Ornamental Native Grasses in Texas

Ornamental Native Grasses for Texas Landscaping

Ornamental grasses are a staple in Texas landscapes due to their resilience, low water needs, and aesthetic appeal throughout the year. Native species are especially well-suited to local conditions, supporting pollinators and wildlife while requiring minimal maintenance. These grasses are ideal for both residential and commercial landscapes, especially in areas where drought tolerance and ecological benefits are valued.

Dwarf Maiden Grass

Common Landscape Uses

• Mass plantings for texture and movement

• Wildlife gardens and pollinator habitats

• Prairie or meadow restorations

• Erosion control on slopes and drainage areas

• Low-maintenance xeriscapes and water-wise gardens

These grasses pair well with native wildflowers, perennials, and shrubs to create dynamic, drought-tolerant landscapes with strong ecological value.

General Benefits of Native Ornamental Grasses in Texas

• Drought-tolerant and well-adapted to Texas climate

• Thrive in a variety of soil types, including sandy, rocky, and clay soils

• Provide habitat and food for birds, insects, and other wildlife

• Require minimal fertilization and maintenance

• Offer seasonal visual interest with movement, texture, and color changes

June perennial garden with Maiden grass, Russian sage and Japanese maple

Santolina and native grasses in perennial garden.  I believe that is Russian sage in the back just about to burst forth in soft feathery blooms.

Red Yucca with Mexican Feather Grass

I believe these are variegated iris but I could be completely wrong and they could be a yucca. Just not sure here.  If they are Yuccas they are most likely  ‘Color Guard’ yuccas.

Mexican Feather Grass with Maiden Grass in Dallas

Rosemary+Ornamental Grass, Dallas

Coneflower perennial with Texas ornamental grasses.  The purple you see are small vitex trees.

Feather-Grass-Texas:  Mid-March

Muhlenbergia capillaris or a Muhly Grass. Should bloom pink or white later in the season!

Muhlenbergia capillaris or a Muhly Grass. Should bloom pink or white later in the season!

Muhlenbergia capillaris or a Muhly Grass. Should bloom pink or white later in the season!

Muhlenbergia capillaris or a Muhly Grass. Should bloom pink or white later in the season! A sold evergreen hedge creates good privacy!

Sporobolus heterolepis. an ornamental clump grass that spreads softly downward.

 Pampass Grass

Pampas Grass – May Blooms – Six to eight feet tall. To me, the quintessential reminder of Texas summers with heat hardy snap dragons.  Read more here on Texas Snapdragons.

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Adagio’ Miscanthus sinensis Maiden Grass – 24 to 30 inches

Eulalia grass Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’ – three to six feet.

Eulalia grass Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’ – three to six feet.

Yucca rostrata, a sharp, spikey wide leafed yucca.  Yucca recurvifolia is similar with softer leaves and more of a curve.

Fort Worth Cactus Garden

Agave plants reproduce with abandon. This is a great example! So many to give away to friends. Keep a trench digger by the door and when they ask for one, dig it right up!

Fatsia flank this entrance.

Agave finds a home!  So much to add.  I have the images … just slow in getting them up.

Mexican feather grass blows constantly undulating with the slightest breeze.

Texas A&M Approved or Recommended Ornamental Grasses

1. Lindheimer Muhly (Muhlenbergia lindheimeri)
   Height: 3 to 5 feet
   Form: Upright, clump-forming
   Features: Blue-green foliage topped with large, feathery seed plumes in the fall
   Notes: Native to Central and South Texas; excellent for structural form in mass plantings
   Recognition: Designated Texas Superstar plant by Texas A&M

2. Gulf Muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris)
   Height: 2 to 3 feet
   Form: Graceful, arching
   Features: Showy pink to purple flower plumes in fall
   Notes: Highly ornamental and excellent for borders and focal points
   Recognition: Texas Superstar designation

3. Inland Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)
   Height: 2 to 4 feet
   Form: Clump-forming, shade-tolerant
   Features: Broad green leaves and flat, oat-like seed heads that dangle on slender stems
   Notes: Ideal for shade gardens, streambanks, and erosion control
   Recognition: Recommended by Texas native plant programs

4. Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
   Height: 2 to 4 feet
   Form: Upright with fine-textured growth
   Features: Blue-green foliage turning bronze-orange in fall, with fluffy white seed heads
   Notes: A classic prairie grass, excellent for naturalistic and native-style landscapes
   Recognition: Not a Texas Superstar, but widely recommended by native plant and conservation groups