Grasses

Blog Posts

a ring of lush, dark green turfgrass surrounded by lighter green turfgrass
Read article: What’s causing the circles in my lawn? Fairy rings
What’s causing the circles in my lawn? Fairy rings
Have you ever noticed a near-perfect circle of lush green grass or a ring of mushrooms growing in a lawn? While these patterns may seem concerning or...
Clumps of feather reed grass in a garden
Read article: Taking a look at Feather Reed Grass
Taking a look at Feather Reed Grass
When it comes to plant selections in landscaping, much of the focus is typically put on trees, shrubs, and showy flowers. But take a closer look at...
woman outside holding a grass
Read article: How to use range maps to help when identifying grasses
How to use range maps to help when identifying grasses
If you are new to grass ID, or even experienced with it, and you come across an unknown grass, the options of possible grasses can be overwhelming!...
hand holding small grass
Read article: Identifying Carolina Foxtail, a winter annual
Identifying Carolina Foxtail, a winter annual
I recently received an inquiry from a farmer to identify an unknown grass he found on his property. This led me to a grass I’ve never identified...

News Releases

A woman stands in a grassy field holding a long blade of grass
Can one person make a difference on environmental issues?
Global environmental issues like habitat loss and pollution can feel overwhelming. Can one person’s actions make a difference? Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator Erin Garrett believes so. Garrett provides...
Erin Garret standing next to little bluestem in a garden
Grasses at a Glance blog earns award from national Extension organization
URBANA, Ill. — Grasses are a small and often subtle backbone of many ecosystems, making up nearly 30% of the planet’s land cover. They prevent soil erosion, regulate water flow, and provide food and habitat for wildlife and livestock. But ask someone to identify one grass from another, and you...

Videos

Native grasses and pollinators

Native grasses are often overlooked when it comes to pollinators, but they can play a crucial role in supporting many different types of pollinators. Discover how native grasses provide nesting and overwintering habitats, serve as larval food sources, offer pollen, and much more!

Native Grasses in the Prairie and Your Yard

Explore native grasses and how to use them in our landscapes. Dive into how these grasses function in a prairie and how that translates to your yard, and get suggestions for what native grasses might work best to transform your landscape!

Staff