Pennisetum macrostachyum (Brongniart)
Trinius Large purple fountain grass, kikuyu grass
Native to the South Pacific, specifically New Guinea, Borneo, and adjacent islands, this is the boldest textured of the fountain grasses, with burgundy stems and broad leaves to inches (4 cm) wide. Upright, clump-forming, to 6 feet (1.8 m). Inflorescences colored like the foliage, produced in summer. Perennial, but very tender, requiring temperatures above 40°F (4°C). Makes a superb summer annual in cooler regions when planted in the ground for the season or grown in a pot. Prefers full sun and regular moisture. Does not set seed when grown in temperate regions, but can easily be propagated by stem cuttings rooted in sand under mist. Zone 10.
'Burgundy Giant'. A very burgundy-colored clonal culti-var named by the author, representing Longwood Gardens, in cooperation with Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Florida, from material at Selby of unknown garden origin.
Pennisetum massaicum Stapf
This perennial species is native to open savannahs in Africa. Clump-forming, 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) tall in flower. The inflorescences are relatively short compared to most other Pennisetum species, and open with a strong red tint. Zone 8, possibly colder.
'Red Buttons'. This cultivar is fairly typical of the species and is often marketed with the common name "red bunny tails."
Pennisetum macrourum in late August at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Pennisetum macrostachyum 'Burgundy Giant' in late August with Verbena bonariensis at the Denver Botanic Gardens in Colorado.
Pennisetum massai-cum 'Red Buttons' in early July at Quail Botanical Gardens in En-cinitas, California.
Pennisetum massaicum 'Red Buttons' in late August at the Royal Horticultural Society's garden, Wisley, in Surrey, England.
Pennisetum 'Oceanside'
Of unknown species, this giant grows more than 9 feet (2.7 m) tall in a single season. Originally discovered growing near Oceanside, California, by Richard Neufeld, it was named by John Greenlee. Foliage is green and coarse. Large terminal inflorescences are produced in late summer or early autumn. Zone 8. Ultimate hardiness is yet unproven.
Pennisetum orientale Richard
Oriental fountain grass Native from central and southwestern Asia to northwestern India. Typically lower-growing, more compact, and less cold hardy than Pennisetum alopecuroides, with fluffy, nearly white inflorescences with strong pearlescent-pink tints. Blooms over an exceptionally long period, from early summer into autumn frost. Strictly clump-forming, with gray to gray-green fine-textured foliage. Requires well-drained soil and a warm, sunny site for optimum growth and flowering, but will perform well in light shade. This species has become much more popular in recent years with the introduction of distinct cultivars of greater size and varied flower color. The species is most easily propagated by seed, the cultivars by division only. Zone 6.
'Karley Rose'. This patented introduction by Sunny Border Nurseries was discovered by David Skwiot and named for his daughter, Karley. Truly distinct, it is taller than typical, growing 4 feet (1.2 m) high in flower, and has large, strongly pink colored flower racemes.
'Tall Tails'. The name is a pun, referring to the tall, taillike inflorescences, and is unfortunately often listed incorrectly as 'Tall Tales'. Selected from seed brought to the United States from Pakistan by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for forage crop research, this distinct cultivar is significantly taller than typical, often reaching 6 feet (1.8 m) height in flower. Inflorescences are long and ivory-white, and often pendant. Vigorous and heat-tolerant. Self-sows somewhat. Zone 6.
Pennisetum orientale in late June at Seaside Gardens in Carpinteria, California.
Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose' in late August at the Royal Horticultural Society's garden, Wisley, in Surrey, England.
Pennisetum orientale 'Tall Tails' in late August at Wisley.
Pennisetum setaceum (Forsskal)
Chiovenda [Pennisetum ruppelii Steudel, P. ruppelianum Hochstetter, P. macrostachyum Fresenius, non (Brongniart) Trinius]
Tender fountain grass Native to tropical Africa, southwestern Asia, and Arabia, this old-fashioned garden favorite is actually perennial but is most often grown from seed as an annual due to its limited cold hardiness. Green-leaved and clump-forming. Grows erect to arching, to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall with purplish-pink racemes nearly 15 inches (38 cm) long produced from mid summer into early autumn. A superb cut flower. Taller and narrower than Pennisetum alopecuroides, this species sometimes requires staking in late summer, especially on moist, rich soils. Requires full sun. Self-sows in warm climates, and has escaped and naturalized in various parts of the world. In cold zones, propagate by seed sown indoors in late winter. New plants should not be set out until danger of frost is past. The tender red-purple fountain grasses formerly ascribed to this species are now understood to be hybrids representing P. xadvena. Zone 9.
Pennisetum villosum
Native to mountains in northeastern tropical Africa. Inflorescences are soft, feathery, and ivory to nearly pure white. The racemes are shorter, fuller, and more rounded than most fountain grasses. Prized by florists as a cut flower, this tender perennial species is often grown in cool-temperate gardens as an annual. It is more cold hardy than tender fountain grass, Pennisetum setaceum, occasionally surviving winters in Zone 7. The fine stems usually bend under the weight of the flowers, and the entire plant sprawls attractively. Grows 2 to 2^ feet (60-75 cm) tall. Best in full sun with regular moisture. A superb container subject. Propagate by seed. Zone 8.
Pennisetum orientale cultivars 'Karley Rose' (foreground) and 'Tall Tails' (background) at Wisley in late August
Pennisetum setaceum at Longwood Gardens in late August.
Pennisetum setaceum at the Rudolph Schindler house in Los Angeles, California.
Phalaris Linnaeus
Grass family, Poaceae
Canary grass
Comprises approximately 20 annual and perennial species native to cool-temperate zones including North America and Eurasia, and also in Mediterranean regions and South America. Canary grass, Phalaris canariensis Linnaeus, an annual species native to the Canary Islands and southern Europe, is widely cultivated for birdseed and has naturalized in many parts of the world. It has short, wide flower panicles which are readily distinguished from the long, narrow panicles of reed canary grass, P. arundinacea, which is perennial. The species are known to hybridize, and some of the hybrids are aggressively weedy. Only the variegated forms of P. arundina-cea are common in cultivation.
Phalaris arundinacea Linnaeus
Reed Canary grass Native to moist, sunny habitats in North America and Eurasia, this cool-season perennial species is a good example of how behavior differs among plants of different provenance, even though they may belong to the same species. Plants of European origin (which may be referred to as European genotypes) were widely planted for forage and erosion control in North America, where they were found to be much more vigorous than the American genotype. The European material has since naturalized in marshes and other wetland ecosystems in northern North America, where it has proved capable of completely displacing native wetland and wet prairie species. It forms huge monocultures which spread by seed and by strong rhizomes. There is no easy method of distinguishing European types from North American types in the field, since they are nearly identical in appearance.
