Elytrigia Desvaux Grass family, Poaceae Wheatgrass
Comprises 80 perennial species, some clump-forming and others strongly rhizomatous, native to diverse habitats mostly in the Northern Hemisphere, often growing in dry, alkaline or sandy, salty conditions. A few, including quack grass, Elytrigia repens, are noxious weeds. Closely related to Elymus.
Elytrigia elongata (Host) Nevski [Agropyron elongatum (Host) P. Beauvois, Elymus elongatus (Host) Runemark, Thinopyrum ponticum (Podpera) Z.-W. Liu & R.-C. Wang] Tall wheatgrass Native to the Mediterranean basin, this drought-tolerant and salt-tolerant clump-forming species has been introduced far beyond its original range for forage and soil stabilization, and is naturalized in many places including parts of the desert southwestern United States. Strictly upright but suppleenough to bend with the wind, it grows to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall with glaucous gray-blue stems and foliage. Blooms in early summer. A rambunctious self-sower that will require regular effort to control in some regions. Of easy culture in full sun on a wide range of soils and in various moisture conditions. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring. Zone 3.
'Jose Select'. A nearly vertical selection by David Salman of High Country Gardens in New Mexico. Originated as a seedling in a cover crop of 'Jose', an early seed cultivar introduced as a range grass by the USDA-NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) Plant Material Center in Los Lunas, New Mexico, originally under the name Thinopyrum ponticum 'San Jose'.
Eragrostis Wolf
Grass family, Poaceae Lovegrass
A huge genus comprising nearly 350 annual and perennial species native to tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions around the world. Though the common name is well established, the origin of the genus name is uncertain. It may have been derived from eros, love, and Agrostis, a Greek name for a type of herb, or from the Greek words er, early, and agrostis, wild, referring to the fact that many species are early colonizers of disturbed ground. The following perennial species are warm-season growers.
Eragrostis chloromelas Steudel [Eragrostis curvula var. conferta Nees] Boer lovegrass
Though plants are sometimes cultivated under this name, this species is now included within Eragrostis curvula by most classifying botanists. It differs from typical in having glaucous foliage and somewhat less cold hardiness, and perhaps is best considered a strain. It is apomictic and comes true from seed. Prefers full sun but adaptable to a wide range of soils. Extremely drought tolerant. Zone 7.
Rocketing from a ground-covering sweep of butterfly milkweed, Ascelpias tube-rosa, Elytrigia elongata 'Jose Select' bends to an early summer breeze at Chanticleer in Wayne, Pennsylvania, in late June.
Elytrigia elongata in mid August near Salt Lake City, Utah.
Misidentified as Eragrostis elliottii in the United States and commonly available commercially by that name, this plant is certainly of African origin. It most likely represents a glaucous strain of E. chloromelas or possibly of E. robusta, two species that are often included in a broad interpretation of E. curvula. It is also very similar to E. trichophora Cosson & Durieu, a glaucous-leaved southern African species that has been introduced to North America by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Photographed in mid July in North Carolina.
Eragrostis curvula (Schrader) Nees
Weeping lovegrass, African lovegrass Native to southern Africa but widely introduced elsewhere, including the southeastern United States, for soil stabilization, forage, and as an ornamental. It is cold hardy far beyond what might be expected, given its origin. Clump-forming and densely tufted, it forms a neat, rounded mound of fine-tex-tured medium-green foliage overtopped in mid to late summer by arching flowering stalks, to 4 feet (1.2m) tall. The foliage and flowers are lax, with an overall weeping or fountainlike appearance. A well-behaved plant in cooler climates such as northern Europe, but an aggressive self-sower and naturalizer in warmer regions. It has long been used in the United States for erosion control on roadside rights of way and has widely escaped beyond these plantings. Prefers full sun but will grow in light shade. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring. Zone 6.
'Totnes Burgundy'. A truly distinct selection with foliage strongly red-colored from mid summer to autumn. Introduced by the Suttons of Desirable Plants nursery in Totnes, Devon, England.
Eragrostis curvula in full sun in late June in the African section of Leaning Pine Arboretum in San Luis Obispo, California.
Eragrostis elliottii s. Watson
Most plants cultivated for ornament in the United States as Eragrostis elliottii do not belong to this species. The inflorescences of true E. elliottii begin branching at the base and continue a pattern of diffuse branching to their tips. The overall form and size are much like those of purple lovegrass, E. spec-tabilis. The misidentified material, which has inflorescences held high on stalks that are only branched in the upper portion, is almost certainly of southern African origin, possibly E. chloromelas Steudel or E. robusta Stent, two species which are included in E. curvula by most taxonomists today.
