Drought-Tolerant Grasses for seattle Gardens
Maika Mattson
September 23, 2025
As climate patterns shift and summers grow hotter and drier - even here in the lush Pacific Northwest - more gardeners are turning to xeriscaping. This water-wise landscaping approach uses drought-tolerant plants to create gardens that are both beautiful and sustainable. At West Seattle Nursery, we’re proud to offer a carefully curated selection of xeric grasses that thrive with minimal water, perfect for our increasingly dry summers.
What Does "Xeric" Mean?
The term xeric refers to plants that thrive in dry environments with little supplemental water. Xeric grasses are ideal for xeriscaping, which is all about conserving water while still maintaining color, movement, and seasonal interest in the garden. Once established, these grasses require significantly less irrigation, making them a smart choice for eco-conscious gardeners.
Why Xeric Grasses in Seattle?
While Seattle is known for its rainy winters, summer droughts are becoming more frequent. According to the University of Washington’s Climate Impacts Group, the Puget Sound region is experiencing longer dry spells and hotter summers due to climate change [1]. This makes drought-tolerant landscaping not just a trend, but a necessity.
Xeric grasses are a great fit for Seattle-area gardens because they:
✔ Thrive in full sun
✔ Tolerate dry summer conditions
✔ Require less water once established
✔ Add texture, movement, and seasonal interest
Top Xeric Grasses We Carry
At West Seattle Nursery, we make it easy to spot water-wise choices; look for the signs that say “I’m xeric” on our drought-tolerant grasses! Here are some of our top performers
Mexican Feather Grass with an ‘I’m Xeric’ sign at West Seattle Nursery
Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem)
A tall, dramatic native prairie grass with blue-green foliage that turns reddish-bronze in fall. Great for adding height and habitat to your garden.
Bouteloua gracilis (Blue Grama)
This low-growing, fine-textured grass features whimsical eyelash-shaped seed heads that dance in the breeze. A native of the Great Plains, it thrives in dry soils and full sun.
Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue' (Blue Fescue)
Compact and clump-forming, this cool-toned ornamental grass is perfect for edging, containers, or rock gardens. It’s also evergreen in our climate!
Muhlenbergia capillaris (Pink Muhlygrass)
A show-stopper! This grass sends up clouds of pink, airy plumes in late summer. It’s heat- and drought-tolerant, and provides exceptional fall color.
Nassella tenuissima (Mexican Feather Grass)
Elegant and ethereal, this fine-textured grass sways with the slightest breeze. It's perfect for softening hardscapes and adding movement to your garden design.
Sustainable and Stunning
By incorporating xeric grasses into your landscape, you’re not just saving water; you’re creating a garden that’s resilient, low-maintenance, and alive with seasonal beauty. Whether you're refreshing a sun-drenched border or starting a new xeriscape project, our knowledgeable team is here to help you pick the right plants for your space.
Stop by West Seattle Nursery to see our full selection of drought-tolerant grasses and get expert advice on creating a water-wise garden that thrives rain or shine.
Sources:
[1] University of Washington Climate Impacts Group. "Climate Change in Washington." https://cig.uw.edu
[2] Denver Water. "The 7 Principles of Xeriscape." https://www.denverwater.org