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.
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 Prairie Cup Grass fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.