Relatively uncommon in cultivation, true Eragrostis elliottii is native to sandy pinelands and live oak woodlands, mostly on the coastal plain, in the southeastern United States and continuing south to Central and South America. Clump-forming, growing 8 to 30 inches (20-75 cm) tall when blooming in summer, with glaucous blue-green foliage. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring. Zone 8, likely colder.
'Tallahassee Sunset'. A particularly glaucous selection by John Greenlee, picked from seedlings of Florida provenance grown by The Natives nursery in Davenport, Florida. The foliage is plum-colored in winter.
Eragrostis curvula in partial shade in Ojai, California,in late June.
Eragrostis curvula ‘Totnes Burgundy’ in mid July at the Royal Horticultural Society’s garden, Wisley, in Surrey,
England.
Eragrostis spectabilis (Pursh) Steudel
Purple lovegrass, tumble grass Native on sandy to clay-loam soils from southern Canada through much of the eastern United States and south through Mexico and into Central America. Clump-forming and relatively low-growing, typically under 18 inches (45 cm) tall when blooming in late summer. Medium-green foliage is coarse-textured and mostly basal. The inflorescences are diffuse and branched from the base. An enthusiastic self-sower, this adaptable grass sometimes grows in drifts or masses, covering the ground with low clouds of red-purple or pink flowers. Though perennial, it is relatively short-lived. It does best on open soil in full sun. Very drought tolerant. Easily propagated by seed, or can be divided in spring. Zone 5.
Eragrostis trichodes (Nuttall) A. Wood Sand lovegrass
Endemic to the contiguous United States, occurring mostly in open or lightly shaded sandy habitats including prairies and open woods, from Illinois to Nebraska and south in Arkansas and Texas. Much taller than Eragrostis spectabilis, growing upright with leafy flowering stems to 4 feet (1.2 m) tall. Blooms in July and early August, with lightly pink-tinted inflorescences. Of easy cultivation in full sun on almost any well-drained soil. Very drought tolerant. Self-sows manageably. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring. Zone 5.
'Bend'. Attractively lax-stemmed, bending under the weight of its flowers in late season. Selected by Richard Lighty of Pennsylvania.
Eragrostis trichophora Cosson & Durieu
Hairy lovegrass, Atherstone lovegrass Native to moist, often disturbed places in southern Africa. Leaves glaucous gray-blue. Blooms in summer, with finely branched inflorescences held high above the basal foliage, to 3 feet (90 cm) in height. Drought-tolerant. Self-sows prolifi-cally. Introduced to North America by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service as Atherstone lovegrass for soil stabilization and range improvement and possibly naturalized. Zone 7.
Eragrostis spectabilis in southeastern Pennsylvania at the end of August.
Eragrostis spectabilis in early September at the Delaware Center for Horticulture in Wilmington.
Eragrostis trichodes 'Bend' in the early stage of blooming in mid July in North Carolina. The inflorescences will expand and become much more airy and diffuse.
Eriophorum Linnaeus
Sedge family, Cyperaceae Cottongrass
From erion, wool, and phoros, bearing, referring to the woolly flower heads. Comprises approximately 25 perennial species occurring throughout cool-temperate, alpine, and arctic zones, mostly in the Northern Hemisphere, usually in full sun and often in acidic swamps and bogs. Some are clump-forming, others spread by rhizomes. They are distinct among sedges in having numerous fine bristles extending beyond the flower spikelets to form dense tufts resembling balls of cotton. The color of the bristles varies from tawny and dull to nearly pure white. A high mountain bog filled with thousands of cottongrasses is a spectacular sight in late autumn, as deciduous trees and shrubs add their color to the landscape. Though they are superb cut flowers, they should never be picked from wild populations. All require full sun, cool summer conditions, plenty of moisture, and acidic conditions for best growth. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring.
Eriophorum angustifolium Honckeny
Cottongrass, common cottongrass Native to bogs in Greenland and across North America to Alaska south to New York, Michigan, Iowa, and Washington. Also common throughout the British Isles and Eurasia. Up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall, spreading by long rhizomes. Bristles white. Zone 3.
Eriophorum gracile Koch
Slender cottongrass Native to swamps and bogs from Newfoundland to British Columbia south to Pennsylvania, Indiana, Colorado, and northern California. Also native to Eurasia. Usually under 2 feet (60 cm) tall, spreading by long rhizomes. Bristles white. Zone 4.
Eriophorum latifolium Hoppe
Broad-leaved cottongrass Native to wet places scattered throughout the British Isles, though less common than Eriophorum angustifolium. Also native to Eurasia. Typically only 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) tall, with short rhizomes. Bristles white. Zone 4.
