FREEDA Caterpillar Grass
Harpochloa falx 'Compact Black'
FREEDA Caterpillar Grass (Harpochloa falx 'Compact Black') is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 10–14 in tall and 12–18 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 water10–14 in tall and 12–18 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Harpochloa falx 'Compact Black'
- Variety / cultivar
- FREEDA
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 10–14 in tall and 12–18 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~13–18 in apart
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- brown, purple
- Bloom time
- mid summer, late summer, early fall
- Pollinator value
- low
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Planting & establishment
Deep water every 1–2 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 10–14 in tall and 12–18 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.
- Is FREEDA Caterpillar Grass deer-resistant?
- FREEDA Caterpillar Grass is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- 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.
