Letterman’s Bluegrass: A Hardy Native Grass for Western Gardens
If you’re looking for a tough, no-fuss native grass that can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at it, let me introduce you to Letterman’s bluegrass (Poa lettermanii). This unassuming perennial grass might not win any flashy flower contests, but it’s got the kind of quiet charm and resilience that makes it a fantastic addition to the right garden.
What Is Letterman’s Bluegrass?
Letterman’s bluegrass is a native perennial grass that belongs to the same family as your lawn grass, but don’t expect it to behave like a typical turf. This hardy graminoid (that’s garden-speak for grass-like plant) forms clumps of fine, blue-green foliage topped with delicate, airy seed heads that dance in the breeze. You might also see it listed under its synonyms Poa montevansii or Puccinellia lettermanii in older references.
Where Does It Call Home?
This grass is a true child of the American and Canadian West. Letterman’s bluegrass naturally grows across an impressive range including Alberta, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. It’s particularly fond of mountainous regions and alpine environments where it has evolved to handle harsh conditions that would make other plants throw in the trowel.
Why You Might Want to Grow It
Here’s where Letterman’s bluegrass really shines – it’s incredibly adaptable and low-maintenance once established. This native grass is perfect for:
- Xeriscapes and water-wise gardens
- Rock gardens where its fine texture creates beautiful contrast
- Native plant gardens and naturalized areas
- Erosion control on slopes
- Meadow-style plantings
- Restoration projects
While it won’t attract butterflies like a showy wildflower, Letterman’s bluegrass provides important habitat structure for small wildlife and contributes to the overall ecosystem health of your garden.
Growing Conditions and Care
The beauty of this grass lies in its simplicity. Letterman’s bluegrass thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-8, making it suitable for much of the western United States and southern Canada. Here’s what it needs to be happy:
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-draining soil (it’s not picky about soil type)
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, but appreciates occasional water during dry spells
- Climate: Prefers cooler climates and can handle temperature extremes
Planting and Establishment Tips
Getting Letterman’s bluegrass started is refreshingly straightforward:
- Direct seed in fall for best results – this gives the seeds time to experience natural cold stratification over winter
- Scatter seeds on prepared soil and rake lightly to ensure good soil contact
- Keep soil consistently moist during germination
- Once established (usually by the second growing season), it requires minimal care
- No need for fertilizing – this grass is adapted to lean soils
The Bottom Line
Letterman’s bluegrass might not be the showiest plant in your garden, but it’s the kind of reliable, hardworking native that forms the backbone of sustainable western landscapes. If you’re gardening in its native range and want a low-maintenance grass that supports local ecosystems while requiring minimal water and care, this could be your new best friend. Just remember – this isn’t a lawn substitute, but rather a beautiful component of naturalized plantings where its understated elegance can really shine.
For gardeners outside its native range, consider choosing a grass species that’s native to your specific region instead. Your local extension office can help you identify the best native grass alternatives for your area.
