As one might suspect, graminoids (grass-like species) are the dominant vegetation type in tall, mixed and short grass prairie habitats. Though dominant in terms of cover, the diversity of grass species is much lower than forb (wildflower) species. By way of example, the Manitoba Tall Grass Prairie Preserve in southeastern Manitoba has approximately 27 grasses and well over 300 forbs.
Grasses comprise 25 - 100% of the vegetation cover in dry prairies and 75 - 100% of the cover in medium to moist prairies. Forbs, on the other hand, comprise only 5 - 50% cover in any prairie type.
Long-styled Rush
LONG-STYLED RUSH (Juncus longistylis) Clusters of brown and white star-shaped flowers top the stems of this beautiful rush. It grows in wet meadows and along the edges of wetlands and streams where it often forms […]
Green needle grass
Green needle grass (Nasella viridula) This cool season bunch grass fits a wide variety of soil moisture and light conditions. The long awns on the seed heads react to air moisture, the lower portion twisting […]
Awned Wheatgrass
AWNED WHEATGRASS (Agropyron subsecundum) A cool-season grass with wheat-like spikes that are often one-sided. Awned wheatgrass may grow in clumps or form loose colonies from short rhizomes. Grows with prairie cordgrass, big bluestem, prairie dropseed, […]
Purple Oat Grass
PURPLE OAT GRASS (Schizachne purpurascens) A delicate-looking grass with purple-tinged, nodding seed heads. Grows in loose tufts in open woods and prairies. Life Cycle: perennial Sun Exposure: part shade – sun Fruiting Period: June – […]
Side-oats Grama
SIDE-OATS GRAMA (Bouteloua curtipendula) A mid-height grass that sports all of its seeds on one side of the stalk. Flowering plants have striking orange-red anthers and a feathery white style. Life Cycle: perennial, warm season […]
Soft Millet
SOFT MILLET (Dichanthelium acuminatum) This furry “miniature switch grass” has an interesting life cycle. It flowers early in the year, dies down over the summer, and produces new rosettes in the fall, often flowering again. […]
Little bluestem
Reddish stalks and feathery seed heads are the attractive features of this bunch grass.
Sorghastrum Grass
The stalks alternate between green and a gorgeous reddish brown. The copper-coloured seed heads are covered in silky hairs.
Sartwell’s Sedge
Gold to brown flowering stems stand out above the surrounding wetland vegetation.
Fowl manna grass
A taller grass with seed heads that are green to burgundy with white stripes.
June Grass
When flowering, the narrow, densely-flowered spikes open up and are very showy.
Switch Grass
Stiff, erect stature and beautiful, pyramid-shaped panicles give it an air of confidence and endurance,
Fringed Brome
Open, pendulous seed heads are soft and fuzzy. The lower leaves and leaf sheaths are also softly hairy.
Porcupine Grass
Of all the native prairie grasses, it is probably the most fascinating in terms of seed dispersal and germination.