Frequent burning is one method of controlling Phalaris arundinacea. The draining and artificial lowering of water levels in wetlands has resulted in conditions favorable to P. arun-dinacea. Since reed canary grass is favored by moist but not constantly wet conditions, restoring water to higher levels is another possible means of control.
Typically green-leaved, reed canary grass grows upright to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall, flowering in early summer. The variegated cultivars, which are all derived from European genotypes, are less floriferous and less vigorous than the typical form, but are easily managed, distinctive grasses for gardens. True cool-season growers, they go partly or fully dormant in mid summer in hot climates. If cut back in mid season, they will produce a strong new flush of leaves which will remain crisply attractive into early winter. Of easy culture on a wide range of soils. Best in sun or partial shade with regular moisture. Self-sowing is minor in the garden; however, all spread aggressively by rhizomes and require regular maintenance to keep contained. Tawny blotch disease, caused by Stagonospora foliicola fungi, sometimes causes the leaves to turn brown but can be treated with fungicides. All cultivars must be propagated by division in spring or fall. Zone 4.
Pennisetum villosum in late June at Seaside Gardens in Car-pinteria, California.
Pennisetum villosum spills over a stone walkway at Sissinghurst in England in mid August.
'Feesey' ('Strawberries and Cream'). This variety is the nearest to white, with leaves often mostly white with green stripes. The white is cooler than the warm white of the old standard 'Picta' and frequently is pink-suffused during cold periods in early spring and early autumn. Named for British horticulturist and grass specialist Mervyn Feesey.
'Luteopicta' ('Aureovariegata'). Leaves striped cream-yellow, especially in spring. The variegation dims to dull green in the heat of summer, especially in full sun.
'Picta' ('Elegantissima', var. picta, f. picta, var. variegata). Ribbon grass, gardener's-garters. Leaves strongly striped cream-white. This old favorite has been popular since the nineteenth century, often persisting in gardens through successions of owners.
Phalaris arundinacea in mid July, naturalized along a floodplain in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Phalaris arundinacea 'Feesey' brightens a dark, rainy day at Holger Winenga's Garden Treasures Nursery on Long Island, New York.
Phalaris arundinacea 'Feesey' is suffused pink in cool early May weather in Pennsylvania.
Phalaris arundinacea 'Luteopicta' variegation is pronounced in mid April in Pennsylvania.
Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta' with bright red-flowered nasturtiums at Merriments Gardens in East Sussex, England, in late July.
'Tricolor'. An old name for white-variegated forms that are sometimes pink-suffused during cool periods. Some are similar to or indistinguishable from 'Feesey'.
'Woods Dwarf'. Similar to 'Picta' but more compact.
Phragmites Adanson
Grass family, Poaceae Reed, common reed Prevailing taxonomic opinion now views Phragmites as mono-typic, comprising a single species, P. australis, of cosmopolitan distribution. This highly variable perennial, warm-season grower occurs in wet or moist habitats on all continents except Antarctica. The genus name is derived from the Greek phragma, fence or screen, referring to the fencelike screening effect of dense stands of this large grass. At one time plants in the Northern Hemisphere were called P. communis and southern plants were called P. australis, but now all are included in the latter, earliest published name. The specific epithet com-munis referred to the extensive communities often formed by this vigorously rhizomatous species. The broad classification of the genus no longer recognizes P. karka as a separate species, but includes it in P. australis.
Phragmites australis (Cavanilles)
Trinius ex Steudel [Phragmites communis Trinius, P. karka (Retzius) Trinius ex Steudel]
Common reed, carrizo Native to freshwater and brackish wetlands throughout the world, and especially common in temperate zones. Sturdy and upright, typically 10 to 13 feet (3-4 m) tall, with gray-green leaves to 2 inches (5 cm) wide. The large, terminal inflorescences are produced in late summer, opening gold to bronze in color, quickly drying to translucent silver. The canes (stems) have been historically used for thatching.
Early twentieth century herbarium specimens document the existence of North American genotypes in many areas such as the Hackensack Meadowlands of northern New Jersey, yet today these areas are largely or entirely occupied by European genotypes which are so well adapted to North American conditions that they create extensive monocultures.
Methods aimed at eradication are problematic. Cutting and disking usually result in encouraging the reed, since it can establish from rhizome sections. Repeated burning or mowing can significantly reduce populations but is often impractical. Chemical herbicides are the most effective and can result in complete elimination of Phragmites in small sites. In large, dynamic systems, chemical control is limited in effectiveness and must be done regularly every two to five years, but the long-term effects of such deliberate application of toxins are unknown.
Phragmites is much less salt-tolerant than the North American cordgrasses, Spartina species (excluding S. pectinata), and restoring saline conditions to many coastal wetlands previously modified by human activity is a promising method of long-term, large-scale management of the reed. To its credit, in eastern North America Phragmites is breeding habitat for more than 70 species of birds, many of which also use the reed for shelter. Phragmites often serves as an important soil stabilizer, helping to control erosion, and it plays a role in enhancing water quality through nutrient cycling. In highly polluted areas, which make up a considerable portion of the habitats the grass now dominates, it is one of the few species that can truly thrive in such conditions. The typical form of common reed is rarely cultivated; however, two variegated selections are popular in gardens.
'Candy Stripe'. Leaves variegated, white-striped. The entire plant is smaller than typical. Formerly included in Phrag-mites karka.
'Variegatus'. Leaves variegated, bright yellow-striped. Less vigorous than typical plants with solid green leaves but still a vigorous spreader. It is popular in water gardens, and its size can be effectively controlled by limiting available root space through planting in a sturdy submerged container.
Phragmites australis subsp. altissimus (Bentham)
Differs from the typical subspecies primarily in height, which can reach 18 feet (5.5 m). Such tall-growing forms are often listed commercially and incorrectly as 'Pseudodonax'.
The late-October sun sets over nearly monocultural stands of Phragmites australis in coastal Maryland, made up of European genotypes inadvertently introduced.
The Empire State Building (at left) is visible in this February view of New Jersey's Hackensack Meadow-lands. Phragmites australis has been called the glue that holds North Jersey together, and indeed anyone who has viewed the Hackensack Meadowlands from the New Jersey Turnpike or from a train window on the way to New York City can attest to the omnipresence of this grass. Cornell University research has confirmed that virtually 100 percent of Phragmites in the Meadowlands is comprised of the European genotype
Phragmites australis 'Variegatus' in late August at the Royal Horticultural Society's garden, Wisley, in Surrey, England.
Detail of Phragmites australis 'Variegatus' in late August.
Set against dark rocks at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden in California, a spreading patch of Pleuraphis jamesii is illuminated by the June sun.
Pleuraphis jamesii blooms at the end of June in the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.
