Native Grasses

Big Bluestem is a giant of the prairies! It’s what was the backbone of much of the prairies. It’s vital for native wildlife. It is native from the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. Its nickname is Turkey Foot as the seeds can look like a turkey’s foot.  Lush green 3-8' plants change color at first frost to red and copper tones that provides winter interests. Grows well in all soil types, just not standing water. Hardy to zone 3. Characteristics:  Perennial, hardy to zone 3 Heigh is to 3-8 feet Winter Interest Changes color after frost to red-copper Thrives in almost any soil types and drought tolerant Warm-season grass 250 Seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds indoors in a warm area (70-85°F). Transplant outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Seeds can also be directly sown into a weed-free seedbed in late April-June. Tolerates most moisture levels and withstands drought. Alternatively Start Indoors - 8-10 weeks before the last frost.   Sow 1/2" deep Germination 14-20d days Thin 24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

Blue Grama Grass is a warm-season native bunchgrass that can be found in the central, southwest. It has expanded its natural range to both coasts but is not found in the Pacific Northwest. You can find this in prairies, open forests, along roads, and plains. The seed head turns a beautiful honey gold brown.  Its seeds look like soldiers in a row as they hand from the stem. It is a dominant species in our short grass prairies. it is used commonly in xeriscaping due to its ability to survive on low amounts of water. Plant in full sun and well-drained soils. Recommended for prairie plantings, xeriscape gardens and lawns and as a component of wildlife forage mixes. This is a very hardy perennial and easily survives down to USDA Zone 3.   Botanical Name: Bouteloua gracilis Characteristics:  Hardy to zone 3, perennial 2-3 in height Winter interest Native ornamental 800 Seeds per packet, 1/2 gram, will cover 10 sq ft with no plants or 100 sq ft with other grasses, 1 oz will cover 500 sq ft, or 5,000 sq ft with other grasses.  Instructions - Seeds can also be directly sown into a weed-free seedbed in May or June as they germinate in warm weather. You can seed earlier or later, but do make sure it is with the companions or oats to provide cover and prevent weeds from growing. Prefers sand and loam.  Alternatively Start Indoors late winter to early spring Sow 1/2" deep Germination 14-20 days Thin 24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Buffalo Grass - is a warm-season grass and is a dominant specieis of shortgrass prairies of the Great Plains and Midwest and is native throughout most of the United States. It is very drought tolerant and is ideal in garden landscapes, prairie restoration, xeriscaing and range mixes as its a forage for White-tailed Deer, Bison, and Prairie Dogs. Domesticated animals will also use it for forage. This is the larval host for the Green Skipper Butterfly. Edging should be used in areas in where it is not wanted as it is stoloniferous in nature.  In winter it does go dormant and will turn brown but by late spring into summer it will remain green even in the driest conditions. It is as home in the south as it is in the north. The seed is soaked in Potassium nitrate to help with germination. It is a naturally occurring substance and is in all buffalos grass sold in the U.S.  This is a very hardy perennial and easily survives down to USDA Zone 3.  Buchloe dactyloide Characteristics:  Hardy to zone 3, perennial 2-3 foot tall clumps Blue-Green foliage turns copper-red in the fall Erosion control plantings 55 Seeds per packet, .5 grams will cover 5 sq ft densely, 1 oz will cover 250 sq ft densely.  Instructions -Seeds can also be directly sown into a weed-free seedbed in May or June as they germinate in warm weather. You can seed earlier or later, but do make sure it is with the compansions or oats to provide cover and prevent weeds from growing.  Not recommended for heavy clay.  Alternatively Start Indoors late winter to early spring Sow 1/2" deep Germination 14-20 days Thin 24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Idaho Fescue Grass is a cool-season silvery blue native bunchgrass that grows to heights of 40" and has very fine blades of grass. There no rhizomes and reproduces from seed. It remains green all winter. It is found in the Rocky Mountain corridor and westwards and grows in elevations up 5,000 to 10,000 ft. It can also be found in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Animals depend on this grass for forage and cover throughout the year. Idaho Fescue has a very deep and wide root system and is great for erosion control, natural restoration, gardens and homes.  This is a very hardy perennial and easily survives down to USDA Zone 3.   Botanical Name: Festacua Idahoenis Characteristics:  Hardy to zone 3, perennial 36-40" in height Native grass 500 Seeds per packet, 1/2 gram, will cover 40 sq ft with no plants or 300  sq ft with other grasses, 1 oz will cover 2,000  sq ft, or 5,000 sq ft with other grasses.  Instructions - Seeds can also be directly sown into a weed-free seedbed at all times of the year soil can be worked.  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Indiangrass is a wonderful additional to any garden border where you need height and some drama. It can create backdrops and wind breaks for other plantings. Its giant golden seedheads provide beauty and will help feed wildlife all winter long. This is a very easy grass to get established and is beloved by birds, bees, insects, and mammals.  It is native in most of the US and can be found in 44 states, it is not found in WA, OR, ID, HI, and AK. This is a very hardy perennial and easily survives down to USDA Zone 3.  Sorghastrum nutans Characteristics:  Hardy to zone 3, perennial Does well in all soil types 5-7' in height with ornamenta seed heads.  