Prairie Cup Grass
Eriochloa contracta
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 19 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Prairie contractgrass is a native annual grass that forms compact, upright clumps reaching 1-2 feet tall. It produces delicate seed heads from summer through early fall and thrives in sunny, dry conditions with minimal care.
In an HOA neighborhood
Prairie Cup Grass takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Annual lifecycle creates gaps in landscape
- Can appear weedy or unkempt
- Less predictable coverage than perennial alternatives
Wildlife value
This grass provides seeds for birds and small mammals in late summer and fall. As an annual, it offers less habitat value than perennial native grasses.
Common questions
- How much sun does Prairie Cup Grass need?
- Prairie Cup Grass grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Prairie Cup Grass bloom?
- Prairie Cup Grass blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Prairie Cup Grass native?
- Prairie Cup Grass (Eriochloa contracta) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 19 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Prairie Cup Grass HOA-friendly?
- Prairie Cup 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 Prairie Cup Grass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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