When presented with inhospitable growing conditions, poverty grass is tenacious and earns its name. This low-growing, cool-season grass forms small tufts and is easily recognized by its curly, straw-colored basal leaves. They are perhaps the shortest and curliest leaves of Missouri grasses. When green, the leaves can serve as a food source for skipper caterpillars and other insects. Wispy flowering stems are usually 1 to 2 feet tall. Poverty grass is found in dry upland woods, upland prairies, glades, blufftops, old fields, and other dry disturbed areas but could be grown in slightly more hospitable sites if competition from taller vegetation is minimized.

Uses: Drought tolerant, deer resistant, host plant

Bloom time: July - September

Height: 6 to 24 inches

Space: 6 to 12 inches

Sun: Sun to medium shade

Moisture: Dry or well-drained