Best Drought Tolerant Grass for Southern California

Some drought-tolerant grasses that are well-suited for southern California include:

• Bermuda grass (often called crab grass, couch grass, or scutch grass)

 

• Zoysia grass (zoysia emerald)

 

• Buffalograss

 

• Fine Fescue

 

• Blue Grama grass (see image and more info below)
• Native California grasses such as Purple needlegrass, Nasella pulchra (formerly Stipa pulchra) and Bouteloua gracilis (Blue Grama). See more below.

It's important to note that the best grass variety depends on the specific conditions of your location, such as shade and sun exposure, soil type and irrigation availability. It is recommended to consult with a professional to determine which variety would work best for your specific location.

With that said, our mission is a world with less non-native grasses and more vibrant yards. As such, native grasses combined with other native species will both look gorgeous, but thrive in southern California where there's less moisture.

 

 

California Native Grasses

Native grasses are species of grass that are naturally found in a specific geographic region and have evolved to thrive in the local climate and soil conditions. In southern California, some native grasses include:

 

• Purple needlegrass (Nasella pulchra): This is a warm-season grass that is well-suited to dry, rocky soils. It is a tall grass that can reach up to 4 feet in height and has a distinctive purple-bronze color. It requires very little water and is drought-tolerant once established.

 

• Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis): This is a cool-season grass that is well-suited to dry, rocky soils. It is a short grass that typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet. It has a blue-green color and is drought-tolerant once established.

 

• California Fescue (Festuca californica): is a cool-season bunchgrass, which is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, it can reach 2 ft tall, it is native to California, Oregon, Nevada and Baja California.

 

• California oatgrass (Danthonia californica): It's also a cool-season bunchgrass that it can reach 2 ft tall. It's drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, it is found in California, Oregon, Nevada and Baja California.

 

• California Brome (Bromus carinatus): is another cool-season bunchgrass, a bit taller reaching 3 ft. It's drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, it is found in all the same places: California, Oregon, Nevada and Baja California.

Using native grasses can have many benefits, such as reducing water usage and maintenance requirements, providing habitat for native wildlife, and preserving the local ecosystem. However, it's important to note that some native grasses can be invasive and may require management to prevent them from spreading beyond the desired area.

 

 

Are all of these grasses good for front or backyards?

Some of the native grasses mentioned earlier, such as Purple needlegrass, Blue Grama, California Fescue, California oatgrass, and California Brome, can be good options for landscaping front and backyards in Southern California. These grasses are drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and can add visual interest to a landscape. However, it's important to consider the specific conditions of your yard, such as sun exposure and soil type, when selecting a grass variety for landscaping.

It's worth noting that some of these native grasses can grow quite tall and may require regular maintenance, such as mowing and trimming, to keep them at a manageable height. Additionally, it's important to keep in mind that these grasses tend to be bunch grasses, meaning that they grow in clumps, and might not be suitable for a lawn-like appearance.

Which of these grasses are the most drought tolerant?

All the native grasses mentioned earlier, Purple needlegrass, Blue Grama, California Fescue, California oatgrass, and California Brome, are drought-tolerant once they are established. These grasses have evolved to thrive in dry conditions and can survive with minimal water.

Out of those, Purple needlegrass and Blue Grama are considered some of the most drought-tolerant native grasses for southern California, due to their deep root systems that allow them to access water and nutrients deep in the soil. They can survive with minimal water once established.

Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass, and Buffalograss are also highly drought-tolerant grasses. They are not native to California but are known for their low water requirements. Buffalograss requires very little water and can be a good option for landscaping in drought-prone areas. Keep in mind, while these grasses are drought tolerant, some will go dormant during prolonged dry weather. 

DON’T use buffalograss if Your yard doesn’t get at least six hours of direct sun or your soil is sandy or rocky, or pools water and doesn't drain effectively. Buffalograss requires some clay content. Additionally, Buffalograss won't thrive in high mountain elevations (higher than 6500ft) or area that receive high foot traffic. 

It's important to note that although these grasses are drought-tolerant, they still require some water for establishment and during periods of extended drought, and it is recommended to give them enough water to establish, it will help them to have a better performance in the long run. 

 

Dog friendly landscaping and California Native Grasses

Most of the native grasses mentioned earlier, such as Purple needlegrass, Blue Grama, California Fescue, California oatgrass, and California Brome, are generally considered safe for dogs and other pets. However, it's important to note that some dogs may be inclined to chew on or dig up grass, which can damage the plants.

