When does June Grass bloom?

Koeleria macrantha typically blooms from May through July, producing its characteristic grass flower heads during late spring and early summer.

What pollinators visit June Grass?

June Grass attracts bees and beetles, which visit the flowers for pollen during the blooming period from May to July.

Where is Koeleria macrantha native?

June Grass is native to most US states, from coast to coast, including western states like California and Washington, plains states like Kansas and Nebraska, and eastern states from Maine to Alabama.

What growing conditions does June Grass prefer?

Koeleria macrantha thrives in full sun locations with low water requirements, making it well-suited for dry prairies, meadows, and xeriscaping applications.

Is Prairie Junegrass toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Prairie Junegrass as toxic to livestock.

Is Prairie Junegrass HOA-friendly?

Prairie Junegrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Prairie Junegrass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Koeleria macrantha

Last reviewed: August 2026

Koeleria macrantha (June Grass) is a native perennial grass blooming May through July across most US states. This drought-tolerant species thrives in full sun and attracts bees and beetles.

Prairie Junegrass (Koeleria macrantha) — Photo: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Prairie Junegrass as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 30 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Deer

Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)

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

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Great Plains Cross Timbers Texas Blackland Prairies Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Interior River Valleys and Hills Madrean Archipelago Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

June grass is a delicate native bunchgrass that forms small, neat clumps with fine-textured foliage. It produces airy flower heads in late spring and early summer, creating a soft, naturalistic appearance in sunny, well-drained areas.

Growing Prairie Junegrass

Grow Prairie Junegrass in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Prairie Junegrass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Goes dormant in winter like other cool-season grasses

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and beetles during its blooming period from May through July. As a native grass, it also provides habitat and nesting material for small wildlife.

Common questions

When does June Grass bloom?: Koeleria macrantha typically blooms from May through July, producing its characteristic grass flower heads during late spring and early summer.
What pollinators visit June Grass?: June Grass attracts bees and beetles, which visit the flowers for pollen during the blooming period from May to July.
Where is Koeleria macrantha native?: June Grass is native to most US states, from coast to coast, including western states like California and Washington, plains states like Kansas and Nebraska, and eastern states from Maine to Alabama.
What growing conditions does June Grass prefer?: Koeleria macrantha thrives in full sun locations with low water requirements, making it well-suited for dry prairies, meadows, and xeriscaping applications.
Is Prairie Junegrass toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Prairie Junegrass as toxic to livestock.
Is Prairie Junegrass HOA-friendly?: Prairie Junegrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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

Ready to grow Prairie Junegrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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