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Photo:
Kathy Ketchum
Prairie Junegrass
Mountain Junegrass
Latin Name:
Koeleria macrantha
Cool season, clump-forming, tufted, perennial bunch grass that typically grows in a compact, erect clump to 2' tall. Mostly basal leaves (to 7" long) are medium to bright green, but may be tinged with gray-green. Narrow tapered inflorescences (to 5" long).
Taxon ID#
51
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Level:
Low
Min. USDA Hardiness Zone:
3
Sun Preference:
Full Sun
Water Preference:
VL
Soil Preference:
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.
Fertilizer Needs:
Recommended Mulch:
Family:
Poaceae
Origins:
Plant Type:
Grass
Generally found on rangelands and plains
Oregon native:
yes
Western state native:
yes
PLANT DESCRIPTION
Foliage Color:
Green
Foliage Description:
Mostly basal leaves (to 7" long) are medium to bright green, but may be tinged with gray-green.
Fragrant:
no
Predominant flower color:
Green
Flower Description:
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.
Fall color:
no
Fall Color Description:
Winter Foliage:
Deciduous
Winter Interest:
no
Winter Interest Description:
Mature height:
12-24"
Mature spread:
9-18"
Growth rate:
Fast
LANDSCAPE APPLICATION
Deer Resistant:
yes
Fire Resistant:
no
Attracts Pollinators:
no
Attracts Butterflies:
yes
Native Habitat:
Prairies
Attracts Birds:
no
Cut/Dried Flowers:
no
Photo:
Kathy Ketchum
Used by Wildlife:
yes
Hedge/Screen:
no
Swales:
no
Wildlife Use:
Prairie June Grass is considered a fair to good forage for elk throughout the year, and is desirable forage for deer and antelope in the spring and early summer.
Border:
no
Erosion Control:
no
Windbreak:
no
Cover Structures:
no
Ground Cover:
yes
Provides Shade:
no
Rock Garden:
yes
Adds Texture/Movement:
no
First Bloom:
May
Last Bloom:
Jun
Ornamental Accent:
no
Garden Observations:
SEASONAL CARE
Spring Care:
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 Care:
Fall Care:
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.
Winter Care:
Long Term Care:
May self-seed.
Insect Pests:
May be vulnerable to some insects such as the striped flea beetle which will cause the leaf tips to wilt
Wildlife Pests:
Diseases:
No significant insect or disease problems. Occasional problems include rusts, leaf spots and blights.
Environmental Problems:
Landscape Problems:
No serious problems
Care Comments:
A cool-season grass, late-summer dormancy.
RESOURCES
OSU Landscape Profile:
USDA Plants:
Calscape Database:
LBJ Native Plant Database:
Missouri Botanical Garden Database:
Monrovia Profile:
Alternate Source 1:
Alternate Source 2:
Source Comment:
George & Vickie Minor
Whistle Stop Farm & Flowers
Empire Stone
Instant Landscape
McPheeter's Turf
High Desert Farms Nursery Sales
Thank you!
Join an OSU Master Gardener managed community garden this summer!
Put your name in the lottery to get a plot at either Hollinshead's or Discovery Park's community garden.
More information for: Discovery Park Garden
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