When we think of "grass," we often picture the manicured, emerald-green carpet typical of the modern suburban lawn. But there is an ancient, wilder alternative that tells a much richer story. Before the fences and the suburbs, a vast sea of tallgrass prairie covered the North American landscape, a complex ecosystem teeming with life, movement, and color.
At Survival Garden Seeds, we believe that "heirloom" doesn’t just apply to tomatoes and beans; it applies to the landscape itself. Native grasses are the original heirlooms. Unlike shallow-rooted turf grass which demands constant watering and feeding, native varieties like Little Bluestem, Indiangrass, Canada Wild Rye, and Switchgrass are survivors. They are built for our climate, sending roots deep into the earth to sequester carbon, stabilize soil, and weather droughts with grace.
But their true magic lies in what they bring above the soil. These grasses transform a static garden into a dynamic wildlife sanctuary. They act as "living bird feeders" in the winter, nurseries for endangered butterflies in the summer, and providers of architectural beauty year-round. Whether you are looking to replace a patch of lawn or simply add texture to your flower beds, inviting these natives into your garden is a step toward restoring the lost rhythms of the wild.
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
Little Bluestem is the official state grass of Nebraska and Kansas. It’s called a “bunchgrass” because it grows in compact clumps and does not spread aggressively. Historically, Native American tribes would bundle its stalks to use as insulation in moccasins and in sweat lodge ceremonies.
Little Bluestem is considered by some to be a keystone species for American Prairies because it is the larval host for the Skipper family of butterflies, including the Cobweb, Dusted, and Ottoe Skippers, as well as other caterpillars. In winter, the seeds of Little Bluestem provide vital food to Juncos, Cardinals, Towhees, and Sparrows, while the clumps provide roosting warmth for a whole host of small songbirds.
The bunching nature of this grass makes it ideal for garden borders and its natural hardiness makes it a lazy gardener’s dream. This plant loves full sun and dry soil. If you over-water, or over-fertilize, it will become leggy and floppy. Little Bluestem truly prefers “tough love”.
Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans)
Indiangrass is known as the “King of the Tallgrass Prairie”. Native Americans used the strong stems of this grass to weave into baskets and mats.
Another keystone species, Indiangrass is the larval host of the Pepper-and-Salt Skipper butterfly. This grass produces large, golden seed heads that are a favorite food of Field Sparrows and Mourning Doves.
A warm-season grass, Indiangrass blooms in late August to September and can tolerate clay soil better than many other native prairie grasses. Its towering height and striking golden plumes make it an excellent choice for adding vertical interest and drama to the back of a border or a naturalized area.
Canada Wild Rye (Elymus canadensis)
Canada Wild Rye is characterized by its “nodding” seed head that curves down much like cultivated rye and wheat. This grass was boiled down and used as a decoction by the Iroquois people to soak their corn seeds before planting to help accelerate germination and provide it with a healthy start, much the same way modern farmers inoculate seeds today.
Canada Wild Rye is the host plant for the Zabulon Skipper butterfly and provides valuable nesting material for Mallards and Canada Geese.
Because of its ability to establish quickly, it can act as a “nurse plant” for slow-growing perennials by protecting them from weeds. Unlike the other grasses we discussed, this is a cool-season grass. It greens up early in spring, providing color while other plants are still dormant.
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
Switchgrass has been used for centuries for thatched roofs and other construction due to its stiff, strong stems. This variety also has extremely deep roots that can extend over ten feet deep. This makes Switchgrass invaluable for sequestering carbon and stabilizing soil on steep banks.
In terms of wildlife, Switchgrass is the primary host plant of the Delaware Skipper and Hobomok Skipper butterflies. The tiny seeds are a favorite food for the Northern Bobwhite Quail, Wild Turkeys, and Pheasants. Because the sturdy upright clumps of this grass don’t mat down under the snow, they provide handy winter tunnels as hiding spots for birds to avoid predators.
Switchgrass is highly versatile and can handle occasional flooding better than some grasses, making it a great option for rain gardens.
Restoring the Wild, One Seed at a Time
Planting native grasses is more than a landscaping choice; it is an act of restoration. By choosing varieties like Little Bluestem or Switchgrass, you are knitting a small piece of the historic prairie back together. You are telling the local birds that they have a safe harbor in the winter, and telling the pollinators that there is a place for them to raise the next generation.
You don't need a forty-acre homestead to make a difference. Even a small border of Indiangrass or a rain garden anchored by Canada Wild Rye can significantly boost local biodiversity. These plants offer a stunning, low-maintenance display that changes with the seasons, from the lush greens of spring to the copper and gold hues of autumn.
Ready to transform your garden? Explore our full collection of heirloom native plant seeds today. Whether you are planting for the birds, the bees, or the sheer beauty of the prairie, we have the perfect seed to get you started.
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