass known as “big bluestem” is about as tough a plant as you can grow. But there’s a lot more to its story.For centuries, this genus dominated the tallgrass prairie. It’s been largely replaced there by other grasses like Zeamays and Triticumaestivum, a.k.a. corn and wheat.Andropogon has found new homes. A go-to plant for reclaiming damaged soils, it helps keep out exotic invasives. But thanks to modern breeding and selection, it’s increasingly wel

This interesting native grass has seed heads that look like oats, rising from foliage that’s reminiscent of bamboo. It tolerates much more shade than most ornamental grasses, and can even handle the infamously inhospitable shade of black walnut trees.The pendulous seed heads emerge green, turning purple/bronze in summer. They’re dazzling in late-afternoon sunlight, and they make a fabulous filler for dried flower arrangements. Height 3 – 4’. Hardy in Zones 5 - 9 The Game of the NameThe vernacul

Panicum (Switch grass)Indigenous American grasses aren’t just for native plant enthusiasts. Tough and carefree, clump-forming, warm-season “switch grass” is perfectly at home in any sunny landscape. Its surprisingly formal-looking upright habit works in masses, or as specimens punctuating the perennial border. Panicum virgatum Ruby Ribbons™ (‘RR1’) PP17944Bred at the University of Connecticut, Ruby Ribbons™ comes by its good looks honestly. One of its parents is the best-selling ‘He