Eriophorum vaginatum Linnaeus [Eriophorum spissum Fernald]
Hare's tail cottongrass, tussock cottongrass Native in moorland bogs and other damp, peaty places in the British Isles, also in Europe and across northern North America. Clump-forming and densely tufted, forming broad tussocks. Bristles white. Zone 4.
Eriophorum virginicum Linnaeus
Virginia cottongrass, tawny cottongrass This North American endemic is abundantly native in swamps, bogs, and wet meadows, from Newfoundland and Quebec to Manitoba and Minnesota south to Florida and Kentucky. To 3 feet (90 cm) tall, spreading by long rhizomes to form extensive colonies. Bristles white or tawny. Tolerates warm, humid summer conditions better than species that only occur in cool climates. Zone 3.
Eriophorum virginicum covers countless acres of native habitat as the deciduous forest colors in mid October at Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, the most extensive acidic bog in West Virginia.
Eriophorum virginicum catches the late afternoon light in acidic habitat at Dolly Sods in the West Virginia mountains.
Festuca Linnaeus Grass family, Poaceae Fescue
This large genus includes more than 350 perennial species of cosmopolitan distribution in temperate zones. Many are plants of mountains, plains, and meadows. The majority grow in full sun on average or slightly dry well-drained soils. Some are tufted and clump-forming, others are strong spreaders, creeping by rhizomes. They vary in size from 6 inches (15 cm) to 3 feet (90 cm) in height. All are cool-season growers, and many are poorly adapted to hot, humid summer periods. Fescues are cultivated for soil stabilization and conservation, as turfgrasses, and as ornamentals. They include the popular blue fescues, which are often sold and incorrectly referred to as "Festuca ovina glauca" but correctly belong to a complex primarily involving Festuca glauca Vil-lars and likely hybrids with it. Some species, such as Atlas fescue, F. mairei, are durable long-lived plants, but clumps of many of the smaller, glaucous-leaved plants begin to die out in the center after a few years, and require regular division and replanting to retain a neat, healthy appearance. Most fescues are easily grown from seed; however, the clonal culti-vars must be propagated by division to continue their distinct color and character.
Festuca actae Connor
Endemic to the Banks Peninsula of New Zealand's South Island, growing on bluffs and rock outcrops from sea level to low mountains. Foliage is blue-green, less than 1 foot (30 cm) tall. Closely related to Festuca novae-zelandiae, but leaves more slender. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 6, possibly colder.
Festuca amethystina Linnaeus
Large blue fescue Native to central Europe. Tufted and clump-forming, to 2 feet (60 cm) tall in flower. Leaves rolled and threadlike, the foliage texture extremely fine, color varying from blue-green to intensely glaucous gray-blue. Blooms in late spring or early summer, with inflorescences held well above the foliage on slender stalks. Of similar garden use to the common blue fescue, Festuca glauca, but slightly larger in size. Zone 4.
'Aprilgrun' (April green). New foliage bright green.
'Bronzeglanz' (bronze gleam). Foliage with slight bronze tint.
Festuca actae at the Auckland Botanic Gardens in New Zealand, in late August (winter).
Festuca amethystina 'Superba' in early June at Long- wood Gardens in Pennsylvania.
Flower stalks of Fes-tuca amethystina 'Superba' are vivid pink-purple at the beginning of June in Pennsylvania.
'Klose'. Shorter than typical, with olive-colored foliage. Named for German nurseryman Heinz Klose.
'Superba'. Foliage strongly glaucous with a silver-blue appearance. Distinctly attractive for the pink-amethyst color of the stalks supporting the inflorescences, which is vivid for nearly three weeks from when flowering commences in late spring or early summer.
Festuca californica Vasey
California fescue Native to dry, open ground, chaparral, thickets, and open forests to approximately 5000 feet (1500 m) elevation in Oregon and in California west of the Sierra Nevada, occasionally on serpentine soils. Often grows on north-facing slopes. A distinct and elegant mid-sized grass with slightly flat, blue-green or glaucous blue-gray leaves forming a loose mound 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) high, topped by airy flower panicles anytime from April through June. A cool-season grower, fully evergreen in milder climates. Long-lived and durable. Easily grown on a variety of soils in sun or light shade. Fairly drought tolerant but grows more lushly with average moisture. Old foliage may be removed by occasionally cutting back a plant, or by using fingers or a stiff rake. Propagate by seed, or by division during moist times of the year. Zone 7.
'Blue Fountain'. Foliage bright gray-blue. A selection by Nevin Smith from a population in Santa Clara County, California.
'Horse Mountain Gray'. Foliage gray-green, leaves wider than average. Selected by Sally Casey from a population in Humboldt County, California.
Festuca amethystina 'Superba' is past its purple stage but is a strong blue presence with flower stalks still standing tall in late June at Wave Hill in Bronx, New York.
