Native grasses are not adapted to even moderate shade. Sideoats gramma does the best with moderate shade along with creeping fescue. Germination of native grasses takes place at a minimum soil temperature of 60 degrees. Don't plant in the fall of the year unless germination will take place the next spring. A firm seedbed is a must and the seed should be planted 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Native grasses are sold on a pure live seed (PLS) basis which is purity percentage times germination percentage.

Big Bluestem. A tall, warm season and sod forming grass. One of the most nutritious of the native grasses, it will grow under a wide range of conditions. It is excellent for wildlife, cattle production and beautification. Color ranges from bluish-green to reddish-brown in fall, It grows 5-8 feet tall and has a fibrous root system up to l2 feet deep. Seed @ 10-12 #/Acre.

Indian Grass. A tall, warm season and sod forming grass. It grows on a variety of soils and provides nutritious forage. Indian grass is excellent for wildlife, cattle grazing, erosion control and beautification. It grows to a height of 5-6 feet. Seed @ 10-15 #/Acre.

Little Bluestem. A medium height, warm season bunch grass common on prairie uplands. Highly nutritious, It makes good hay and will grow on poor soils. In fall and winter, its reddish-brown color makes it one of the most beautiful grasses on the prairie. It reaches a height of 2-4 feet and has a dense root system which may reach 5-8 feet deep. Seed @ 10 – 12 #/Acre.

Sideoats Gramma. A medium height, warm season bunch grass ideal for use with other grasses on hard-use areas such as playgrounds. An ideal grass to include in plantings for wildlife, grazing and erosion control, it reaches a height of 2-3 feet. It will not do well on wet sites or areas with temporary standing water. Sideoats gramma turns reddish-white in the fall. Sow @ 10-15 #/Acre.

Switchgrass. A tall, 3’ to 5' warm season sod-forming grass. Most common on prairie lowlands, it also is found in small upland patches. Its ability to remain in an upright position during ice and snow makes it an excellent wildlife plant. It is a good grass for summer grazing, waterways and erosion control. Seed @ 6 #/Acre.