Sorghastrum Nash
Grass family, Poaceae
Indian grass, woodgrass From the genus Sorghum plus the Latin suffix -astrum, imitation, referring to the resemblance to sorghum. Includes approximately 18 annual and perennial species native primarily to tropical, subtropical, and temperate America, with two species in Africa. Best known for Indian grass, Sorghastrum nutans, an essential and characteristic element of the original North American tallgrass prairies. The North American Sorghastrum species are perennial, warm-season growers, flowering in late summer or early autumn with conspicuous copper-colored inflorescences. Though Indian grass is most common in cultivation, the other two species below deserve further attention.
Sorghastrum elliottii (C. Mohr) Nash
Slender Indian grass, Elliott's woodgrass Native to dry, often sandy open woodlands, mostly on the coastal plain, from Maryland to Florida and Texas, and also inland to Arkansas and Tennessee. Similar to Sorghastrum nutans but a strict clump-former, without any tendency to spread by rhizomes. The mostly green leaves are also narrower and the inflorescences are more open and not as richly copper-gold in color. Blooms in mid summer, 3 to 5 feet (90-150 cm) tall in flower. Of easy culture on a variety of soils in sun or partial shade. Drought-tolerant. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring. Zone 6.
Sorghastrum nutans (Linnaeus) Nash
Indian grass
One of the most beautiful and characteristic grasses of the once-vast North American tallgrass prairie, Indian grass was second most prevalent to big bluestem, Andropogon gerardii, in the principal group of tall-growing warm-season grasses that also included switchgrass, Panicum virgatum, and little bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium. It is native to a variety of habitats including prairies, savannahs, dry slopes, and open woodlands from Quebec and Maine to Manitoba and North Dakota south to Florida, Arizona, and Mexico.
Mostly clump-forming but capable of spreading modestly by rhizomes, it grows upright to 5 to 8 feet (1.5-2.4 m) in height when blooming in mid to late summer. Inflorescences open strongly copper-colored with conspicuous bright yellow anthers. Loose and open at first, the panicles narrow upon drying, becoming light chestnut-colored and translucent and remaining attractive through winter. Plants of central prairie provenance tend to be taller, growing with broad leaves, up to Vi inch (12 nun) wide, that are often glaucous. Plants at the eastern extent of the range are shorter, more sturdily upright, and generally have green foliage that often turns rich orange-red in autumn.
Indian grass is very adaptable and of easy culture in a wide range of soil and moisture conditions. It grows most upright in full sun. It self-sows and is one of the easiest of the tall- grass species to naturalize in prairie or meadow gardens. Frequently used for soil stabilization and forage, and a number of seed cultivars have been developed for these purposes. Propagate by seed sown in late winter or early spring, or by division in spring or fall. Zone 3.
Sorghastrum nutans blooms in early September, creating golden-copper bands of color in this seeded meadow on peripheral grounds of Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania.
Inflorescences of Sorghastrum nutans undergo considerable change in color and form from the time they open until maturation of seeds.
Inflorescences of Sorghastrum nutans undergo considerable change in color and form from the time they open until maturation of seeds.
When they first appear in late August, inflorescences of Sorghastrum nutans are open and copper-colored with bright yellow anthers.
Sorghastrum nutans is incandescent in early September sunlight in the author's Pennsylvania garden.
Glowing seedheads of Sorghastrum nutans in a small meadow area are alluringly visible from an outdoor dining table in the author's Pennsylvania garden in late October.
'Bluebird'. Leaves glaucous, grows 3 to 5 feet (90-150 cm) tall in flower. A selection from Bluebird Nursery of Clarkson, Nebraska.
'Cheyenne'. A seed cultivar of Oklahoma provenance developed primarily for forage and pasture use.
'Holt'. A seed cultivar of Nebraska provenance developed primarily for forage and pasture use.
'Mullerslust' (Muller's joy). A clonal cultivar selected in Germany, with glaucous foliage and upright stature.
'Osage'. A seed cultivar developed from plants of Kansas and Oklahoma provenance primarily for forage and pasture use. Produces a high percentage of seedlings with glaucous foliage.
Allowed to stand into mid April, Sorghastrum nutans provides cover for spring nesting birds in the author's Pennsylvania garden, while its still-upright stems provide line and color contrast for a blooming redbud tree, Cercis canadensis.
The glaucous foliage of Sorghastrum nutans 'Mullerslust' (in the foreground) is dramatically bluer than that of Panicum virgatum 'Cloud Nine' (rear left and right) in Hans Simon's planting at the Berggarten in Hanover, Germany, in late August.
Sorghastrum nutans 'Sioux Blue' stands upright, blooming on the last day of August at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania.
Still under evaluation at the time of this writing, a spectacularly glaucous blue form of Sorghastrum nutans blooms in trial beds at Bluebird Nursery in Clarkson, Nebraska. Plants like this are proof of the mostly untapped beauty and diversity of North American grasses.
Sorghastrum secundum blooms in open woods.
'Sioux Blue'. Leaves glaucous gray-blue. More upright than most prairie types. A clonal cultivar selected and named by the author from a seedling of 'Osage' after evaluation at Longwood Gardens.
Sorghastrum secundum (Elliott) Nash
Lopsided Indiangrass, drooping woodgrass Native to sandy, open woodlands and woods edges from South Carolina to Florida and Texas. Strictly clump-forming. Green-leaved, growing 3 to 5 feet (90 to 150 cm) tall when blooming in mid summer. The relatively narrow inflorescences are distinct in having flowers mostly to one side of the central stalk. Will grow in shade or sun. Drought-tolerant. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring. Zone 7, possibly colder.
Spartina Schreber Grass family, Poaceae Cordgrass
Comprises 15 to 17 perennial, warm-season species primarily native to wet or moist habitats on both coasts of the Americas and to the Atlantic coasts of Africa and Europe, especially in temperate and subtropical zones. Most cordgrasses spread by rhizomes to form extensive colonies and are important soil builders and stabilizers in coastal and interior marshes, where they often provide shelter and food for local fauna. Natural hybrids occur, and some of these have become problematic in coastal habitats, where their superior vigor sometimes overwhelms local native species. The majority of cordgrasses occur in brackish or saltwater environments and are essential to the beauty and diversity of these landscapes. Prairie cordgrass, Spartina pectinata, and sand cordgrass, S. bakeri, are freshwater species adaptable to cultivation on dry ground.
