When the pioneers first head west across the Great Plains in the 19th hundred , marvelous grass prairies covered just about one - third of America . More than 150 grass species fly high on the prairie , harmonise to Fermilab ’s Flora and Fauna Exhibit . Many of those prairie grasses have subtle colors , graceful forms and interesting textures that make them popular cosmetic additions to contemporary home gardens and landscapes .

Big Bluestem

Big blue stem ( Andropogon gerardii ) was one of the prevailing tall Gunter Wilhelm Grass of the 19th - century prairie . Also called turkey foot because of its purple , three - ramate flower heads , big Andropogon gerardii has culms ( hollow root ) with a waxy blue out coating . They reach more than 9 feet high-pitched , according to the USDA ’s Natural Resources Conservation Service .

Plant stems suffer three to seven spike of flowers from July to October . Their compressed , narrow parting become soft maroon in autumn , and the stem turn remain upright throughout the wintertime . Plant the grass in inadequate , well - drained soil and sun to part shade . Loamy soil is best ; bluestem is illiberal of very sandlike or heavy clay grime and extremely slopped locations . self-aggrandising Andropogon gerardii allow protection for a salmagundi of nesting birds . Songbirds feed on its seeds .

Indian Grass

Amerind grass ( Sorghastrum nutans ) stand between 3 and 8 feet high . Its wide , bluish - greenish leaves bring shades of purple or orange to the autumn landscape painting . Feathery large golden seed heads add further interest . Golden yellow heyday contrast effectively with the bluish stems . bird and small mammal feed on the seed .

This cervid - immune perennial pasture efflorescence from August to October on prairies and dry incline , and in heart-to-heart Grant Wood as far north Quebec and Manitoba and south to Florida and Arizona . Amerindic weed spring up in sun and shade and take sand- , loam- , clay- or limestone - free-base soils . It does best in rich , well - drain soils . It wo n’t achieve its full summit until just before flowering . Plant it in groups for best core , says the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center .

Prairie Cord Grass

Prairie cord grass ( Spartina pectinata ) thrives in coastal marshes and the low , wet areas of America ’s prairies . A 5- to 6 - invertebrate foot perennial with unbending , erect flower stems resemble combs , it has attractive yellow flower , tan seminal fluid heads and colorful yellow fall leafage . Flowers come along in June . Because prairie electric cord locoweed spreads by rhizomes , it ’s best in large areas where it wo n’t compete with other plants . constitute this grass , says the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center , in full Sunday and moist or wet productive land .

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