How to Grow and Care for Windmill grasses

Swollen fingergrass (Chloris barbata) is a common grass in tropical and subtropical regions including the Pacific islands. It spreads rapidly in disturbed land, overgrazed fields, and road verges and can grow in saline soils. Although it is not highly palatable, cattle will eat the young grass.

Feathery rhodes grass grows in bunches of about a dozen feathery spikes, which give it its name. It is a strong form of grass that can develop in different environments, including disturbed areas such as along railroads. This grass can grow to about 50 cm in one year.

Tumble windmill grass (Chloris verticillata) is a hardy perennial grass indigenous to North America. For thousands of years, the thunderous bison herds of the Great Plains feasted on it. The genus name comes from Chloris, a mythological Greek nymph who, in Ancient Greek legend, Zephyrus abducted and transformed into Flora, goddess of spring.

Spiderweb chloris is a perennial grass found in floodplains, montane grasslands, miombo, and river woodlands. It is an invasive species that is used as fodder and hay but is considered a weed to turf lawns.

Hooded windmill grass (Chloris cucullata) is a perennial warm season grass native to the United States and commonly found growing in Texas and New Mexico. It blooms in spring with tall stalks of tiny, light brown flowers that attract butterflies and insects. It provides grazing for wildlife and its seeds are a food source for small animals and birds.