It's also worth noting that some of these native grasses can have sharp or stiff leaves, which may cause discomfort or injury to pets if they come into contact with them. It is also important to consider that in some cases, these grasses can cause allergic reactions in pets, like sneezing and itching, or even respiratory problems.

It's always a good idea to supervise your pets when they are in the yard, especially if you have recently planted new grass or have a new landscaping. Keeping your pets away from newly planted grass until it has been established can also help prevent damage.

Consulting with a veterinarian can also help ensure that your pets are not allergic to any of the plants you are considering.

  

 

Pros and Cons for Southern California Native Grasses to Replace a Traditional Lawn

California native grasses can be a great option for replacing a traditional lawn, as they are well-suited to the local climate and can be more drought-tolerant. However, there are some pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to use native grasses in your landscape:

Pros:

• Drought tolerance: These plants are well-adapted to the local climate and can survive with less water than traditional lawn grasses. This can help to reduce water usage and costs.
• Low maintenance: They are often low maintenance and do not require frequent mowing or fertilization.
• Attracts wildlife: These grasses can provide food and habitat for a variety of wildlife species, such as birds and butterflies.
• Low-allergen: Many native grasses are low-allergen, which can be beneficial for people with allergies.
• Low-cost: Native grasses are often less expensive than other types of lawn grasses.

Cons:

• Limited color: California native grasses are often a muted green color, which may not be as visually appealing as a traditional lawn with lush, green grass.
• Limited seed availability: Some grasses can be difficult to find in seed form or they may be more expensive than other types of grass seed.
• Limited shade tolerance: Some may not do well in areas with a lot of shade.
• Limited foot-traffic tolerance: Some grasses may not be able to withstand heavy foot traffic, so they may not be the best option for a high-use area.

 

  

How Do I Ensure I'm Making the Right Design Choices when It Comes to Native Grasses?

 

When choosing native socal grasses for your lawn, it's important to consider a few factors to ensure you pick the right grasses for your specific site and design goals. Here are some tips to help you choose the right grasses for your lawn:

1. Consider the microclimate and soil conditions of your site. Different grasses have different requirements for sun, shade, soil type, and moisture, so it's important to choose grasses that will thrive in the specific microclimate and soil conditions of your site.

2. Consider your design goals. Do you want a low-growing ground cover or a tall, grassy meadow? Do you want a formal or informal look? Different grasses have different growth habits, so it's important to choose grasses that will fit with your design goals.

3. Consider the maintenance requirements. Some grasses require more maintenance than others, such as frequent mowing or pruning. Consider how much time and resources you are willing to invest in maintaining your lawn.

4. Consult with a local nursery or landscaper. They can help you choose the right grasses for your specific site and design goals and can also provide you with information about the availability, cost, and care of the different grasses. Or chat with us for free!

5. Do your research. Research the different types of native southern California grasses and their characteristics, such as drought tolerance, growth habit, and shade tolerance. This will help you make an informed decision.

6. Consider the overall aesthetic and design of your landscape, the native grasses can harmonize with the surrounding plants and create a cohesive and beautiful look.

Remember that designing a lawn is not a one-time decision, it's an ongoing process, and you'll want to be prepared to make adjustments and adapt to any changes in the grasses and the landscape. With the right choice of grasses, proper installation, and ongoing care, you can create a beautiful, sustainable, and low-maintenance lawn that will thrive in southern California's climate.

 

Does it ever make sense not to use native CA grasses?

There may be certain situations where it might not make sense to use native grasses when landscaping. Here are a few examples:

1. Site specific conditions: The microclimate and soil conditions of your site may not be suitable for native grasses. For example, if your site is in a low-lying area with poor drainage, native grasses that are adapted to dry conditions may not thrive.

2. Limited availability: Some native grasses may be difficult to find or expensive to purchase, making them less practical for landscaping.

3. Design goals: Native grasses may not fit with certain design goals. For example, if you want a very formal, manicured look, native grasses may not be the best choice.

4. Non-native plants: Some non-native plants may be more suitable for certain landscaping design goals. For example, if you want to create a Mediterranean-style garden, non-native Mediterranean plants may be a better fit.

5. Maintenance: Some native grasses may require more maintenance than non-native grasses or other types of landscaping.

That being said, in most cases, using native grasses can be a great choice for landscaping. Native grasses are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, which means they require less water and fertilizer, and are more resistant to pests and diseases. They also provide a great habitat for local wildlife.