Prairie Junegrass

(Koeleria macrantha)

Prairie Junegrass (Koeleria macrantha)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Koeleria macrantha, commonly known as Prairie Junegrass in North America and Crested Hair-grass in the UK, is a perennial grass that is native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, and alpine regions across much of Eurasia and North America. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) with a similar spread, forming dense tufts of fine-textured, blue-green foliage. The inflorescences are narrow, spike-like panicles that appear in early summer, with a silvery-green to purplish color that can add a subtle ornamental quality to the landscape.

Koeleria macrantha is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance lawns, meadows, and naturalized areas. It is also used in erosion control and as a forage grass for livestock. While it is not suitable for high-traffic areas due to its slow growth rate, it is often utilized in golf course roughs where minimal maintenance is desired. This grass prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade and requires well-drained soils. It is generally free of serious pests and diseases, but rust and leaf spot can occasionally be problems.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 1-2 feet
  • Width: 0.8-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Semi-deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

Native to open woodlands, grasslands, and alpine regions across much of Eurasia and North America

Other Names

Common Names: June Grass , Crested Hair Grass , Prairie June Grass , Spinkel Kambunke , Zierliches Schillergras , Hentotoppo , Smal Fakkelgras , Fin Tofsäxing , 도랭이피

Scientific Names: Koeleria macrantha , Koeleria cristata , Koeleria gracilis , Koeleria talievii , Koeleria cristata subsp. mongolica , Koeleria sclerophylla , Koeleria cristata subsp. hirsutiflora , Koeleria nitida , Koeleria kurdica , Koeleria cristata subsp. gracilis

GBIF Accepted Name: Koeleria macrantha (Ledeb.) Schult.