Top picks for Grasses

Switchgrass is a clumping medium (3-4') deer-resistant native that does best in full sun and is well suited for any type of soil, although it doesn't like standing water. It is very drought tolerant and once established does not need watering (although this is true of most natives). This has very long roots and will help with erosion and infiltrating water. 

Pink or white Muhly grass (Pink is shown in the photo here. White Muhly is the same but with white grass at the end instead of pink) is a small (up to 4', although it grows slow) deer-resistant clumping grass that does well in full sun and dry soils. It will not survive in soils that are too wet, as it causes root rot.  It provides good wildlife cover over winter from birds and small mammals. 

Woolgrass is one of my favorite grasses. I love the way the seeds look in the winter. This plant is best for full sun and moist/wet areas. It is deer-resistant and can grow up to 6' tall in full sun. The seeds and tall grass are very beneficial to wildlife for birds, and wetland species. All parts of the plant are edible, and have many different household uses,  although very labor-intensive. they have been used by native Americans for a long time. It can also help with erosion and can be planted in clay soils. 

Softrush is a versatile small clumping (2-4') deer-resistant native that enjoys wet soils and standing water. It will grow in part-shade but does best in full sun. This plant helps with erosion and slowing down water. In addition, many birds enjoy eating this plant.

River oats is a small clumping (2-5') deer-resistant native grass that is widely adaptable to many different soils and sun. It does well in shade and part shade, although not the best in full sun it does well in dry and wet soils. It even likes standing water. They have many seeds which are good for birds and small mammals, although they also do reseed easily. 

Prairie Dropseed is a small (2-4') tall and 3ft wide grass that loves full sun and likes any soil, even heavy dry clay soil, which North Carolina has a lot of. It has good drought tolerance and is resistant to deer. Birds and small mammals eat the seeds and it provides good habitat over the winter. 

Although called Indian Grass, this grass is native to the US. It is most commonly found in mid-west prairies but also appears in NC. It likes full sun and does well in any soil. It gets to 3-8' tall. It also likes dry soils with occasional flooding and is very drought-tolerant. It provides amazing winter cover for wildlife, and is deer reistant.  

This short (2-3') tall 1-2' wide grass does well in full sun and wet/moist soil. These roots slow down water, increases infiltration, and cleans the water from pollutants.  They tolerate most all soils, including full clay, and is deer resistant. 

Broomsedge is a small (2-4') grass that can tolerate a wide range of moistures and is drought tolerant once planted. It also prefers full sun and loves to be planted in loose sandy soils. It makes good wildlife cover over winter. (most grasses do)