Saccharum ravennae (Erianthus ravennae) HARDY PAMPAS GRASS, PLUME GRASS is perfectly hardy in zone 6 where it even seems to enjoy the climate. This majestic grass produces very large plumes on towering 8 to 12 ft. stalks. Silver and purple in appearance, the flowerheads later become fluffy, a cream color, lasting into winter and continuing to stand with strength against snow or dark green backgrounds. Use where a large scale, specimen or special accent is needed, or to reflect its beauty alongside ponds. Loves full sun and fertile, well drained, moist soil, although drought tolerant.

Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues' LITTLE BLUESTEM Native to the eastern half of the Unite States and a versatile grass. Use as a large ground cover to blend meadows and open woods, to control erosion, or in perennial borders, as well as in rock gardens. Sturdy, erect and clump forming, with slightly hairy leaf blades 1/4 to 1/2 in. wide and 12 to 16 in. long. Flower height reaches to 3 feet. Foliage is a bright blue color and produces light fluffy plumes, illuminating light in your garden. Its color augments in autumn when the blue becomes radiant and blended with pink to purplish red tones. Holds some color even in the winter. It is at home in hot and humid weather. Grows in most infertile soils but not boggy or wet. Dry tolerant.

Sorghastrum nutans INDIAN GRASS Although an integral part of the Great Plains prairies, plants have a wide distribution east inhabiting open woods and dry slopes throughout North America.  Plants grown in Eastern North America tend to be less glaucous and slightly shorter in height, reaching 5 ft. when in flower.  Inflorescences with yellow-colored panicles are stately held above the foliage, creating a soft textured vertical movement within the perennial border.  Autumn foliage is yellow to orange with inflorescences turning light brown and persisting through the winter.  Plant as a specimen or give a nod to Piet Oudolf and plant in drifts.  Plants do self-sow.

Sporobolus heterolepis  PRAIRIE DROPSEED is a warm season grass native from the northeast United States to the central plains.  Sporobolus is well adapted to dry conditions, but can tolerate moist well-drained soils. Green fine textured foliage turns a glowing orange in autumn.  Although Prairie Dropseed can be slow growing taking 2 seasons to reach a mature size, the center does not die out once mature.  A single plant makes a fine specimen in mixed borders.  Groups and mass plantings are being used for storm water management.  Storm water is channeled into “infiltration beds” planted with Sporobolus heterolepis.  The plants thrive in theses conditions, and allow free drainage and infiltration into the local water table.