Some of California’s most iconic landscapes are its golden rolling hills and verdant meadows. Sadly, these native coastal prairies, savannahs, and grasslands are also some of the most imperiled ecosystems in the United States, covering less than 1% of their historic range. These remnant plant communities are a refuge, harboring an astonishing 90% of the state’s rare plant species, and 30% of all species– flora and fauna– listed as threatened or endangered (this number does not include unlisted plants and animals experiencing sharp declines).
California’s remaining grasslands provide a wide array of benefits and services, including food production, watershed protection, wildlife habitat, and a richness of biodiversity nearly unmatched in our world. California’s 300+ grasses are deeply rooted in the cultures and lifeways of its people. Some individual old-growth plants have been sighing in the breeze since before the Gold Rush, and probably much longer.
Though grassland ecosystems are critically endangered, we have the potential to restore some of what has been destroyed by climate change and human development. The small act of planting native grasses in home or public landscapes is a step towards returning some of the ecosystem services lost– growing these native species conserves water, filters pollution, and provides crucial habitats for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. Grasses lend movement, contrast, and visual interest to any landscape– native varieties add a unique element of cultural legacy and pride of place. Here are some of the best native grasses for gardens in California.
1) Deergrass (Muhlenbergia rigens)
Deergrass or deer muhly is a warm-season perennial bunchgrass native to the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico; in California, it occurs in the coast ranges and the Sierra and Cascade foothills. It may be found in chaparral, yellow pine forests, mixed oak woodlands, valley grasslands, and wetland-riparian communities. Deergrass forms a dense, fountain-like basal tuft that can stretch about 4 – 6 ft wide and rises to 3 ft; the whip-like flower stalks arch out in plumes that ascend 2 ft above the mound, creating a dramatic, firework-like display. Leaves are narrow, pointed, and pale silvery green to purple, while the foliage is evergreen.
Deergrass is actually considered deer-resistant– it gets its name from the cover it provides for mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) during the fawning season and the animals’ fondness for bedding down in the drifts. Deer, cattle, and horses do graze on younger, more palatable individuals, and birds feast on the seeds. It is a host plant for the California ringlet butterfly (Coenonympha tullia california) and the umber skipper (Poanes melane).
Indigenous Californians use the culms to weave coiled baskets; thousands are needed for the completion of each one. Deergrass is a hugely popular nursery plant, widely cultivated for its ornamental properties and its tidy, effortless growth habit. Use it to add structure to bird or pollinator gardens, along pathways, or mass it in drifts. It is also suitable for containers. This species is fast-growing, reaching maturity after 1 – 2 years in full sun or partial shade– it tolerates full shade, but will fill out a little more slowly. Deergrass is adaptable to a variety of soil types including clay, but prefers sandy or gravelly loams; little to no irrigation is required.
2) California fescue (Festuca californica)
California fescue is a cool-season perennial bunchgrass endemic to the coast ranges, foothills, and valleys of California and Oregon, from Clackamas County, OR, to San Luis Obispo. It is found primarily in chaparral, mixed evergreen forests, and yellow pine forests. California fescue is semi-evergreen and comes in at least 5 distinct colors, ranging from silvery blue to pale green; popular cultivars include ‘Serpentine Blue,’ ‘River House Blues,’ ‘Phil’s Silver,’ ‘Scott Mountain,’ and ‘Horse Mountain Green.’
Festuca californica grows in mid-size, fountain-like tufts 2 – 3 ft high and 1 – 2 ft wide, with flower panicles rising another 1 – 3 ft above the foliage between March and July. Of all the Poaceae (grasses) native to the North Coast, this species has perhaps the highest value for wildlife; at least 9 species of Lepidoptera use it as a larval host and mature plants provide cover for ground-nesting birds like California quail, wild turkeys, spotted towhees, and dark-eyed juncos. Rodents burrow at the bases of mounds, using the dense grass as a thatch to regulate temperature; oak woodland reptiles like alligator lizards and ring-necked snakes also use these burrows in the winter, and coyotes and foxes frequently hunt the drifts. Its abundant seeds are eaten by birds, rodents, and harvester ants.
California fescue is useful for restoration plantings and erosion control (thanks to its deep roots), but it is also widely cultivated for its ornamental value. It is low-maintenance, becoming extremely hardy at a young age, and drought-tolerant. F. californica is becoming increasingly popular as a replacement for the more finicky tall fescue (F. arundinacea, a European species that needs frequent irrigation) on southern California golf courses; it makes an excellent fairway pairing with coast live oaks.