Pleuraphis Torrey Grass family, Poaceae Galleta
Comprises three perennial, warm-season species native to dry habitats in the western United States and northern Mexico. All are sometimes included in the genus Hilaria. Though none are common in cultivation, they are attractive, drought-tolerant grasses that deserve more attention in water-conserving landscapes and gardens.
Pleuraphis jamesii Torrey
[Hilaria jamesii (Torrey) Bentham]
Native in deserts, canyons, and dry plains from California to Texas and Wyoming. This fine-textured grass spreads by rhizomes to create a dense mass of upright stems 1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm) tall, with gray-green leaves topped by narrow, ivory-white inflorescences in early summer. It is long-lived and extremely drought tolerant, and is of easy culture in sun or light shade on a range of soil types. A warm-season grower that goes fully dormant in winter. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 8.
Pleuraphis rigida Thurber
[Hilaria rigida (Thurber) Scribner]
Big galleta Very similar to Pleuraphis jamesii, but larger, to 3 feet (90 cm) tall, more coarsely textured, and less upright in stance. Though much less rhizomatous, it is less neat in overall appearance and is better suited to larger, naturalistic designs or conserved landscapes. Prefers full sun. Very drought tolerant. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 8.
Poa Linnaeus Grass family, Poaceae Bluegrass, meadow grass Includes approximately 500 annual and perennial grasses native mostly to cool-temperate regions throughout the world. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) is perhaps the best-known species due to its widespread use in lawns. Ironically, it is not native to Kentucky or even to North America, but is of Eurasian and African origin. In addition to the turf types, the genus Poa includes a number of attractive, fine-textured tussock-forming species similar in appearance to their close relatives in the genus Festuca, often with attractive flowers or conspicuously glaucous-blue foliage. Most species are pronounced cool-season growers, but many are more drought-tolerant than Kentucky bluegrass.
Poa arachnifera Torrey
Texas bluegrass Native to Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma. A rhizomatous spreader that can be used as a more water-conserving alternative to Kentucky bluegrass or grown as a tufted clump for its attractive blue-green foliage and feathery inflorescences. Typically 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) tall when blooming in early spring. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 6.
Poa chaixii Villars
Broad-leafed meadow grass, forest bluegrass Native primarily to mountain habitats in central and southern Europe, but also naturalized in woodlands in the northern British Isles. Leaves bright green, up to 3/8 inch (9 mm) wide. Blooms spring or early summer, to 3 feet (90 cm) tall. Zone 5.
Poa cita Edgar
[Poa caespitosa Sprengel]
Silver tussock Poa is the largest and most widespread grass genus in New Zealand, and silver tussock is perhaps the most graceful of the tussock-forming species. It is common and widespread on the North, South, and Stewart Islands, occurring in open habitats from coastal lowlands to subalpine grasslands. Forms a densely fine-textured mound of shining light brown to light green foliage, 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) in height. Slender inflorescences rise above the foliage in upright-arching stalks. The foliage color is distinct from the superficially similar red tussock, Chionochloa rubra, and this and the smaller size make it an attractive addition or alternative to red tussock in gardens and other designed landscapes. Of easy culture in full sun on a wide range of soils. Very drought tolerant. Grows well on shale or limestone. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 8, possibly colder.
Poa arachnifera blooms in early April at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas.
Poa cita grows on limestone and shale at the Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research campus in Lincoln, near Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island, in late August (winter)
Poa cita in late August (winter) at the Auckland Botanic Garden in New Zealand.
Poa colensoi Hooker f.
New Zealand bluegrass, blue tussock This New Zealand endemic occurs in lowland and alpine habitats on the North and South Islands, and is widespread in tussock grasslands. The foliage is often quite glaucous and gray-blue to blue-green, and such forms are most often cultivated in gardens. Clump-forming, with fine-textured foliage forming a neat mound to 10 inches (25 cm) in height, overtopped by upright inflorescences in early spring. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 7.
Poa labillardieri Steudel
Australian bluegrass Native to moist river flats and open areas in forests in Australia and naturalized in parts of New Zealand. Densely tufted and clump-forming, with fine-textured, glaucous-blue foliage. Begins blooming in late spring and continues into summer with available moisture. Grows 3 to 4 feet (90 to 120 cm) tall in flower. Zone 8, possibly colder.
Poa colensoi at the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, in Scotland in late July.
Poa labillardieri in mid July at Beth Chatto's garden in Colchester, England
Poa labillardieri in mid September (early spring) at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, in Australia.
Restio Linnaeus Restio family, Restionaceae Restio
Comprises 90 or more mostly dioecious, rushlike species native to southern Africa, Australia, and Madagascar. Cool-season growers, most active in spring and autumn, but all are evergreen or semievergreen. In native habitat, new growth appears after winter rains. Restio species are related to Elegia and Rhodocoma, and are sometimes similar in appearance, with green stems finely branched at the nodes, especially on new growth. Mature growth is often unbranched. Restios are of relatively easy culture in sun on well-drained soils if provided plenty of air circulation. Some have proved hardy in southern England.
Restio festucaeformis Masters Restio
Native to hills and lower mountains between Bredasdorp and Somerset West in the South African Cape, sometimes growing along streambanks or forming vast sweeps in marshy areas. Most Restio species are South African, primarily native to the southwestern Cape Region. They are part of the fynbos plant community, which is characterized by natural burning, and are generally found on well-drained soils of low fertility. Tufted and clump-forming, to 18 inches (45 cm) tall. The evergreen stems are sparsely branched and attractively arching. Germinates readily from smoke-treated seed, growing quickly and flowering within two years. Golden-brown bracts on inflorescences are quite showy and long-lasting. Plants are difficult to divide as the roots do not like to be disturbed. Best planted in spring or autumn in Mediterranean type climates. A fine container subject in areas beyond its winter cold hardiness. Zone 8.
Restio tetraphyllus Labillardiere
Tassel cord-rush, plume-rush This Australian native has proved to be one of the easier species to grow and propagate, and is one of the more commercially available species. Upright, with green stems 3 to 4 feet (90-120 cm) tall. Spreads by rhizomes and can form extensive masses, but is easily contained as a clump if desired. New growth is heavily branched, but mature stems are typically unbranched in their upper portions. Of easy culture in full sun or light shade. Prefers average to moist soil and does well at the margins of pools or ponds. Requires good air circulation. Propagate by seed or division. A fine container subject in areas beyond its winter cold hardiness. Zone 8.
Restio tetraphyllus at Berkeley Horticultural Nursery in Berkeley, California, in early April.
Restio tetraphyllus at Cranbourne Botanic Garden in Victoria, Australia, in early September (spring).
