Plant Type

Ground cover, Grass

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Pink, White

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Shade

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate, Slow

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Rocky

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Native Garden, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

n/a

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Lawn, Parking Strip, Walkways

 

Special Uses

Mass Planting, Lawn Alternative, Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Wildlife

Did you know there was a native bluegrass? Mutton bluegrass is a bunching, tufted grass, native to woodland and higher deserts. The basal clump grows to about 6 to 8 inches, while the inflorescence grows on a stem between 1 and 2 feet tall. The clumps form tight enough masses to offer a substitute to traditional lawns, while the airy flower lends itself to meadow-like lawns and other natural settings. Blooms May to August. A Utah native.

This is a very adaptive grass, and can be grown in full sun to light shade. Requires well drained soils, and while it is alkaline tolerant, it is not salt tolerant. It has a high drought tolerance, though periodic watering will keep it looking greener. Can be mowed, though do so at the highest setting, between 4 to 6 inches. Slow to establish, so mix it with other grasses such as sideoats grama or buffalograss.