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US Native Grass Seeds
The species on this page are not all technically classified as grasses, but the average gardener would probably call them "grass". Here you will find a variety of seeds of native grasses, sedges, reeds, and rushes. You might not think of grass as being as beautiful as flowers, but some of these wild grasses really are beautiful in their own way. Many of the native prairie grasses turn color in autumn, and the rusty bronze color of the stems adds a real fall aura to the planting. Winter birds benefit from the seeds, and small animals use the thick undergrowth for cover. The biomass of the grass is also the primary source for fuel when a prairie planting undergoes a planned burn.
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Big Bluestem Seeds
Andropogon gerardii
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xBig Bluestem Seeds
Andropogon gerardii
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Sometimes known as the "king of the grasses," this species towers over all the other natives of the tallgrass prairie region. In the past, it grew thickly over many miles of prairie and provided an important food source for bison. Its extensive root system makes it a valuable plant for erosion control, as well as being one of the most commonly chosen species for prairie restoration and native landscaping. The genus name "Andropogon" comes from the Greek words for "man's beard," referring to the stiff hairs that develop on the ornamental seed head.Starting at $2.50 USD -
Blue Grama Seeds
Bouteloua gracilis
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xBlue Grama Seeds
Bouteloua gracilis
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According to legend, Native American children once made a game of looking for blue grama stems with an unusual three seed heads on them. The species name "gracilis" comes from the Latin word for "graceful." The genus name "Bouteloua" honors professor Claudio Boutelou, who taught agriculture at a university in 18th century Madrid.Starting at $2.50 USD -
Bottlebrush Grass Seeds
Hystrix patula
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xBottlebrush Grass Seeds
Hystrix patula
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Its distinctive, brush-like seed heads make this species popular as an ornamental plant. The genus name "Hystrix" means "hedgehog," a reference to the prickly seed heads. The species name "patula" means "spread out," because of the widely spaced seeds.Starting at $2.50 USD -
Brown Fox Sedge Seeds
Carex vulpinoidea
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xBrown Fox Sedge Seeds
Carex vulpinoidea
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This plant's common name comes from the resemblance of the seedheads to bushy fox tails. A wetland native, it provides forage and protection for small birds and other wildlife as well as being important in wetland restoration. Renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus first included this species among the sedge plants in his landmark publication Species Plantarum. The genus name "Carex" comes from a Greek word meaning "to cut," referring to the distinctive sharp edges of most sedges.Starting at $2.50 USD -
Buffalo Grass Seeds
Buchloe dactyloides
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xBuffalo Grass Seeds
Buchloe dactyloides
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As the common name suggests, buffalo and other livestock once found this species a valuable source of forage. Settlers also made use of this plant, using its strong sod for making sod houses. Currently, its attractive, thick growth has made it a popular turfgrass. The genus name "Buchloe" comes from the Greek words for "cow grass," while the species name "dactyloides" means "finger-like" in reference to the plant's slender blades.Starting at $2.50 USD -
Canada Wild Rye Seeds
Elymus canadensis
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xCanada Wild Rye Seeds
Elymus canadensis
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This beautiful native plant gets its name from a resemblance to true rye, though it belongs to a different genus. Its preference for cool weather and winter-hardy growth make it unusual among native species. It flourishes in nearly any location, though it most commonly grows in open fields and prairies. It makes an excellent choice for prairie restoration.Starting at $3.00 USD -
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Common Oak Sedge Seeds
Carex pensylvanica
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xCommon Oak Sedge Seeds
Carex pensylvanica
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The low stature and delicate, attractive growth of this plant make it a popular choice as a turfgrass or for landscaping. Renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus first included this species among the sedge plants in his landmark publication Species Plantarum. The genus name "Carex" comes from a Greek word meaning "to cut," referring to the distinctive sharp edges of most sedges.Starting at $2.50 USD -
Copper Shouldered Oval Sedge Seeds
Carex bicknellii
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xCopper Shouldered Oval Sedge Seeds
Carex bicknellii
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This native sedge was named in honor of Eugene Pintard Bicknell, a early 20th century botanist who did extensive research on native plant species. This particular species of sedge is unique in its ability to adapt to either dry prairie or marshy ground.The genus name "Carex" comes from a Greek word meaning "to cut," referring to the distinctive sharp edges of most sedges. The name "sedge" has the same meaning, only comes from Latin.Starting at $3.00 USD -
Green Needle Grass Seeds
Stipa viridula
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xGreen Needle Grass Seeds
Stipa viridula