Spartina alterniflora Loiseleur-Deslongchamps
Smooth cordgrass This strongly rhizomatous species is native to coastal salt marshes in North America from Quebec and Newfoundland to Florida and Texas and also on the Atlantic coasts of South America and northern Europe. It occurs primarily in the in-tertidal zone, where it grows tallest near the water and much shorter at upper tidal margins. The foliage ranges in height from 3 to 5 feet (90-150 cm). Blooms in mid to late summer, the narrow one-sided inflorescences held high above the leaves on slender upright stalks.
This species plays an important role in the stabilization of coastal soils and for its ability to extend marsh habitat further seaward by its spread. It has historically been planted in some coastal areas to create additional land area suitable for farming and grazing. Deliberate introduction of this species beyond its original range has resulted in hybrids, and some of these, including crosses with the European Spartina maritima, have proved ecologically disruptive. Smooth cordgrass is increasingly being planted within its native range to restore the health and stability of coastal marshes. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 3.
Beyond a drift of a sea lavender, Limonium nashii, a band of Spartina alterniflora meets the water's edge at Robert's Cove on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, blooming on upright stalks in late August.
The same band of Spartina alterniflora is visible at water's edge in late December. The foreground, closer to the high tide level, is matted with salt-hay.
Spartina bakeri Merrill Sand cordgrass
Unlike many cordgrasses, this species is not a marsh dweller, but is native to sandy ocean beaches and the edges of freshwater inland lakes and other waterways in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Clump-forming and fine-textured, with medium-green leaves only % inch (6 mm) wide, sand cordgrass forms a dense mound 3 to 6 feet (90-180 cm) tall. The inflorescences are narrow panicles with appressed branches, elevated on stalks above the foliage. Drought-tolerant and of easy culture in sun or partial shade. Sturdy and long-lived, it is suitable for massed plantings and for defining garden spaces. Best propagated by seed. Can be divided but larger established clumps are difficult to handle. Zone 8.
Spartina cynosuroides (Linnaeus) Roth Big cordgrass
Native to brackish and saltwater marshes along the North American Atlantic and Gulf coasts from Massachusetts to Florida and Texas. The tallest of the North American cord-grasses, capable of reaching 13 feet (4 m) in height when blooming in mid summer. Strongly rhizomatous, sometimes creating extensive colonies. The rhizomes are eaten by geese and muskrats, and the seeds provide food for many birds. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 5.
Spartina alterniflora is an integral part of saltmarsh habitat along the Massachusetts coast in late July.
Spartina alterniflora blooms along the Massachusetts coast in early September.
Spartina bakeri defines the entrance walk at Historic Bok Sanctuary in Lake Wales, Florida, in early February.
Spartina patens (Aiton) Muhlenberg
Salt hay, marsh hay, saltmeadow cordgrass Native to salt meadows, marshes, brackish flats, and on low dunes only periodically flooded along the North American Atlantic and Gulf coasts from Quebec to Florida and Texas, extending to the north coast of South America. In eastern North America, huge quantities were once cut for hay, pack-ing, and bedding, and plants are still cut to a lesser extent for use as mulch. Narrow-leaved, fine-textured, and relatively low growing, rarely more than 3 feet (90 cm) in height when blooming, this species is easily distinguished from other cordgrasses in its range. The leaves are typically blue-green in early season, turning yellow-green toward the end of summer and then cinnamon-brown over winter. Strongly rhi-zomatous, growing in extensive masses. Blooms from early summer into early autumn, with narrow, one-sided inflorescences held above the foliage on slender stalks. The fine foliage and flowering stems are typically flattened by winds and tides, and by mid summer have become a continuous low mat with characteristic curls resembling cowlicks. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 3.
Spartina cynosuroi-des grows 10 feet (3 m) tall along the Massachusetts coast in mid August
Spartina cyno-suroides blooms in early August along the Massachusetts coast, towering over common cattail, Typha latifolia.
Three views follow seasonal progression of salt-hay, Spartina patens, in the salt marsh at Robert's Cove on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Spar-tina patens blooms in August.
Cinnamon-brown in December, Spartina patens forms characteristic cowlicks.
Spartina patens is visible through December snow.
Spartina pectinata Link
Prairie cordgrass This North American species is native to freshwater marshes and wet prairies from Newfoundland and Quebec to Alberta and Washington, and south to North Carolina and Texas. The common name points to its prevalence in the prairie states.
Spreads strongly by rhizomes, sometimes creating extensive masses. Leaves are typically deep green and glossy, to 5/8 inch (15 mm) wide. The stems are mostly upright, to 7 feet (2.1 m) tall when blooming in mid summer, often becoming lax with the weight of developing seedheads. Grows best in full sun. Tolerant of waterlogged soils and suitable for edges of aquatic gardens, but also grows well on soils of average moisture. Drought-tolerant once established. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 3.
'Aureomarginata' ('Variegata'). Differs from the species in having bright yellow variegated leaf margins. Propagate by division.
Running by rhizomes, Spartina pectinata 'Au-reomarginata' forms a dense patch at Merriments Gardens in East Sussex, England, in late July.
Spartina pectinata 'Aureomarginata' leaf margins are neatly gold-variegated.
Spartina pectinata 'Aureomarginata' inflorescences tower above an assemblage of marginal plants in an aquatic display at Longwood Gardens in late September.
Spodiopogon R. Brown Grass family, Poaceae Graybeard grass From the Greek spodios, ashen or gray, and pogon, beard, referring to the gray hairs associated with the spikelets that impart a grayish color to the inflorescences. Includes 10 mostly perennial species native to open grassland habitats primarily in temperate and subtropical Asia. Only the following species is common in cultivation.
