Tall Windmill Grass

Tall Windmill Grass: A Tropical Grass with Distinctive Charm

If you’ve ever wondered about that eye-catching grass with the finger-like seed heads that look like tiny windmills spinning in the breeze, you’ve likely encountered tall windmill grass (Chloris elata). This perennial grass brings a unique architectural element to warm-climate gardens, but there’s more to consider before adding it to your landscape.

What is Tall Windmill Grass?

Tall windmill grass is a clumping perennial grass that gets its common name from its distinctive seed heads, which spread out like the spokes of a windmill. Botanically known as Chloris elata, this graminoid plant forms attractive tufts of narrow green foliage topped with those signature radiating seed spikes that make it instantly recognizable.

You might also encounter this plant listed under its synonyms, including Chloris barbata, Chloris dandyana, or Chloris polydactyla, which can sometimes cause confusion when researching or purchasing plants.

Where Does It Grow?

Here’s where things get interesting with tall windmill grass – its native status varies dramatically depending on where you live. This grass is native to the U.S. Virgin Islands, but it’s considered non-native (though naturalized) in Hawaii, the continental United States, and Puerto Rico. Currently, you’ll find established populations in Florida, Hawaii, Mississippi, Texas, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

Should You Plant Tall Windmill Grass?

The decision to plant tall windmill grass depends largely on your location and gardening goals. Since its invasive status isn’t well-documented, we can’t definitively say it’s problematic, but there are several factors to consider:

Reasons You Might Want It:

• Unique ornamental appeal with those distinctive windmill-like seed heads
• Low-maintenance once established
• Drought tolerant, making it suitable for water-wise landscaping
• Adds texture and movement to garden designs
• Thrives in warm climates where many grasses struggle

Reasons to Think Twice:

• Non-native status in most U.S. locations means it doesn’t support local ecosystems as well as native alternatives
• May self-seed and spread beyond intended areas
• Limited wildlife benefits compared to native grasses
• Only suitable for very warm climates (USDA zones 9-11)

Native Alternatives to Consider

If you love the look of ornamental grasses but want to support local wildlife and ecosystems, consider these native alternatives depending on your region:

• Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) for most U.S. regions
• Gulf muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris) for southeastern states
• Buffalo grass (Poecetes dactyloides) for prairie regions
• Purple three-awn (Aristida purpurea) for southwestern areas

How to Grow Tall Windmill Grass Successfully

If you decide tall windmill grass is right for your garden, here’s what you need to know about growing it successfully:

Growing Conditions:

• Climate: USDA hardiness zones 9-11 only
• Sunlight: Full sun for best performance
• Soil: Well-draining soil; tolerates poor soils once established
• Water: Drought tolerant after establishment, but benefits from occasional deep watering

Planting and Care Tips:

• Plant in spring after the last frost when soil has warmed
• Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for mature clump size
• Water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots
• Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer
• Cut back in late winter before new growth emerges
• Monitor for self-seeding and remove unwanted seedlings promptly

Garden Design Ideas

Tall windmill grass works well in tropical and subtropical garden styles, coastal landscapes, and xerophytic (drought-tolerant) gardens. Use it as an accent plant, in mass plantings for textural impact, or as part of a naturalized meadow planting. The distinctive seed heads add architectural interest and catch the light beautifully, making them excellent focal points in contemporary landscape designs.

The Bottom Line

Tall windmill grass offers unique ornamental value for warm-climate gardeners, but its non-native status in most U.S. locations means it’s worth considering native alternatives first. If you do choose to grow it, be a responsible gardener by monitoring its spread and preventing it from escaping cultivation. With proper care and placement, it can be an interesting addition to the right garden – just remember that supporting native plant communities is always the more ecologically beneficial choice.