In a garden setting, it is a tidy specimen plant or groundcover, and adds winter interest to beds and borders. California fescue tolerates serpentine soils and clay, but not sand. Plant it in full sun or dappled shade, especially under native deciduous oaks. Consider also red fescue (F. rubra, a fine turfgrass) and Idaho fescue (F. idahoensis, a nutritious forage grass for domestic and wild animals).
3) Purple needlegrass (Stipa pulchra)
Purple needlegrass or purple stipa is a long-lived, upright perennial bunchgrass endemic to California, from the Oregon border down through Baja. It occurs throughout the state in a variety of plant communities, including coastal prairies, sage scrub, valley grasslands, chaparral, and oak woodlands. Purple needlegrass was once one of the most dominant species of California’s formerly expansive grasslands (our native prairies and savannahs are now among the most endangered ecosystems in the country, occupying less than 1% of their historic range).
Hundreds of years ago– before European settlers and the onslaught of invasive exotic grasses that came with them– hillsides, valleys, and mountainsides shimmered silver-green and gold with the fine-textured leaves and nodding, purple-tinted seed awns of Stipa pulchra. Purple needlegrass has since become the official state grass of California, a symbol of heritage, grandeur, and the erstwhile richness of her unspoiled lands. In fact, some extant individuals of this species probably lived through the establishment of statehood in 1850– the lifespan of this plant is thought to exceed 200 years. Through all this time (and long before), purple needlegrass has been a staple food for Indigenous Californians who toast and grind the seeds to make pinole.
Purple needlegrass foliage is valuable forage for deer, elk, and other wildlife, and is grazed by domestic livestock until late in the season when the spikelets become too sharp. The longevity of this species and its deep root system (which reportedly reaches deeper than 16 ft in some cases) allow it to form complex relationships; it feeds over 330 terrestrial lifeforms. Notably, S. pulchra supports mycorrhizal fungi, which in turn bolsters native oaks and helps suppress invasive species.
This plant is exceptionally drought-tolerant and is found in virtually every type of soil. For home landscapes, mix it with other grasses and wildflowers for an elegant touch, or pair it with native oaks and shrubs. Plant it in full sun or partial shade. Purple needlegrass grows 3 ft tall and 2 ft wide, self-sowing freely and even planting itself with its bristle-like awn, which resembles a needle and thread.
4) Giant wildrye (Elymus condensatus)
Giant wildrye or giant rye grass is an unusually large, robust perennial bunchgrass endemic to California down through Baja. It occurs in the southern part of the state and in coastal areas, often in clearings or habitat edges. It is primarily associated with coastal sage scrub, chaparral, oak woodlands, Joshua tree woodlands, and (rarely) riparian corridors. The tallest of our native grasses, giant wildrye has been known to reach 11 ft high, though it usually reaches between 3 – 6 ft at maturity. It stretches 2 – 8 ft wide at its base and spreads slowly by rhizomes.
Elymus condensatus is handsome in a home landscape– it has distinctive silvery-blue foliage and retains its color all year. It makes a stately specimen or accent planting, lending character and interest that it maintains well over time. Powder-blue flowers and seed heads are striking in summer, and add an airy element to floral arrangements. Giant wildrye is good forage for grazers, and its seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals. As many as 13 species of Lepidoptera use it as a larval host.
Indigenous Californians have many uses for this plant– its reeds were cut and shaped to make the mainshafts of lightweight arrows for hunting small game, roof thatching, and even knives or drinking straws. The Chumash used it to make a sweetener from aphid secretions; its leaves were thrashed onto animal hides, and the sugars rolled into balls.
Giant wildrye is hardy and drought-tolerant– overwatering may cause it to lose its shape (inducing it to look something like a beanbag that a person sat on, according to Las Pilitas Nursery in Santa Margarita). It adapts well to a variety of soils, including sand, clay, and serpentine; plant it in full sun. ‘Canyon Prince’ is a popular cultivar selected from San Miguel Island with a more compact growth habit. Consider also blue wildrye (Elymus glaucus).
5) Purple three-awn (Aristida purpurea)
Purple three-awn is a warm-season perennial bunchgrass that is widespread in the Great Plains states, from southern Canada down through northern Mexico. In California, it is found in desert, mountain, and coastal habitats from Mono County southward into Baja. Plant communities for this species include creosote bush scrub, coastal sage scrub, and Joshua tree woodlands. Purple three-awn has an upright growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall and 2 ft wide. There are several varieties in California, each with overlapping geographical ranges.
