How much sun does Ditch Rabbitsfoot Grass need?

Ditch Rabbitsfoot Grass grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Ditch Rabbitsfoot Grass bloom?

Ditch Rabbitsfoot Grass blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Ditch Rabbitsfoot Grass native?

Ditch Rabbitsfoot Grass (Polypogon interruptus) is native to AZ, CA, CO, LA and 11 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Ditch Rabbitsfoot Grass HOA-friendly?

Ditch Rabbitsfoot Grass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Ditch Rabbitsfoot Grass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Polypogon interruptus

Last reviewed: July 2026

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

8"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, LA and 11 more states

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Sonoran Basin and Range

Ditch rabbitsfoot grass is a small annual grass that forms compact clumps 8-24 inches tall. It produces fuzzy, cylindrical flower spikes from May through July that give it a soft, cottony appearance. This grass naturally grows in moist areas and ditches.

In an HOA neighborhood

Ditch Rabbitsfoot Grass takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Name includes 'ditch' which suggests weedy appearance
Annual lifecycle means it dies back completely each year
Can appear messy and unkempt in maintained landscapes

Wildlife value

As an annual grass, it provides some habitat structure for small wildlife and insects. The seeds may be eaten by birds, though it's not considered a major wildlife plant.

Common questions

How much sun does Ditch Rabbitsfoot Grass need?: Ditch Rabbitsfoot Grass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Ditch Rabbitsfoot Grass bloom?: Ditch Rabbitsfoot Grass blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Ditch Rabbitsfoot Grass native?: Ditch Rabbitsfoot Grass (Polypogon interruptus) is native to AZ, CA, CO, LA and 11 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Ditch Rabbitsfoot Grass HOA-friendly?: Ditch Rabbitsfoot Grass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Ditch Rabbitsfoot Grass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz