A dominant grass of tallgrass prairies, its plumes of seeds are showy in their later stages. Valuable as an insect host and for winter habitat. Takes summer heat and drought well, and readily reseeds.

Light: Full Sun

Soil Moisture: Wet Mesic, Mesic, Dry Mesic, Dry

Soil Type: Adaptable

Height: 3′-5′

Bloom Time: Jul-Aug

Root Type: Fibrous

Notable Wildlife Interactions: Hosts a number of skippers including the Delaware and hobomok skippers, a few species of leaf mining moths, and many smaller insects. Seeds are eaten by gamebirds and many seed-eating songbirds. Young leaves are commonly grazed by mammals, and foliage provides valuable winter cover for small animals.