Rhodocoma Nees
Restio family, Restionaceae Comprises up to six clump-forming species native to the eastern Cape Region of South Africa. All were at one time included in Restio and are superficially similar to many Res-tio species, often with stems finely branched in whorls at the nodes. This type of growth is termed verticillated. The species are best propagated by seed that has been smoke treated. Division is possible but like most members of the restio family, Rhodocoma species do not like to have their roots disturbed once in place. All make interesting container subjects in cold regions. Some species have proved hardy in the warmer parts of England including Cornwall and in California as far north as the San Francisco Bay area.
Rhodocoma arida H. P. Linder & Vlok Native to dry, open habitats in South Africa's Cape Region. Gray-green stems are unbranched below, terminating in conspicuous inflorescences, to 4 feet (1.2 m) tall in flower. Very drought tolerant. Zone 8.
Rhodocoma capensis Steudel
Often occurs in large populations along river bottoms in the eastern Cape Region of South Africa. Grows to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall with upright stems finely verticillated at the nodes. Zone 8.
Rhodocoma foliosa (N. E. Brown)
Linder [Restio foliosus N. E. Brown]
Often confused with Rhodocoma gigantea, this species is similar but not as tall, growing 5 to 7 feet (1.5-2.1 m) in height, and the stems are finely branched their entire length. A uniquely sculptural species with stems often arching and fountainlike. Blooms in spring or early summer.
Rhodocoma gigantea (Kunth)
A distinct and magnificent species, growing 7 to 8 feet (2.1 to 2.4 m) tall. The stems are finely verticillated below and are topped by huge red-brown inflorescences. Prefers full sun and relatively dry soil. Zone 8.
Rhodocoma arida in early April at the University of California Botanical Garden, Berkeley.
Rhodocoma arida in early April at Leaning Pine Arboretum in San Luis Obispo, California.
Rhynchospora Vahl
Sedge family, Cyperaceae. White-top sedge, beak-rush The genus name is from the Greek rhynchos, beak, and sporos, seed, referring to the elongated, beaklike seeds. This large genus includes more than 200 mostly perennial species native to wet or moist habitats in warm regions of both hemispheres. In recent years the genus has been broadened to include species formerly in Dichromena. Commonly known as white-top or star sedges, these are distinct in having conspicuously long, leafy bracts radiating from the terminal inflorescences in a starlike pattern. The bracts are nearly white except at the extended tips, which are green. The genus name Dichromena was derived from the Greek dis, double, and chroma, color, referring to the green-and-white bracts. Spreading manageably by rhizomes, these distinct sedges are eye-catching when grown in mass in natural habitats and make attractive additions to aquatic gardens. They are also easily grown in tubs or pots. Best in full sun with constant moisture. If plants dry out the bracts will scorch and turn brown. All the species may be propagated by seed or division.
Rhynchospora colorata (Linnaeus)
White-top sedge, white-bracted sedge, star sedge, umbrella-grass, star-rush Native to moist sand, swamps, and pond edges, mainly in coastal habitats from Virginia to Florida, Texas, and into Mexico. Grows 20 inches (50 cm) tall, blooming in summer and continuing into winter in the warmer regions. Inflorescences with three to seven bracts of unequal length, white at the base. Easily grown in full sun or light shade on moist soils or in shallow water up to 2 inches (5 cm) deep. Tolerant of brackish conditions. Runs by rhizomes to produce dense clusters but easily contained. Zone 8.
Rhynchospora latifolia (Baldwin ex Elliott)
White-top sedge, white-bracted sedge, star sedge, star-rush Native to moist sand, savannahs, pine woods, swamps, and pond edges in the southeastern United States from South Carolina to Florida and Texas. Slightly taller and showier than Rhynchospora colorata, to 32 inches (80 cm) tall. Blooms in summer, sometimes into winter in the warmer regions, with 6 to 10 bracts of unequal lengths, white at the base. Easily grown in full sun or light shade on moist soils or in shallow water to 2 inches (5 cm) deep. Runs by rhizomes to produce dense clusters but easily contained. Zone 8.
Rhodocomafoliosa blooming in late June at Seaside Gardens in Carpinteria, California.
Rhodocoma gigantea is 8 feet (2.4 m) tall in early April at the University of California Botanical Garden, Berkeley.
Rhynchospora nervosa (Vahl)
White-top sedge, star sedge This native of Central and South America and the Caribbean is similar to Rhynchospora colorata and R. latifolia, but larger and taller, to 5 feet (1.5 m), and more tender. Zone 10.
Saccharum Linnaeus
Grass family, Poaceae Plumegrass, sugarcane The genus name is derived from the Greek sakchar, sugar. Saccharum includes approximately 40 perennial species native throughout the tropics and subtropics and extending into temperate regions. The best-known species is sugarcane, S. officinarum, which is widely cultivated in warm regions for sugar production and sometimes for ornamental purposes. Most species occur in moist habitats including river-banks and floodplains, though some are found on drier open hillsides.
The broad, modern interpretation of Saccharum now includes all species formerly in the genus Erianthus, which was originally split from Saccharum based on the presence of awns on the lemmas. Among these awned species are ravenna grass, now S. ravennae, which is widely grown in temperate gardens, and several North American species that are common in regional habitats and are becoming more popular in gardens and other designed landscapes. The North American species are similar in their narrow, upright form and have strong vertical impact even in relatively small spaces.
All Saccharum species are warm-season growers, producing large terminal feathery inflorescences that remain translucent and attractive throughout winter. Many also have rich autumn foliage color. Most are clump-forming but a few spread by rhizomes. They generally prefer full sun but some are adapted to light shade. All are easily propagated by seed, or by division in spring.
Rhynchospora latifolia begins blooming in early May in Alabama.
Rhynchospora latifolia in a pot with red-leaved Plantago major at Seaside Gardens in Car-pinteria, California.
The plume of Saccharum alopecuroides (right) is noticeably lighter and more silvery than that of S. contortum (left) in October in the author's Pennsylvania garden.
Saccharum arun-dinaceum blooms nearly 14 feet (4.2 m) tall at Hoffman Nursery in Rougemont, North Carolina, in early October.
Saccharum alopecuroides (Linnaeus)
Silver plumegrass Native to moist, open woodlands and woodland edges, from New Jersey to southern Indiana and south to Florida and Texas. Distinct from many other North American species in its preference for somewhat shaded conditions, its habit of spreading by rhizomes, and the unusually silvery hairs in the inflorescences. Awns are among the most important distinguishing features of the North American species, and the awns of silver plumegrass are flattened and spirally twisted at the base. Variable in height, growing vertically, to 4 to 8 feet (1.4-2.4 m) tall when blooming in late summer. Leaves green, turning golden yellow in autumn. Prefers light shade but will grow in full sun with regular moisture. Tolerant of soggy or waterlogged soils and suited to pond margins. Remains upright though winter. Self-sows. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring. Zone 6.