Spodiopogon sibiricus Trinius
Spodiopogon, Siberian graybeard, o-abura-suzuki Native to open, grassy mountain habitats in Japan, Korea, Manchuria, China, and also Siberia, where it frequently occurs in forest glades and among shrubs. Clump-forming and upright, with a neatly rounded form. Grows 4 to 5 feet (1.21.5 m) tall when blooming in early to mid summer. The erect terminal panicles are typically buff colored, but are covered with innumerable fine hairs that readily catch sunlight. Recent introduction of material of Chinese origin has produced plants with pronounced red pigment in the inflorescences. The bright green leaves are relatively broad, to 5/8 inch (15 mm) in width, and are held nearly horizontally, reminiscent of bamboo. Fall color is often unremarkable, but plants grown in sun will in some years turn rich red and burgundy. Grows well in full sun in cooler climates such as northern Europe. In warmer climates it is better placed in light shade or provided regular moisture. Tolerant of fairly dense deciduous shade but the form will be looser. Of easy culture on a wide range of soil types. Durable and long-lived. Can be effective singly or in sweeps. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 4.
Spodiopogon sibiricus growing in full sun turns rich burgundy-red in early October in Pennsylvania.
Spodiopogon sibiricus 'West Lake' flower color is accentuated by nearby plantings of Joe-pye-weed, Eupa-torium fistulosum (center right), and the shorter-flowered purple coneflower, Echinacea purpurea, in late August at the Sichtungs-garten (study garden) in Weihen-stephan, Germany.
Typically rounded in form, Spodiopogon sibiricus blooms in the Friendship Island garden in Potsdam, Germany, in late August
Spodiopogon sibiricus 'West Lake' at the Ega Exhibition Park in Erfurt, Germany, in late August.
'West Lake'. Inflorescences strongly colored red-pink. From material collected in China by Roy Lancaster, introduced in cooperation with Hans Simon.
Sporobolus R. Brown Grass family, Poaceae Dropseed
Includes more than 160 annual and perennial species of cosmopolitan distribution in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions, occurring in a diversity of habitats but most frequently in open savannahs. The perennial species are mostly clump-forming and are warm-season growers.
Sporobolus airoides (Torrey) Torrey
Alkali sacaton, alkali dropseed Native to open, grassy habitats, especially on alkaline soils, from South Dakota and Missouri west to eastern Washington south to California, Texas, and Mexico. Clump-forming, with gray-green leaves to % inch (6 mm) wide, forming a loose flowing mound to 1 foot (30 cm) high. Usually blooms early to mid summer, with open-branched panicles held well above the foliage on nearly upright stalks, to 4 feet (1.2 m) in height. The inflorescences open with a strong pink-red cast, drying to light beige. Deep-rooted, durable, and drought-tolerant. Easy to grow on a wide range of soils from sand to clay. Does well in alkaline conditions. Best propagated by seed. Zone 4.
Sporobolus airoides in late June at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden in California.
Sporobolus heterolepis at the sunny edge in front of cutleaf sumac, Rhus typhina 'Laciniata', in late May at the Delaware Center for Horticulture in Wilmington.
Sporobolus heterolepis (A. Gray) A. Gray
Prairie dropseed Native to North American prairies, from Quebec to Saskatchewan south to Connecticut, eastern Texas, and Colorado. The most elegant and refined of the prairie grasses, with threadlike leaves just over V16 inch (less than 2 mm) wide, producing a dense, flowing fine-textured mound to 15 inches (37 cm) high. The foliage is glossy, medium green in summer, reliably turning deep orange in autumn before fading to its light copper winter color. In August or September, fragile open panicles are held high above the foliage on very slender stalks, to 30 inches (75 cm) high, and are conspicuously attractive when illuminated by the sun. Most unusually, they are strongly fragrant. The fragrance has been called delicate, sweet or pungent, and has been described as evoking crushed cilantro (coriander leaves) or slightly burnt buttered popcorn. The scent of a large group of flowering plants can be detected from a distance of many yards.
Prairie dropseed is relatively slow-growing, requiring a few years to attain mature size, but it is worth the wait. This trouble-free grass can live for decades without any center die-back or need for renewal.
Of easy culture on a wide range of soil types in full sun or light shade. Grows fullest on moist fertile soil but is deep-rooted and extremely drought tolerant once established. Durable enough to be used for large-scale groundcover purposes. Refined enough to fit into a formal garden, but also a natural choice for prairie and meadow gardens. Best propagated by seed since mature clumps are very dense and difficult to divide. Zone 3.
'Tara'. Compact, less than 2 feet (60 cm) tall when blooming in mid August. Foliage is stiffer than typical, more vertical, as are the flowering stems. Good orange-red fall color. A selection from Roy Diblik and Northwind Perennial Farm of Wisconsin.
'Wisconsin'. Selected for reliable bloom in Europe, by Germany nurseryman Hans Simon, from material of Wisconsin provenance supplied by Prairie Nursery.
Sporobolus wrightii Munro ex Scribner
Sacaton, giant sacaton Native from southeastern Arizona east to western Texas and Oklahoma, and south to northern Mexico, occurring most often in semidesert habitats but also in moister situations on floodplains and around desert lakes and marshes. Dramatically larger and more sculptural in quality than prairie drop-seed, growing 5 to 8 feet (1.5-2.4 m) tall when blooming in early to mid summer. Foliage is light gray-green, the leaves up to 3/8 inch (9 mm) wide. The inflorescences are not colorful, but are architecturally interesting, and typically remain intact well into winter. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Very drought tolerant and fairly salt tolerant. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 5.
Sporobolus heterolepis blooms in early September in the author's Pennsylvania garden.
Sporobolus heterol-epis turns deep orange in early October at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Illinois.
Stenotaphrum Trinius
Grass family, Poaceae Includes seven annual and perennial, mostly stolonifer-ous species native to open, sunny, primarily coastal habitats in New and Old World tropics. Only the following species is commonly cultivated.
Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walter) Kuntze
Saint Augustine grass Widely planted for turf in warm regions, this stolonifer-ous grass is of tropical origin and is widely naturalized in many parts of the world. It is documented as occurring in the southeastern United States prior to 1800, but these plants may have been introduced through human activity. The species is easily rooted from stem cuttings. The following variegated variety is often grown in hanging baskets or other containers, treated as a summer annual in cold climates. Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx used it for landscape effect, created huge undulating sweeps of the variegated form alternating with the green form. Zone 9.
'Variegatum'. Leaves longitudinally striped cream-white.
Stipa Linnaeus
Grass family, Poaceae
Needle grass, spear grass, feather grass This genus was once very broadly defined and included many dissimilar grasses. Modern taxonomic research supports a narrower definition of Stipa, and many species have been reclassified in other genera including Achnatherum, Aneman-thele, Austrostipa, Hesperostipa, Jarava, and Nassella. Up to 50 species remain in Stipa. All are clump-forming, cool-season perennials native to open, sunny, typically dry habitats in temperate and subtropical parts of Eurasia and Africa. They typically form a low mound of basal foliage from which upright flowering stalks arise in early to mid summer. Needle grasses are distinct for their characteristically long awns, which may be 12 inches (30 cm) or more in length. The awns may be straight or twisted, and are sometimes fringed with minute hairs. They play marvelously in the wind and sun, imparting a unique beauty that often lasts through summer and autumn. As a group Stipa species prefer full sun, well-drained soils, and low humidity. Best propagated by seed.
Sporobolus wrightii blooms in mid July at Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Sporobolus wrightii, flowering detail.
Sporobolus wrightii is still mostly intact in late February in Abiquiu, New Mexico
Stipa barbata Desfontaines
Feather grass
Native to southern Europe and northern Africa. Basal foliage less than 10 inches (25 cm) high, topped by slender, upright-arching flowering stems to 30 inches (75 cm) tall in mid summer. The awns, to 8 inches (20 cm) long, are fringed most of their length with fine hairs and are extraordinarily luminous when sunlit. The awns are supple, undulating with summer breezes in a way that evokes underwater movement. Requires full sun, dry conditions, and well-drained soil. Zone 7.
Stipa capillata Linnaeus
Needle grass
Native to central and southern Europe, India, and eastern Asia. Basal foliage less than 14 inches (35 cm) high, topped by slender, upright-divergent flowering stems to 35 inches (88 cm) tall in early to mid summer. The awns are relatively firm and needlelike, 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) long and without hairs. They are spirally twisted near the base and sometimes curl toward the tips in the latter part of the growing season. Zone 7.
Stipa gigantea Link
Giant feather grass, giant-oat Native to southwestern Europe and northern Africa, this is the largest and most spectacular of the Stipa species and is among the most elegant and stately of all grasses. Forms a relatively dense mound of fine-textured basal foliage to 2 feet (60 cm) high, with gray-green leaves V8 inch (3 mm) wide. The foliage is evergreen in mild climates. Blooms from early to mid summer, the loose, open panicles held high above the foliage on sturdy stems to 8 feet (2.4 m) tall. The spikelets are golden, with straight awns to 5 inches (13 cm) long. The inflorescences are especially radiant when lit by the summer sun even after the long-awned seeds have been shed. Superb for cut or dried arrangements. Like many of the Old World feather grasses and needle grasses, this species is at its best in England, northern Europe, and the U.S. Pacific Northwest, but can be grown satisfactorily in areas with hot, humid summers if provided a sunny site and very well-drained soil. It cannot withstand waterlogged conditions, especially during winter. Zone 5.
Long, plumose awns of Stipa barbata respond to late July breezes, fronted by purple-flowered Allium sphaerocephalum in Beth Chatto's unirrigated gravel garden in Colchester, England.
Stipa capillata is resplendent in afternoon sunlight at the Westpark in Munich, Germany, in late August.
Upright-flowering stalks of Stipa gigantea tower above the basal foliage in late August at the Royal Horticultural Society's garden, Wisley, in Surrey, England.
Stipa gigantea inflorescence detail in late August after the seeds have been shed.
The stately, arching form of Stipa gigantea is revealed in this composition in Beth Chatto's gravel garden in Colchester, England, in late July.
Stipa gigantea inflorescences are lit by the sun against background shadow at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in England in late July.
'Gold Fontane' (gold fountain). A clonal selection by German nurseryman Ernst Pagels, with reliably large, golden inflorescences. Propagate by division.
Stipa grandis P. Smirnov Needle grass
Native to Siberia, China, and Mongolia. Narrowly upright, 2 to 3% feet (60 to 105 cm) tall when blooming in early to mid summer. The awns are 5 to 10 inches (13-25 cm) long, spirally twisted at the base, and typically curling toward the tips. Zone 5.
Stipa lessingiana Trinius & Ruprecht Needle grass
This Eurasian native grows upright, 2 to 4 feet (60-120 cm) tall when blooming in mid summer. The green foliage is nearly as long as the flowering stems. The awns are relatively short, less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length, and are often twisted at the base so that they extend nearly at right angles from the narrowly constricted inflorescences. Zone 6.
Glowing gold in the late afternoon sunlight, Stipa gigantea is an enticement to continue down this path at Gravetye Manor in West Sussex, England, in late July.
The forms and textures of Stipa gigantea and yellow-flowered Verbas-cum hybrids play against the manor house at Great Dixter in Northiam, England, in late July.
Stipa grandis in late July at Beth Chatto's garden in Colchester, England.
Stipa lessingiana in mid July at the Royal Horticultural Society's garden, Wisley, in Surrey, England.
Stipa pennata Linnaeus European feather grass Native to Europe, temperate Asia, and northern Africa. Forms a basal mound of narrow, green or gray-green foliage to 12 inches (30 cm) high. Blooms in mid summer, the inflorescences to 2 feet (60 cm) high on upright stalks. Awns up to 10 inches (25 cm) long, fringed with fine hairs. Zone 6.
Stipa pulcherrima K. Koch
European feather grass Native to Europe, temperate Asia, and northern Africa. Similar to Stipa barbata and sometimes confused with it in commerce, especially S. pulcherrima f. nudicostata Martinovsky, which has extraordinary awns 12 inches (30 cm) or more in length and fringed with fine hairs. Zone 7.
