GRASSES
Acorus gramineus 'Pusillus minimus aureus' \ Miniature Variegated Japanese Sweet Flag
This is a very rare variety with leaves reaching a mere 2 ˝ to 3" long and 1/8-1/4" wide. Light, golden yellow variegation sets off this perennial evergreen, that has the appearance of a grass. Does best in areas with ample moisture including shallow water or boggy soils. Prefers fertile, acid soil in full sun or part shade, but will acclimate to many soils with sufficient moisture. Zone 7.
Bouteloua curtipendula \ Side Oats Gramma
(boo-tuh-LOO-ah kur-tuh-PEN-dyoo-lah)
µTexas Nativeµ A clumping, warm season grass. Drought tolerant and adapts to a wide range of soil conditions. Gray-green, fine textured leaves are ⅛- Ľ” wide. Plant grows 1-2’ tall. Purple tinted flowers emerge in summer and grow 5-15” tall, then turn to gold in fall. Zones 4-9. State Grass of Texas.
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ \ Foerster’s Feather Reed Grass
(kal-ah-mah-GROS-tis ah-run-din-AH-see-ah)
One of the most showy flowering ornamental grasses. Leaves Ľ-˝” wide grow in an upright, arching clump 18-24” tall. In summer, tall upright flower spikes emerge 3-4’ above the foliage and dry to a golden brown. Does best in moist, rich soil with full sun. Zone 5. Perennial Plant of the Year 2001.
Carex buchananii \ Leather Leaf Sedge
Copper-bronze, fine textured and very narrow foliage forms tufted mounds, 18-24" tall. Evergreen, that provides great contrast to silver or dark green foliage of other plants. Full sun in coastal areas to part-shade in hot climates. Does best in fast-draining, moist rocky soil, but will adapt to other conditions and soils. Inconspicuous flowers. Zone 7, 6 with protection.
Carex flacca (prev. c. glauca) \ Blue Sedge
Makes an excellent blue-gray ground cover and filler. Rarely exceeds 6” in height and forms a slowly creeping mat. Not invasive by habit. Needs moist, fertile soil and full sun. Zone 5.
Carex hachioensis 'Evergold' (Prev. C. oshimensis) \ Variegated Japanese Sedge
Leaves of gold surrounded by margins of green, grow 10-12" long and 1/4 - 3/8" wide. Foliage has a graceful, weeping growth habit, 18-24" tall. Likes moist, well-drained soil, in light shade. Afternoon shade is very beneficial for hotter climates. Zones 5/6-9.
Carex texensis \ Texas Sedge
(KAIR-ex tex-EN-sis)
µTexas Nativeµ Medium green, lustrous leaves, 1/16” wide, and usually growing no taller than 3-4”. Low, clumping, evergreen sedge has promise as a candidate for the dwarf lawn of the future. Prefers moist, fertile soils in sun or shade. Drought tolerant. Zone 7-10.
Chasmanthium latifolium \ Inland or Northern Sea Oats
(kas-MAN-the-um lat-ih-FOL-ee-um)
µTexas Nativeµ A clumping, deciduous grass, treasured for its showy, drooping flowers and rich, bamboo-like foliage. Grows 2-3’ tall and prefers rich, deep soil in partial shade with plenty of moisture. Zones 5-9.
Cortaderia selloana \ Pampas Grass
This evergreen grass forms a dense clump of sharp-edged, grayish to greenish foliage. Its leaves, 1/8-1/4 inches wide, can grow into a clump 8-12’ tall and as wide. The 6-12” long flowers are held on sturdy stalks, ˝-1” in diameter. Prefers full sun, but will tolerate light shade. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil with adequate moisture. Zone 8.
Cortaderia selloana ‘Pumila’ \ Dwarf Pampas Grass
Excellent choice for the home garden! Grey-green foliage forms dense evergreen clumps 4-6’ tall. Sharp, narrow leaves are like those of the species. In late summer, creamy-white silky flowers emerge as spikes, 3-4’ tall and 6-8” wide, and remain showy into the winter. Mature plant can have 50 to 100 blossoms at a time. Prefers full sun, fertile, well-drained soil with adequate moisture. Cut back in spring. Mulch in colder areas. Zone 8.
Cortaderia selloana ‘Rosea’ \ Pink Pampas Grass
Evergreen grass growing 6-12’ tall and as wide. In the fall, produces pink flowers on stalks 3’ above foliage. Full sun, but will tolerate light shade. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil with adequate moisture. Zone 8.
