In Illinois, our historic grasses have been tallgrass prairie species. These include big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), yellow Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans), and switch grass (Panicum virgatum). It would make sense that a person wishing to include native prairie grasses in their landscape would opt for the tallgrass species. Yet, if you ask me, I would steer most folks away from tall grasses and toward short prairie grass species.

Wait, there are different types of prairies? Yes! For the most part, we distinguish between tallgrass, short grass, and mixed grass prairies. Let’s time-travel before European colonization for a quick peek at our historic plant communities.

Before development, the chestnut cathedrals of the Appalachia’s met the tallgrass prairie of the Midwest. The tall grasses growing over the heads of anyone on foot stretched to the horizon and beyond. While a Native American or European settler may have encountered a few shortgrass species in historic Illinois, the tall grasses dominated the landscape. Progressing westward rainfall lessens and the climate turns more arid. The prairie begins to transition to shorter species as water resources diminish. It is in the Great Plains where we see the dominance of short grass prairies.

If we know Illinois was home to tall prairie grasses, why would I recommend species not historically dominant? The answer is simple, tall prairie grasses are bullies. I have encountered several instances from backyard pollinator gardens to acres of CRP, where the tall grasses like big bluestem and yellow Indian grass crowd out all of the other native wildflowers. And sometimes become pure stands of grass.

What these pollinator gardens and CRP stands are missing is an herbivore. Namely bison and elk. These lumbering beasts would help keep the tall grasses in check. Last I checked, there are currently no bison or elk freely roaming Illinois.

Short and mixed prairie grasses such as little bluestem, side oats grama, and buffalo grass are not nearly as aggressive and can be much more manageable. Here are some grasses to consider including in native plant or pollinator gardens.

Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

While some may think of this as a short version of big bluestem, little bluestem is a completely different species. Little bluestem reaches 2-3' tall and has a strong upright form that stands out in the landscape. This plant has a bluish tint to the leaves in the summer and boasts a lovely fall color ranging from red to purple. Little Bluestem prefers full sun and can tolerate drier sites. Little bluestem is quite adaptable and can be found throughout tallgrass, mixed grass, and shortgrass prairies.

Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilisB)

This was considered a dominant shortgrass prairie species and is only occasionally found growing wild in Illinois. Blue grama grows up to 2’ tall and has a flower that reminds me of eyebrows suspended on a stem. Fine textured grass blades turn a golden color with hints of red in the fall. This grass will do best on dry, full-sun sites.

Side oats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula)

Side Oats Grama is a short, slim grass, typically 2-3 feet tall. As the season progresses, the dainty flowers along the flower stalk will often nod to one side, which leads to the name "Side" Oats Grama. Side oats grama is more common to find growing wild in Illinois than blue grama. Full sun is a must, but side oats will grow in just about any soil. Golden tan hues in the fall. Video on identifying side oats grama.

Buffalo grass (Buchloë dactyloides)

Buffalo grass is commonly found in the arid shortgrass prairies, but not as common in Illinois. Buffalo grass will grow 4 to 6 inches tall. In a prairie garden, this plant can serve as a ground cover between the larger grasses and wildflowers. Because this grass is quite short and will spread via stolons, buffalo grass is also used as one of our only native turf grass species. I have grown buffalo grass on three different occasions in central Illinois with mixed to failed results. In Illinois, it seems buffalo grass struggles to compete with many of our non-native cool-season turf grasses. Turf breeders are looking at developing buffalo grass varieties that are better adapted to grow east of the Mississippi River. Yet everywhere I’ve planted plots of buffalo grass, it has never gone away entirely. More like faded into the background with the non-native cool-season grasses taking center stage. Recommended planting sites include full sun and dry to medium soil moisture.

Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)

Technically more of a northern prairie species, prairie dropseed has a shorter stature similar to its shortgrass prairie kin. Prairie dropseed has exploded onto the ornamental landscaping scene in recent decades as a good all-around performer. The fine textured grass grows in wispy mounds and spikes of delicate flowers rise over top. Some may think this grass will flatten at the first hint of snow, but it holds its shape under the weight of winter. Leaving interesting bumps in a snow-laden landscape. Prairie dropseed grows 2 to 4 feet tall and prefers full sun with dry to medium soil.

Many of these grasses have been cultivated for sale in the ornamental landscape trade and several named cultivars can be found at garden centers or online.

Check out Illinois Extension's blog Grasses at a Glance by NREE educator Erin Garrett 

Plus Erin has made some great identification videos for grasses. Checkout the YouTube playlist here

Good Growing Fact of the Week: Is “grama” short for grandma grass? No, “Grama” comes from the Latin word grāmen, which means grass.