North America's only native lawn grass — evolved on the Great Plains and unmatched for low water use in zones 3–8 (excluding humid Southeast and Pacific Northwest). Goes dormant in both summer drought and winter cold, turning a pleasing straw colour both seasons; greens up with heat and moisture. Mow at 5–10 cm or leave unmown as a natural prairie ground cover (maximum height ~15 cm). Fertilize only in early summer, very sparingly (excess nitrogen favours weeds and reduces drought tolerance). Requires full sun — declines rapidly under shade or high humidity. Extremely slow to establish from seed (plant plugs or sod for faster cover); seed may take 21–28 days to germinate. Once established, needs no irrigation in most of its native range. Not suitable for high-traffic or humid, shady gardens — thrives in dry, open, sun-drenched yards in the central US, prairies, and high-altitude climates.

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