Plants in family poaceae
Calamagrostis arundinacea
Calamagrostis arundinacea is an ornamental grass that forms a 2-foot tall by 2-foot wide clump, topped with pink plumes in September. The plant's color changes to bronze in fall, and it tolerates hot summers and part sun to shady conditions. It is also excellent for dried arrangements.
Zea mays
Zea mays, or sweet corn, is known for its large, tender ears that are resistant to stalk-lodging. Developed from 'Luther Hill' and 'Painted Mountain' corn, it is adapted for short growing seasons and germinates well in cool, wet soils. This variety features a kaleidoscope of rainbow kernels and is rich in anthocyanins.
Cortaderia selloana
Cortaderia selloana, commonly known as pampas grass, is a popular ornamental grass with oversized arching foliage and creamy white feathery plumes. It is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant but can be invasive in mild-winter areas.
Nassella tenuissima
Nassella tenuissima, also known as Mexican feather grass, is a delicate ornamental grass native to the southwestern United States, northern Mexico, and Argentina. It forms wispy clumps of narrow foliage and produces tan plumes that reach up to 2 feet tall in late spring. While it is a popular choice for gardens due to its graceful appearance, it is considered a major threat to native ecosystems in Australia. This grass is drought-tolerant and can self-seed, making it a low-maintenance option for xeriscaping.
Miscanthus sinensis
Miscanthus sinensis, commonly known as Zebra grass, is an ornamental grass with arching, striped green and white foliage. It forms a 4-foot wide mound and produces tan plumes in late summer, remaining attractive into early spring. This grass is native to eastern Asia and is popular for its graceful appearance and ability to thrive in a variety of garden settings.
Muhlenbergia dubia
Muhlenbergia dubia is a drought-tolerant ornamental grass native to North America. It forms a symmetrical mound and produces narrow plumes on stalks in late August to fall. The plumes emerge purple and fade to tan, adding texture and color to gardens.
Sporobolus wrightii
Sporobolus wrightii is a perennial bunchgrass native to the United States, known for its tall stems and long leaves. It grows in plains, desert grasslands, and wetlands, providing erosion control and forage for wildlife. The plant is drought-tolerant and forms a clump of grey-green foliage with golden-bronze flower panicles.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus'
This ornamental grass features fine narrow foliage with white midribs that turn bronze in autumn and silvery white in winter. It grows 4 to 7 feet tall and produces tassel-like blossoms in fall. The plant is drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and suitable for full sun to part shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and can be invasive.
Zea mays ssp. everta
Zea mays ssp. everta is a type of popcorn known for its 2-3 inch long ruby red, strawberry-shaped ears. The compact 4-foot stalks produce kernels that turn white when popped, making it a unique choice for fall decor and culinary use.
Schizachyrium scoparium
Schizachyrium scoparium, or little bluestem, is a warm-season grass with silvery blue foliage that turns amber in fall. It grows 2 to 3 feet tall and produces white feathery plumes. This drought-tolerant grass is pest-resistant and provides food and cover for wildlife.
Fargesia 'Little Red Head'
Fargesia 'Little Red Head' is a hardy, non-invasive clumping bamboo with blue-green shoots and red sheaths in spring. It grows quickly and can tolerate full sun or afternoon shade, making it adaptable to various soil conditions. This bamboo is rarely damaged by deer and is ideal for gardeners seeking a fast-growing, low-maintenance plant.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus'
Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus' is a tall, weeping grass known for its creamy white and green pinstriped foliage. This plant produces silver plumes in midsummer and is cold, heat, and salt tolerant. Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus' is a great option for those looking to add a touch of texture to their garden. Its unique appearance and adaptability make it a popular choice for gardeners. This plant is a great option for those looking to add a touch of texture and movement to their landscape.
Bambusa multiplex 'Green Giant'
Bambusa multiplex 'Green Giant' is a green mutation of Bambusa 'Alphonse Karr', reaching up to 25 feet tall and 8 feet wide. It has better winter hardiness than other cultivars, with canes over 1 inch in diameter. This clumping bamboo is non-invasive but requires ample space to grow.
Chrysopogon zizanioides
Chrysopogon zizanioides, also known as Vetiver, is an ornamental grass from India that grows up to 6 feet tall. It is used for erosion control and its roots are valued for herbal purposes and perfumes. This grass prefers full sun and does not flower in cold winters.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Gold Bar'
Miscanthus sinensis 'Gold Bar' is a compact ornamental grass with heavily-banded green leaves featuring yellow stripes. It grows up to 4 feet tall and is deer-resistant, with inflorescence appearing in late October.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Rigoletto'
Miscanthus sinensis 'Rigoletto' is a type of maiden grass known for its striking creamy white and green variegated foliage. This ornamental grass reaches about 3 feet in height and is appreciated for its narrow leaves. It has been cultivated for over 25 years without producing garden seedlings, making it a stable addition to landscapes. Originating from China and Japan, it thrives in sunny to partially sunny locations and is resistant to rabbits. It is also a great choice for rain gardens and attracts butterflies.
Cortaderia selloana 'Blue Bayou'
Cortaderia selloana 'Blue Bayou' is an ornamental grass with dense glaucous foliage and nearly 100 golden plumes reaching 7 feet tall. It forms a 10-foot wide clump and is drought-tolerant.
Bouteloua dactyloides 'Uc Verde'
Bouteloua dactyloides 'Uc Verde' is a highly drought-tolerant grass, ideal as a lawn substitute in low desert climates. It requires only 12 inches of water annually and can thrive in both alkaline and acidic soils. This grass is excellent for controlling soil erosion on slopes and naturally suppresses weeds. It produces very low pollen and can grow 4-8 inches tall, with the option to mow it as low as 1 inch.
Bambusa multiplex 'Alphonse Karr'
Bambusa multiplex 'Alphonse Karr' is a clumping bamboo that can grow up to 18 feet tall, with 1-inch diameter canes. Its canes are vertically striped in gold and green, adding a striking visual element to gardens. This bamboo is resilient to cold, withstanding temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit, and is known for its ability to resprout after dieback.
Tripidium arundinaceum
Tripidium arundinaceum, also known as hardy sugar cane, is a giant clumping grass native to tropical and subtropical Asia. It features long, grey-green leaves with a white midrib and produces purplish-pink, pampas-like plumes in early to mid-October. This plant can grow up to 10 feet tall and wide, making it a striking addition to gardens.
Panicum virgatum 'Totem Pole'
Panicum virgatum 'Totem Pole' is a warm-season ornamental grass with blue-gray foliage and powder-blue stems. It grows 5 to 6 feet tall and produces golden seed panicles in autumn. This grass is resilient to various conditions, including heat, humidity, and drought, and prefers full sun.
Tripidium ravennae
Tripidium ravennae, also known as Ravenna grass, is a tall ornamental grass with arching, fountain-like foliage and silvery-white flower stalks. It thrives in sun-filled areas with damp ground but is highly drought-tolerant once established. This grass adds interest to gardens in fall and winter, as its leaves die back during frosts but regrow in spring. Tripidium ravennae is versatile, growing in various habitats, including rocky and flooded areas, and is an excellent choice for adding texture and movement to landscape designs.