The Best Native Grass for Erosion Control and Natural Shorelines
The Best Native Grass for Erosion Control and Natural Shorelines
Soil erosion is a persistent challenge, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall, steep slopes, or surface runoff. In the Midwest United States, native grasses play a vital role in erosion control. Their extensive root systems stabilize soil, enhance soil health, and provide a wildlife habitat. This article will explore the best native grasses for erosion control, with insights into planting techniques, landscape recommendations, and ecological benefits.
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Why Native Grasses?
Native plants, including grasses, are specifically adapted to the Midwest’s climate and soil conditions. Native grass species have evolved over millennia to withstand local weather patterns, nutrient cycling challenges, and soil moisture variability. Unlike non-native grasses, native species such as little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), big bluestem, and switch grass (Panicum virgatum) develop deep root systems and fibrous roots that are highly effective at holding soil in place, even in dry soil or sandy soils. Additionally, these grasses contribute to the overall health of the soil by adding organic matter as their dead leaves decompose.
Native Grasses for Erosion Control
1. Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
- Common Name: Little Bluestem
- Ideal Conditions: Thrives in full sun, dry soil, and sandy soils.
- Benefits: This warm-season grass is a standout option for erosion control, particularly on steep slopes and well-drained soils. Its dense crowns and fibrous root systems excel at anchoring soil and minimizing surface runoff. Little bluestem also contributes to local ecosystems by supporting small mammals and providing essential food sources for pollinators. In addition to its practical benefits, the blue-green foliage and reddish-bronze tones in the fall make it a visually appealing addition to any landscape.
- Easy to Grow: Little bluestem grass grows easily from seed. We use this Little Bluestem seed mix by Everwilde Farms.
Little Bluestem Native Grass
2. Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
- Common Name: Big Bluestem
- Ideal Conditions: Prefers fertile soils and medium soils but tolerates a variety of soil conditions.
- Benefits: Renowned as the “king of the tallgrass prairie,” big bluestem is a powerful tool for erosion control due to its extensive root system that penetrates deep into the soil. This grass thrives under heavy rainfall, maintaining soil stability even in extreme conditions. The upright stems and distinctive seedheads not only add elegance to a landscape but also provide a critical food source for wildlife, including birds and small mammals. Big bluestem’s adaptability and resilience make it a cornerstone species for restoring degraded lands.
- Easy to Grow: Like its smaller counterpart, Big Bluestem grass is very easy to grow from seed. We use this Big Bluestem seed mix by Everwilde Farms.
Big Bluestem Native Grass
3. Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum)
- Common Name: Switch Grass
- Ideal Conditions: Grows well in moist soils, wet soils, and medium soils.
- Benefits: Switch grass is one of the most versatile native grasses for erosion control. Its extensive root systems and fibrous roots make it highly effective at stabilizing soils in areas prone to surface runoff. This grass flourishes in both partial shade and full sun, making it suitable for various landscape designs. As a warm-season grass, switch grass supports biodiversity and provides habitat for pollinators and ground-nesting birds. Its vibrant green foliage transitions to golden hues in the fall, adding seasonal interest.
- Easy to Grow: Switchgrass can be grown from seed, but will form larger clumps much sooner when started from plugs or small plants. Some varieties can have slight color variations for different landscaping trends, like this red-tipped Shenandoah Switchgrass!
Switchgrass Native Grass
4. Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans)
- Common Name: Indian Grass
- Ideal Conditions: Excels in well-drained soils, medium soils, and sandy soils.
- Benefits: Indian grass is a native species celebrated for its beauty and functionality. Its golden seedheads are visually striking while serving as a valuable food source for birds and small mammals. The extensive root system improves soil structure and promotes nutrient cycling, which is essential for long-term soil health. Indian grass adapts well to a range of soil conditions, making it an excellent choice for areas needing erosion control and ecological restoration. Its tall, arching stems also bring a graceful presence to prairie-style gardens.
- Easy to Grow: Indian grass can mature quickly when planted from seed, sometimes ‘blooming’ in the first year. We recommend this Indian Grass seed mix by Everwilde Farms.
