Smutgrass*

Planting

Plant Smutgrass in full sun to part shade, where it can reach its full height of 5 feet. This native western perennial is flexible about soil conditions and should be established during the fall or early spring planting season to give it time to develop before summer heat.

After Planting

Water your newly planted Smutgrass regularly through its first growing season to help it establish. This deciduous grass will go dormant in winter, so don't be alarmed when it browns and dies back - it will return in spring with flowers blooming from March through August.

Birds

higSong Sparrow

Seeds · Year-Round

year-round resident utilizing grass seeds during winter months

higWhite-crowned Sparrow

Seeds · Year-Round

critical winter seed resource for migrating and overwintering populations in California

modCalifornia quail

Seeds · Year-Round

important winter food source for coveys in grassland habitats

Mammals

higHeermann's Kangaroo Rat

Seeds · Year-Round

native rodent consuming grass seeds as primary diet component

modWestern Harvest Mouse

Seeds · Year-Round

small rodent foraging on grass seeds in native grasslands