NATIVE GRASSES

When we think of pollinator gardens, we often focus on flowering perennials or trees and shrubs. Let's not forget that grasses and sedges also provide important ecosystem services. We rarely think of grasses being "in bloom" but like their perennial counterparts, they also supply pollen and nectar resources. Just as importantly, they can supply nesting materials and shelter for many insects, bumblebee queens and birds, be a food source (seeds) for birds, small mammals and insects, and act as larval hosts for many skippers (insects that are thought to be intermediates between butterflies and moths). And let's not forget that they are very good at stabilizing soil from erosion and sequestering carbon!

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We've classified native grasses below by site conditions to make it easier for you to choose the right native grasses for your garden.