A foundational prairie grass with upright clumping growth and airy flower panicles. This warm-season native offers outstanding four-season interest, transforming from fine-textured green foliage to brilliant golden-yellow in fall while providing graceful movement and texture.

Native range: Throughout most of North America from southern Canada south to Mexico, east of the Rocky Mountains

Size: 3-6 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide, space 2-3 feet apart

Growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade, adaptable to wide range of soils from dry to moist; drought tolerant once established

Bloom period: July through September, with seed heads persisting through winter

Wildlife value: Seeds feed songbirds and game birds; provides cover and nesting material; larval host for Delaware Skipper and other butterfly species

Garden benefits: Exceptional erosion control, outstanding winter structure, low maintenance, excellent screening plant, drought tolerant, provides year-round interest