A. purpurea is generally considered to be unpalatable to grazing animals due to its sharp spikelets, but may be browsed before seed heads are produced– it should be planted away from pets’ and children’s play areas, as its prickly seeds will stick to fabric or fur. It is a host plant for the white-lined sphinx moth (Hyles lineata). Juncos and other songbirds eat the seeds, and the foliage provides nesting material and cover for small game animals.
Purple three-awn is a grass-lover’s dream, with fine-textured leaves and showy plum-colored flowers. Warm breezes in summer and fall create a spectacular, smoky purple haze that is mesmerizing in a home landscape. Use it along walkways, in beds and borders, or massed under garden art, it is also suitable for containers. A. purpurea thrives in sunny, dry locations with minimal irrigation; it is easy to care for, highly drought-tolerant, and adapts to a variety of soils. Its root system is fibrous and excellent for erosion control, with a loose matrix that easily allows for wildflowers.
6) Clustered field sedge (Carex praegracilis)
Clustered field sedge or western meadow sedge is a species in the Cyperaceae family (and not technically a grass– ‘sedges have edges, rushes are round, and grasses have knees that bend to the ground’)– it is a cool-season, sod-forming sedge native to much of North America, from Alaska down through southern Canada and across the United States, with the exception of the southeastern region. In California, it is found primarily in open wet (or seasonably so) habitats, including meadows and wetlands– where it occurs in more arid locations, it is typically riparian or semi-riparian.
Plant communities for Carex praegracilis include creosote bush scrub, coastal sage scrub, coastal strand, red fir or yellow pine forests, valley grasslands, mountain meadows, and riparian corridors. It often grows on disturbed sites and roadsides. Clustered field sedge has silver to rich green, sharply triangular stems reaching 2 – 3.5 ft tall from rhizomes, with pale green flower spikelets that cure to golden brown and are followed by tiny fruits (achenes) enclosed in sac-like bracts. Foliage may be evergreen or summer deciduous if stressed by drought.
C. praegracilis is the larval host for at least 10 species of Lepidoptera in California. It is often used as a natural lawn replacement. Left untrimmed, it has a lush, tousled appearance, but it can be mowed to 4 – 6 inches and withstands moderate foot traffic once established. Using clustered field sedge in place of turfgrass is estimated to cut the water bill of most homeowners down to one-third, while still maintaining a year-round green look. It is also useful for bioswales, erosion control, and firebreaks.
This plant is beautiful in wildflower meadows, around paving stones, and in between perennials; it is also well-suited for containers. Plant it in full sun in a variety of soils– if your site does not have adequate moisture, give it water once per week. California has many native Carex species to choose from (with over 150 recognized species and varieties); other fine choices for home landscapes include foothill sedge (Carex tumulicola) and Santa Barbara sedge (Carex barbarae).
7) Tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa)
Tufted hairgrass or tussock grass is a cool-season perennial bunchgrass found in arctic and temperate regions all over the globe– it is one of the most widely distributed grasses on earth. In California, it grows in coastal prairies and mountain meadows in the northern and central parts of the state; it most frequently occurs in wetland-riparian habitats (especially freshwater or saltwater marshes) but is also associated with alpine fellfields, red fir forests, and yellow pine forests. Deschampsia cespitosa is highly variable, with at least 3 recognized subspecies and several cultivars available in nurseries (notably ‘Jughandle’ and ‘Susan’s Choice’)– in California, it usually grows to about 3 ft tall by 3 ft wide.
Tufted hairgrass’ dark green leaves are finely textured, flat or rolled, and rise erect from a dense basal tuft. Its foliage is semi-evergreen or stress-deciduous; hot, dry conditions will considerably shorten its growing season and lifespan. Where temperatures are mild and it receives adequate moisture, tufted hairgrass is remarkably ornamental, with an ethereal beauty that provides an excellent framework for wildflower plantings. Its airy flower panicles range in color from green to purple and gold, arching loosely 2 – 3 ft above the full-bodied tussock.
This species is useful for restoration (especially wet prairies, shorelines, and tidal marshes), revegetation, bioswales, and as a pasture grass– it makes high-quality forage for cattle and sheep at high elevations. Foliage is grazed by wild animals as well, especially deer, elk, pronghorn, and bears. Some varieties have been bred for use as wear-resistant turf, suitable for golf courses and sports fields. Tufted hairgrass is the larval host for the umber skipper (Poanes melane) and the Juba skipper (Hesperia juba).