Cymbopogon citratus \ Lemon Grass
Fragrant citrus aroma of the leaves are used in cooking, perfumes, and for medicinal purposes. A tender evergreen that requires protection in all but the most tropical garden. Bright yellow-green foliage grows 3-4’ tall and as wide. Prefers hot locations along walks, where it emits a pleasant lemon fragrance. Likes moist, fertile, well-drained loam. Zone 9.
Equisetum hyemale \ Horsetail Reed
(eh-kwih-SEE-tum heye-uh-MAWL-ee)
µTexas Nativeµ Jointed foliage, with slender stems that grow horizontally in youth, but sends up thicker, vertical round stems as it ages. Stems of older plants may grow ⅜-˝” thick and 3-6’ in height. The evergreen foliage is grayish green, turning to greenish bronze in the winter. Prefers wet, fertile soil with full sun. Extremely tolerant of most any soil type providing there is sufficient moisture. Zone 4.
Equisetum hyemale var. robustum \ Giant Horsetail Reed
µTexas Nativeµ Jointed, bamboo-like stems reaching 3-8' in height. Suited for moist or wet soils in full sun. Will tolerate partial shade. Evergreen. Zones 4-10.
Equisetum scirpoides \ Dwarf Horsetail
(skir-POY-deez)
This smaller version of horsetail reaches 6-8” tall in dense mats. The evergreen foliage is a dark olive green, turning an attractive reddish brown in the fall and winter. Growing conditions same as other equisetums. Zones 4-9.
Eragrostis curvula \ Weeping Love Grass
(air-ah-GROS-tis KURV-yew-lah)
µTexas Nativeµ Dark green, fine textured, hair-like foliage forms dense tufts, 2-3˝’ tall. Blooms are 2-3” long flower clusters emerging on arching, weeping stems. Blooms in the fall and off and on during the summer. Flowers are blackish olive-purple maturing to a grayish color. Prefers sandy, well-drained soil, ample moisture and full sun. Zones 7-10.
Festuca glauca \ Blue Fescue Grass
A very ornamental, cool-season, blue-gray grass that grows in a round, 8-12” shaped mound. Fine, wiry leaves give appearance of soft porcupine ball. Ideal for borders, edging and accents. Needs full sun in all but hot climates, where light shade or half-day sun suits them better. Prefers sandy, moist, well-drained soil. Heavy, wet soil is a sure killer. Neat plant for its contrast in color and design. Zone 4.
Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ \ Elijah Blue Fescue Grass
(fes-TOO-kah)
A clumping, evergreen, cool-season grass. Dense clumps are powdery to bright blue and grow to 8”. Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Does not grow well in areas of hot, humid summers. Zone 4.
Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' \ Golden Japanese Forest Grass
This cool season dwarf grass has gracefully arching, 18" long, gold and deep green variegated leaves. Grows 1-1˝' tall and as wide. Gold variegation can vary with temperature, changing from deep green to lime green in summer. This grass enjoys well-drained humus type soil in part shade. Zone 6.
Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’ \ Blood Grass
(im-per-AH-tah sa-LYN-dreh-ka)
A warm season grass with translucent, upright-growing foliage. The leaves are ⅛-Ľ” wide and 1-1˝’ tall. In the spring vertical leaves emerge that are bright green with wine-red-stained tips. By fall, the foliage is blood red, creating stunning visual effects. Does not produce flowers. Prefers moist soil in full sun. Zone 6.
Juncus effusus ‘Spiralis’ \ Corkscrew Rush
Corkscrew-like, 1/8-3/8”, dark-green, glossy, cylindrical stems grow to about 12-18” in height and equally as wide. The insignificant brownish-green flowers add to a plant that is good as a water garden accent. Turns an orangey-red during cold temperatures. Best in peaty soil that is kept moist, in light shade. Can also be used as a coffee table plant. It is sure to start a conversation. Zones 4-9.
Leymus arenarius \ Blue Lyme Grass
Almost metallic blue foliage graces this deciduous spreading grass. Grows 1-3’ in height. Flowers in the summer, but not a showy display. Can be invasive. Plant in full sun or light shade in any type of soil. Zone 4.
Miscanthus \ Maiden Grass, Silver Grass
(mis-KAN-thus)
Maiden Grass is one of the toughest, yet most graceful of grasses. Especially sought after for its spectacular flowers that emerge as silky tassels, then mature to fluffy plumes lasting well into winter. An excellent addition to add beauty and movement to the garden.
M. sinensis ‘Adagio’
Compact grower, good for small gardens. Silver-grey foliage, grows to 2’ tall. Pink flowers bloom in the fall, turning to white. Needs moist, rich soil in full sun to partial shade. Zones 5-9.
M. sinensis ‘Cabaret’
Considered one of the most beautiful of the variegated Miscanthus, ‘Cabaret’ has a wide white band down the center of the leaf. The late season plums to 7’ emerge a wonderful reddish purple before turning tan. Sun to part shade. Origin China and Japan. Zones 7-9.
