Grasses, Sedges, Rushes & Grains

Chart Key:

  • Elevation Range: Preferred Growing Elevation.
  • Erosion Control Index: Based on Germination & Growth Rate, Seeding Vigor, Life-Span & Growth Form
  • Wildlife Value: Provides food and/or cover and/or nesting for various forms of wildlife
  • Forage Value: Rates the food potential to livestock and wildlife.
  • X-Scape: "Xeriscaping" using native species for landscaping.
  • Wildlife & Forage Rating Scale
    • 1 = Not Recommended
    • 2 = Poor Results
    • 3 = Satisfactory
    • 4 = Good
    • 5 = Best
    • * Indicates revised scientific names accepted by the USDA/NRCS

      Call us or check with your extension office to determine if a particular species occurs naturally to your site.

      Additional Definitions:

      • Native grasses are those that occurred in North America before the settlement by European / Asian man.
      • Introduced grasses are those that are not native to North America
      • Warm Season grasses grow actively in summer and go dormant in cool weather. Warm season grasses will remain dormant until the soil temperature indicates that there is no chance of frost returning. Warm season grasses turn tan-colored from November through April.
      • Cool Season grasses thrive in cool weather and go semi-dormant in the hot summer months. They "green-up" earlier in the spring than warm season grasses.