Are you looking to add low-maintenance native plants with lots of texture and seasonal color to your landscape? Then native prairie grasses are an excellent option!
Clumping prairie grasses are the landscape architect’s secret to a great design by providing structure, texture, and drama.
Did you know? Prairie grasses have roots so incredibly deep, they act like an “upside-down forest,” with a huge amount of biomass you can’t see underground. The roots range from 2 to 15 feet deep and anchor the soil for excellent erosion control. These deep roots also increase the quality and porosity of the soil, soaking up 3 times more rainwater than turf grass.
These grasses also provide food and habitat for birds, and are important host plants for the caterpillars of many butterflies and moths.
Download our “Great Native Grasses for Louisiana Landscapes” flyer (PDF) to see our 12 most favorite native grasses that do great in Louisiana soils and climate.
Amber King, Wild Ones Greater Baton Rouge’s Citizen Science Chair, surveyed the chapter and put together this flyer based on members’ favorite 12 species of native grasses for Louisiana landscapes. In addition, Amber gave a presentation on grasses to the Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater Baton Rouge, covering the unique features of grasses, how to photograph and post grasses for identification in iNaturalist, and, of course, great native grasses for the landscape.