For its distinctive inflorescences, colorful fall foliage and phenomenal drought tolerance, this Midwestern denizen reigns supreme. Purplish oat-like spikelets, uniformly draped along one side of the upright or arching stalks, eventually blanch to a straw hue. Withstanding a wide range of soil types and difficult sites, Side Oats Gamma forms erect, wiry light green clumps that manifest violet, orange and red autumnal shades. Planted in drifts, meandering amid other medium-statured grasses and smaller perennials, a dramatic statement is yours to enjoy, while the birds and butterflies feast on the fodder.

Blooms June–November

Size: 2' 0" – 3' 0" high x 12" – 18" wide.

Hardy to zone 3.

We wish more plants were like this one! This North American native is tough, drought tolerant, and adds delicacy and movement wherever it’s placed. Slightly iridescent, Mosquito Grass offers tiny seed heads borne atop thin, wiry stems. Resembling aerial minnows, the inflorescences dart above 1 ft. clumps of dense, narrow blades. Plant them next to a garden seat or steps where they can be enjoyed at close range.

Blooms June–October

Size: 18" high x 12" wide.

Hardy to zone 4.

Taller and more energetic than the species, ‘Blonde Ambition’s dense finely hewn tufts provide a blue-green foil for cut-flower-perfect inflorescences, which grow at 90° angles and summon our attention well into winter. The large chartreuse seed heads broadcast eye-catching platinum blonde shades once they mature, waving like splendid flags atop stiff 2 ½ ft. slender stalks. Discovered by David Salmon of High Country Gardens as a chance sport in a Santa Fe, NM garden, this tough heady grass struts golden-brown, orange and red foliar autumn colors, and shimmers when interwoven with Sesleria and flanked by Hydrangea paniculata ‘Pink Diamond’. (pp#22,048)

Blooms June–November

Size: 2-1/2' – 3' 0" high x 2-1/2' – 3' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 4.

Originally selected by the USDA for its mighty drought-abiding persona, this small-statured narrow bladed grass was collected in 1957 on the semiarid plains south of Hachita, New Mexico. The alluring presentation of delicate reddish purple inflorescences morphs into glittery eyelash-shaped seed heads above a trim close-knit grayish green clump, belying ‘Hachita’s tough-guy reputation. Attractive to both birds and floral arrangers, Blue Grama Grass resents wet poorly-drained locales plus tackles Black Walnut roots, shallow rocky soil, air pollution and erosion. It nestles into the rockery or a more wild venue and forges a mowable lawn substitute.

Blooms June–October

Size: 12" – 20" high x 8" – 12" wide.

Hardy to zone 3.