Stipa tenacissima Linnaeus Esparto grass
This coarse western Mediterranean native has historically been grown for fiber and papermaking, and is occasionally cultivated as an ornamental. It grows 4 to 6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) tall when flowering in summer. The narrow inflorescences are held high above the green basal foliage on slender, mostly leafless stalks. The awns are approximately 3 inches (8 cm) long and without any hairs. The name is sometimes confused with Stipa tenuissima, the old name for the widely cultivated, fine-textured species now known as Nassella tenuissima.
Thamnochortus P. J. Bergius
Restio family, Restionaceae
Thatching reed Comprises approximately 31 dioecious evergreen species native to the southwestern and eastern Cape and Namaqualand in South Africa. They are part of the fynbos plant community, which is characterized by natural burning, and occur on well-drained soils relatively low in fertility. All are cool-season growers, most active in spring and autumn. New growth is produced after winter rains. Some species have simple, unbranched stems, and others have sterile branches clustered at the nodes. Many species are quite beautiful and are increasingly available commercially due to improved methods of seed germination using smoke treatment. Plants are difficult to divide, since the roots do not like to be disturbed. They resent high fertility. Best planted when moisture is available in late winter or early spring, or in autumn in Mediterranean climates. When grown in the ground, they do best sited where there is good air movement. They also make fine container subjects in areas beyond their winter cold hardiness.
Thamnochortus cinereus H. P. Linder
Silver thatching reed Native to the southern Cape of South Africa, from Malmes-bury to Willowmore and Humansdorp. Upright and clump-forming, more than 5 feet (1.5 m) tall, with threadlike sterile branches clustered at nodes, and large velvety-pubescent inflorescences arching at the tops of stems. An exceptionally beautiful species deserving more attention. Zone 8.
Stipa pulcherrima in late August, after the long-awned seeds have been shed, at the Hof Botanical Garden in Germany.
Gathered from plants at the Hof Botanical Garden in late August, seeds of Stipa pulcher-rima have plumose awns fringed with fine hairs.
Thamnochortus insignis Masters
Thatching reed, dekriet Native along the South African coast between Cape Agul-has and Albertinia, mostly on sandy, limestone-derived soils. Clump-forming, to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall, stems unbranched,with relatively inconspicuous inflorescences clustered at the tops of stems. Upright and stately, this species was most commonly used in thatching of traditional Cape Dutch houses in South Africa. With a renewed interest in traditional architecture, the thatching industry is again thriving, and dekriet-harvesting areas are being developed and managed. This is one of the more readily available restios and is of relatively easy culture in full sun on well-drained soil. Zone 8.
Thamnochortus ci-nereus grows 5 feet (1.5 m) tall in mid September (early spring) in the Cape region of South Africa.
Thamnochortus insignis in early April at Leaning Pine Arboretum in San Luis Obispo, California.
Thamnochortus insignis in mid August (late winter) at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town, South Africa.
Thamnochortus lucens Poiret
Native to the South African Cape region, from Malmesbury and Ceres to Riversdale. One of the smaller species, generally less than 3 feet (90 cm) tall, with unbranched stems that are erect or arching. Zone 8.
Themeda Forsskal
Grass family, Poaceae Includes annual and perennial species native to open savannas in Africa, eastern Asia, and Australia. The classification of the most commonly cultivated species is in flux, with increasing consensus for treating Themeda triandra broadly to include T. australis and T. japonica. Whether one species or three, these clump-forming warm-season perennial grasses are quite variable in size, foliage color, and cold hardiness. Though the flowers are relatively subtle, the drought tolerance, durability, and architectural form of these grasses makes them worthy of attention in gardens and other regional landscapes.
Themeda australis (R. Brown) Stapf
Kangaroo grass Native over most of Australia and also New Guinea. It was once the dominant grass on the western basalt plains of Victoria and has become popular in Australian gardens, particularly for the blue forms that are somewhat prevalent in Australian populations. Forms a dense tussock 3 to 5 feet (90-150 cm) tall with upright-arching stems. The foliage typically turns golden bronze in autumn. Produces little viable seed, but can be easily propagated by division. Zone 6, probably colder.
'Mingo'. Foliage strongly glaucous gray-blue.
Themeda japonica (Willdenow) C. Tanaka
Themeda, Japanese themeda, megarukaya Native to lowlands and low mountains in Japan from Honshu south to Kyushu, also Korea, Manchuria, China, and India. Often overlooked because it lacks obvious flowers, Japanese themeda possesses a unique sculptural form and is an intriguing addition to gardens and other managed landscapes. Strictly clumping, with leafy stems radiating from the base to create a broad fountain of foliage to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall. The leaves are % inch (6 mm) wide and bright green in summer, turning rich golden orange by early November. Over winter the leaves are light copper-brown and the stems golden yellow. Blooms in late summer, the flowers clustered along the upper portions of the stems and relatively insignificant. This warm-season grass begins growing late in spring, continuing strongly during summer heat and humidity. Easy to grow on a broad range of soils and extremely drought tolerant once established. Effective singly or in massed plantings, this reliably long-lived, uniquely attractive grass deserves to be better known. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring. Zone 4.
Thamnochortus lucens in early April at the University of California Botanical Garden, Berkeley.
An early September (late winter) view of Themeda australis planted in large block patterns at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, in Australia.
Themeda triandra Forsskal Red grass
Native to savannahs and other open, sunny grasslands in southern Africa where it is an important grazing species and is becoming more popular as a garden plant. Foliage is typically green to glaucous blue-green, turning orange-red in autumn. Plants from higher-altitude populations sometimes have foliage strongly suffused with purple, which becomes more pronounced in autumn. Zone 7, probably colder.
Thysanolaena Nees
Grass family, Poaceae Tiger grass, Asian broom grass This genus includes only one species, the name of which has been changed from Thysanolaena maxima to T. latifolia.