For home landscapes, tufted hairgrass is stunning when massed together, especially where the soft afternoon light can play on its wisplike inflorescences. Use it in transitional borders, wet meadows, or moist locations mixed with other grasses, perennial herbs, and annual wildflowers. It is tolerant of sand, clay, and poorly drained soils. This plant prefers partial sun or partial shade, and likes consistently moist to occasionally wet soil. Consider also its versatile, underrated cousin, slender hairgrass (Deschampsia elongata).
8) California melic (Melica californica)
California melic is a cool-season perennial bunchgrass endemic to California and Oregon. In the Golden State, it grows primarily in the Coast Ranges and the Sierra foothills, in mountain forests, and on open, rocky slopes. This species is associated with oak woodlands, forests, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and grasslands. An outstanding grass for dry shade or water-wise gardens, California melic is drought-tolerant with a deep root system. Its bright green, narrow leaves reach 1 – 2 ft tall from a loose basal tuft 1 ft wide– foliage turns golden-brown in late summer. Inflorescences are airy and delicate-looking, with interesting purple-banded green spikelets and translucent bracts. Flower culms rise 2 – 4 ft tall, and remain attractive through dormancy– they make a lovely addition to floral arrangements.
California melic is a host plant for the rural skipper butterfly (Ochlodes agricola). In a garden setting, California melic does best in partial shade with minimal irrigation– it needs well-drained soil but adapts to a variety of loams, including sand, clay, and serpentine. Mass this plant together for a striking effect, or plant it in a rock or butterfly garden to add balance and finish. It is excellent for erosion control and slope stabilization.
9) Pacific reedgrass (Calamagrostis nutkaensis)
Pacific reedgrass or Nootka reedgrass is a cool-season, semi-evergreen perennial bunchgrass native to western North America, from Alaska down through San Luis Obispo. In California, it is a coastal species, occurring mainly in moist woods, wetlands, dunes, and beaches. A popular ornamental grass for the north and central coasts, Pacific reedgrass is densely tufted, with rough-textured, bold-green foliage reaching 3 – 4 ft high. Its leaves arch gracefully, giving it a stately fountain shape. Flower panicles appear in May, rising 1 – 2 ft above the mound– the long, slender spikelets fade to gold in late summer.
Pacific reedgrass is a host plant for the Arctic skipper butterfly (Carterocephalus palaemon). This species is highly adaptable, growing in a wide variety of soils. It is deer-resistant and tolerant of salt spray, wind, and drought (though it appreciates summer water when planted inland). This plant performs best in full sun to partial shade with moderate to high moisture. Use it for erosion control, as a background for wildflowers, or as a foundation plant; it also makes a dramatic focal point in containers and is excellent as an accent in bird or butterfly gardens. Consider also leafy reedgrass (Calamagrostis foliosa).
10) Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis)
Blue grama or mosquito grass is a warm-season perennial grass that is widespread throughout North America, especially in the shortgrass prairie of the southern and central Great Plains (where it accounts for most of the net primary productivity, providing a critical ecosystem service). In California its range is limited; it occurs primarily in the arid mountain regions of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, and in the Mojave National Preserve. Blue grama is associated with pinyon-juniper woodlands and yellow pine forests. Its growth habit is conditional to its location: in the south, it grows as a bunchgrass; and in the north or at higher elevations it is a sod-former.
B. gracilis is one of the shortest of our native ornamental grasses, reaching only 1 – 2 ft. Its leaves are fine-textured and delicate looking, with a beautiful silvery-green hue. It has increased in popularity among horticulturists in recent years– ‘Blonde Ambition’ is a well-known cultivar. One of its most attractive features is its unique, curved seed head that resembles a strip of eyelashes or a thin pennant waving in the breeze. Inflorescences start out pale green and mature first to purple, then to honeyed gold.
Blue grama is the larval host for at least 6 species of Lepidoptera in California, including the woodland skipper (Ochlodes sylvanoides) and the Ridings’ satyr (Neominois ridingsii). It may be used as a turf replacement, either alone or mixed with buffalo grass (Bouteloua dactyloides). In a garden setting, it is wonderful as an accent plant or naturalized in wildflower meadows. Blue grama is low maintenance and drought-tolerant, requiring little water– plant it in full sun or partial shade in nearly any well-drained soil.
