How To Order: Quantity options listed represent bulk weights. Examples: 1 = 1 lbs, 25 = 25 bs.
Common Name: Prairie Junegrass
Scientific Name: Koeleria macrantha
Native / Introduced: Native
Main Uses:
~Rangeland
~Ornamental landscaping
~Wildlife habitat restoration
Height: ½ – 2 ft. tall
Root Type: Bunchgrass
Growing Season: Cool
Soil Types: Deep, medium to moderately fine soil textures
Tolerances: Drought
Elevation: 4,000 – 11,500 feet
Minimum Precipitation: 12 – 14 inches
Lifecycle: Perennial
Planting Seed Rate: 1 - 2 lbs/acre
Estimated Seeds Per Pound: 2,300,000 seeds
Optimal Planting Season: Spring
Planting Depth: 1/8 inch
Stratification Requirements: None
Category: Grass
Description:
Prairie Junegrass is a variable cool-season bunchgrass that grows as a perennial, ranging from ½ to 2 feet tall. It is best adapted to deep soils with medium to moderately fine textures. This grass is widely distributed across the western American continent, thriving on rolling hills, foot slopes, and mountain valleys, particularly at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 11,500 feet.
Prairie Junegrass holds significant value in seed mixes for restoration purposes. It is utilized for reclamation, range improvement, and as an ornamental plant. This grass is particularly useful for revegetation and erosion control in areas such as mined lands, septic systems, construction sites, burns, and other disturbed areas. It serves as good forage or fodder for wildlife and exhibits moderate tolerance to grazing. Prairie Junegrass provides ample early spring forage and fair late spring forage for livestock. It is advised to delay grazing until the plants are well established, which may take up to 2-3 growing seasons. Additionally, this grass demonstrates good drought tolerance.
Resources:
NRCS Profile: https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=KOMA
NRCS Plant Guide: https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/factsheet/pdf/fs_koma.pdf
NRCS Fact Sheet: https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_koma.pdf
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin
