• Wyoming has several different native grass types. Native grasses are important because non-native grasses tend to be invasive and can deplete resources for other grasses and plants. Native grasses are helpful for controlling erosion and providing ground cover. Ornamental grasses in particular are used along highways to enhance the landscape.
  
  

Western Wheatgrass

• Western wheatgrass is a perennial grass that can grow as tall as 2 1/2 feet. It has a silvery-white covering along the length of the stem with blue-green leaves topping the stem. Western wheatgrass does well in lower lying areas that do not have good drainage. In wetter weather seasons, it becomes aggressive and can crowd out other native grasses. Western wheatgrass helps to control erosion because of how closely it clumps together with itself and other grasses. It does best in full sun to partial shade.
  
  

Little Bluestem

• Little bluestem is a perennial ornamental grass that grows in tight clumps as tall as 6 feet. Before flowering, little bluestem has slim, bluish-green stems. In the fall however, the stems turn deep red and white which lasts through winter. Little bluestem does well in sun and partial shade. It is a drought-tolerant grass that does well in dry soil.
  
  

Porcupine Grass

• Porcupine grass grows straight, but as the grass grows and blooms it becomes too heavy and begins to lean. It can grow as tall as 3 1/2 feet and has pale green leaves. As it grows, porcupine grass changes to a lighter straw color. Its pale green blades alternate up the stalk until reaching small spikes that flower. Porcupine grass prefers dry soil and full sun.
  
  

Blue Bunchgrass

• Blue bunchgrass is a narrow gray-green to blue-leafed grass with narrow stems. It is a clumping grass that can grow as tall as 3 feet. When it flowers, blue bunchgrass doubles its height. Full sun and dry soil are best for blue bunchgrass. It is another grass which tolerates drought well and is helpful in controlling erosion.
  
  

Blue Grama

• Blue grama grows to heights of 3 feet. It is an ornamental grass with fine leaves with blue-green seed heads. Its leaves are grayish-green. Blue grama resists drought conditions well and thrives in full sunlight. This grass also enjoys drier soils rather than moist soils.