Indian Grass Native Grass
5. Canada Wild Rye (Elymus canadensis)
- Common Name: Canada Wild Rye
- Ideal Conditions: Adapts to a variety of soil conditions, including dry conditions and sandy soils.
- Benefits: This cool-season grass is a rapid grower, making it an excellent nurse plant for erosion control projects. It establishes quickly to provide immediate soil stabilization while slower-growing perennial grasses take root. The arching seedheads add texture and interest to landscapes, and its ability to thrive in diverse conditions ensures success even in challenging environments. Over time, Canada wild rye enriches the soil with organic matter, contributing to long-term soil health.
- Easy to Grow: Canada Wild Rye grows easily from seed. We recommend this Canada Wild Rye seed mix by Everwilde Farms.
Canada Wild Rye Native Grass
6. Red Fescue (Festuca rubra)
- Common Name: Red Fescue
- Ideal Conditions: Grows in partial shade and full sun, tolerates dry conditions and moist soils.
- Benefits: Red fescue is a fine-textured, cool-season grass that provides excellent ground cover. Its adaptability to various light and soil conditions makes it a reliable choice for erosion control in both urban and rural settings. The dense growth habit helps to stabilize soil on slopes and prevent surface runoff. Additionally, red fescue’s low-maintenance requirements and lush, green appearance make it a favorite for erosion control mixes in home landscapes and public spaces.
- Easy to Grow: Like many native grass varieties, Red Fescue grass can be easily started by seed. Plugs or young seedlings can help form large patches sooner if you are planting in a landscaped setting.
Red Fescue Native Grass
7. Inland Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)
- Common Name: Inland Sea Oats
- Ideal Conditions: Prefers moist soils and partial shade.
- Benefits: Inland sea oats are valued for their decorative seedheads that resemble flattened oats, adding a unique texture to landscapes. Beyond aesthetics, this grass provides excellent erosion control in areas with partial shade and moist soils. Its fibrous root systems hold soil firmly in place, preventing displacement during heavy rains. Inland sea oats are particularly well-suited for riparian areas, where their roots help stabilize streambanks and enhance water quality. This grass also supports wildlife, providing shelter and seeds for birds and small animals.
- Easy to Grow: Like many varieties of native grasses and sedges, Inland Sea Oats is well suited to be started by seed. This native seed mix of Inland Sea Oats comes highly recommended for home planting!
Inland Sea Oats Native Grass
Planting Native Grasses: Seed vs. Plugs or Seedlings
Planting from Seed
Planting native grass seed is a cost-effective way to cover large areas. However, it requires careful preparation to ensure good results.
- Seed Germination: For most native seeds, germination occurs best after a period of cold stratification or planting in late summer to early spring. Wildflower seeds, such as black-eyed Susan or wild bergamot, can be included in native seed mixes for added biodiversity.
- Erosion Control Blanket: For steep slopes or areas prone to heavy rainfall, using an erosion control blanket helps keep seeds in place until they germinate.
- Challenges: Planting seeds often requires supplemental irrigation during the first growing season, especially in dry conditions.
Planting from Plugs or Seedlings
Planting plugs or seedlings ensures faster establishment and is ideal for smaller areas or critical erosion zones.
- Benefits: Plugs have already developed fibrous root systems, making them less susceptible to surface runoff.
- Placement: Space plugs appropriately to encourage dense root growth and prevent invasive species from encroaching.
- Maintenance: Supplemental irrigation may be needed during the first year, but these grasses will require less water once established.
Landscape Recommendations
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Steep Slopes
- Use a mix of little bluestem, switch grass, and Indian grass for their deep roots and ability to anchor soil. These grasses develop extensive root systems that effectively hold soil particles in place, even on challenging gradients like steep slopes. To enhance coverage and reduce erosion quickly, add red fescue, which spreads quickly and creates a lush ground cover. Its fine texture also provides an aesthetic contrast to the taller grasses, creating a visually appealing slope stabilization solution.
