Is FREEDA Caterpillar Grass good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, FREEDA Caterpillar Grass is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.

How far apart do I plant FREEDA Caterpillar Grass?

Space FREEDA Caterpillar Grass about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.

How much water does FREEDA Caterpillar Grass need?

It needs low to medium water once established.

Is FREEDA Caterpillar Grass native to Colorado?

No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.

How long does FREEDA Caterpillar Grass bloom?

FREEDA Caterpillar Grass blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.

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FREEDA Caterpillar Grass

Harpochloa falx 'Compact Black'

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-30

FREEDA Caterpillar Grass (Harpochloa falx 'Compact Black') is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 10 to 14 in tall and 12 to 18 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Compact warm-season grass with curled black caterpillar-like seed heads.

Plant Select®low to medium water10 to 14 in tall and 12 to 18 in wideXeric / water-wise

Photos

Photo 1: no rights reserved
Photo 2: JMK, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 3: Pereng051, Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Photo 4: Pereng051, Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Water needs: low to medium water
Sun: Best in full sun.
Soil: loam, sandy
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.0
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 10 to 14 in tall and 12 to 18 in wide
Planting spacing: ~13 to 18 in apart

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: mid summer, late summer, early fall
Bloom color: brown, purple
Bloom length: Long (several weeks)
Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: low
Deer: Not rated
Colorado native: No

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Planting & establishment

Deep water every 1 to 2 weeks during establishment (first growing season), then water sparingly per Plant Select guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Is FREEDA Caterpillar Grass good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, FREEDA Caterpillar Grass is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does FREEDA Caterpillar Grass get?: It matures to about 10 to 14 in tall and 12 to 18 in wide.
How far apart do I plant FREEDA Caterpillar Grass?: Space FREEDA Caterpillar Grass about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.
How much water does FREEDA Caterpillar Grass need?: It needs low to medium water once established.
Is FREEDA Caterpillar Grass native to Colorado?: No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
How long does FREEDA Caterpillar Grass bloom?: FREEDA Caterpillar Grass blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.