How To Choose The Best Drought Tolerant Grass In Colorado

Colorado summers can be harsh on traditional lawns. With high elevations, intense sun, and periods of drought, keeping conventional turfgrass green often means constant watering, mowing, and maintenance. Bath Landscape & Irrigation has helped Northern Colorado homeowners create beautiful, sustainable landscapes for over 60 years. Our expertise in xeriscaping and native plant design allows us to design and install low-water landscapes that thrive in Colorado's unique environment while maintaining your desired beauty and functionality.

One of the most effective strategies for conserving water while preserving curb appeal is incorporating drought-tolerant grasses, particularly native varieties naturally adapted to our local conditions. These grasses support the natural cycles of the ecosystem while requiring minimal maintenance, creating landscapes that remain both beautiful and environmentally balanced for years to come.

In this guide, we'll explore some of the best Colorado native grass seeds for homeowners looking to reduce water use and enjoy a naturally beautiful yard.

Why Choose Colorado Native Grass Seeds for Your Lawn

Native grasses offer an intelligent solution for Colorado homeowners seeking to create environmentally friendly, low-maintenance landscapes. These grasses have evolved to thrive in Colorado's unique soil conditions, temperature variations, and limited rainfall, making them naturally resilient and well-suited to our environment.

By incorporating native species into your landscape design, you're reducing water consumption and supporting local ecosystems. Native grasses encourage biodiversity and provide essential habitat for pollinators and beneficial insects, contributing to a healthier natural environment.

When combined with thoughtful landscape design and efficient irrigation systems, native grasses can create lush, attractive outdoor spaces with significantly fewer resources than traditional turfgrass. Our Bath Landscape & Irrigation team specializes in integrating these sustainable options into comprehensive landscape designs that exceed expectations.

Sideoats Grama Grass

Bouteloua curtipendula

Sideoats grama is a warm-season grass distinguished by its graceful, oat-like seed spikes that elegantly dangle from one side of the stem. This versatile grass provides functional ground cover and visual interest, making it an excellent choice for naturalized lawns and ornamental landscape installations.

• Ideal for low-maintenance lawns, meadows, and erosion control

• Height: 12–30 inches

• Sun Requirements: Full sun

• Water Needs: Low after establishment

• Benefits: Tolerates poor soils, resists drought, and provides subtle seasonal color

Blue Grama Grass

Bouteloua gracilis

Blue grama is Colorado's designated state grass. It represents an outstanding lawn alternative that thrives with minimal water input. Its fine texture and distinctive eyebrow-shaped seed heads create a tidy, appealing appearance that complements modern and rustic landscape designs.

• Ideal for low-traffic lawns, native gardens, and dry slopes

• Height: 6–12 inches

• Sun Requirements: Full sun

• Water Needs: Very low once established

• Benefits: Dense ground cover, excellent drought tolerance, low mowing needs

Buffalograss

Buchloe dactyloides

Buffalograss is a warm-season grass that forms soft, dense turf requiring minimal attention once established. This hardy grass performs exceptionally well in open areas and lawns with light foot traffic, making it ideal for larger properties and xeriscaping projects.

• Ideal for: Sunny lawns, large properties, xeriscaping

• Height: 4–8 inches

• Sun Requirements: Full sun

• Water Needs: Extremely low

• Benefits: Little to no mowing, low fertilizer needs, minimal water use

Western Wheatgrass

Pascopyrum smithii

Western wheatgrass is a cool-season native featuring striking blue-green blades that spread through rhizomes. This characteristic makes it particularly valuable for soil stabilization and establishing durable ground cover in challenging locations.

• Ideal for: Erosion control, low-maintenance turf, blended seeding

• Height: 12–36 inches

• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade

• Water Needs: Moderate to low

• Benefits: Salt-tolerant, drought-hardy, cold-resistant

Little Bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium

While not typically used as primary lawn grass, Little Bluestem is an exceptional option for adding structure and visual appeal to landscape borders and native garden areas. Little Bluestem's stunning copper-red fall color transformation provides year-round interest and natural beauty.

• Ideal for: Borders, native gardens, erosion control

• Height: 18–36 inches

• Sun Requirements: Full sun

• Water Needs: Low

• Benefits: Drought-resistant, excellent fall color, wildlife-friendly

Junegrass

Koeleria macrantha

Junegrass is a cool-season, fine-textured bunchgrass that greens up early in spring and thrives in well-drained soils. This adaptable grass works beautifully in mixed plantings or as a low-maintenance lawn substitute in smaller spaces.

• Ideal for: Small lawns, ornamental plantings, foothills, or prairie landscapes

• Height: 6–18 inches

• Sun Requirements: Full sun to light shade

• Water Needs: Low

• Benefits: Early green-up, adaptable to various soils, requires little water or care.

Grow Drought-Tolerant Grass with Bath Landscape

Ready to transform your water-hungry turfgrass into a sustainable, beautiful landscape? Bath Landscape & Irrigation brings over 60 years of experience creating low-water, high-impact landscapes tailored to Colorado's unique climate and soil conditions.

Our team will help you select the best Colorado native grass seeds, develop comprehensive landscape designs, and install efficient irrigation systems for long-term success. Whether you envision a natural prairie aesthetic or a manicured, eco-friendly lawn, we'll oversee every aspect of your project from consultation through installation.

Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward creating the sustainable landscape of your dreams.

Explore our services, call (970) 488-1707 to book your appointment, or complete a contact form to see how Bath Landscape and Irrigation can help you grow something beautiful.