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Natural Shorelines and Buffer Zones
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Consider incorporating native grasses and plants into buffer zones or natural shorelines along waterways. These areas act as living barriers that absorb wave energy and reduce soil erosion. Switch grass and inland sea oats are particularly effective in these applications due to their ability to thrive in wet soils and stabilize shorelines. Native grasses can be combined with wet-soil tolerant native flowers to create a beautiful and resilient natural seawall at the water's edge.
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Rain Gardens
- Combine switch grass with native wildflower seeds like black-eyed Susan and partridge pea. Switch grass's ability to tolerate wet soils makes it ideal for absorbing stormwater runoff. Pairing it with wildflowers adds biodiversity and visual interest to rain gardens. The wildflowers attract pollinators, while the grasses' fibrous root systems reduce surface runoff and improve soil health over time. Together, these plants create a functional and beautiful solution to managing stormwater in residential or public spaces.
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Home Landscape
- For a decorative yet functional landscape, include inland sea oats and Canada wild rye along pathways or borders. Inland sea oats provide a distinctive look with their ornamental seedheads, while Canada wild rye offers quick establishment and soil stabilization. These grasses are excellent choices for areas with partial shade, and their mature seedheads attract birds, enhancing the wildlife habitat. They also pair well with other native plants, such as wild bergamot, for added texture and color.
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Restoration Projects
- Incorporate big bluestem and Indian grass in erosion control mix plantings for areas requiring long-term soil stabilization and nutrient cycling. These tallgrass prairie species are adapted to a variety of soil conditions and play a vital role in rebuilding healthy ecosystems. Their deep roots improve soil structure, while their upright stems and seedheads provide habitat and food for wildlife. Restoration projects benefit from these grasses' resilience to heavy rainfall and ability to thrive with less water once established.
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Temporary Cover Crops
- Use annual ryegrass or perennial ryegrass as a nurse plant to stabilize soil while perennial native grasses establish themselves. Ryegrass germinates quickly and provides immediate erosion control, making it a good place to start for areas with bare soil. Once the slower-growing native species, such as little bluestem or switch grass, are established, the ryegrass can be mowed or allowed to die back naturally, leaving behind organic matter to enrich the soil.
Additional Tips for Erosion Control
- Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil surface is free of debris and invasive species before planting. Adding organic matter improves soil moisture retention and soil health, creating an ideal environment for native grasses.
- Planting Timing: Plant native seeds in early spring or late summer to align with natural rainfall patterns. This timing helps optimize seed germination and reduces the need for supplemental irrigation. Plugs or seedlings can be planted anytime during the growing season, provided they receive adequate water.
- Supplemental Irrigation: Provide extra water during the first year to help grasses establish, particularly in dry conditions. Native species typically require less water after their deep root systems develop, especially in varieties that have built up drought resistance.
- Mixing with Wildflowers: Adding wildflower seeds such as black-eyed Susan and wild bergamot creates a vibrant, biodiverse landscape that supports pollinators and enhances the aesthetic appeal. This combination also improves soil health by diversifying root systems and adding organic matter to the soil.
Why Native Grasses Are Excellent Choices for Erosion Control
- Deep Roots: Native grasses develop deep-rooted systems that stabilize soil particles and prevent nutrient loss.
- Diverse Soil Adaptability: From dry soil to moist soils, native species like big bluestem and switch grass thrive in a variety of soil conditions.
- Wildlife Habitat: These grasses provide food sources and shelter for native birds, small mammals, and beneficial insects.
- Long-Term Benefits: Once established, native grasses require less water and maintenance, making them a sustainable choice for home landscapes and restoration projects.
Natural Solutions for Erosion Control
Selecting the best native grass for erosion control depends on your specific site conditions. Grasses like little bluestem, big bluestem, switch grass, and Indian grass are excellent choices for their deep root systems, adaptability to different soil types, and ability to improve soil health. Whether you’re planting native grass seed or plugs, these native species play a vital role in combating soil erosion while enhancing biodiversity. For the best results, combine grasses with wildflower seeds or use erosion control blankets on steep slopes to protect the soil during the establishment phase. With proper planning, these grasses will provide effective erosion control and a beautiful, functional landscape for years to come.
