Koeleria macrantha
Common Name(s):
Prairie Junegrass
Mountain Junegrass
Synonym:
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. Inflorescence open light green but change to silver-green as the seed heads mature.
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
NO
Family:
Poaceae
Grass
Foliage:
Green
Mostly basal leaves (to 7? long) are medium to bright green, but may be tinged with gray-green.
Fall Color?
NO
Deciduous
Photo by:
Heading 6
Oregon Native?
YES
West State Native?
YES
Origins:
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:
Requires no fertilizer
Mulch:
Crushed gravel, pea gravel, coarse sand, or a thin layer of clean straw or sawdust
Plant in full sun, well-drained sandy or rocky soil, water every 2-4 weeks during active gowing season, leave seed heads over winter, cut back in late spring
Long Term:
Winter:
Hold off pruning, cut back in late winter, clear away debris
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:
Full sun, sharply drained soil, deep watering every 2-4 weeks
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.
General Care Comments:
A cool-season grass, late-summer dormancy.
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
Environmental Problems:
Pests:
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