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This unique species got its name from the needle-like seeds, which grow with a long fiber attached to one end. This fiber, called an "awn," allows the dropped seeds to bury themselves in the ground as it expands and contracts with humidity; the awn also catches the wind to disperse the seed. The genus name "Stipa" comes from the Greek word for "flaxen," referring to the hair-like fiber on each seed.Starting at $2.50 USD -
Indian Grass Seeds
Sorghastrum nutans
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xIndian Grass Seeds
Sorghastrum nutans
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Its coppery fall beauty makes this native plant a popular choice for ornamental gardens and natural landscaping. It once thrived as one of the main species in the tallgrass prairie. Rather than being destroyed by fire, this tough native actually grows with new vigor after being burned. Native Americans once used the stems of this plant for weaving. The genus name "Sorghastrum" means "poor imitation of sorghum," while the species name "nutans" means "nodding" and refers to the plant's graceful plumes.Starting at $2.50 USD -
June Grass Seeds
Koeleria cristata
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xJune Grass Seeds
Koeleria cristata
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As an ornamental grass, this beautiful native plant stands out wherever it is grows. According to tradition, Native Americans once used the unique seed heads for making brooms, brushes, and decorative items. The genus name "Koeleria" honors German botanist Georg Ludwig Koehler, who specialized in native grasses.Starting at $2.50 USD -
Little Bluestem Seeds
Schizachyrium scoparius
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xLittle Bluestem Seeds
Schizachyrium scoparius
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This prairie native is called "bluestem" because of the characteristic blue-purple stems at the base of the plant. In the fall of the year, the entire plant turns a bright copper color that makes it stand out on the tallgrass prairie. The genus name "Schizachyrium" comes from the Latin words for "split chaff," referring to the unique structure of the seed heads. The species name "scoparium" comes from the Latin word for "broom," since the stems of the plant are tightly crowded together.Starting at $2.50 USD -
Long Awned Bracted Sedge Seeds
Carex gravida
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xLong Awned Bracted Sedge Seeds
Carex gravida
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This particular species of sedge is unique in its ability to adapt to either dry prairie or marshy ground. Renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus first included this species among the sedge plants in his landmark publication Species Plantarum. The genus name "Carex" comes from a Greek word meaning "to cut," referring to the distinctive sharp edges of most sedges. The species name "gravida" means "heavy," since the spiky seed heads tend to bend the slender stems down to the ground.Starting at $2.50 USD -
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Needle And Thread Grass Seeds
Stipa comata
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xNeedle And Thread Grass Seeds
Stipa comata
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This unique species got its name from the needle-like seeds, which grow with a long fiber attached to one end. This fiber, called an "awn," allows the dropped seeds to bury themselves in the ground as it expands and contracts with humidity; the awn also catches the wind to disperse the seed. Notes from the Lewis and Clark expedition record the first known botanical description of this plant on July 8, 1806. The genus name "Stipa" comes from the Greek word for "flaxen," referring to the hair-like fiber on each seed.Starting at $2.50 USD -
Nodding Fescue Seeds
Festuca obtusa
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xNodding Fescue Seeds
Festuca obtusa
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Though fescue may have originated in Europe, the various species of this family of grasses now thrive on every continent with the exception of Antarctica. They establish slowly, but eventually form a dense and healthy sod that makes this grass a valuable resource for preventing soil erosion. In addition to being grown as forage or hay, fescue grass often covers golf courses because of its resilience and thick growth.Starting at $2.50 USD -
Northern Dropseed Seeds
Sporobolus heterolepis
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xNorthern Dropseed Seeds
Sporobolus heterolepis
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This native grass is highly valued as an ornamental plant because of its delicate, fine leaves. Small birds love to eat its seed, as well as finding its shelter and nesting material. The genus name "Sporobolus" comes from the Greek words for "to cast forth seed," referring to the way its small seeds easily fall to the ground.Starting at $2.50 USD -
Path Rush Seeds
Juncus tenuis
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xPath Rush Seeds
Juncus tenuis
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In spite of the velvety softness of its foliage, this plant is a tough species that grows easily along pathways, in parking lots, and nearly any other type of soil. It has also been called "wire grass" because of the delicacy and strength of its stems, which Native Americans once used in weaving cords. The genus name "Juncus" means rush, while the the species name "tenuis" means "slender."Starting at $2.50 USD -
Plains Oval Sedge Seeds
Carex brevior
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xPlains Oval Sedge Seeds
Carex brevior
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Renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus first included this species among the sedge plants in his landmark publication Species Plantarum. The genus name "Carex" comes from a Greek word meaning "to cut," referring to the distinctive sharp edges of most sedges. The species name "brevior" means "shorter," referring to the unusually short spike on each seed.Starting at $2.50 USD -
Porcupine Grass Seeds
Stipa spartea
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xPorcupine Grass Seeds
Stipa spartea
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This unique species got its name from the needle-like seeds, which grow with a long fiber attached to one end. This fiber, called an "awn," allows the dropped seeds to bury themselves in the ground as it expands and contracts with humidity; the awn also catches the wind to disperse the seed. The genus name "Stipa" comes from the Greek word for "flaxen," referring to the hair-like fiber on each seed.Starting at $2.50 USD -
Poverty Oat Grass Seeds
Danthonia spicata
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xPoverty Oat Grass Seeds
Danthonia spicata
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Because of its preference for poor soil, this plant earned the name "poverty oats." Another common name, "curly grass," comes from the distinctive way the dead leaves curl around the base of the plant. Its seeds often lie dormant in the soil for generations, springing up after prairie fires or other natural disturbances. The genus name "Danthonia" honors Etienne Danthoine, a 19th century French botanist. The species name "spicata" means "spiked," in reference to the seed heads.Starting at $2.50 USD -
Prairie Brome Seeds
Bromus kalmii
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xPrairie Brome Seeds
Bromus kalmii
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Though small, this plant makes up for its lack of height by its extreme tolerance to cold temperatures. Sometimes known as Arctic Brome, it grows even in the far north regions of North America. The common name "brome" comes from the ancient Greek word for "oats," since the seeds of this plant have a strong resemblance to that of oats. The species name "kalmii" honors Swedish botanist and explorer Pehr Kalm, who made several journeys to North America in search of new plant species.Starting at $2.50 USD -
Rough Dropseed Seeds
Sporobolus asper
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xRough Dropseed Seeds
Sporobolus asper
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This native grass is highly valued as an ornamental plant because of its delicate, fine leaves. Small birds love to eat its seed, as well as finding its shelter and nesting material. The genus name "Sporobolus" comes from the Greek words for "to cast forth seed," referring to the way its small seeds easily fall to the ground.Starting at $2.50 USD -
Sand Love Grass Seeds
Eragrostis trichodes
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xSand Love Grass Seeds
Eragrostis trichodes
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Appropriately named, this grass thrives in the sandy soil of open prairies and fields. Livestock and other grazing animals appreciate this plant so much that it is sometimes called "ice cream grass." The genus name "Eragrostis" comes from the Greek words for "love grass," in reference to the plant's delicate beauty.Starting at $2.50 USD -
Side Oats Grama Seeds
Bouteloua curtipendula
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xSide Oats Grama Seeds
Bouteloua curtipendula
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The first historical record of this species comes from the notes of botanist Andre Michaux, who collected a specimen in the state of Illinois in the early 19th century. The common name "sideoats" refers to the characteristic growth pattern of the seeds, which dangle from one side of each stem. The species name "curtipendula" comes from the Latin words for "hanging down," also in reference to the seeds. The genus name "Bouteloua" honors professor Claudio Boutelou, who taught agriculture at a university in 18th century Madrid.Starting at $2.50 USD -
Squirrel Tail Grass Seeds
Hordeum jubatum
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xSquirrel Tail Grass Seeds
Hordeum jubatum
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As an ornamental grass, this strikingly beautiful native plant stands out wherever it is grows. Because of the sharp spikes that develop on the seed heads as they mature, however, this plant is not popular with the owners of grazing animals. The genus name "Hordeum" comes from the Latin word for "bristle," referring to the spiky seed heads.Starting at $2.50 USD -
Switch Grass Seeds
Panicum virgatum
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xSwitch Grass Seeds
Panicum virgatum
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In addition to being one of the main species of the tallgrass prairie, this plant provides good forage for grazing animals and refuge for birds and other wildlife. It also has value as an ornamental plant because of its airy, copper-tinted seed heads. The genus name "Panicum" comes from the Latin word for millet, since that grain is in the same plant family as this native grass.Starting at $2.50 USD -
Upland Wild Timothy Seeds
Muhlenbergia racemosa
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xUpland Wild Timothy Seeds
Muhlenbergia racemosa
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Though not in the same plant family as true timothy, this wild version bears a strong resemblance to its namesake. "Timothy" probably refers to Timothy Hanson, an 18th century American farmer who advocated the plant as excellent hay and cattle feed. The genus name "Muhlenbergia" honors Gotthilf Heinrich Muhlenberg, an 18th century German American botanist. The species name "racemosa" means "having a raceme," a particular arrangement of flowers on the stem.Starting at $2.50 USD
The species on this page are not all technically classified as grasses, but the average gardener would probably call them "grass". Here you will find a variety of seeds of native grasses, sedges, reeds, and rushes. You might not think of grass as being as beautiful as flowers, but some of these wild grasses really are beautiful in their own way. Many of the native prairie grasses turn color in autumn, and the rusty bronze color of the stems adds a real fall aura to the planting. Winter birds benefit from the seeds, and small animals use the thick undergrowth for cover. The biomass of the grass is also the primary source for fuel when a prairie planting undergoes a planned burn.