Saccharum arundinaceum Retzius Giant plumegrass, hardy sugarcane This eastern Asian is relatively new to cultivation in Western gardens. Similar in appearance to Saccharum ravennae, but more leafy and fuller in form. It is extremely vigorous, growing 12 to 15 feet (3.7-4.6 m) tall. Blooms in late summer or early autumn. The huge terminal inflorescences open with a strong pink cast, then fade to translucent silver. Leaves are gray-green. Prefers full sun and is adapted to a wide range of soil and moisture conditions. Very drought tolerant. Propagate by seed or division. Has proved hardy to Zone 7 but needs further testing in colder regions. Probably hardy to Zone 6.
Saccharum baldwinii Sprengel
Narrow plumegrass One of the smaller, less common North American species, native to moist, often sandy and sometimes shaded habitats on the coastal plain from Virginia south to Florida and Texas west to Tennessee and Missouri. Clump-forming and strictly upright. Blooms late summer, to 7 feet (2.1 m) tall, the inflorescence narrow with straight awns. Prefers sun or light shade and average to moist soil. Foliage is green in summer, often richly colored dark orange or purple-red in autumn. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring. Self-sows. Zone 7.
Saccharum brevibarbe (Michaux)
Shortbeard plume grass, short-awn plumegrass, brown plumegrass
Native to damp, often sandy, open habitats on the coastal plain from Delaware and Maryland to Louisiana and north to Arkansas and southern Illinois. Grows 6 to 8 feet (1.8-2.4 m) tall when flowering in late summer or early autumn. The inflorescences open bronze-amber to copper-gold, eventually drying to cinnamon-silver and remaining translucent and attractive through winter. The awns are straight or slightly sinuous. Leaves are green in summer, turning various shades of purple, bronze, and orange-red in autumn, and often retaining noticeable red pigment through winter, which is especially evident when plants are wet. Of easy culture on a wide variety of soils, in full sun or very light shade. Drought-tolerant. Self-sows. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring. Zone 6.
Saccharum contortum
Bent-awn plume grass Nearly identical in size and appearance to Saccharum brevi-barbe but with characteristically twisted awns. Occurs on moist sandy and clay soils from Delaware and Maryland to Louisiana north to southern Arkansas and Illinois. Self-sows. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring. Zone 6.
Saccharum giganteum (Walter) Persoon [Erianthusgiganteus (Walter) Hubbard, non Muhlenberg] Sugarcane plume grass, giant plumegrass Native to wet or constantly moist habitats both sunny and lightly shaded, from New Jersey to Kentucky and Arkansas south to Florida and Texas, and continuing into Central America. Although this is the largest and most fully plumed of the North American species, growing upright to 10 feet (3 m) tall, it is much slimmer and smaller in overall size and flowers than the Asian Saccharum arundinaceum or the Mediterranean S. ravennae. Blooms late summer or early autumn, the inflorescences strongly pink-suffused at first, drying to light beige and remaining translucent and attractive through most of winter. The awns are straight. Green summer foliage turns yellow, red, or bronze-purple in autumn. Grows best in sun or light shade, on average to moist soil. Self-sows. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring. Zone 6.
Saccharum brevibarbe grows 7 feet (2.1 m) tall at a moist woodland edge in North Carolina in early October.
Saccharum contortum blooms 7 feet (2.1 m) tall in late August in the author's Pennsylvania garden, growing in a mass of threadleaf bluestar, Amsonia hubrichtii, with golden Rudbeckia laciniata
The translucent, twisted awns of Saccharum contortum are visible with the aid of late-October sunlight in the author's Pennsylvania garden.
Saccharum contortum is still sturdy and upright in mid February in the author's Pennsylvania garden, undeterred by multiple snows.
Saccharum officinarum Linnaeus Sugarcane
This large grass has been grown for centuries for sugar and widely distributed in warm regions by human activity. Its ultimate origin is uncertain, though it is probably from tropical Asia and the South Pacific islands. Selections with colored leaves and stems are increasingly popular in gardens as tender perennials. Capable of reaching nearly 20 feet (6 m) in height in tropical regions, it typically grows 6 to 8 feet (1.8-2.4 m) tall when planted for seasonal display in cooler climates. Of easy culture in sun or light shade on a variety of soils. Prefers moist soil but is fairly drought tolerant once established. Propagate by division, or by rooting stem sections. Zone 10.
'Pele's Smoke'. Purple-stemmed sugarcane. Foliage is smoky-purple, and stems are shiny mahogany-purple with conspicuous cream-colored bands marking the nodes. The stems remain attractive into winter in cold climates, long after the foliage has withered from frosts. Plants sold by this more recent name are often indistinguishable from the following variety.
Saccharum giganteum in mid September at the Norfolk Botanical Garden in Virginia.
Saccharum offi cinarum‘Pele’s Smoke’ stems are still burgundy in early February in Southern California.
'Violaceum'. Purple-stemmed sugarcane. Forms with purple leaves and stems have historically been offered with this variety name.
Saccharum ravennae (Linnaeus) Linnaeus
Ravenna grass, hardy pampas grass Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, and also to northern Africa and western Asia. The first common name refers to the Italian city of Ravenna, which long ago served as the seat of the Roman Empire. This large, full-flowered species has also been called hardy pampas grass because it has traditionally been grow in place of the more tender, true pampas grass, Cortaderia selloana, in cold climates.
Saccharum officinarum ‘Pele’s Smoke’ in late October at Hoffman Nursery in Rougemont,North Carolina.
Backlit by the late-October sun at Longwood Gardens, Saccharum ravennae epitomizes the drama of line, form, and trans-lucency that is unique to the grasses.
It is among the largest and most dramatic of all cold-hardy grasses, growing upright to 14 feet (4.2 m) tall when flowering. Strictly clump-forming, it produces a huge basal mound of gray-green foliage nearly 4 feet (1.2 m) high. Large plumes are produced in late summer or early autumn, held aloft on stout, upright-divergent stalks. The flowers are pink-tinted at first, quickly turning lustrous silver, and retaining their translucent appeal well into winter. Makes a superb cut flower, especially if inflorescences are gathered just before opening. The flowering stalks are often conspicuously red-suffused in late summer, and the foliage takes on pleasing orange tones in autumn.
Requires full sun and a relatively long season to bloom. Not particular about soil type and will grow on wet or dry sites. Excessive moisture and fertility result in lax, floppy growth. Self-sows and has naturalized on disturbed ground in a number of warm-temperate regions. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 6.
