Shortspike Windmill Grass: A Native Grass Worth Knowing
If you’re looking to add authentic native character to your southwestern or south-central garden, you might want to get acquainted with shortspike windmill grass (Chloris ×subdolichostachya). This perennial grass species brings the wild beauty of America’s grasslands right to your backyard, though it’s admittedly one of those plants that keeps some of its secrets close to the vest.
What Exactly Is Shortspike Windmill Grass?
Shortspike windmill grass is a native perennial grass that belongs to the true grass family (Poaceae). The × symbol in its scientific name tells us this is actually a natural hybrid – nature’s own creative experiment in grass breeding. You might occasionally see it listed under its synonym, Chloris latisquamea Nash, but don’t let that confuse you – it’s the same plant.
As a member of the windmill grass genus, this species gets its common name from the distinctive way its seed heads are arranged, resembling the spokes of a windmill when viewed from above.
Where Does It Call Home?
This grass is a true American native, naturally occurring across several states in the south-central and southwestern United States. You’ll find wild populations growing in Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Texas – quite a range that speaks to its adaptability to different regional conditions.
Should You Plant It in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit mysterious). While shortspike windmill grass has all the credentials of a great native plant choice – it’s perennial, native, and comes from hardy grassland stock – detailed information about its specific garden performance and requirements is surprisingly scarce. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing; it just means you’d be pioneering a bit if you choose to grow it.
The Case for Growing Shortspike Windmill Grass
Despite the limited cultivation information, there are several compelling reasons to consider this native grass:
- True native credentials: It’s genuinely native to a large swath of the American heartland
- Perennial nature: Once established, it should return year after year
- Regional adaptation: Its wide native range suggests good adaptability
- Grassland ecosystem value: Native grasses typically support local wildlife and pollinators
- Low-maintenance potential: Most native grasses require minimal care once established
Growing Conditions and Care
While specific growing requirements for shortspike windmill grass aren’t well-documented, we can make educated guesses based on its native habitat and related species in the Chloris genus. These grasses typically prefer:
- Full sun exposure
- Well-draining soils
- Moderate to low water requirements once established
- Good heat tolerance (given its southwestern native range)
If you’re in one of the states where it grows naturally – Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, or Texas – you’re likely in the right climate zone for success.
Finding and Planting Shortspike Windmill Grass
Here’s the challenge: finding this grass at your local nursery might prove difficult. Its hybrid nature and lack of widespread cultivation means it’s not commonly available in the trade. Your best bet might be:
- Contacting native plant societies in regions where it grows wild
- Reaching out to specialized native grass seed suppliers
- Connecting with local botanical gardens or university extension programs
The Bottom Line
Shortspike windmill grass represents an intriguing choice for adventurous native plant gardeners, especially those in its native range. While we’d love to give you a complete playbook for growing it successfully, sometimes the most rewarding plants are the ones that invite us to experiment and learn alongside them.
If you can source it and you’re looking to add authentic regional character to your landscape, this native grass could be a unique addition to prairie gardens, naturalized areas, or native plant collections. Just be prepared to do some detective work on the growing requirements – and maybe keep some notes for the rest of us who are curious about this understudied native gem.
After all, every expert gardener started as someone willing to try something new, and every well-known plant was once a mystery waiting to be solved.
