How much sun does May grass need?

May grass grows best in full sun conditions.

When does May grass bloom?

May grass blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is May grass native?

May grass (Phalaris caroliniana) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 20 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does May grass attract?

May grass draws wind-pollinated.

May grass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Phalaris caroliniana

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

May grass (Phalaris caroliniana) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

24"–48" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 20 more states

Pollinators

wind-pollinated

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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

An upright annual grass with narrow leaves and dense, compact cylindrical seed heads that ripen in late spring. It grows in wet, seasonally flooded prairie and low ground.

Wildlife value

The abundant seed is an important food source for wintering and migrating songbirds and waterfowl.

Common questions

How much sun does May grass need?: May grass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does May grass bloom?: May grass blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is May grass native?: May grass (Phalaris caroliniana) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 20 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does May grass attract?: May grass draws wind-pollinated.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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