Nuttall Alkaligrass
Puccinellia nuttalliana
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
6"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 16 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Nuttall's alkaligrass is a fine-textured native bunchgrass that forms compact clumps. It thrives in alkaline soils and produces delicate seed heads from May through July. This hardy perennial requires minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Nuttall Alkaligrass 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.
- Very fine texture may appear weedy to some
- Seed heads can look unkempt during bloom period
- Not commonly recognized as ornamental
Wildlife value
The seed heads provide food for small birds and ground-feeding wildlife. As a native grass, it supports various insects and contributes to local ecosystem health.
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.
Does Nuttall Alkaligrass fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.