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Roughhair Rosette Grass

Dichanthelium strigosum

Last reviewed: June 2026

Roughhair Rosette Grass (Dichanthelium strigosum)
Photo: Doug Goldman. USDA-NRCS-NPDT United States, NC, Guilford Co., Greensboro, cultivated. January 26, 2012. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

8"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, FL, GA, LA and 6 more states

Roughhair rosette grass is a perennial that forms compact clumps with narrow, textured leaves. This warm-season grass blooms from late spring through fall with delicate seed heads that add subtle movement to the landscape.

In an HOA neighborhood

Roughhair Rosette Grass 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.

  • Rough, wild appearance may look unkempt
  • Seed heads can appear weedy to conventional standards
  • Small stature makes it less recognizable as intentional landscaping

Wildlife value

This grass provides nesting material and cover for small birds and beneficial insects. The seeds serve as food for songbirds and ground-feeding wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Roughhair Rosette Grass need?
Roughhair Rosette Grass grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Roughhair Rosette Grass bloom?
Roughhair Rosette Grass blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.
Where is Roughhair Rosette Grass native?
Roughhair Rosette Grass (Dichanthelium strigosum) is native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 6 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Roughhair Rosette Grass HOA-friendly?
Roughhair Rosette 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 Roughhair Rosette Grass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz