Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii):

A monarch of the prairie? The most prevalent and widely distributed of all the prairie grasses, Grows 5 to 8 ft tall, it thrives on a tremendous range of soils, from wet, poorly drained clay to dry open sand. In late August it produces its distinctive three-parted seedheads, which resemble a turkey foot.

Bottlebrush grass (Hystrix patula): 

This woodland grass produces delightful seedheads that resemble a bottlebrush.  Growing in clumps on well drained soil, it reaches 4-5 feet tall and is ideal for part shade conditions under trees.  It will grow in sand or clay in dry to medium soils.  Blooms from June to Sept.

Canada wild rye (Elymus Canadensis): 

Showy seedheads with long bristle-like awns (reminiscent of barley).  This is a cool season grass and matures earlier than the warm season grasses.  Prefers full sun but will grow well in partial shade.  Plant in any good soil, tolerates dry sites well.  Grows 3’-5’ in height with a 2’-3’ spread.

Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans):

The silky-soft, golden seedheads of Indian grass impart a special beauty and drama to the prairie in autumn. Reaching 5 to 7 feet tall, it makes a powerful late season statement in the landscape. Mix with Little Bluestem for a fabulous fall combination. Grows readily on any well-drained soil, from dry sand to heavy clay. Grows best in full sun.

June Grass (Koeleria cristata):

This early-flowering gem produces lustrous silvery-green seedheads in early summer.  Grows on dry sandy and rock soils, seldom exceeding two feet in height.  Makes an excellent companion for shorter prairie flowers. Such as Prairie Smoke.  Likes full sun.

Little Bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium):

The blue-green foliage provides a great backdrop for the prairie flowers in summer, turning a striking crimson in fall. The fluffy silver seedheads add some real dazzle to the autumn landscape. A patch of little bluestem waving in the wind is truly a wondrous sight, resembling waves of the ocean on a bright and breezy fall day. Grows 2 to 3 feet tall on well-drained sand and loam, and excels in dry sandy and rocky soils. Not recommended for heavy clay or damp soils.

Prairie cord grass (Spartina pectinata):

This is an excellent grass for stabilizing pond edges and streambanks.  The foliage turns a bright gold in the fall.  Flowerstalks reach six to nine feet tall in August.  Spreads aggressively by rhizomes, making it an excellent choice for stabilizing fresh soil around newly-excavated ponds, streambanks and other wet sites.  Prefers full sun, wet soils and not particular as to the soil type.

Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepsis):

This grass produces a magnificent fountain of fine-textured, emerald green leaves, adding a touch of elegance to any planting. Considered by many to be the most handsome of the prairie grasses, it makes a well-defined and distinctive border when planted 18 to 24 inches apart. Grows 2 to 4 feet high on any well-drained soil, and does particularly well on dry sand.

Sideoats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula):

This short prairie grass has one of the most attractive flowers of any grass. Its bright purple and orange flowers lend it a special grace and beauty. It is equally appealing in seed, with small oat-like seeds suspended on one side of the stalk. Excellent for dry soils, as well as well-drained loams and clays, reaching 2 to 3 feet in height.

Sweet Grass (Hierochloe odoratum):

A loosely bunched to single-stemmed perennial with creeping rhizomes, stems usually less than 1 m tall.  Sweetgrass is semi-erect, with flat, smooth, shiny leaves that are reddish-purple at the base.  It survives in a wide range of environmental conditions and prefers medium to coarse textured soils with moderate moisture content and full to partial light conditions.  It grows best with limited competition form other species.

Switch Grass (Panicum virgatuim):

This ever-popular prairie grass is known for its lush foliage and conical seedheads that turn a golden brown in fall. It is also the best native grass for creating dense cover for wildlife habitat. Its stiff stems stand up over winter better than all the other grasses. It will grow 3 to 6 feet tall in your driest sand and most horrendous clay. Also grows luxuriantly on good soils.