Schizachyrium Nees Grass family, Poaceae Includes approximately 60 annual and warm-season perennial species native to tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions around the world. The only commonly cultivated species, Schizachyrium scoparium, is one of nine native to North America, and it was formerly included in the closely related genus Andropogon. In Schizachyrium each peduncle ends in a single raceme (technically called a rame and comprised of a single axis with repeating pairs of sessile and pedicellate spikelets). The peduncles of Andropogon end in multiple racemes. This difference can be observed with the naked eye. In Schizachyrium each individual raceme is located at the end of a slender peduncle that extends visibly from a node of the stem. The racemes of Andropogon are clustered, two to four on each peduncle, and the peduncles are short and mostly enclosed by the leaf sheaths.
Schizachyrium littorale (Nash)
Shore bluestem, dune bluestem Similar in general appearance to Schizachyrium scoparium, this North American species is native only to shifting sands along the Atlantic coast from Massachusetts south, along the Gulf coast, and around the Great Lakes. The leaves are usually strongly glaucous and gray-blue in appearance. Although not actually rhizomatous, this grass is capable of rooting from nodes covered by sand, and because of this it plays a role in dune stabilization. It is not commonly cultivated but deserves consideration for coastal gardens and landscapes. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 5.
Mature plants of Saccharum ravennae grow more than 12 feet (3.7 m) tall at Long-wood Gardens in late October.
Saccharum ravennae is still a radiantly powerful presence in the late-October landscape of Longwood Gardens, with an allee of baldcy-press trees, Taxodium distichum, as a backdrop.
Saccharum ravennae flowering stems are richly suffused red in late October.
Schizachyrium scoparium (Michaux) Nash
Little bluestem, prairie beardgrass Native to prairies and open woods, and often occurring on old fields from New Brunswick and Quebec to Alberta south to Florida and Mexico, little bluestem was originally one of the characteristic grasses of the North American tallgrass prairie. A highly variable species, it is tolerant of a range of moisture conditions from average to nearly arid, and is able to grow on both acidic and alkaline soils. Unlike its close relative Andropogon virginicus, little bluestem is a valuable forage grass and has been widely planted for this purpose since the demise of the great prairies.
Mostly upright and clump-forming, it is fine-textured but not always little, growing from 2 to 4 feet (60-120 cm) in height. The foliage is variable in color, ranging from bright green to glaucous gray-blue. Glaucous forms often have secondary red-purple tints, especially on the stems. Fall color ranges from copper-orange to deep purple-red, and winter color can be light straw or strongly orange-red. The deeper red and purple hues are most common among plants with glaucous summer foliage. A true warm-season grower, blooming in late summer. The inflorescences are delicate and relatively inconspicuous until they dry and become translucent and silvery. Though the stems are slender, little bluestem usually remains standing through winter, even after repeated snows. It requires nearly full sun for upright growth. Shade, excess fertility, and too much moisture will all contribute to lax, floppy growth.
Schizachyrium littorale grows in full sun on shifting sand along the Massachusetts coast in late August.
Slender peduncles extend from the stem of Schizachyrium scoparium (right), each ending in a single raceme. Andropogon virginicus (left) has multiple racemes tightly clustered and mostly enclosed by leaf sheaths
Schizachy-rium scoparium grows on dry sand with the evergreen common bearberry, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, helping to define a path through the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in Massachusetts in late December.
Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues' at Adkins Arboretum in Ridgely, Maryland, in late July with Rudbeckia laciniata 'Herbst-sonne' (in the background).
Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues' is orange-red in late October at Adkins Arboretum in Ridgely, Maryland.
Many standard garden soils are too rich for this grass, but it does extremely well in low-nutrient soils and dry conditions. Can be propagated by seed sown in spring, or by division in late winter or spring. Clonal cultivars, propagated by division, are increasingly popular and available, though there is plenty of opportunity for further selection. Zone 3.
'Aldous'. A seed cultivar originally developed for forage, producing a high percentage of tall, blue-leaved plants.
'Blaze'. A seed cultivar originally developed for forage, producing plants that generally have strong reddish autumn and winter hues.
'Cimarron'. A seed cultivar originally developed for forage, producing a high percentage of blue-leaved plants.
'Stars & Stripes'. A clonal cultivar with cream-yellow striped green leaves.
'The Blues'. A clonal cultivar with strongly glaucous, light blue stems, named by Kurt Bluemel Nurseries and North Creek Nurseries, selected from seedlings of 'Aldous' provided by Richard Lighty. Propagated only by division.
Schoenoplectus (Reichenbach)
Palla Sedge family, Cyperaceae Bulrush, clubrush Includes approximately 80 annual and perennial species of cosmopolitan distribution in aquatic and semiaquatic habitats. Many species were formerly included in the closely related genus Scirpus, such as the great bulrush, Schoenoplec-tus tabernaemontani, which has traditionally been used for thatching material and has long been cultivated in water gardens. Schoenoplectus species are important to the health of many wetland ecologies, contributing to nutrient cycling as well as food and shelter for wetland fauna. Though botani-cally they are sedges, they look much like rushes, typically lacking normal leaves and instead having green, often cylindrical stems with flowers clustered at or just below the stem tips. Many species are strongly rhizomatous, forming large populations in aquatic environs.
Schoenoplectus californicus
Southern bulrush, giant bulrush, California bulrush, tule Native to freshwater marshes across the southern United States and south to Chile and Argentina. Strongly rhizomatous, with cylindrical green or gray-green stems to 9 feet (2.7) in height. Inflorescences are open-branched panicles, located at the stem tips. Known as tule in California, where it occurred in vast populations in inland lakes, it has been traditionally used by tribal people as thatching for houses and for the making of mats, baskets, and clothing. Though too large for most residential gardens, it is something to be appreciated and conserved in regional aquatic habitats, where it provides food and shelter for waterfowl and other wetland fauna. Zone 7.
Schoenoplectus subterminalis (Torrey)
Swaying-rush
Native to ponds, peaty shores, bogs, and other slow-moving, often acidic waters across northern North America. A subtly beautiful plant, growing mostly submersed in up to 5 feet (1.5 m) of water. The long, threadlike, lime-green stems float just beneath the water's surface, gently revealing undulations in the current. The specific epithet subterminalis refers to the tiny inflorescences, which are just below the tips of stems that extend a few inches out of water at flowering time in mid summer. Runs by rhizomes, often creating extensive masses. Not suited to smaller aquatic gardens, but truly worth establishing, enhancing, or conserving in larger landscapes. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 4.
Schoenoplectus cali-fornicus in late June at the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden in California
Patterns of Schoenoplectus subterminalis reflect the gently flowing waters of the Wading River in the New Jersey Pine Barrens in mid September.
Flowering stems of Schoenoplectus subterminalis rise above the water's surface.