11) Alkali sacaton (Sporobolus airoides)
Alkali sacaton is a large, warm-season perennial bunchgrass native to central and southern California. It grows in coastal regions and foothills but is especially suited to arid landscapes with groundwater basins, particularly alkali sinks, playas, vernal pools, and areas with seeps or seasonal drainages. In her work The Natural History of the White-Inyo Range, famed California botanist and conservationist Mary DeDecker noted that “[e]arly desert travelers considered this grass a reliable indicator of water sufficiently fresh to drink within a few feet of the surface…”– it does tend to occur in areas that are at least seasonally moist, and is not considered drought-tolerant.
Alkali sacaton is fast-growing and moderately long-lived, reaching 3 – 4 ft tall with a 2 ft wide base. It is deciduous, with narrow, silvery-green leaves that cure to golden brown in the fall and winter months. Dainty yellow flower panicles bloom in mid-summer– the seed head is open and airy, with tiny reddish spikelets that create a pinkish-purple haze above the foliage.
This species is an important forage grass for wildlife and livestock in arid regions. Its seeds have been a valuable food source for Indigenous peoples– the name Sacaton comes from the Aztec or Nahuatl word for grass, zacatl. For a home landscape, Sporobolus airoides makes a handsome addition to xeriscape gardens, wildflower meadows, or pocket prairies. Mass together or use it as an accent plant. It provides good erosion control, and cut flower culms are lovely in floral arrangements. This plant is attractive to songbirds and pollinators– alkali sacaton is the larval host for the sandhill skipper (Polites sabuleti) and the wandering skipper (Panoquina errans). Plant it in full sun in a variety of soils.
12) Prairie Junegrass (Koeleria macrantha)
Prairie Junegrass is a compact cool-season perennial bunchgrass native to much of North America, from Alaska down through northern Mexico and across to the eastern United States. In California, it occurs on the coast and in the mountains in a variety of habitats. It is most often associated with dry open areas such as chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and central oak woodlands. Junegrass grows 1 – 2 ft tall from a dense basal tuft of silvery blue-green leaves. Flower panicles start out as thick spikes with a pinkish-purple tint that loosen over time into airy flaxen plumes 12 – 18 inches above the foliage– after pollination (by wind), the spikelets close again.
Junegrass is browsed by a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and pronghorns; it is also good forage for livestock. The Columbian skipper (Hesperia columbia) and the Nevada skipper (Hesperia nevada) use this species as a host plant. Its seeds are eaten by a variety of birds and small mammals. Indigenous Californians ground the seeds to make flour and tied its narrow leaves together for scouring brushes, paintbrushes, and brooms.
Junegrass performs best in sunny locations with well-drained, rocky or sandy soil and moderate moisture. It grows in a variety of loams in light shade but does not do well in wet, heavy clays or deep shade. It is drought-tolerant and extremely resistant to fire owing to its small stature. In a garden setting, plant it with colorful perennial companion plants that mask its summer dormancy. Lovely in wildflower meadows, pollinator or rock gardens, pocket prairies, and in the dappled shade of native oaks. It is sometimes used as turfgrass in golf course rough.
13) California oatgrass (Danthonia californica)
California oatgrass is a low, cool-season perennial bunchgrass native to North America, from British Columbia down through southern California and east to Saskatchewan and Montana, across the Rocky Mountains, and into New Mexico and Arizona (and with one subspecies in Chile). It is most common in the Pacific Coast states. In California, it grows primarily in the Coast Ranges and the Sierras, in moist meadows and open places– it is associated with closed-cone pine forests and coastal sage scrub.
California oatgrass has soft blue-green foliage that reaches 2 – 3 ft tall and is semi-evergreen, browning slightly in the late summer heat but becoming verdant again with fall rains. Flower spikelets are understated, often with a purple cast, open, and loose. This grass is an important component of rare and imperiled ecosystems in California (especially remnant coastal terrace prairies, which in turn support federally endangered species like the Ohlone tiger beetle), and useful for restorations, wildlife plantings, and revegetation.
California oatgrass also enhances biodiversity in home landscapes– it is a good candidate for lawn replacement and can withstand mowing, heavy traffic, and moderate summer moisture stress. Danthonia californica is effective for erosion control, as a firebreak, and makes an excellent forage grass for wildlife and livestock. Use it in meadows or as an accent in bird, pollinator, or rock gardens, especially along paths or around pavers and stones. California oatgrass does well in full sun or partial shade in loamy or clay soils; it is also tolerant of flooding. This plant is a larval host for several species of Lepidoptera, including the Columbian skipper (Hesperia columbia) and Lindsey’s skipper (Hesperia lindseyi).
