6 / 7

Idaho Fescue (Festuca idahoensis)

Idaho fescue, aka siskiyou blue, is a perky, compact clump grass with a soft, graceful look. Its tan flower spikes shoot up in the spring.

“I love using this grass in large containers mixed with gauras, salvias and cascading delospermas,” says Carvahlo. “It also maintains its tidy shape and color throughout every season.”

• Good for bordering paths and walkways;
• Attracts butterflies;
• Important food source for elk and pronghorn in wild areas;
• Drought tolerant;
• One to two feet tall with a one-foot spread;
• Blooms April to June;
• Grows in full sun (benefits from light afternoon shade) and well-drained soil;
• Native to Western U.S. and grows well in Southwest heat;
• Zones 4 to 8.

Note: As a cool-season grass, it actively grows in the spring and fall. It still needs water in the summer, but no fertilizer.

7 / 7

Giant Sacaton (Sporobolus wrightii)

Few grasses make a grand impression better than giant sacaton, aka windbreaker. With flowers growing up to 10 feet tall in the summer, farmers sometimes use it as a natural windbreak.

“It can also create privacy or make a striking statement when planted alone,” says Carvahlo.

• Good for large borders and property boundaries, aesthetic appeal;
• Attracts birds;
• Heat tolerant;
• Grows 10 feet tall (in bloom) with a six-foot spread;
• Blooms September to October;
• Needs full sun and clay, loam or sandy soil;
• Native to Southwestern U.S.;
• Zones 5 to 8.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7p63MoqOyoJGjsbq5wKdlnKedZLmqv9NopZqsmauybrPRmqqsnaNk