Sorghastrum nutans (Native)

Habitat: dry slopes, prairies, borders of woods

Wildlife value: The plant provides excellent cover year round for birds and mammals, seeds are eaten by songbirds and the plant is highly resistant to deer grazing. Preferred food source for various grasshopper species.

Notes: Extremely flammable. Tall clump grass with beautiful seed head. Looks good in masses. Light straw color in winter. May naturalize by self-seeding in optimum growing conditions, but you can cut it back to the ground in late winter to early spring just before the new growth appears.