M. sinensis ‘Gracillimus’ \ Maiden Grass
Fine textured and showy flowers, narrow, silver mid-ribbed leaves, Ľ- ˝” wide, form stiffly erect clumps of foliage 5-6’ tall. Fall foliage color can vary from bright orange to almond. Flowers appear in September, maturing to silver in color into the winter. Zones 5-9.
M. sinensis ‘Little Kitten’ \ Dwarf Fountain Grass
Narrow, arching green leaves form tufted clumps 15" tall.
Late summer, early fall cascading creamy white flower plumes appear to a height of 30”. Light beige seeds continue the superb display into the winter. Needs average, moist, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Zones 5-10.
M. sinensis ‘Morning Light’
Handsome foliage and showy flowers are prized by gardeners across the country. A silver grass with a narrow band of clear white on the leaf margins. Upright, arching foliage grows 4-5’ tall with flowers on stalks that are 5-6’ tall. Flowers bloom late, emerging reddish bronze and drying to cream. Considered one of the finest cultivars of recent introductions. Zones 5-9.
M. sinensis ‘Strictus’ \ Porcupine Grass, Banded
Miscanthus
Green leaves with horizontal gold bars similar to zebra grass. Erect growing habit, 4-6’ in neat vertical clumps. Flowers bloom copper in fall. Prefers moist, fertile areas in full sun, but afternoon shade in hot climates. Zones 4-9.
M. sinensis ‘Variegatus’ \ Variegated Japanese SilverGrass
Leaves grow Ľ- ⅓” wide, and are striped white. Forms flopping clumps 4-6’ tall and as wide. Flowers rise 1-2’ above the foliage in late summer. Tolerant of light shade. Zone 6.
M. sinensis ‘Yaku Jima’ \ Japanese Silver Grass
Compact, fine textured foliage, 3-4’ tall, turns reddish-brown in the fall. In late summer, reddish flowers rise to the height of the foliage. Plant remains attractive well into winter. Zone 6.
M. sinensis ‘Zebrinus’ \ Zebra Grass
Large arching foliage with yellowish white bands across the leaves. The leaves are ˝ - ľ” wide and 1˝-2˝’ long. Foliage clumps reach 5-6’ tall and as wide. In early fall, flower spikes bloom a pinkish copper, 1-2’ above the foliage. Striking planted in mass along the water’s edge. Zone 6.
Muhlenbergia \ Muhly Grass
(myoo-len-BER-jee-ah)
A durable ornamental grass, most of which are heat and drought resistant. An important addition to southwestern gardens.
M. capillaris \ Gulf Muhly or Hairy Awn Grass
µTexas Nativeµ Usual height is 1˝’ but can reach 2˝’. Blooms in fall with feathery deep pink blossoms. Needs full sun to partial shade, does best in sandy loam soil. However, will tolerate seasonal poor drainage. Goes dormant in winter. Zone 7.
M. dumosa \ Bamboo Muhly
Woody canes reach 3-6’ tall in arching clumps resembling fine-leaved bamboo. Small purplish flowers turn wheat colored. Grows best in well-drained, fertile soil. Tolerates sandy or rocky soil and once established is also heat and drought tolerant. Zones 8-10.
M. lindheimeri \ Big Muhly
(myoo-len-BER-jee-ah….lind-HEY-mer-eye)
µTexas Nativeµ Has blue foliage, clumping leaves 1/8-1/4” wide and 12-18” long. Grayish flower spikes rise 1˝-2˝’ above foliage emerging purplish in the fall and lasting through eary winter. Neat growing habit. Reaching 2-5’ in height. Prefers well-drained, moist, fertile soil in full sun. Zone 7.
M. reverchonii \ Seep Muhly
µTexas Nativeµ In spring, thin green leaves emerge from the curly, fibrous mass of dried winter foliage. Through the summer the green leaves begin to curl until the mass forms a ball-shape, reaching 8-10" high. In the fall, stems with a light purple inflorescence, rise 12" above the plant, producing an overall height of 2-3˝'. Delicate, branching seed heads mature to a purple-mauve hue. Seep muhly is a warm season grass found on limestone slopes and rocky prairies in full sun. Drought tolerant and deer resistant. Zone 6.
M. rigens \ Deer Muhly
µTexas Nativeµ Deer grass is a clumping, cool-season grass of unusual beauty and adaptability. Handsome foliage and showy flower spikes, 2-3’ tall. Heat and drought tolerant. Gray-green leaves 3/8-5/8” wide and 1˝-2˝’ tall and as wide. Will grow 3-4’ if watered in summer. Full sun or part shade. Found in a wide range of habitats, but prefers moist, well-drained fertile soil. Zones 7-9.
