One of our favorites, Sideoats Gramma stands up to three feet tall with graceful stems adorned with rows of tiny oat-like seeds that dangle from one side like flags in the wind. This warm season grass shifts through a kaleidoscope of colors from blue-green in summer to a rich copper with purple hues in fall.

Loving full sun and dry, well-draining soil, this plant thrives in dry conditions and is highly drought tolerant once established. It requires little to no maintenance, making it a perfect choice for low-input landscapes.

This tidy, clump forming grass adds movement and texture without overwhelming its neighbors. Its fine texture and upright form make it a striking companion to flowering plants in meadows or xeriscapes.

Widespread across North America, it flourishes in prairies, open woodlands, and rocky slopes from Canada to Mexico. It is a key component of native grasslands, thriving in soils were other plants struggle.

Emerging blue-green when soils warm up, it sends up its signature seedheads in midsummer, which turn golden in the fall and persist through much of winter.

A valuable host plant for several species of skipper butterflies, sideoats gramma also serves as a food source to songbirds and cover for small wildlife. Its deep root system is key for soil stabilization and restoration efforts.