Plants in family poaceae
Sesleria autumnalis
Sesleria autumnalis is a tough, clump-forming grass with chartreuse green foliage and silvery panicles. It is effective as a groundcover and tolerates full sun or part shade. This grass is rarely damaged by deer and thrives in alkaline soil.
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.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Kitten'
Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Kitten' is a dwarf ornamental grass known for its long, slender leaves with a silver tint. It produces pink-tinted, silvery-white flower spikes, with foliage turning gold in fall. This warm-season grass thrives in USDA zones 5-9, reaching a mature height of 15 inches and spreading 12-20 inches wide. It is drought-tolerant and provides winter interest, making it a versatile choice for compact garden spaces.
Muhlenbergia sericea 'Capillaris Of Horticulture'
Muhlenbergia sericea 'Capillaris Of Horticulture' is an ornamental grass native to the southeastern United States. It is known for its narrow green foliage and cloud-like heads of reddish-purple flowers that age to pink. This deer-resistant plant blooms from mid- to late August and is well-suited for sunny locations.
Fargesia robusta 'Wolong'
Fargesia robusta 'Wolong' is a clumping bamboo from Sichuan, China, known for its larger, deer-resistant foliage and tropical feel. It forms 7-foot tall clumps and is sensitive to heat, thriving in shaded areas.
Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila'
Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila' is a dwarf pampas grass with narrow, blue-green foliage. It forms a clump topped with fuzzy tan spears in late summer, adding texture to gardens.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Hinjo'
Miscanthus sinensis 'Hinjo' is a compact variety of zebra miscanthus, known for its vivid horizontal gold banding. It produces tall plumes reaching up to 6 feet in late summer, adding texture and movement to the garden. This ornamental grass is suitable for sunny locations and is rabbit resistant, making it a durable choice for perennial borders and rain gardens.
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Heaven'
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Heaven' is a tall grass with bluish-green new growth that changes to amber, rose, red, and bronze. It is cold and heat-hardy, preferring full sun and well-drained soils.
Fargesia denudata
Fargesia denudata is a clumping bamboo species native to northern Sichuan and southern Gansu, China. It is heat-tolerant and grows up to 8 feet tall within five years, forming arching canes. This bamboo is deer-resistant and serves as a food source for giant pandas. It prefers part sun to light shade and is suitable for creating a tropical look in gardens.
Cortaderia selloana 'Usballata'
Cortaderia selloana 'Usballata' is a selection from the Andean foothills, known for its formal, arching grey-green foliage. It produces large flower heads in late summer and is hardier than New Zealand selections. This plant is not recommended for cultivation in California.
Cenchrus setaceus 'Rubrum'
Cenchrus setaceus 'Rubrum' is an ornamental grass with tall stems and foot-long burgundy plumes. Its rich purple foliage turns golden with age, forming a fountain-like shape. This drought and heat-resistant plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and is rarely damaged by deer. It is a perennial in zones 9-11 and an annual in cooler zones, adding dramatic color and texture to landscapes.
Panicum virgatum 'Rotstrahlbusch'
Panicum virgatum 'Rotstrahlbusch' is an ornamental grass with green foliage that grows to 3 feet tall, topped by feathery panicles reaching 4 feet. It creates a bronze haze effect and is a popular choice for adding texture to garden landscapes.
Sporobolus bakeri
Sporobolus bakeri, also known as Sand Cordgrass, is a dramatic ornamental grass with narrow foliage and reddish plumes. It forms a clumping habit and is adaptable to both regular soil and swampy conditions. This grass is native to the United States and is suitable for sunny locations, adding texture and movement to garden landscapes.
Panicum virgatum 'Prairie Sky'
Panicum virgatum 'Prairie Sky' is a native switchgrass with striking powdery blue foliage, originating from Wisconsin. It is taller and less rigid than similar varieties, such as P. 'Heavy Metal'. In late summer, it produces billowing plumes of amber brown, adding a dynamic element to landscapes. This ornamental grass is well-suited for rain gardens and attracts butterflies, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. It thrives in full sun to part sun and is adaptable to various soil conditions.
Fargesia dracocephala
Fargesia dracocephala is a clumping bamboo known for its bright orange-red shoots in spring. It grows to a height of 6 to 10 feet and spreads 6 to 8 feet wide, making it a non-invasive option for gardens. Hardy in USDA zones 5 to 7, it thrives in full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soil with moist to average watering needs. Pruning is recommended in late winter to maintain its shape.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Silver Arrow'
Miscanthus sinensis 'Silver Arrow' is an ornamental grass with green and white variegated foliage and a pink tint to its plumes. This plant is known for its striking appearance and is suitable for sunny locations, adding texture and movement to garden landscapes.
Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold'
Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold' is an award-winning ornamental grass with bright gold bamboo-like leaves that develop a reddish glow in autumn. It thrives in part sun to full shade and prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soil. This shade-loving grass spreads by rhizomes and requires little care, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens.
Deschampsia cespitosa ssp. cespitosa
Deschampsia cespitosa ssp. cespitosa is a striking ornamental grass known for its green and white striped blades that can reach up to 1 foot in length. In cooler nights, the grass takes on a pinkish hue, adding a unique touch to its appearance. By late spring, it produces 3-foot tall tan plumes, making it a standout in any garden. This perennial thrives in moist woodland settings and can adapt to both sun and light shade. It is native to Europe and the United States, making it a versatile choice for various climates. The plant is also known for its ability to attract wildlife, adding ecological value to its aesthetic appeal.
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Prairie Blues'
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Prairie Blues' is a warm-season grass native to the eastern United States. It features grey-blue foliage that turns orange-red in autumn and grows 3-4 feet in height. This drought-tolerant, low-maintenance plant thrives in hot, dry areas and is deer resistant, making it a resilient choice for gardens.
Bambusa multiplex
Bambusa multiplex is a heat-loving, deer-resistant clumping bamboo that can be grown as an ornamental grass in colder climates. It remains evergreen above 15°F and is suitable for a variety of garden settings.