How much sun does Hooded Windmill Grass need?

Hooded Windmill Grass grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Hooded Windmill Grass bloom?

Hooded Windmill Grass blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.

Where is Hooded Windmill Grass native?

Hooded Windmill Grass (Chloris cucullata) is native to AZ, KS, NM, OK and 1 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Hooded Windmill Grass attract?

Hooded Windmill Grass draws butterflies.

Is Hooded Windmill Grass HOA-friendly?

Hooded Windmill Grass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Hooded Windmill Grass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Chloris cucullata

Last reviewed: July 2026

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–18" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

AZ, KS, NM, OK and 1 more states

Pollinators

butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 411 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain

Hooded Windmill Grass is a compact native bunch grass that forms neat clumps with fine-textured foliage. It produces delicate seed heads from spring through fall and goes dormant in winter, turning tan or brown before new growth emerges in spring.

In an HOA neighborhood

Hooded Windmill Grass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, mid zone.

Cut back in late winter

Wildlife value

This grass provides nectar and habitat for butterflies and serves as a host plant for some native butterfly species. The seeds also feed small birds and other wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Hooded Windmill Grass need?: Hooded Windmill Grass grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Hooded Windmill Grass bloom?: Hooded Windmill Grass blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
Where is Hooded Windmill Grass native?: Hooded Windmill Grass (Chloris cucullata) is native to AZ, KS, NM, OK and 1 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Hooded Windmill Grass attract?: Hooded Windmill Grass draws butterflies.
Is Hooded Windmill Grass HOA-friendly?: Hooded Windmill Grass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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 Hooded Windmill Grass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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