Height: 1–2 ft; flower stalks may reach 2–3 ft
Width: 1–2 ft
Watering needs: Low; water to establish, then sparingly
Sun needs: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-drained, dry to moderately moist soil; tolerates rocky or gravelly ground
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Portland Plant List (Backyard Habitat Certification): No
Landscape Use: A fine-textured bunchgrass for sunny, dry borders, meadow plantings, and open woodland edges. Its compact form pairs well with native wildflowers.
Ecological Function: The clumps offer low cover and microhabitat for insects and small wildlife. The grass is also forage for grazing wildlife, and its seeds can feed birds.
Wildlife supported: woodland skipper, Sandhill skipper, small mammals, grazing deer, seed-eating birds
Companion species: yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Oregon sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum), common camas (Camassia quamash), nodding onion (Allium cernuum), Roemer’s fescue (Festuca idahoensis ssp. roemeri)
Plant description: A long-lived bunchgrass with narrow, blue-green leaves forming dense basal tufts. Slender stems rise above the foliage and carry small, airy flower clusters that mature into seed heads.