Thysanolaena latifolia (Roxburgh ex Hornemann) Honda [Thysanolaena maxima (Roxburgh) Kuntze] Tiger grass, Asian broom grass Native to China, Japan, Taiwan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia, typically in open habitats, often in mountains. This huge clump-forming grass grows 10 to 12 feet (3-3.7 m) tall, with stout upright-arching stems topped by large terminal panicles. The evergreen leaves are deep, glossy green and nearly 3 inches (8 cm) wide and tapering to narrow points. Though not native to Brazil, this distinctive tropical grass was a favorite of Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, who valued it for its bold texture and graceful plumes. A true tropical, it is winter hardy only in warm climates, but makes a fine greenhouse or conservatory plant, or can be grown in a large container for seasonal display outdoors in colder regions. Prefers light shade or sun with regular moisture. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 9.
Themeda japonica foliage changes color from bright green to golden orange in autumn in the Bluemel garden in Fallston, Maryland.
Themeda japonica in mid August.
Thysanolaena latifolia in late February (late summer) in Brazil.
Tridens Roemer & Schultes
Grass family, Poaceae Comprises 14 warm-season perennial species native to meadows, plains, and open woodlands and woodland edges from the eastern United States south to Mexico.
Tridens flavus (Linnaeus) Hitchcock
Purpletop, tall redtop Best known for the purple top it puts on eastern meadows and old fields in late summer, this common species is native to meadows, fields, and woodland borders and openings from New Hampshire to Minnesota and Nebraska south to Florida and Texas. Upright and clump-forming to 4 feet (1.2 m) tall when blooming from August to September. The foliage is relatively coarse-textured, with medium-green leaves to 5/8 inch (15 mm) wide, but the open-branched flower panicles are delicate and graceful. They open metallic red-purple, drying to silvery buff color, and standing tall above the foliage and through winter snows, usually lasting into the following spring. They make attractive cut flowers. The foliage is tinted bronze-purple in autumn before going fully deciduous. Self-sows readily and is often one of the first grasses noticed when a field or turf is left unmown for a few years. Ideal for naturalizing in full sun or light shade. Prefers average to moist soil. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 4.
The flowing form of Thy-sanolaena latifolia accompanies cascading water in a fountain designed by Roberto Burle Marx for the Clemente Gomes garden in Fazenda Vargem Grande near Areias, Brazil. Miniature papyrus, Cyperus prolifer (at lower left), grows in the pool.
The graceful inflorescence of Tridens flavus is metallic red-purple in late August in Pennsylvania.
After standing through the entire Pennsylvania winter, a delicate panicle of Tridens flavus is festooned with morning frost in late March
Feathery pink stigmas of female spikelets in the lower portion of this Trip-sacum dactyloides inflorescence are readily visible in early July in Delaware.
Tripsacum Linnaeus
Grass family, Poaceae Includes 12 perennial species native to open woodlands and sunny, moist edges from North America into South America. All are clump-forming, warm-season growers. The inflorescences are terminal or sometimes axillary, all with the male flower spikelets located at the upper end and female spikelets nearest the base.
Tripsacum dactyloides (Linnaeus) Linnaeus
Eastern gamma grass Native to wet swales, streambanks, and other moist places from Massachusetts west to Michigan, Iowa, and Nebraska, and south to Florida and Texas. A large, coarse-textured mostly clump-forming grass that can reach 8 feet (2.4 m) in height when blooming in mid to late summer. The basal foliage grows 3 to 4 feet (90-120 cm) high. The leaves are gray-green, to 1V8 inches (3 cm) wide with a prominent midrib. The terminal inflorescences are narrowly cylindrical. The female spikelets in the lower portion produce conspicuous, feathery pink-red stigmas. The anthers of the male flowers are also sometimes deep red in color. Easily grown in full sun or light shade and most soils. Tolerant of waterlogged soil but also fairly drought tolerant. Propagate by seed or division. Use caution when handling the plant as the leaf margins are quite sharp and can cause razorlike cuts. Zone 5.
Tripsacum floridanum Porter ex Vasey
Florida gama grass, mock gama grass, dwarf fakahatchee grass
Native to rocky pinelands in southern Florida, this species is similar to eastern gama grass, Tripsacum dactyloides, but smaller in all respects. It is much finer textured with gray-green leaves approximately V8 inch (3 mm) wide. It forms a clump of mounded foliage 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) high,overtopped by narrow inflorescences on slender, upright stalks. Prefers full sun. Very drought tolerant. Zone 8, possibly colder.
Tripsacum dactyloides blooms in late August at the Berggarten in Hanover, Germany.
Tripsacum floridanum grows in nearly pure sand at McKee Botanical Garden in Vero Beach, Florida, in mid February.
Typha Linnaeus Cattail family, Typhaceae Cattail, reedmace, bulrush Typha is the only genus in the cattail family and comprises u to 15 warm-season species native to marshes and other wetland habitats throughout the world's temperate and tropical regions. Cattails have proved well adapted to the modern environment, capable of growing almost anywhere there is moist soil and sun, including drainage ditches and other low places in urban and suburban environments. Tolerant of saline conditions and of relatively polluted waters, cattails spread by rhizomes and are capable of forming extensive colonies that are important to the cleansing and nutrient cycles of wetland habitats. They also provide important cover for wildlife. Green or gray-green in summer, the thick, flat leaves arise vertically from the rhizomes and often turn gold in fall. The familiar flower spikes have tiny female flowers in the lower section and males at the top, sometimes separated by a sterile section. The female section begins green-colored, maturing to various shades of brown depending upon the species. Cattails vary considerably in size, and the larger ones are too vigorous in their spread for small landscapes. They are capable of quickly dominating a small pond if uncontrolled. The smaller species are easily managed, and all are adaptable to cultivation in tubs or other containers, which is the simplest way to contain their spread. Cattails are best propagated by division, but they may also be grown from seed.
Typha angustifolia Linnaeus Narrow-leaved cattail, narrow-leafed reedmace, lesser bulrush
A nearly cosmopolitan species, occurring over much of North and South America and Eurasia. Flowering stems to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall. Male and female segments of the inflorescence are separated by a sterile, naked section. Mature female spikes are red-brown to dark brown and up to % inch (15 mm) in diameter. Generally more slender and graceful than common cattail, Typha latifolia, though intermediate hybrids known as T. xglauca Godron occur with some frequency. These hybrids are mostly seed-sterile, but can form large colonies by vegetative spread. Zone 3.
