Tall native grasses are usually associated with the natural prairie ecosystem of central US. This area has rich loess soils and moderate rainfall of 30-35 inches per year and are an early stage in the natural process of succession towards woodland that begins after disturbances such as fire, human intervention, and grazing by large mammals. Including tall grasses in a meadow garden provide height and drama as they move and rustle in the breezes. In winter they also add interest when most other perennials have disappeared. Inclusion of tall grasses in a meadow garden with other plants, however, must be done with care especially in regard to soil quality and moisture as requirements may vary considerably. Photo Credit: Sten, Wikimedia Commons
Big Blue Stem (Andropogon gerardii)
Native Range: Montana to Arizona and east from Maine to Florida
Height: 6-8′
Width: 2-3′
Bloom Time: Late summer
Bloom Color: Purplish
Fall Leaf Color: Bronze
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin, Wikamedia Commons
Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)
Native Range: Central and eastern US
Height: 3-5′
Width: 1-2.5′
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
Bloom Color: Green turning purplish bronze in fall
Fall Leaf Color: Yellow coppery
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
Special features: Does well in moist to wet soils and tolerates shade
Photo Credit: David Stang, Wikimedia Commons
Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum)
Native Range: Central plains
Height: 48″
Width: 18″
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
Bloom Color: Wheat-color
Fall Leaf Color: Yellow, bleaching to beige in winter
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
Special Features: Cultivars are available that vary most significantly in flower color
Photo Credit: Chhe, Wikimedia Commons
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
Native Range: Eastern US but found in almost all of the US except parts of the West Coast
Height: 36″
Width: 18″
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
Bloom Color: Purplish bronze
Fall Leaf Color: Bronze orange
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
Photo Credit: Montrealais, Wikimedia Commons
Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans)
Native Range: Central US
Height: 48″
Width: 18″
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
Bloom Color: Gold
Fall Leaf Color: Orange-yellow
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin, Wikimedia Commons