Native Habitat:
Dry meadows, rocky slopes, and open woodlands from British Columbia to California and east into the Great Basin. Common in upland prairies and foothill regions of western Oregon.
 
Bloom Time:
May – July
 
Growth Habit & Mature Size:
Cool-season perennial bunchgrass forming narrow, upright tufts 1–2 feet tall with airy seed heads that sway gracefully in summer.
 
Light & Soil Requirements:
Full sun; thrives in well-drained, lean soils. Highly drought-tolerant once established and well adapted to nutrient-poor or rocky substrates.
 
Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:
Eriophyllum lanatum, Sidalcea campestris, Achillea millefolium, Allium acuminatum, and Festuca roemeri.
 
Urban Garden Function:
Adds fine texture, movement, and seasonal rhythm to urban meadows, bioswales, and dry borders. Excellent for stabilizing slopes and improving soil structure in compacted sites. Works beautifully in modern naturalistic plantings, blending with flowering perennials to create dynamic, low-maintenance compositions that respond to wind and light. Ideal for ecological restoration projects and urban landscapes seeking a native grass aesthetic.
 
Wildlife Supported:
Provides seeds and cover for finches and sparrows; supports native grassland insects, including leafhoppers, skippers, and ground beetles. Acts as nesting material for small birds and habitat for overwintering pollinators.
 
Historical Use:
While not a primary food source, native peoples likely used related bunchgrasses for basketry and thatching. Today, valued for erosion control and native habitat restoration.