Ornamental Grasses

Different genera and species of grasses utilized as “ornamental” grasses come from all parts of the world. Some were native and seen by Lewis and Clark as they took the Corps of Discovery on their jaunt across the continent. They described them as “great waves of tall grasses – taller than man himself.”

Today many of these same grasses are utilized as the ornamentals. Others had their origin in the Orient, others are from the European continent, and still others are from “down-under.”

Generally speaking, three families of plants are included in the ornamental grasses. The first is the Gramineae family, which encompasses the true grasses but also includes the bamboos. The second family is the Juncaceae family, the rushes. The third is the Cyperaceae, or sedge family. All three have similarities, but also have definite distinguishing characteristics.

For example, the true grasses have hollow stems that are cylindrical. Sedges have pith-filled stems which are triangular – giving rise to the saying that “sedges have edges”. The rushes usually have solid cylindrical stems.

Ornamental grasses are varied in color, shape, size, texture, appearance and habit. One can find yellows, grays, blues, greens, reds, and various shades of brown and tan. They may be as short as a few inches, or twice as tall as a man. The shapes vary from upright to drooping and everything in between. Some are as soft as velvet while others may be as coarse as a file.

Early spring will see many of the grasses in bloom, and others wait until fall. The flowers of many are extremely delicate and tiny, while great plumes adorn others. A few of these fine plants are termed invasive, but they can easily be used in planters or surrounded by an edging.

Grasses may be used as accent plants, that is, to amplify the beauty of surrounding plants. They may also be used as specimen plants to be seen as outstanding by themselves without outside competition. Certainly, they can be mixed with other ornamental plants, either annual or perennial. Color can compliment or contrast with other plants. A variety of textures and forms can also add interest.

The Ornamental Grasses exhibit is supported by the Spokane County Master Gardeners.