Grass Isn't Just for Lawns: Why Native Grasses are Your Garden's Unsung Heroes

Edited by David Mizejewski, National Wildlife Federation Naturalist

May is here, and for many, that means firing up the lawnmower. But what if this #NoMowMay, we paused and thought differently about our yards?

We've been conditioned to see a neat, green, manicured turf lawn as the standard. Yet, as we watch beloved insects like fireflies and monarch butterflies disappear, it's clear this "ideal" comes at a cost. The very landscapes we meticulously maintain often contribute to habitat loss and rely on harmful pesticides that are killing off pollinators, not to mention the financial burden of all that upkeep.

Underscoring the scale of this issue, the National Wildlife Federation recently ran a 4-part series exploring why we have lawns in America, why we shouldn’t, and how we can begin to shift away from these resource-hungry landscapes. The statistics they highlight are indeed shocking: lawns cover an estimated 40 million acres and consume around 9 billion gallons of water daily.

Confronted with such figures, it's evident that it's beyond time for a change. Fortunately, a beautiful and ecologically sound alternative lies right under our feet, though perhaps not in the way you expect.

It's time to talk about native grasses.

Now, when you hear "grass," you probably picture your familiar lawn. But native grasses are a whole different world! Unlike turf grasses that form dense mats, native grasses typically grow in bunches, more like perennial wildflowers. This simple difference opens up incredible possibilities for your garden.

Beyond Flowers: The Hidden Power of Native Grasses

Native grasses often get overlooked because they don't boast the vibrant, showy flowers of many perennials. Why? They don't need them! Native grasses are primarily wind-pollinated, so they invest their energy elsewhere – adding structure, texture, and vital resources for wildlife to your yard.

While wildflowers feed the bees and butterflies with nectar, native grasses offer a different, but equally crucial, menu and they provide cover for various wildlife species:

• Bird Supermarket: Forget expensive birdseed! The seed heads of native grasses are packed with nutrition, like nature's own rice (rice is a grass, after all!). Finches, sparrows, mourning doves, quail, and even wild turkeys rely heavily on these seeds, especially through fall and winter.

• Butterfly Nurseries: If you thought milkweed and oak trees were the only caterpillar host plants, think again! Native grasses are essential host plants for over 100 butterfly species, particularly skipper butterflies. Planting grasses means supporting the entire lifecycle of these vital pollinators. 

• Essential Cover: The upright structure and dense clumps of native grasses provide critical shelter for wildlife. Fireflies use tall grasses for resting and finding mates. Small mammals, amphibians, and beneficial insects hide from predators and harsh weather within their blades. 

• Nesting Materials: Birds expertly weave grass blades into their nests, creating safe homes for their young.

Pro tip: Planting milkweed for monarchs? Surround your milkweed patch with native grasses to create a safer haven, shielding caterpillars and butterflies from predators. This could lead to more monarch eggs and butterflies hatched in your garden!

Designing with Grasses in the Garden

Because they grow like perennials, you can use native grasses in similar ways to add dynamic beauty to your landscape:

• Texture & Movement: From fine, airy blades to bold, upright forms, grasses add unparalleled texture and catch the slightest breeze, bringing movement to your garden.

• Height & Structure: Use taller grasses as vertical accents or backdrops for shorter flowers. Create living borders or define garden spaces.

• Filling the Gaps: Grasses beautifully fill "negative space" between flowering plants, creating a cohesive, natural look. They can even be the negative space, offering a visual rest among more colorful plantings.

• Seasonal Interest: Many native grasses shine through multiple seasons. They stay lush green in summer heat when cool-season turf browns out. Many transform into stunning shades of gold, tan, red, or bronze in the fall, and their structure provides winter interest long after flowers fade.

• Adaptability: There's a native grass for almost any sunny spot! Some thrive in moist soils, others prefer it dry. Many are surprisingly deer resistant (like Side Oats Grama - Bouteloua curtipendula). Note: Most native grasses need sun – at least part sun, but full sun is usually best.

Don't Forget the Sedges (And Rushes)

Thinking about shady spots where grasses won't thrive? Look to sedges! Remember this rhyme: "Sedges have edges, rushes are round, grasses have nodes from the top to the ground."

• Sedges (Carex species): These grass-like plants often have triangular stems ("edges"). Crucially, many sedge species thrive in shade, making them perfect for woodland gardens, under trees, or as groundcover where lawn struggles. Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica) is a fantastic example, creating a soft, flowing groundcover in dry shade.

• Rushes (Juncus species): These typically have round stems and love wet conditions, often found in wetlands or at the edges of ponds. Less common in average landscapes unless you have a rain garden or water feature.

Ditch the Mower, Skip the Chemical Sprays, and Embrace Life

Replacing sections of your lawn with native grasses and wildflowers isn't just about adding beauty; it's a powerful act of conservation.

• Reduce Pollution: Lawnmowers are significant sources of air and noise pollution. Go mower-free for a cleaner, healthier environment!

• Eliminate Pesticides: Lawns are notorious consumers of fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides and other pesticides that harm pollinators, beneficial insects, soil, our pets, and even us! Native plants thrive without them. They’re the better choice for you, your wallet, and the local wildlife. 

• Save Water: Established native grasses are often drought-tolerant, requiring far less water than thirsty turf lawns.

• Create REAL Habitat: A lawn offers virtually nothing for wildlife. A diverse planting of native grasses and flowers creates a functioning ecosystem right in your yard.

This May, let's move beyond the outdated concept of “the perfect lawn.” Let's embrace landscapes that are teeming with life, offer year-round beauty, and contribute positively to our environment. Functional and beautiful takes on a whole new meaning when your yard supports fluttering butterflies, singing birds, and the magical glow of fireflies.

Ready to Get Grassy?

Explore our fantastic selection of native grasses! Here are a few highlights:

Or opt for the Grassy Gala starter kit for three native species in one! Add Purple Lovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis), Side Oats Grama Grass (Bouteloua curtipendula), and Path Rush (Juncus tenuis) to your garden for stunning color and texture. These plants make great borders for pathways too! 

Now is the time to join the native plant movement. Put away the mower, welcome the wildlife, and discover the dynamic beauty of native grasses and sedges in your garden this year.