Erosion control plantings, forage, prairie restoration Combine with Little Bluestem for a striking companion 1g or ~300 Seeds per packet, covers 10 sq ft, 1 oz of seed will cover 300 sq ft Instructions -Seeds can also be directly sown into a weed-free seedbed in May or June as they germinate in warm weather. You can seed earlier or later, but do make sure it is with the compansions or oats to provide cover and prevent weeds from growing.  Not recommended for heavy clay.  Alternatively Start Indoors late winter to early spring Sow 1/2" deep Germination 14-20 days Thin 24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Little Bluestem is perhaps the most popular native grass in the USA.  It's beautiful blue-green foliage turns coppery red in the fall and provides wonderful winter interest. This is a must native plant for anyone who wants to encourage wildlife and beneficial insects as it provides tons of cover and forage. It was the most dominant of all the grasses 100 years ago across the United States and of course Canada.  The only states it is not native to is California, Nevada, Oregon, Alaska and Hawaii. This can be used for forage but if hayed, it does need to go to rest every few years or it will die off.  This is a very hardy perennial and easily survives down to USDA Zone 3.  Schizachyrium scoparium Characteristics:  Hardy to zone 3, perennial 2-3 foot tall clumps Blue-Green foliage turns copper-red in the fall Erosion control plantings 250 Seeds per packet  1lb covers 3,150 sq ft Instructions -Seeds can also be directly sown into a weed-free seedbed in May or June as they germinate in warm weather. You can seed earlier or later, but do make sure it is with the compansions or oats to provide cover and prevent weeds from growing.  Not recommended for heavy clay.  Alternatively Start Indoors late winter to early spring Sow 1/2" deep Germination 14-20 days Thin 24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Sand Dropseed Grass- is a warm-season grass and is a dominant species for shortgrass prairies, forest edges, meadows, along creeks and streams and is native throughout most of the United States. It is very drought tolerant and is ideal in garden landscapes, prairie restoration, xeriscaping. It provides excellent cover for bees and small birds.  In winter it does go dormant and will turn brown but by late spring into summer it will remain green even in the driest conditions. It is as home in the south as it is in the north.  This is a very hardy perennial and easily survives down to USDA Zone 3.  Sporobolus cryptandrus Characteristics:  Hardy to zone 3, perennial 2-3 foot tall clumps Prefers sandy soils, does well in loams Erosion control plantings 5,000 Seeds per packet, .5 grams will cover 15 sq ft densely, 1 oz will cover 1,300 sq ft densely.  Instructions -Seeds can also be directly sown into a weed-free seedbed in May or June as they germinate in warm weather. You can seed earlier or later, but do make sure it is with the compansions or oats to provide cover and prevent weeds from growing.  Not recommended for heavy clay.   Alternatively Start Indoors late winter to early spring Sow 1/2" deep Germination 14-20 days Thin 24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Available in late 4Q - We only are able to get a few pounds each year, we will not bold shipments containing Sandberg Bluegrass Sandberg Bluegrass is a cool-season native bunchgrass that grows without rhizomes. It is found in the Rocky Mountain corridor and grows inelevations up to 9,000 ft. It is 12-14" tall, withstands drought, but with enough rain it will stay green all summer. This is the most dominant bluegrass in Utah and the surrounding states. Animals depend on this grass for forage and cover throughout the year.  Recommended for prairie plantings, xeriscape gardens and lawns and as a component of wildlife forage mixes. It is ideal for areas with sagebrush and mountain shrub communities. It is good for forage when planted alongside other similiar habitat grasses. This is a very hardy perennial and easily survives down to USDA Zone 3.   Botanical Name: Poa secunda, Poa Sandbergii Characteristics:  Hardy to zone 3, perennial 1-1.5' in height Native grass 1000 Seeds per packet, 1/2 gram, will cover 15 sq ft with no plants or 150 sq ft with other grasses, 1 oz will cover 705 sq ft, or 7,500 sq ft with other grasses.  Instructions - Seeds can also be directly sown into a weed-free seedbed at all times of the year soil can be worked.  Alternatively Start Indoors late winter to early spring Sow 1/2" deep Germination 14-20 days Thin 24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Switchgrass 'Blackwell' Grass is a warm-season native bunchgrass that can be found in the throughout most of North America and is dominant species in Tallgrass Prairies. The Blackwell cultivar is from the Blackwell, Oklahoma. It is a vigorous cultivar.  It is used in projects to help control erosion, meadows, and prairies reclamation.  It is used by many types of wildlife for food and cover. Ideally you like to choose cultivars closer to your region and this would be one for the southern climates but is hardy to zone 3 none the less.  This is a very hardy perennial and easily survives down to USDA Zone 3, can be found in zones 3-10 and prefers drier soils.   Botanical Name: Panicum Virgatum Characteristics:  Hardy to zone 3, perennial 5' in height Native ornamental and forage 250 Seeds per packet, 1 gram, will cover 10 sq ft with no plants or 100 sq ft with other grasses, 1 oz will cover 500 sq ft, or 5,000 sq ft with other grasses.  Instructions - Seeds can also be directly sown into a weed-free seedbed in May or June as they germinate in warm weather. You can seed earlier or later, but do make sure it is with the compansions or oats to provide cover and prevent weeds from growing. Prefers sand and loam.  Alternatively Start Indoors late winter to early spring Sow 1/2" deep Germination 14-20 days We do not have a picture of Dacotah Switchgrass and simply used a Switchgrass. 

