Grass Seeds That Grow on Rocks

Indian Ricegrass

• Indian ricegrass is native to areas ranging between the Dakotas and Texas, reaching westward to the Pacific Ocean. This bunchgrass grows about 2 feet tall, forming dense clumps over dry, sandy soils. This grass works well for soil erosion and provides a suitable feed grass for livestock and forage grass for wildlife. In order to grow this seed for grazing purposes, plant it at a rate of 6 lbs. per acre of soil.

Sheep Fescue

• This prairie grass makes a suitable lawn grass in areas with sandy, rocky soils. Sheep fescue can withstand both drought and shade. Although it has a tendency to form clumps, mixing it with red fescue will provide more even coverage. While sheep grass doesn't require mowing, trimming the top one-third of the length of the blades can provide an even appearance in lawns and yards. Letting the mature grass go to seed will help fill in areas between the clumps, providing a thicker coverage.

Sand Dropseed

• This tufted bunchgrass seed grows natively from Oregon and Idaho southward. The coarse, long roots penetrate through rocks and sand, allowing it to survive in areas with little topsoil. This grass grows between 2 and 3 feet tall, forming solid stems. The numerous leaves along the stems reach about 12 inches long and measure 1/4 inch in width. Like other types of native grasses, sand dropseed can spread into other areas of your lawn and garden.

Little Bluestem

• A native grass in many areas of the central United States, little bluestem forms attractive clumps that display a reddish cast of color in the fall. This grass matures at an average height between 2 and 3 feet tall, forming fluffy seed heads above the tall stems. Little bluestem thrives in a variety of soil types, including dry, rocky soils.