White-Grained Mountain-Ricegrass
Oryzopsis asperifolia
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
White-Grained Mountain-Ricegrass (Oryzopsis asperifolia) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CO, CT, IA, ID and 24 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
White-grained mountain ricegrass is a fine-textured native grass that forms tidy clumps with delicate, arching foliage. It produces subtle flower clusters in late spring and early summer, then goes dormant in winter as a deciduous perennial.
In an HOA neighborhood
White-Grained Mountain-Ricegrass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: foundation, mid zone.
- Goes completely dormant in winter
- May appear sparse compared to traditional landscaping
Wildlife value
This grass supports bees and beetles during its blooming period from May through July. As a native grass, it also provides habitat and food sources for various insects and small wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does White-Grained Mountain-Ricegrass need?
- White-Grained Mountain-Ricegrass grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does White-Grained Mountain-Ricegrass bloom?
- White-Grained Mountain-Ricegrass blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is White-Grained Mountain-Ricegrass native?
- White-Grained Mountain-Ricegrass (Oryzopsis asperifolia) is native to CO, CT, IA, ID and 24 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does White-Grained Mountain-Ricegrass attract?
- White-Grained Mountain-Ricegrass draws bees and beetles.
- Is White-Grained Mountain-Ricegrass HOA-friendly?
- White-Grained Mountain-Ricegrass 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 White-Grained Mountain-Ricegrass? 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