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (C. C. Gmelin) Palla
Great bulrush, clubrush Of cosmopolitan distribution in freshwater and brackish wetland habitats including marshes, lakes, ponds, and river margins. Spreads by rhizomes, often creating significant sweeps and masses. Stems deep green and rushlike, carrying on the usual photosynthetic functions of leaves and bearing open panicles of reddish-brown flowers near the stem tips. This highly variable species is the center of a large complex of similar plants that readily hybridize, which has caused consider able taxonomic confusion and resulted in often conflicting approaches to classification and naming. These sturdy plants have proved eminently adapted to modern conditions, frequently growing beyond their original range and establishing themselves in highly disturbed or modified environments, where they contribute measurably to ecological health and diversity. Though spreading sometimes extensively by rhizomes, great bulrush is easily contained as a clump or modest-sized mass in aquatic gardens, where its deep green line and form are visually powerful, providing a perfect textural foil to waterlilies and other broad-leaved species. Grows 3 to 7 feet (90 to 210 cm) tall, blooming in summer. The variegated forms are readily available and of equally easy culture. Prefers full sun and wet or constantly moist soil. Best in neutral to acidic conditions. Propagate by division in spring. Zone 4.
'Albescens' ('Variegatus'). White bulrush, variegated bulrush. Stems strongly variegated cream-white to very light green, the entire plant appearing nearly white. Zone 5.
Schoeno-plectus tabernaemontani (foreground) in a formal fountain pool in Battery Park City, New York, in mid June.
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani ventures from the richly vegetated margin of a pond at the Berggarten in Hanover, Germany, in late August. Common cattail, Typha latifolia, is visible at rear right.
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani panicle in late June in northern Delaware.
Schoenoplec-tus tabernaemontani 'Albescens' in late August at the Denver Botanic Gardens in Colorado.
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani 'Zebrinus' in early June at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania.
'Golden Spears'. Stems yellow in spring, darkening to green as the season progresses. Zone 5.
'Zebrinus'. Zebra bulrush. Stems dark green with vivid light yellow horizontal bands. Less vigorous than typical, usually less than 4 feet (1.2 m) in height.
Scirpus Linnaeus Sedge family, Cyperaceae Bulrush
Includes approximately 35 species of cosmopolitan distribution in moist freshwater and sometimes brackish habitats. All are perennial, warm-season growers, blooming in mid to late summer. Many species formerly placed in Scirpus are now classified in Schoenoplectus. Though generally called bulrushes, Scirpus species are usually less rushlike than Schoenoplectus species, having normally developed leaves with flat blades. Located at or very near the top of the stems, the inflorescences are heavily branched, with clusters of red-brown flowers. Most are clump-forming but some are sufficiently rhizomatous to form extensive masses over time.
Scirpus atrovirens Willdenow Black bulrush
The specific epithet means dark green, but in fact the flowering clusters of this distinctive species quickly turn very dark brown and appear almost black from a short distance. Native to moist meadows, bogs, and low thickets in eastern North America from Newfoundland and Quebec to Washington and south to Georgia, Texas, and Arizona. Relatively slight, with few stems rising to 4 feet (1.2 m) in height from dark blue-green basal foliage. Blooms in early summer. Prefers full sun and moist soil. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 3.
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani 'Albescens' in late August in Herman Mussel's garden in Heigenhausen, Germany. The wood structure beyond the pond is a garden house.
Scirpus atro-virens seed clusters are dark brown in late July at the edge of a moist meadow in eastern Pennsylvania.
Scirpus cyperinus (Linnaeus) Kunth
Native to wet meadows, marshes, and bogs from Newfoundland to British Columbia south to Florida and Texas, and often naturalized in drainage ditches, roadside swales, and other moist habitat created inadvertently by human activity. Truly distinct for the intensely woolly seedheads. Blooms in mid summer, the inflorescences elevated above the bright green basal foliage on upright stalks 4 to 6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) in height. Flowers open light green and mature to fluffy seed clusters that are rich salmon-red in color. These typically remain standing and attractive entirely through winter, even in cold regions. Prefers full sun and moist to wet soil but is very adaptable and will grow in soils of average moisture and will tolerate periodic dryness. Well adapted to pond margins and other often-waterlogged soils. Self-sows manageably and is easily naturalized in moist meadow gardens. Somewhat salt-tolerant. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring or autumn. Zone 3.
Scirpus robustus Pursh
Saltmarsh bulrush Native to brackish or saline coastal marshes from Nova Scotia to Texas, in California, and also in Mexico and South America. Somewhat rushlike in appearance, but with normal leaves with flat blades. Consensus is growing to reclassify this species in the segregate genus Bolboschoenus. Stems and leaves are mostly upright, 2 to 5 feet (60-150 cm) tall. Blooms in mid summer, the inflorescences at the tops of the stems but greatly exceeded by leafy bracts. A common yet distinct tex-tural presence in coastal marshes. The seeds provide food for ducks, geese, and other waterfowl. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring or fall. Zone 3.
Scirpus cyperinus begins blooming in early August at the sunny edge of a moist Delaware woodland, with white-flowered sweet pep-perbush, Clethra alnifolia; sour gum, Nyssa sylvatica (right background); and red maple, Acer ru-brum (left background).
Colorful Scirpus cyperinus looks like a broad brushstroke across a sunny moist Delaware meadow in early September, along with goldenrod Solidago canadensis; groundsel-bush, Baccharis halimifolia; and sweetgum, Liq-uidambar styraciflua.
Upright-flowering stalks rise from the bright green basal foliage of Scirpus cyperinus, set against the autumn color of sweetgum, Liquidambar styraciflua, in a managed drainage swale along a Delaware highway in mid October.
In a little more than two months, the light green inflorescences of Scirpus cyperinus transform themselves into woolly salmon-colored seedheads. Scirpus cyperinus in early August.
In a little more than two months, the light green inflorescences of Scirpus cyperinus transform themselves into woolly salmon-colored seedheads.Scirpus cyperinus in mid October.
Sesleria Scopoli Grass family, Poaceae Moor grass
The genus commemorates Leonardo Sesler, physician and botanist of eighteenth-century Venice who studied the European flora. Includes approximately 25 species native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa, most often in rocky, mountain habitats. The European species are centered in the Balkan and Carpathian Mountains, often occurring on limestone substrate. All are densely tufted clump-forming perennials with evergreen or semievergreen foliage. Though they are cool-season growers, their adaptation to the often rocky, droughty, alkaline conditions of their natural habitats makes them unusually tolerant of warm, dry conditions. As a group the moor grasses are often overlooked because their flowers are relatively insignificant; however, they are durable, long-lived grasses of easy culture that are superbly suited for groundcover use in small or large landscapes, in full sun or partial shade. The species vary in size and in foliage color, which ranges from nearly chartreuse to light gray-blue. Most are quite cold hardy and tolerant of alkaline conditions, which makes them good candidates for roof gardens and other urban spaces where the soil pH has been elevated by mortar and other building materials. All moor grasses can be propagated by seed, or by division in spring or fall.
Sesleria argentea (Savi) Savi
Native to sunny grasslands and open woodlands in southwestern Europe and northern Africa. Very similar to the more commonly cultivated Sesleria autumnalis, with foliage that is medium green in light shade or moist conditions and nearly chartreuse in sun or drier soil. Forms a low tuft of foliage to 12 inches (30 cm) high, topped by narrow cream-white inflorescences on slender flowering stalks in mid summer, to 18 inches (45 cm) total height. Of easy culture in full sun or partial shade. Drought-tolerant. Zone 4.
Scirpus robustus at the edge of a coastal Massachusetts salt marsh in late August, with Spartina alterniflora visible across the water.
Sesleria argentea blooms in full sun at the Berggarten in Hanover, Germany, in late August.
Sesleria autumnalis (Scopoli)
Autumn moor grass Native to southern Europe and the Caucasus in grasslands and open woodlands, often in calcareous mountain habitats. Tufted, with green to yellow-green leaves to 12 inches (30 cm) long. Blooms in mid summer, with narrow cream-white inflorescences to 18 inches (45 cm) in overall height. Of easy culture in full sun or partial shade. Drought-tolerant. Zone 4.
Sesleria au-tumnalis provides a subtle color accent, contributing to a lime-green subtheme at Ashland Hollow in Delaware in mid August.
Sesleria autumnalis in full sun in late Junf at Seaside Gardens in Carpinte-ria, California.
The two toned color of Sesleria caerulea is from leaves that are typically light gray-blue on top and dark blue-green below.
Sesleria caerulea blooms in early May in Pennsylvania. The flowers quickly fade from view and never require shearing for the sake of neatness.
Sesleria caerulea (Linnaeus) Arduino
Blue moor grass Native to Europe including the British Isles, in calcareous grassland habitats, limestone rock crevices, and screes. One of the lowest and most compact of the moor grasses, forming basal mounds of strongly blue-green foliage up to 8 inches (20 cm) high. To 3/16 inch (4 mm) wide, the leaves are strongly glaucous blue on their upper surfaces with dark green undersides. The leaves are often upright, so both colors are always visible. Blooms in April and May, the small spikelike panicles held above the foliage on slender stalks. Flowers are blackish at first, with light yellow pollen sacs, turning mostly green and quickly becoming inconspicuous. Of easy culture in full sun or light shade. Drought-tolerant. Zone 4.
Sesleria heufleriana Schur
Blue-green moor grass Also native to Europe, this species is very similar to Sesleria caerulea but is broader and taller in both foliage and flower. Forms neat tufted mounds to 15 inches (37 cm) high. The early spring flowers are black with cream-yellow pollen sacs, held above the foliage on slender stalks that continue to grow taller as the seed matures and then fall to the sides, becoming inconspicuous. Of easy culture in full sun or light shade. Drought-tolerant. Zone 4.
Views of the same planting at Longwood Gardens demonstrate the multiseason appeal of Sesleria caerulea as a ground-cover. Behind the paperbark maple, Acergriseum, is a sweep of tufted hair grass, Deschampsia cespitosa, interplanted with daffodils. The Deschampsia changes form dramatically from spring to winter as the Sesleria remains a steady blue-green presence. top Sesleria caerulea in early May. bottom Sesleria caerulea in mid December.
Views of the same planting at Longwood Gardens demonstrate the multiseason appeal of Sesleria caerulea as a ground-cover. Behind the paperbark maple, Acergriseum, is a sweep of tufted hair grass, Deschampsia cespitosa, interplanted with daffodils. The Deschampsia changes form dramatically from spring to winter as the Sesleria remains a steady blue-green presence. top Sesleria caerulea in early May. bottom Sesleria caerulea in mid December.
Sesleria heufleriana with pink-flowered soapwort, Sapo-naria xlempergii, in southern Germany in late August.
Sesleria nitida Tenore
Gray moor grass Native to central and southern Italy. Taller-growing, with glaucous gray-green to gray-blue foliage to 20 inches (50 cm) tall. Blooms in spring, the relatively inconspicuous inflorescences nearly black with bright yellow anthers. Grows best in full sun. Very drought tolerant. Zone 4.
Sesleria rigida Heuffel ex Reichenbach
Carpathian moor grass, blue moor grass This Eurasian native occurs in open, calcareous habitats in the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. It is similar to Sesleria nitida, with glaucous gray-green to gray-blue foliage to 12 inches (30 cm) high and relatively stiff. The flowering stalks are much sturdier, too, standing upright to 2 feet (60 cm), the terminal flower clusters remaining dark-colored and attractive long past the spring blooming period. Grows best in full sun. Very tolerant of drought and alkaline conditions. Zone 5, possibly colder.
Sesleria nitida in full sun in late July in England
Sesleria nitida in full sun at Seaside Gardens in Carpinteria, California, in late June.
Sesleria rigida in late August on the rooftop of Herren-hausen's Rain Forest House in Hanover, Germany.
Setaria Palibin
Grass family, Poaceae Foxtail
From the Latin seta, bristle, referring to the bristlelike inflorescence. Includes more than 100 annual and perennial species of open grasslands and woodlands, widely distributed in tropical, subtropical, and temperate zones. The annual foxtails are best known as cosmopolitan weeds, sometimes attractive but rarely cultivated deliberately. The following perennial species is a tender tropical, grown in gardens mostly for its bold, palmlike foliage.
Setaria palmifolia (Koenig)
Stapf Palm grass
Native to tropical Asia, this coarse-textured perennial can reach 10 feet (3 m) in height when flowering in tropical climates. Typically green, the leaves are 3 to 5 inches (8-13 cm) wide and conspicuously ribbed. Requires a long warm sea son to produce its large foxtail-like inflorescences held above the foliage on relatively slender stems. In colder climates palm grass is often grown in greenhouses, but it also makes an interesting tropical accent displayed in a pot set out during warm periods and protected over winters. It may also be planted in the ground for summer and removed to protection in winter. It is not tolerant of prolonged temperatures below 40°F (4°C). Grows well in full sun with moisture, or in considerable shade. Fairly drought tolerant. Propagate by division. This grass poses no risk to local ecologies in cooler regions where it fails to flower, but it is notoriously weedy and ecologically disruptive in tropical regions and should be cultivated with caution in hot climates. Zone 9.
'Rubra' ('Rubra Aurea'). Stems deep purple, leaves lime-green.
'Rubra Variegata'. Stems deep purple, leaves lime-green with cream-variegated blade and sheath margins.
Setaria palmifolia in mid June in Sydney Baumgart-ner's garden in Santa Barbara, California.
Setaria palmifolia 'Rubra' in a tropical display set out for the summer at the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania
Setaria palmifolia foliage is distinctly ribbed.