Current Supply is limited, more to arrive in January - Switchgrass 'Dacotah' Grass is a warm-season native bunchgrass that can be found in the throughout most of North America and is dominant species in Tallgrass Prairies. The Dacotah cultivar is from North Dakota. It is a little shorter and has some finer leaves. It prefers drier soils.  It is used in projects to help control erosion, meadows, and prairies reclamation.  It is used by many types of wildlife for food and cover.  This is a very hardy perennial and easily survives down to USDA Zone 3, can be found in zones 3-10 and prefers drier soils.   Botanical Name: Panicum Virgatum Characteristics:  Hardy to zone 3, perennial 5' in height Native ornamental and forage 350 Seeds per packet, 1 gram, will cover 10 sq ft with no plants or 100 sq ft with other grasses, 1 oz will cover 500 sq ft, or 5,000 sq ft with other grasses.  Instructions - Seeds can also be directly sown into a weed-free seedbed in May or June as they germinate in warm weather. You can seed earlier or later, but do make sure it is with the compansions or oats to provide cover and prevent weeds from growing. Prefers sand and loam.  Alternatively Start Indoors late winter to early spring Sow 1/2" deep Germination 14-20 days We do not have a picture of Dacotah Switchgrass and simply used a Switchgrass. 

Bluebunch Wheatgrass is a cool-season native bunchgrass that has a very strong root system. It is a western native and often found in the mountain and high elevations but grows throughout the entire range. Bluebunch Wheatgrass has a very deep and wide root system and is great for erosion control, natural restoration, gardens and home gardens. It can be used for forage for livestock and wildlife.   This is a very hardy perennial and easily survives down to USDA Zone 3.  It can be found zones 3-10.  Botanical Name: Pseuoroegneria spicata Characteristics:  Hardy to zone 3, perennial 48" in height Native grass 300 Seeds per packet, 1 gram, will cover 150 sq ft with no plants or 300 sq ft with other grasses, 1 oz will cover 2,000  sq ft, or 5,000 sq ft with other grasses.  Instructions - Seeds can also be directly sown into a weed-free seedbed at all times of the year soil can be worked.  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Canada Wildrye -  is a cool-season native bunchgrass that is found throughout the United States and Canada.  It grows quick and is perennial with a shorter life but its ability to stabilize soil is why it can be used in reclamation projects where it is important to stick with native planting.  It can be used for forage for livestock and wildlife.  It's seed heads are long and looking like they are nodding when in full bloom They are extremely ornamental and essential for wildlife.  This is a very hardy perennial and easily survives down to USDA Zone 3.  It can be found zones 3-10.  Botanical Name: Elymus canadensis Characteristics:  Hardy to zone 3, perennial 48" in height Native grass 500 Seeds per packet, 2 gram, will cover 15 sq ft with no plants or 150 sq ft with other grasses, 1 oz will cover 2,000  sq ft, or 5,000 sq ft with other grasses.  Instructions - Seeds can also be directly sown into a weed-free seedbed at all times of the year soil can be worked.  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Virgina Wildrye -  is a cool-season native bunchgrass that is native to the Eastern state of the U.S.  It grows quick and is perennial with a shorter life but its ability to stabilize soil is why it can be used in reclamation projects where it is important to stick with native planting.  It can be used for forage for livestock and wildlife.  This is a very hardy perennial and easily survives down to USDA Zone 3.  It can be found zones 3-10.  Botanical Name: Elymus virginicus Characteristics:  Hardy to zone 3, perennial 48" in height Native grass 400 Seeds per packet, 2 gram, will cover 15 sq ft with no plants or 150 sq ft with other grasses, 1 oz will cover 2,000  sq ft, or 5,000 sq ft with other grasses.  Instructions - Seeds can also be directly sown into a weed-free seedbed at all times of the year soil can be worked.  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability