Native grasses are plant species that originated and evolved naturally within a specific geographic region. In the vast landscape of Texas, native grasses have adapted over millennia to the state’s diverse soils and unpredictable climate patterns. Texas is home to approximately 638 species of grasses. These locally evolved species form the foundation of healthy ecosystems, thriving without the extensive irrigation and chemical inputs required by non-native turf varieties.
Defining the Ecoregions of Texas
The immense size of Texas, stretching from the temperate east to the arid west, results in dramatic ecological differences that directly influence which grasses grow where. This complexity is best understood by dividing the state into distinct ecoregions, each with unique soil, rainfall, and temperature profiles. Annual rainfall can vary from 56 inches in the east to 8 inches in the Trans-Pecos desert, which demands specialized plant adaptations.
The eastern and central parts of the state, including the Blackland Prairie, historically supported tallgrass prairies due to deep, fertile soils and moderate rainfall (30 to 40 inches). Moving westward, the environment transitions to the mixed-grass and shortgrass prairies of the High Plains and Edwards Plateau. This central region is characterized by limestone soils and lower annual precipitation.
The far western Trans-Pecos region and the Panhandle Plains are defined by more alkaline soils and arid conditions. The Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, by contrast, are characterized by sandy loams that must tolerate high humidity and occasional brackish conditions near the sea.
Key Native Grass Species by Region
Tallgrass and Mixed Grass Prairies (East and Central Texas)
The historic tallgrass prairies of East and Central Texas are dominated by the “Big Four” warm-season grasses:
- Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) can reach heights of six to eight feet, developing a blue-gray sheen on its stalks and a distinctive three-pronged seed head resembling a turkey’s foot.
- Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a mid-height bunchgrass (two to four feet) known for its blue-green summer foliage that transforms into a striking reddish-orange color after the first frost.
- Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans) is a towering warm-season bunchgrass, identifiable by its velvety golden-brown plumes that can reach seven feet.
- Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is adaptable to a wide range of soils and can grow up to six feet tall, often featuring airy, open seed heads.
These four species formed the dense, productive grasslands of the Blackland Prairie and Post Oak Savannah.
Shortgrass Prairies and Deserts (West and Panhandle)
In the High Plains and Trans-Pecos regions, where rainfall is scarce, shorter, more compact grasses prevail. Buffalo Grass (Bouteloua dactyloides) is a low-growing, sod-forming grass. This grass rarely exceeds eight inches in height and spreads via stolons, creating a dense, turf-like cover.
Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis) is a fine-textured, short bunchgrass (up to 18 inches) that is easily recognized by its comma-shaped seed heads that hang from one side of the stem. In the more arid parts of the state, the state grass of Texas, Sideoats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), is a common mid-height bunchgrass (one to three feet) adapted to rocky soils, displaying its small, oat-like spikelets along only one side of the stalk.
Coastal and Ornamental Grasses
Along the Gulf Coast, species like Gulf Cordgrass (Spartina spartinae) tolerate the high salt content and wet conditions of coastal marshes and prairies. For ornamental use across many ecoregions, Gulf Muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris) is popular, noted for its delicate, cloud-like pink or purple plumes that appear in the fall.
Ecological Role and Drought Resistance
Native Texas grasses possess deep, fibrous root systems, which can extend 8 to 15 feet into the soil. This extensive root network anchors the soil, providing exceptional erosion control and soil stabilization.
These deep roots enable the grasses to access moisture far below the surface during prolonged dry periods. When moisture is limited, these warm-season species enter a state of dormancy, appearing brown, but they do not die. They quickly green up when rainfall returns, a survival mechanism non-native turf lacks.
Water infiltration is facilitated, allowing rainwater to soak into the ground rather than running off, which helps to mitigate local flooding. Native grasses support local wildlife by providing cover and nesting material for birds and small mammals, while the foliage and seeds offer food for various insects and songbirds.
Implementing Native Grasses in Landscaping
The first step involves selecting a species that matches the specific conditions of the yard, such as sun exposure and soil type. Planting is generally most successful in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild, allowing the plants to establish before extreme summer heat.
Native grasses can be established using either seed or containerized plants; clump-forming species like bluestems often do best when started from transplants. New plantings require regular watering only during the first year to develop their deep root systems. Once established, they require minimal irrigation and do not need chemical fertilizers.
Maintenance typically involves a single annual cutback of the dormant foliage in late winter or early spring to a height of four to six inches. This practice removes the old growth and encourages fresh, vigorous new growth for the coming warm season. Avoid cutting the grasses back during the summer heat, as this stresses the plant when it is most vulnerable.