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June Grass

Koeleria macrantha

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Category
Grass / Sedge / Rush
Sun
Full
Soil moisture
Medium-Dry to Dry
Bloom time
Jun–Jul
Notes
Cool, Sand

About June Grass

June Grass is one of the first native grasses to reach its peak in the spring, offering a refreshing burst of cool-season color to the prairie landscape. This elegant, clump-forming grass typically grows 12 to 24 inches tall, featuring fine-textured, silver-green foliage that feels as soft as it looks. In early summer, it sends up narrow, spike-like flower heads that start out a vibrant green before maturing into a shimmering tan. Native to dry prairies and open woodlands across much of North America, June Grass is exceptionally drought-tolerant and thrives in sandy or rocky soils where other grasses might falter. Its early bloom time makes it a critical resource for early-season pollinators, and its dense tufts provide nesting cover for small birds. In a garden setting, June Grass works beautifully as a low-maintenance accent or as part of a meadow mix. It requires full sun and excellent drainage, making it perfect for rock gardens or dry, sunny slopes where its delicate form can truly shine.

Native range

Native to 37 states:

AlaskaAlabamaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoDelawareIowaIdahoIllinoisIndianaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMarylandMaineMichiganMinnesotaMissouriMississippiMontanaNorth DakotaNebraskaNew MexicoNevadaNew YorkOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaSouth DakotaTexasUtahVermontWashingtonWisconsinWyoming

County range map

BONAP county-level native range map for Koeleria macrantha

Range map courtesy of BONAP (Biota of North America Program).

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