Male and female segments of the inflorescences of narrow-leaved cattail, Typha angustifolia, are separated by a sterile, naked section, as evident in this mid-June image of plants in local habitat in Delaware.
Typha angustifolia is still standing after a late-March snowstorm in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Typha domingensis (Persoon) Steudel
Southern cattail A pantropical species with a more southern distribution than Typha angustifolia or T. latifolia, extending north in North America to Delaware on the Atlantic coast and Nebraska inland. Similar to T. angustifolia but taller, capable of reaching 12 feet (3.7 m) in height, with leaves thicker and more numerous. Male and female segments of the inflorescence are separated by a sterile, naked section. Zone 5.
Typha latifolia Linnaeus Common cattail, broad-leaved cattail, great reedmace, bulrush
A truly cosmopolitan species, most prevalent in the Northern Hemisphere but occurring in Africa and South America, it is the most commonly encountered species in North America. Flowering stems to 10 feet (3 m) tall. Male and female segments of the inflorescence are continuous, without a sterile section. Mature female spikes are brown to blackish brown and up to 13/8 inches (35 mm) in diameter. Zone 3.
Typha latifolia leaves are glaucous blue-green and maturing seedheads are dark brown in late August at the Berggarten in Hanover, Germany.
Graceful lines of Typha latifolia are reflected in a pond at the Berggarten in late August.
Typha latifolia glows golden in late-October sunlight in eastern Pennsylvania.
'Variegata'. Leaves longitudinally striped cream-white. Much less vigorous and less cold hardy than the species. Foliage is best in light shade. A superb container specimen. Zone 5.
Typha laxmannii Lepechin
Narrow-leafed European cattail Native to Europe and eastern Asia, this species is narrow-leaved like Typha angustifolia, but much smaller in all its parts and less vigorous. It typically grows 4 to 5 feet (1.2-1.5 m) tall. Male and female segments of the inflorescence are separated by a sterile, naked section. Much more easily contained than the larger species, and popular in small pools, ponds, and other water garden spaces for this reason. Zone 4.
Typha minima Funck ex Hoppe
Miniature cat-tail, miniature reedmace This Eurasian species truly is miniature, generally only 2 to 2% feet (60-75 cm) tall in flower. The mature female spikes are brown or red-brown and very shortly cylindrical to nearly round, to 2 inches (5 cm) long and approximately inches (32 mm) in diameter. The male and female segments of the inflorescence are separated by a sterile, naked section. Ideal for small ponds, pools, and containers. Zone 5.
Typha latifolia 'Variegata' in mid August at Barry Yinger's garden in Pennsylvania.
Typha laxmannii provides a vertical accent in a small pond garden in Suhl, Germany, in late August
Typha laxmannii, inflorescence detail, in late August in Germany.
Uncinia Persoon
Sedge family, Cyperaceae
Hook sedge
The genus name is derived from the Latin uncinatus, hooked, referring to a tiny hooklike structure attached to each seed which aids in dispersal. Includes between 40 and 50 tufted or rhizomatous perennial species mostly occurring in the Southern Hemisphere. They are concentrated in Australasia but extend to New Guinea and South and Central America. They are absent in Africa. Nearly all the hook sedges in cultivation are endemic to New Zealand. Closely related to and often superficially similar to Carex, they are low-growing plants prized for their fine-textured, colorful, evergreen foliage, which ranges from medium green to bronze, orange, or dark red. Leaf color can be extremely variable between seedlings of the same species, and for this reason it is difficult to identify plants based upon foliage color alone. The color is also typically most pronounced during the winter months. A plant that is orange-red in summer may turn deep burgundy as cool weather arrives. Uncinia inflorescences are narrow, held out from the foliage on slender stalks, and visually insignificant. Evolved in New Zealand's cool climate and in generally moist habitats, hook sedges thrive when grown in places such as England or the U.S. Pacific Northwest. They can be grown in places with warm, humid summers and icy winters, but require well-drained soils and some protection from heat and humidity. They make superb container subjects. Easily propagated by seed or division.
Uncinia egmontiana Hamlin
Hook sedge
Native to tussock grasslands, scrub, or bogs on New Zealand's North and South Islands at elevations to 4000 feet (1200 m). The species was described from plants growing near the volcano Taranaki, which is also known as Mount Egmont, on the North Island. Grows 10 to 16 inches (25-40 cm) high, with narrow foliage that is most often orange or dull red but may be bronze-green. The winter color is often deep orange-red and for this reason plants in commerce are often misla-beled as Uncinia rubra. Zone 8.
Typha minima in mid May in Dale Hendricks's garden in Pennsylvania.
Detail of lypha minima in mid May.
Uncinia egmontiana in full sun in early April at Berkeley Horticultural Nursery in Berkeley, California.
Uncinia rubra Boott
Red hook sedge Native to grasslands, open scrub, and bogs from near sea level to 4600 feet (1400 m) elevation on New Zealand's North and South Islands. Typically smaller than Uncinia egmontiana, growing 6 to 12 inches (15-30 cm) high, and almost always with very narrow, red or bronze-red foliage. The red coloration is most pronounced in sun and during winter. Plants grown in shade may be greenish. Zone 8.
Uncinia uncinata (Linnaeus f.) Kukenthal
Hook sedge
Native to New Zealand's North, South, Stewart, Chatham, and Auckland Islands, typically in forest and scrub habitats but occasionally in bogs, from sea level to 3000 feet (900 m) elevation. Larger and more robust than Uncinia rubra, capable of growing more than 2 feet (60 cm) tall. Foliage color varies from rich green when grown in shade to deep red in sun. Young, red-leaved plants are sometimes mistaken for U. rubra; however, the leaves of U. uncinata are typically much wider. Zone 8.
