Native warm-season grasses

NWSGs are a group of mostly perennial grasses which reach their maximum production during the summer months (growth begins once soil temperatures reach 55° – 60° F). Most NWSGs are “bunch grasses” (grow in clumps) and are drought tolerant.

NWSGs have multiple uses and benefits. Some of their primary uses include: conservation (wildlife) cover, grazing, haying and reducing soil erosion.

There are many wildlife benefits to NWSGs but the two main benefits are:

• The bunch grass structure provides an open understory allowing for easy wildlife movement while still providing overhead cover.
• They are extremely stiff-stemmed thus can withstand heavy loads of snow.

Native Warm-Season Grasses Guide