• Prairie grass (Bromus wildenowii Kunth) is a type of bromegrass which propagates from seeds during summer. Prairie grass is a perennial, tall grass variety which thrives in medium to highly fertile, well-drained ground with a pH of 6.0 or above. The grass is relatively more drought resistant than a number of other cool-season grasses and grows easily for four to six years in Pennsylvania with proper management. It is considered an excellent forage source during drought in the state and extends grazing in Pennsylvania into the fall season.
  
  

Matua

• Matua prairie grass is among the most productive prairie grass variety in Pennsylvania. The cultivar was developed in New Zealand. Matua is a perennial grass and makes optimal quality hay which is in high demand in the horse market. The grass has a high nitrogen requirement and needs to be fertilized heavily after each cutting. Matua is a cool-season forage grass and produces seed continually through the growing season. The grass is well resistant to winter temperatures in Pennsylvania but is best cut short during the season in order to improve winter survival.
  
  

Switch Grass

• Switch grass (Panicum virgatum) is a warm-season prairie grass which is also grown as an ornamental grass in Pennsylvania. Switch grass varies in size from 4 to 8 feet and comes in a range of foliage shades from gray-blue to dark green. The grass changes color in the fall to golden yellow and red and produces panicles in shades of red during August and September. Switch grass forms clumps as it grows, and certain varieties also spread with short rhizomes. Switch grass is widely used in Pennsylvania as wildlife food, erosion control and pasture hay.
  
  

Indian Grass

• Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) is a prairie grass variety which is commonly found in the moist and dry fields and roadsides of Pennsylvania. The grass does not thrive as abundantly in the northernmost regions of the state. Indian grass is a clump-forming, warm-season grass and is one of the dominant grasses of the original North American tall grass prairies. The grass grows in full sun and reaches a mature height of 4 to 6 feet. The grass blooms with coppery red flower spikes during August which dry to a chestnut brown shade in the fall. Indian grass is a low maintenance grass and is best pruned back during late winter.