Uniola Linnaeus Grass family, Poaceae Sea-oats
Includes two perennial species native to sand dunes and flats along the North American Atlantic and Gulf coasts, to the Bahamas and Cuba, and south from Mexico to Ecuador along the Pacific Coast. The common name is appropriate, recognizing the oatlike appearance of the flower spikelets and the intimate association these grasses have with the sea. At one time this genus was more broadly interpreted to include grasses now classified in Chasmanthium. The common name sea-oats persists in commerce for C. latifolium (formerly Uniola latifolia), but is misleading since this is an inland species having nothing to do with the sea. Uniola species are warm-season growers that play important roles in dune stabilization.
Uniola paniculata Linnaeus Sea-oats
This rhizomatous grass is native primarily to sand dunes and flats along the North American Atlantic and Gulf coasts and barrier islands, but also occurs in Cuba and the Bahamas, and extends south to Mexico. It is important to dune habitats for stabilization and for its seeds, which are consumed by many bird species. Produces a loose mound of gray-green basal foliage from which upright flowering stems arise in summer, to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall. The oatlike spikelets often persist through much of winter. Once common, sea-oats is now threatened or endangered along much of the Atlantic coast due to habitat destruction and disturbance by human activity including the use of off-road vehicles. It is often deliberately planted for stabilization and is pretty enough to be included in coastal gardens, where it may be viewed silhouetted against the sea, moving to ocean breezes. It is typically propagated by seed, though germination rates are low. Seed can be difficult to obtain due to endangered status. Very salt tolerant. Zone 7.
A young potted plant of Uncinia uncinata in Cole Burrell's Virginia garden in mid October.
Uncinia rubra growing in a pot in a greenhouse at Long-wood Gardens in mid March.
Vetiveria Bory Grass family, Poaceae Vetiver
Includes 10 perennial, warm-season species native to flood-plains and streambanks in Old World tropics. The following species has been used in medicines and perfumes since prehistoric times and is occasionally grown for ornament.
Vetiveria zizanioides (Linnaeus) Nash
Vetiver, khus khus This East Indian native has been cultivated for centuries for the aromatic oils concentrated in its stout rhizomes, and is now widely naturalized in tropical America. Upright, to 8 feet (2.4 m) tall in bloom, with narrow panicles produced in late summer only in warm climates. The leaves are bright green and nearly vertical but are characteristically bent backwards near their tips. This grass is architecturally interesting for its foliage alone. In addition to the production of medicines and perfumes, vetiver has traditionally been used to make baskets and screens that are fragrant when wetted. It has also been planted for erosion control and for landscape screening in tropical climates. It is not cold hardy in temperate zones, but makes a striking container specimen that can be set outdoors during the growing season and held over winter in a greenhouse. Plants grown this way never bloom, but the foliage often takes on attractive bronze-purple tones in autumn. Propagate by division. Zone 9.
Uniola paniculata moves to late-February ocean breezes along the Florida coast.
Dry and light buff-colored in mid February, the oatlike spikelets of Uniola paniculata are set against the gray-green and olive hues of coastal scrub along the Florida coast.
Vetiveria zizanioides in mid August at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania.
Zizania Linnaeus Grass family, Poaceae
Wild rice, water rice Comprises four annual and perennial species native to marshes and shallow water in North America and eastern Asia. All bloom in summer with open-branched, terminal panicles having male flowers in the lower portion and females above. Though only distantly related to common cultivated rice, Oryza sativa, the Zizania species do produce edible grains.
Zizania aquatica Linnaeus
Annual wild rice, wild rice, Canada wild rice, water rice Native to freshwater and brackish marshes and the borders of streams and ponds from southern Quebec and Maine west to Illinois and south mostly in the coastal states to Florida and Louisiana. This annual species is the primary source of edible wild rice. It costs more than common rice due to the labor involved in harvesting. Wild rice was traditionally harvested by early North American peoples who bent and shook the tall stems so that the rice dropped into their canoes. Modern commercial production still often employs similar methods though plants are also cultivated in paddies. The grains are eaten by a variety of waterfowl, and this grass is sometimes planted for this reason in refuges and game preserves. Wild rice flowers from mid summer into fall, producing graceful airy panicles to 9 feet (2.7 m) tall. The lower male spikelets have conspicuous yellow pollen sacs. The grains are produced by the upper female spikelets. Suited to naturalizing in wet areas, annual wild rice is also a stately addition to water gardens. Plants may be set out in spring from seedlings started indoors. Zone 3.
Visible from the southern section of the New Jersey turnpike, Zizania aquatica blooms in huge sweeps in late July.
Zizania aquatica blooms 9 feet (2.7 m) tall along a Delaware waterway in early August.
Bright yellow pollen sacs of male spikelets in the lower portion of this Zizania aquat-ica are visible in late July. A few long-awned female spikelets are visible above, and these will produce the wild rice grains.
Zizania latifolia (Grisebach) Turczaninow ex Stapf
Asian wild rice, Manchurian wild rice, water rice This Asian counterpart to the North American Zizania aquat-ica is fully perennial but not as tall. Native to ponds and river-banks in Japan and south through the Ryukyus and Taiwan, Indochina, China, Korea, and eastern Siberia, it grows upright to 8 feet (2.4 m) in height when blooming in summer. Leaves are held upright and are up to 1% inches (32 mm) wide, green in summer, turning yellow in fall. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring. Useful in shallow ponds, pools, or large containers. Zone 7.
Zizania palustris Linnaeus
Northern wild rice This annual North American species is very similar to Zizania aquatica and has been included within that species by some taxonomists. It is more northern in distribution, growing mostly in the Great Lakes region but ranging from Quebec and New Brunswick to Pennsylvania and west to Iowa and Minnesota. Zone 3.
Zizania texana Hitchcock Texas wild rice
This rare and endangered perennial species is native only to Texas and occurs there only in the spring-fed headwaters of the San Marcos River. It is much lower growing than Zizania aquatica, with flowering stems produced in late summer typically elevated less than 2 feet (60 cm) above the water's surface. Zone 7.
Zizania latifolia in late September in the aquatic display at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania
