Ornamental grasses add movement, texture, and year-round interest to North Texas landscapes. These hardy plants stand up to our scorching summers and occasional freezes while requiring minimal maintenance.
Whether you’re looking to create privacy, add visual interest, or attract wildlife, these grasses will transform your yard into a dynamic outdoor space.
1. Mexican Feather Grass
Graceful and airy, Mexican Feather Grass creates a stunning display when summer breezes make it dance and sway. The fine, hair-like blades catch sunlight beautifully, creating a golden halo effect in your garden. Plant this drought-tolerant superstar in well-drained soil where it can receive full sun.
At just 1-2 feet tall, it’s perfect for borders, rock gardens, or mass plantings. The light tan seed heads persist through winter, adding texture to the cold-weather landscape.
2. Gulf Muhly
Fall transforms Gulf Muhly into a spectacular pink cloud that captures everyone’s attention. The rosy-purple plumes create a magical effect, especially when backlit by the setting sun. Growing in neat clumps 2-3 feet tall, this Texas native tolerates both drought and poor soil conditions.
Butterflies flock to the fluffy seed heads, making your yard a wildlife haven. Even after the color fades in winter, the tan seed heads provide architectural interest and food for birds.
3. Pampas Grass
Standing tall like natural sculptures, Pampas Grass commands attention with its impressive height and dramatic plumes. The massive 8-12 foot stalks create instant privacy screens or focal points in larger landscapes.
Those signature silky white or cream-colored plumes appear in late summer, lasting well into winter. Many North Texas homeowners use these dramatic grasses to define property lines or hide unsightly views. Give this giant plenty of room to spread—at least 6 feet from other plants.
4. Little Bluestem
Native to North Texas prairies, Little Bluestem delivers spectacular seasonal color changes throughout the year. The blue-green summer foliage transforms into a striking rusty-orange in fall, creating a warm glow in the landscape.
Standing 2-4 feet tall, this grass forms tight clumps that resist flopping even in heavy rains. Birds adore the fluffy seed heads for nesting material and food. Little maintenance is needed—simply cut back to about 6 inches in late winter before new growth emerges.
5. Maiden Grass
Arching gracefully from a central point, Maiden Grass creates a fountain-like silhouette that adds elegant movement to any landscape. The slender green leaves develop beautiful copper-colored plumes in late summer that catch the light magnificently. Reaching 5-7 feet tall, this versatile grass works as a specimen plant or in groupings.
North Texas gardeners appreciate its ability to thrive in our clay soils without amendments. Maiden Grass stands strong through winter storms, providing structure when other plants have disappeared.
6. Switchgrass
Tough as nails yet surprisingly elegant, Switchgrass anchors North Texas landscapes with its sturdy presence. The upright blue-green foliage creates a strong vertical element, while airy seed heads form a delicate cloud above.
Native to our prairies, this grass laughs at summer heat, drought, and poor soil. Varieties like ‘Shenandoah’ develop gorgeous burgundy tips by midsummer, adding rich color to the garden palette. Wildlife enthusiasts love how birds seek shelter in its dense growth during winter.
7. Zebra Grass
Instantly recognizable by its distinctive horizontal yellow bands, Zebra Grass brings unique visual interest to North Texas gardens. The striking variegation remains vibrant all season, making this grass a standout even without its copper-pink plumes.
Growing 5-7 feet tall, Zebra Grass forms an impressive clump that works beautifully as a focal point. Many gardeners position it where afternoon sun will backlight the striped foliage for maximum drama. Despite its exotic appearance, it handles our challenging climate with surprising resilience.
8. Inland Sea Oats
Thriving in spots where other grasses struggle, Inland Sea Oats brings lush greenery to shaded areas of North Texas yards. The charming flat seedheads dangle like little ornaments, resembling oat grains and creating gentle movement with every breeze.
Unlike most ornamental grasses, this native beauty performs beautifully in dappled shade. Reaching 2-3 feet tall, it spreads gradually to form a graceful groundcover under trees. The seedheads start green then mature to a warm tan, persisting through winter for extended interest.
9. Fountain Grass
Aptly named for its arching form, Fountain Grass creates a spectacular display when its bottle-brush plumes catch the morning light. The soft, fuzzy seed heads emerge in late summer in shades ranging from cream to burgundy, depending on the variety.
At a manageable 2-4 feet tall, this versatile grass fits perfectly into smaller North Texas yards. ‘Hameln’ and ‘Little Bunny’ varieties stay especially compact for tight spaces. Plant where you’ll enjoy the magical effect of dewdrops clinging to the seed heads on autumn mornings.
10. Lindheimer’s Muhly
Bigger and bolder than its cousin Gulf Muhly, Lindheimer’s Muhly creates a magnificent architectural statement in North Texas landscapes. The silvery-blue foliage forms a dense 4-5 foot mound topped by airy plumes that catch the light beautifully.
As a Texas native, it shrugs off our brutal summer heat and winter cold snaps without complaint. The robust root system makes it exceptionally drought-tolerant once established. Consider planting alongside agaves or yuccas for a striking water-wise garden combination.
11. Ravenna Grass
Making a dramatic statement, Ravenna Grass towers over most other ornamentals with its impressive 10-12 foot height. The massive silvery plumes rise well above the arching foliage, creating a stunning vertical accent visible from across the yard.
Despite its imposing size, this grass remains surprisingly well-behaved in North Texas gardens. The clumping habit prevents unwanted spreading, while the strong stems resist toppling in our notorious spring storms. For maximum impact, plant where winter sun will backlight the magnificent plumes.
12. Japanese Forest Grass
Bringing a touch of woodland elegance, Japanese Forest Grass cascades like a waterfall of foliage in shady North Texas garden spots. The bright chartreuse or gold-striped varieties light up dark corners with their luminous color.
Growing just 12-18 inches tall, this low-maintenance grass creates a perfect groundcover beneath trees or alongside paths. The graceful arching form adds a sense of movement even in still air. Unlike many ornamentals, it actually prefers protection from our harsh afternoon sun, making it perfect for east-facing beds.