‘Evergold’ variegated Japanese sedge
Carex oshimensis 'Evergold'
Creamy yellow leaves have dark green edges, and clumps cascade to the ground in a … Continued
browsing: grasses
Grasses belong to one of the largest and most economically and ecologically important families of plants with over nine thousand species recognized by botanists. Grasses can be found on every continent and in a wide variety of habitats, both as the dominant plant type (in prairies and tundra) or as minor components of the plant community. Collectively, grasses domesticated as crops represent the world’s most important source of food.
Grasses have multiple characteristics that differentiate them from other plants. They usually have long, narrow leaves and can grow very tall (tropical bamboos can grow 328′ high) or prostrate along the ground. Grasses have evolved in environments where drought, grazing by large herbivores, and fires were common, and have large root systems that can store substantial food reserves that allow them to regrow quickly if aboveground parts are removed. This also makes them drought resistant, ideal for lawns that are repeatedly mowed, and great for preventing soil erosion.
Click for a chart to compare grasses by height.
‘Ice Dance’ variegated Japanese sedge
Carex morrow 'Ice Dance'
Wide, strappy leaves measuring 1/4 to 1/2 inch across, this carex makes a bold statement … Continued
river oats, northern sea oats
Chasmanthium latifolium
Attractive, nodding seed heads make excellent cut arrangement filler. This grass spreads aggressively so choose … Continued
‘Northern Lights’ tufted hair grass
Deschampsia cespitosa 'Northern Lights'
Striking grass blades are variegated with gray and gold. As summer progresses, blades mature to … Continued
purple love grass
Eragrostis spectabilis
Masses of reddish-purple panicle blooms are beautiful in large sweeps. NATIVE TO THE EASTERN HALF … Continued
‘Elijah Blue’ fescue
Festuca glauca
Lovely 10″ selection with blue color that holds up well throughout the summer. Wonderful planted … Continued
‘All Gold’ Japanese forest grass
Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold'
Golden, ribbon-like leaf blades create a welcome bright spot at the edge of a shady … Continued
‘Spiralis’ corkscrew rush
Juncus effusus 'Spiralis'
Round blades curl as they grow. Interesting foliage for containers, but also a hardy bog-loving … Continued
‘Blue Arrows’ grass, hard rush
Juncus inflexus 'Blue Arrows'
Tolerant of drought and wet conditions, this striking grass has an upright habit. Useful for … Continued
blue lyme grass
Leymus arenarius
Striking metallic blue-gray leaves to 3′. Rhizomatus spreader that is great for banks and erosion … Continued
‘Big Blue’ monkey grass, lily turf
Liriope muscari 'Big Blue'
Grasslike in appearance and habit, but not a grass at all. Actually, it’s a member … Continued
spreading monkey grass, lily turf
Liriope spicata
Grassy texture, but not a grass at all — actually, it’s a member of the … Continued