Koeleria macrantha
Prairie Junegrass
Mountain Junegrass
Plant Family:
Poaceae
Grass
Flower:
Green
Blooms :
May
to:
Jun
Narrow tapered inflorescences (to 5? long) appear in late spring atop flower spikes rising well above the basal foliage. Inflorescences open light green but change to silver-green as the seed heads mature.
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
No
Foliage:
Green
Deciduous
Kathy Ketchum
Mostly basal leaves (to 7? long) are medium to bright green, but may be tinged with gray-green.
Oregon Native?
Yes
West State Native?
Yes
Generally found on rangelands and plains
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
3
Water Needs:
VL
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
Yes
Firewise?
No
Height:
12-24"
Spread:
9-18"
Growth Rate:
Fast
Native Habitat:
Prairies
Soil:
Easily grown in dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Thrives in rocky or gritty soils. Needs superior drainage. Tolerates drought. Avoid wet and/or heavy soils or shade.
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
Mulch:
Long Term:
May self-seed.
Winter:
Spring:
Cut back the foliage to about 4-6 inches in the spring before growth resumes. When foliage is removed, spring growth will begin earlier. Old foliage left on the plant can delay the crown?s warming and subsequent growth by as much as 3 weeks.
Summer:
Fall:
Grasses do not need to be cut down before winter. In fact, they are attractive when left standing and the foliage helps to insulate the crown of the plant.
Common Problems
No serious problems
Diseases:
No significant insect or disease problems. Occasional problems include rusts, leaf spots and blights.
Insects:
May be vulnerable to some insects such as the striped flea beetle which will cause the leaf tips to wilt
Also called: