Flowers and Plants
Gardening Guides
10 Essential Native Grasses and Sedges for Mid-Atlantic Gardens
This collection of common grasses will thrive in the home landscape
Many of the commonly used ornamental grasses are exotic — that is, coming from a country or region distant from where they are being used. While these are beautiful in their own right, they do not relate to a sense of place and some do exhibit invasive tendencies. Native species, especially those that are native to the region, fit in well with the local ecology and growing conditions.
These 10 North American grass species have a strong presence in the mid-Atlantic region and possess good ornamental characteristics suitable for a variety of growing conditions. Incorporating these into your landscape can link your mid-Atlantic landscape to the surrounding natural community. The list includes cool- and warm-season grasses, arranged tallest to shortest.
Not in the mid-Atlantic? Browse grasses for other regions of the U.S.
These 10 North American grass species have a strong presence in the mid-Atlantic region and possess good ornamental characteristics suitable for a variety of growing conditions. Incorporating these into your landscape can link your mid-Atlantic landscape to the surrounding natural community. The list includes cool- and warm-season grasses, arranged tallest to shortest.
Not in the mid-Atlantic? Browse grasses for other regions of the U.S.
Purpletop Tridens
(Tridens flavus)
Native from New Hampshire to Florida, extending westward to Wisconsin and New Mexico
Purpletop tridens is a common eastern grass that blooms in the last half of summer and into fall, with reddish-purple flowers held high above the foliage. Its preferred habitats include woodland openings, savannas, fields and roadsides. It grows in partial to full sunshine and average to dryish soils. Purpletop tridens tolerates disturbance well and is often found as a component in hay fields, where it is harvested several times in a season. As a warm-season grass, it begins growing in late spring and reaches its peak in midsummer. The foliage typically grows in clumps 1 foot to 2 feet high, and the flower stalks top out at 4 to 6 feet.
While large grasses like big bluestem and switchgrass grow into visually dense barriers, purpletop tridens creates more of a translucent veil, with the wispy flowers and seed heads floating above the low, dense clumps of foliage. The purplish flowers fade to tan and are held upright well into winter. I have seen birds feeding on these in mid-January when the ground is covered with snow.
(Tridens flavus)
Native from New Hampshire to Florida, extending westward to Wisconsin and New Mexico
Purpletop tridens is a common eastern grass that blooms in the last half of summer and into fall, with reddish-purple flowers held high above the foliage. Its preferred habitats include woodland openings, savannas, fields and roadsides. It grows in partial to full sunshine and average to dryish soils. Purpletop tridens tolerates disturbance well and is often found as a component in hay fields, where it is harvested several times in a season. As a warm-season grass, it begins growing in late spring and reaches its peak in midsummer. The foliage typically grows in clumps 1 foot to 2 feet high, and the flower stalks top out at 4 to 6 feet.
While large grasses like big bluestem and switchgrass grow into visually dense barriers, purpletop tridens creates more of a translucent veil, with the wispy flowers and seed heads floating above the low, dense clumps of foliage. The purplish flowers fade to tan and are held upright well into winter. I have seen birds feeding on these in mid-January when the ground is covered with snow.
Eastern Bottlebrush Grass
(Elymus hystrix)
Native from Nova Scotia to Georgia and westward to Arkansas and Minnesota, with scattered populations into North Dakota and Oklahoma
Eastern bottlebrush grass is best appreciated for the brushlike flowers for which it’s named. These appear in early June and can last through much of the summer in protected locations. If picked while still green, the attractive bloom can be dried and used in floral arrangements. As a cool-season grass, eastern bottlebrush grows actively in early spring to 2 to 5 feet tall, including the flower. After going dormant in the heat of summer, it resumes growth in the fall. In some cases, a second round of blooms will develop in the fall.
Bottlebrush grass can get top-heavy. It looks best planted with other medium-size plants that can help prop up the flowering stems. It grows best in partial sun in average-moisture soils. It tolerates full sun if kept moist and, conversely, drier soils in the shade. Native habitats include open woods, savannas and woodland edges.
See how to grow eastern bottlebrush grass
(Elymus hystrix)
Native from Nova Scotia to Georgia and westward to Arkansas and Minnesota, with scattered populations into North Dakota and Oklahoma
Eastern bottlebrush grass is best appreciated for the brushlike flowers for which it’s named. These appear in early June and can last through much of the summer in protected locations. If picked while still green, the attractive bloom can be dried and used in floral arrangements. As a cool-season grass, eastern bottlebrush grows actively in early spring to 2 to 5 feet tall, including the flower. After going dormant in the heat of summer, it resumes growth in the fall. In some cases, a second round of blooms will develop in the fall.
Bottlebrush grass can get top-heavy. It looks best planted with other medium-size plants that can help prop up the flowering stems. It grows best in partial sun in average-moisture soils. It tolerates full sun if kept moist and, conversely, drier soils in the shade. Native habitats include open woods, savannas and woodland edges.
See how to grow eastern bottlebrush grass
Little Bluestem
(Schizachyrium scoparium)
Common native grass found throughout much of North America; there are wild populations in every state and province except for Nevada and Oregon
Little bluestem is usually found in old fields, roadsides and open woods. It grows in clumps 1 foot to 3 feet tall and prefers full sun and dryish soils. It actually looks better growing in low-fertility soils; if the soil is too rich, the stems tend to flop over. It is often used along roadsides, where it can grow successfully on the exposed subsoil where other plants would struggle.
As a warm-season grass, it actively grows from late spring through midsummer and goes into bloom from late summer into fall. Its blue-green summer foliage turns to shades of tan to rust, and the fluffy white seeds all along the stem catch the light to give a silvery shimmer. It is most readily available in garden centers as the cultivar named ‘The Blues’. Stands of little bluestem provide nesting sites for a number of bird species, and the seeds are an important winter food source. The caterpillars of several species of skippers feed on its leaves and also overwinter in the seed shells.
See how to grow little bluestem
(Schizachyrium scoparium)
Common native grass found throughout much of North America; there are wild populations in every state and province except for Nevada and Oregon
Little bluestem is usually found in old fields, roadsides and open woods. It grows in clumps 1 foot to 3 feet tall and prefers full sun and dryish soils. It actually looks better growing in low-fertility soils; if the soil is too rich, the stems tend to flop over. It is often used along roadsides, where it can grow successfully on the exposed subsoil where other plants would struggle.
As a warm-season grass, it actively grows from late spring through midsummer and goes into bloom from late summer into fall. Its blue-green summer foliage turns to shades of tan to rust, and the fluffy white seeds all along the stem catch the light to give a silvery shimmer. It is most readily available in garden centers as the cultivar named ‘The Blues’. Stands of little bluestem provide nesting sites for a number of bird species, and the seeds are an important winter food source. The caterpillars of several species of skippers feed on its leaves and also overwinter in the seed shells.
See how to grow little bluestem
Inland Sea Oats
(Chasmanthium latifolium)
Native from Pennsylvania to Kansas and south to Texas and northern Florida, with isolated populations in Arizona and Wisconsin
Inland sea oats, or river oats, is named for the oat-like flowers that it bears from late summer through fall, and because it is often found growing near water. While its native habitats are moist stream banks or woodlands, it can handle a range of conditions, from wet to moderately dry soils and partial to full sunshine. It has particular merit in the garden, as it can do well in moderately dry, shady locations.
It typically grows 2 to 5 feet tall in upright clumps. The broad leaves that hang from stiff stems give the impression of a small clump of bamboo. As with other warm-season grasses, its flowers begin to form in July. These mature to look like dangling clusters of oats. In the fall these flowers, as well as the entire plant, turn golden brown and are often retained on the stem well into winter. They show very well when illuminated by the low winter sun.
River oats is a fairly aggressive species, spreading outward by thick rhizomes and reseeding readily. It forms a dense network of roots that does a very good job of holding soil against erosion. But the roots also make it difficult to dig up and divide oversized clumps. Once split up, they do transplant successfully.
See how to grow inland sea oats
(Chasmanthium latifolium)
Native from Pennsylvania to Kansas and south to Texas and northern Florida, with isolated populations in Arizona and Wisconsin
Inland sea oats, or river oats, is named for the oat-like flowers that it bears from late summer through fall, and because it is often found growing near water. While its native habitats are moist stream banks or woodlands, it can handle a range of conditions, from wet to moderately dry soils and partial to full sunshine. It has particular merit in the garden, as it can do well in moderately dry, shady locations.
It typically grows 2 to 5 feet tall in upright clumps. The broad leaves that hang from stiff stems give the impression of a small clump of bamboo. As with other warm-season grasses, its flowers begin to form in July. These mature to look like dangling clusters of oats. In the fall these flowers, as well as the entire plant, turn golden brown and are often retained on the stem well into winter. They show very well when illuminated by the low winter sun.
River oats is a fairly aggressive species, spreading outward by thick rhizomes and reseeding readily. It forms a dense network of roots that does a very good job of holding soil against erosion. But the roots also make it difficult to dig up and divide oversized clumps. Once split up, they do transplant successfully.
See how to grow inland sea oats
Common Rush
(Juncus effusus)
Found growing in the wild in all states except Utah, Wyoming and South Dakota, and all the provinces except Alberta and Saskatchewan
Natural habitats of common, or soft, rush include swales, pond edges and other poorly drained areas. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. While rushes are usually associated with wetlands, growing in as much as a foot of water, they can also be grown in soils with average levels of moisture.
It forms vase-shaped clumps consisting of linear shafts of foliage as tall as 4 feet. This form can be used like an exclamation point in the landscape, especially in contrast to plants with large leaves. Flowers occur in summer as yellow-green clusters near the top of the stem. Its tolerance of wet soils as well as some dryness makes soft rush a good choice for use in a rain garden.
Another popular form of rush grows in a corkscrew shape. The botanical name for that form is Juncus effusus f. spiralis. It can be purchased as a cultivar, such as ‘Frenzy’, ‘Unicorn’ or ‘Spiralis’.
(Juncus effusus)
Found growing in the wild in all states except Utah, Wyoming and South Dakota, and all the provinces except Alberta and Saskatchewan
Natural habitats of common, or soft, rush include swales, pond edges and other poorly drained areas. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. While rushes are usually associated with wetlands, growing in as much as a foot of water, they can also be grown in soils with average levels of moisture.
It forms vase-shaped clumps consisting of linear shafts of foliage as tall as 4 feet. This form can be used like an exclamation point in the landscape, especially in contrast to plants with large leaves. Flowers occur in summer as yellow-green clusters near the top of the stem. Its tolerance of wet soils as well as some dryness makes soft rush a good choice for use in a rain garden.
Another popular form of rush grows in a corkscrew shape. The botanical name for that form is Juncus effusus f. spiralis. It can be purchased as a cultivar, such as ‘Frenzy’, ‘Unicorn’ or ‘Spiralis’.
Deertongue
(Dichanthelium clandestinum)
Native from Maine to South Carolina and west to Oklahoma and Iowa, with scattered populations in the other southern states
Deertongue is named for the coarse broad leaves that resemble the tongue of a deer. To me, this grass looks more like a low-growing bamboo. It prefers partly sunny sites with moist, well-drained soils, where it can grow over 4 feet tall. On sunnier sites the plants are shorter — typically 2 to 3 feet tall.
Flowers first appear in early summer. While not obvious, they are interesting with their wiry branchlets tipped with individual florets. This first set of flowers is wind-pollinated. Growth continues all summer, and a second set of flowers appear in fall. These remain closed and are self-pollinated. The foliage remains green until a hard frost, when it turns a coppery tan. This foliage is rigid enough to remain standing through most of winter, providing interest in an otherwise vacant landscape.
Deertongue’s natural habitats include sandy woodlands and prairies, acidic seeps and abandoned fields. This tough grass is used for the rehabilitation of acidic soils, soils with high aluminum concentrations and sandy, low-fertility soils.
(Dichanthelium clandestinum)
Native from Maine to South Carolina and west to Oklahoma and Iowa, with scattered populations in the other southern states
Deertongue is named for the coarse broad leaves that resemble the tongue of a deer. To me, this grass looks more like a low-growing bamboo. It prefers partly sunny sites with moist, well-drained soils, where it can grow over 4 feet tall. On sunnier sites the plants are shorter — typically 2 to 3 feet tall.
Flowers first appear in early summer. While not obvious, they are interesting with their wiry branchlets tipped with individual florets. This first set of flowers is wind-pollinated. Growth continues all summer, and a second set of flowers appear in fall. These remain closed and are self-pollinated. The foliage remains green until a hard frost, when it turns a coppery tan. This foliage is rigid enough to remain standing through most of winter, providing interest in an otherwise vacant landscape.
Deertongue’s natural habitats include sandy woodlands and prairies, acidic seeps and abandoned fields. This tough grass is used for the rehabilitation of acidic soils, soils with high aluminum concentrations and sandy, low-fertility soils.
Shallow Sedge
(Carex lurida)
Native from Newfoundland and Maine to northern Florida and as far west as Texas and Minnesota
This sedge grows in mounds 1 foot to 3 feet tall and wide, with long, arching leaves that are essentially evergreen. The leaves are channeled, forming a “W” shape in cross section. This gives them extra rigidity to hold their graceful, arching form. The flowers, forming in early summer, are a cluster of green, 1-inch-long elongated burrs. These are held close to the center of the clump, below the arching foliage. As they ripen they turn yellow, then brown.
Shallow sedge is found in moist habitats, such as swales, moist meadows and pond edges. It grows well in full sun to partial shade in average to wet soils. It would be a good choice for a sunny, moist location, like a rain garden. While technically a cool-season grass, it looks good and maintains a consistent form throughout the summer.
(Carex lurida)
Native from Newfoundland and Maine to northern Florida and as far west as Texas and Minnesota
This sedge grows in mounds 1 foot to 3 feet tall and wide, with long, arching leaves that are essentially evergreen. The leaves are channeled, forming a “W” shape in cross section. This gives them extra rigidity to hold their graceful, arching form. The flowers, forming in early summer, are a cluster of green, 1-inch-long elongated burrs. These are held close to the center of the clump, below the arching foliage. As they ripen they turn yellow, then brown.
Shallow sedge is found in moist habitats, such as swales, moist meadows and pond edges. It grows well in full sun to partial shade in average to wet soils. It would be a good choice for a sunny, moist location, like a rain garden. While technically a cool-season grass, it looks good and maintains a consistent form throughout the summer.
Spreading Sedge
(Carex laxiculmis)
Native from Maine to northern Georgia and west to Arkansas and southeastern Minnesota
This sedge has beautiful wide blue-green foliage and grows well in partial to full shade. Its native habitats include stream banks and moist woodlands. Given sufficient moisture, it can be grown in sunnier locations, but the bluish foliage really shows best in the shade.
It grows in clumps up to a foot tall. The individual leaf blades are about one-half inch wide and a foot long. It slowly fills in by sending out rhizomes. The foliage of this cool-season species is evergreen in mild-winter areas. Evergreen or not, the plants benefit from a trim in early spring before new growth begins.
This sedge grows well as a ground cover or path edge, or as an accent plant in a shade composition. It can be used as a native alternative to Liriope. The cultivar ‘Hobb’, sold as Bunny Blue, shown here, is what you are most likely to find in a retail nursery. Its foliage is somewhat bluer than the species. For a similar look in drier locations, try thinfruit sedge (Carex flaccosperma).
(Carex laxiculmis)
Native from Maine to northern Georgia and west to Arkansas and southeastern Minnesota
This sedge has beautiful wide blue-green foliage and grows well in partial to full shade. Its native habitats include stream banks and moist woodlands. Given sufficient moisture, it can be grown in sunnier locations, but the bluish foliage really shows best in the shade.
It grows in clumps up to a foot tall. The individual leaf blades are about one-half inch wide and a foot long. It slowly fills in by sending out rhizomes. The foliage of this cool-season species is evergreen in mild-winter areas. Evergreen or not, the plants benefit from a trim in early spring before new growth begins.
This sedge grows well as a ground cover or path edge, or as an accent plant in a shade composition. It can be used as a native alternative to Liriope. The cultivar ‘Hobb’, sold as Bunny Blue, shown here, is what you are most likely to find in a retail nursery. Its foliage is somewhat bluer than the species. For a similar look in drier locations, try thinfruit sedge (Carex flaccosperma).
Pennsylvania Sedge
(Carex pensylvanica)
Native to eastern North America from the Dakotas eastward to Maine in the north, and Arkansas eastward to Georgia in the south; in Canada it is native to Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec
Pennsylvania sedge is a cool-season native sedge. It has fine leaves that reach about a foot in length, but it usually flops over at about 6 inches to form silky, undulating mounds. It grows vigorously in spring and fall, going nearly dormant in the heat of summer. Pennsylvania sedge blooms in early spring, with dark spikes decorated with long, pale yellow anthers. It does not produce a striking floral display, but is interesting when you take a closer look.
Its native habitats include woodlands, savannas and dry prairies, and it is often found in dry shade under oak trees. While it does not appreciate being stepped on, Pennsylvania sedge is a good choice as a lawn substitute in shady low-traffic areas. It can be mowed once in early spring to clean up last year’s foliage, but further trimming is not needed for the season. This species is difficult to grow from seed, but will spread in a season or two from small plants spaced a foot apart to form a mounded turf.
See how to grow Pennsylvania sedge
(Carex pensylvanica)
Native to eastern North America from the Dakotas eastward to Maine in the north, and Arkansas eastward to Georgia in the south; in Canada it is native to Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec
Pennsylvania sedge is a cool-season native sedge. It has fine leaves that reach about a foot in length, but it usually flops over at about 6 inches to form silky, undulating mounds. It grows vigorously in spring and fall, going nearly dormant in the heat of summer. Pennsylvania sedge blooms in early spring, with dark spikes decorated with long, pale yellow anthers. It does not produce a striking floral display, but is interesting when you take a closer look.
Its native habitats include woodlands, savannas and dry prairies, and it is often found in dry shade under oak trees. While it does not appreciate being stepped on, Pennsylvania sedge is a good choice as a lawn substitute in shady low-traffic areas. It can be mowed once in early spring to clean up last year’s foliage, but further trimming is not needed for the season. This species is difficult to grow from seed, but will spread in a season or two from small plants spaced a foot apart to form a mounded turf.
See how to grow Pennsylvania sedge
(Panicum virgatum)
Native to North America from Saskatchewan and Quebec south to Florida, Mexico and Central America, and from the East Coast west to Nevada and Idaho, but not the Pacific Coast states
Switchgrass can be found growing in many open habitats, including prairies, savannas, stream banks, roadsides and abandoned fields. It grows in average to moist soils in a range of textures. Switchgrass prefers full sun. It will grow in partial sun, but the growth will be less dense. It has a clumping habit, with dense mounds of drooping foliage. This warm-season grass blooms in late summer, with airy flower panicles in shades of red to tan held just above the foliage.
Its tolerance for a range of soil moisture in full sun makes it a good choice for a sunny rain garden. Switchgrass is most effective in the landscape massed in groups or used as a screen. It also provides cover for wildlife, and birds feed on the seeds.
There are many cultivars available with varying mature sizes and foliage colors. These switchgrass cultivars make good native-grass substitutions for exotic Miscanthus species. The highest-rated varieties include the following.
- ‘Cloud Nine’ produces pinkish blooms a foot above 7-foot-tall foliage.
- ‘Dallas Blues’ has purplish flowers that grow a foot above 5-foot-tall bluish foliage.
- ‘Northwind’ is a more compact cultivar with blooms growing a foot above 4½-foot-tall green foliage.
- ‘Shenandoah’, shown here, features reddish foliage growing to about 3 feet tall, with flowers bringing it to 4 feet.
See how to grow switchgrass