June Grass

June Grass

Koeleria macrantha

A compact native cool-season prairie grass that forms neat clumps of narrow blue-green leaves. In late spring to early summer, slender flowering stems rise above the foliage, producing soft silvery-green seed heads that gradually turn a warm golden colour.

Its tidy growth habit and early flowering make it one of the first native grasses to add texture and movement to prairie landscapes each year.

An Early Prairie Grass

June Grass is one of the earliest native grasses to flower in prairie ecosystems, often blooming in late spring when many warm-season grasses are just beginning to grow. Its early growth provides structure and habitat for insects and small wildlife during the early growing season.

Because of its compact size and drought tolerance, it fits well into naturalized plantings and dry meadow landscapes.

A Grass of Prairies and Sandy Open Landscapes

This species naturally occurs in prairies, dry meadows, rocky slopes, and sandy open woodlands. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils and is very tolerant of drought once established.

June Grass often grows alongside other prairie grasses and wildflowers, contributing to the diversity and stability of prairie ecosystems.

Growing Information

Height: 1–2 ft
Spread: 1–2 ft
Light: Full sun
Soil: Dry to average, well-drained soils
Hardiness: Zone 3–8
Growth Rate: Moderate

Best planted in prairie gardens, dry meadows, rock gardens, sandy soils, and ecological restoration plantings.

Ecological Importance

June Grass:

Provides seeds for birds and small mammals
Supports native grass-feeding insects
Adds early-season structure to prairie plant communities
Helps stabilize soils in dry landscapes

Larval Host Plant For

• Several native skipper butterflies whose caterpillars feed on prairie grasses.

Associated Prairie & Dry Meadow Species

Common companions in natural plant communities include:

• Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
• Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans)
• Leadplant (Amorpha canescens)
• Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
• Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum)
• Hairy Beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus)
• Smooth Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve)

Planting these species together helps recreate resilient prairie and dry meadow ecosystems that support pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects.

Planting to Protect
Restoring to Thrive
Origin Native Plants

3.5 inch Pots