Sphenopholis obtusata, commonly known as prairie wedgescale, is a perennial bunchgrass native to the prairies and open woodlands of North America, including southern Canada and the United States. It exhibits a clumping growth habit and typically reaches heights ranging from 8 inches to over 3 feet. The plant’s inflorescence is a dense, spikelike panicle composed of oval-shaped spikelets that mature from greenish-white to brownish, usually in late spring to early summer. The grass is not particularly showy, but it is valued for its adaptability and use in restoration projects.

Prairie wedgescale is appreciated for its low maintenance requirements and its ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions, from moist to dry. It is commonly used in prairie restoration, erosion control, and as a component in native grass mixes for wildlife habitats. It prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade and is generally drought-tolerant once established. While it is not known for significant problems with diseases or pests, it can become less vigorous in overly rich or fertilized soils.CC BY-SA 4.0