Nassella tenuissima \ Mexican Feather Grass
µTexas Nativeµ Fine-leafed, clumping Mexican feathered grass has silky awns. Needle thin leaves form clumps 1˝’ tall and wide. Silky green blooms form in summer and become golden at maturity. Prefers fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Zone 7.
Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ \ Switch Grass
Stiff, Ľ-˝” wide, metallic-blue leaves form a tight, upright clump, 3-3˝' tall. Light-airy blooms form 12-16” above bright yellow fall foliage. Tolerates extreme soil conditions, but prefers moist, fertile soil and full sun. Zones 5-9.
Panicum virgatum ‘Prairie Sky’ \ Switch Grass
µTexas Nativeµ Stiff metallic-blue leaves form a tight, upright clump, 3-3 ˝’ tall. Blue foliage. Breaks dormancy early. Prefers moist, fertile soil and full sun. Zones 5-9.
Pennisetum \ Fountain Grass
Fountain Grass can be found growing in woodlands, savannas, the tropics and along seashores. Flowers are typically soft, bottle-brush-like foxtails. Generally easy to grow and long lasting and most are clump-forming.
P. alopecuroides \ Green Fountain Grass
This clumping, warm-season growing fountain grass is one of the most versatile, dependable and showy of all the ornamental grasses. It is graced by handsome glossy foliage that grows 2-3’ tall and as wide. Leaves Ľ-˝” wide and 18-30” long form a dense upright mound. Flowers begin to emerge in the summer, a reddish-brown and grow to 4-10” long. Adaptable to any soil, but prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Zones 6-9.
P. alopecuroides ‘Hameln’
Differs from species because of its dark green fine-textured foliage and compact whitish flowers. The leaves, 1/8-1/4” wide and 12-20” long, grow in upright mounding clumps. The greenish white flowers grow 12-18” above the foliage. Zones 6-9.
P. alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’ \ Dwarf Fountain Grass
The smallest form of dwarf fountain grass, with clumps measuring 1X1‘. Earliest blooming of the fountain grasses, mid to late summer, with creamy-white, puffed flower spikes. Excellent rock garden choice. Prefers full sun in moist, well-drained soils. Will adapt to poor soils. Zones 6-9.
P. alopecuroides ‘Moudry’ \ Black Fountain Grass
Prized for its lush green foliage and large, almost black foxtails. Dark green, glossy leaves, ˝- ľ ” wide form a dense upright, mounded clump. Late blooming fountain grass. Grows 2-3’ tall. Will make a good cut flower. Zones 5-9.
P. orientale \ Oriental Fountain Grass
Long bloom period with compact habit makes it perfect for small gardens. Prefers well-drained soil in full sun. Pink flowers, 3-4” long on stems 12-16” long. Clump grows 12-18” tall and wide. Zone 7.
P. setaceum ‘Rubrum’ \ Purple Fountain Grass
Clumping warm season grass with burgundy foliage topped by red-purple plumes. Used as an annual north of Zone 9. Glossy foliage grows in upright, arching clumps 3-4’ tall and as wide. Its leaves are Ľ-˝” wide and 8-12” long. Prefers well-drained moist, fertile loam in full sun. Zone 9.
Sasa pygmaea (Now Pleioblastus pygmaeus) \ Dwarf Bamboo
Dense clumps of 1’ high, bright green canes are covered with small, leathery, green leaves. Excellent for low border or ground cover. Spreads rapidly in a prostrate manner. Evergreen. Zone 7.
Schizachyrium scoparium \ Little Bluestem
(skits-ah-KEER-ee-um skoh-PAIR-ee-um)
µTexas Nativeµ A deciduous, clumping, warm season grass. This grass can grow 2-5’ tall. Its light green foliage, Ľ-˝” wide and 12-16” long, becomes darker with maturity. Spikes emerge July to September. Fall color ranges from bronze to flaming orange. Best in full sun, and tolerates almost any soil. Zone 3.
Sorghastrum nutans ‘Sioux Blue’ \ Indian Grass
(sor-GASS-trum NOO-tanz)
Warm season perennial grass forming upright clumps, 2-3’ tall, occasionally to 5’. Metallic blue foliage ˝” wide and 2’ long turns yellow-gold in fall. Late summer shows 5-6’ stalks with 12” narrow, feathery, light brown flower panicles. Tolerant of various soils, including clay. Does well in poor, dry, infertile soils. Moist, rich humus soils may promote floppy effect. Full sun. A must for fresh and dried flower arrangements. Zones 4-9.
