Low growing forms such as sideoats grama, blue grama, and little bluestem provide excellent groundcover. Taller grasses such as big bluestem, Indian grass, and zebra grass can be used in border plantings or in massed plantings. Numerous herbaceous plants, trees, and shrubs are well-adapted to water conservation. Some plants survive by going dormant, but their brown appearance may not be acceptable to you. If so, look for plants that will stay green with little water.
Research is needed to establish accurate water-use rates for ornamental plants in Nebraska.
Research also is needed to learn how to effectively use native woody and herbaceous plants in water-conserving landscapes. When selecting a turfgrass species, consider which of the following qualities are most important in your landscape plan and choose a turfgrass which meets your needs. The shade tolerance of grass depends on many conditions. If the site is quite damp, rough bluegrass could persist while fine fescues die. Just the opposite could occur on a dry site.