Festuca californica blooms on the first day of April at Leaning Pine Arboretum in San Luis Obispo, California.
Festuca californica grows under the open branches of Arctostaphylos manzanita in February at the University of California Botanical Garden, Berkeley.
'Mayacamas Blue'. Foliage blue-gray. Selected by Roger Raiche of the University of California Botanical Garden, Berkeley, from a population in the Mayacamas mountain range in Lake County, California. 'Salmon Creek'. Foliage blue-gray.
'Serpentine Blue'. A strong bloomer with intensely blue-gray foliage. Introduced by Roger Raiche from a population growing on serpentine soil in Marin County, California. Especially heat-tolerant.
Festuca cinerea Villars
In 1787, French physician and botanist Dominique Villars published this species and Festucaglauca Villars. Modern tax-onomic science has determined that F. cinerea is a hexaploid and F. glauca a tetraploid. They are otherwise nearly indistinguishable, and F. cinerea is included in F. glauca Villars in this topic.
Festuca coxii (Petrie) Hackel
Blue-green tussock fescue This New Zealand endemic occurs only in rocky, sandy coastal habitats of the Chatham Islands. Clump-forming, typically less than 1 foot (30 cm) tall, with lax glaucous foliage that is often very gray-blue in appearance. Only moderately drought-tolerant but will grow in very light shade. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 6, possibly colder.
Festuca filiformis Pourret [Festuca tenuifolia Sibthorp, F. ovina subsp. tenuifolia (Sib- thorp) Dumortier]
Hair fescue, fine-leafed sheep's fescue This European native typically occurs in sandy, often acidic soils. Densely tufted and mostly clump-forming, with almost threadlike green leaves forming a neat mound of the finest-textured foliage to 6 inches (15 cm) tall, topped in June by upright flowering stalks to 16 inches (40 cm) tall. Prefers full sun or light shade and sharp drainage. Very drought tolerant and suitable for groundcover use on roof gardens and other challenging sites defined by masonry or paving. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 4.
Festuca gautieri (Hackel) K. Richter [Festuca scoparia A. Kerner ex Nyman]
Bearskin fescue It's no wonder how this grass got its common name. It spreads slowly but steadily by short rhizomes and can over time create a thick mat of dense, fine-textured foliage that looks very much like a bearskin rug except for its rich green color. Native to France and Spain. Foliage 3 to 5 inches (8 to 13 cm) high is topped by slender upright-flowering stalks in late spring. Propagate by seed, or by division in early spring or autumn. Zone 4.
Festuca californica 'Serpentine Blue' is still colorful in December in the California section of the University of California Botanical Garden, Berkeley.
Festuca coxii in early September (spring) at the Taupo Native Plant Nursery on New Zealand's North Island.
'Pic Carlit'. A true miniature, barely 3 inches (8 cm) tall.
Festuca glauca Villars, non Lamarck [Festuca ovina var. glauca (Lamarck) Hackel, F. cinerea Villars, F. cinerea var. glauca (Villars) Stohr] Blue fescue, common blue fescue Originally native to southern France, this species is the origin of most of the common blue fescues popular in gardens, and is the simplest, most correct name to use in referring to them. The common blue fescues belong to a complex of Fes-tuca species that intergrade and hybridize. In many cases, it is impossible to trace the specific origins or to guess at parentage of garden cultivars unless chromosome counts are available, and in most cases they are not.
Festuca filiformis flower stalks remain upright and attractive in the Berggarten in Hanover, Germany, in late August.
Festuca filiformis covers a large section of the roof of the Rain Garden house at the Berggarten in Hanover, Germany, in late August.
Festuca gautieri in the Friendship Island garden in Potsdam, Germany, in late August.
Clump-forming and densely tufted, with narrow, glaucous foliage forming a neat mound 6 to 10 inches (15-25 cm) tall, topped by upright or upright-arching flowering stems up to 16 inches (40 cm) tall in late spring or very early summer. Blue or green upon opening, the inflorescences quickly fade to light straw color. They often become disheveled and unsightly by mid to late summer and are best cut back.
Pronounced cool-season growers, common blue fescues typically remain evergreen and attractive through winter but may go partly dormant or become diseased if exposed to excess summer heat and humidity. Well-drained soil and good air movement will contribute to healthy growth. Drought-tolerant. Best in full sun but tolerant of light shade. Though frequently used as groundcovers, blue fescues usually require division and re-setting every few years, especially in warmer, more humid climates.
A plethora of foliage color forms have been selected and named, and many of these are quite distinct. Plants sold as generic blue fescue may be quite variable in color and size. Following are some of the more widely grown, distinct varieties. Most are cold hardy to Zone 4.
'Azurit'. Foliage silver-blue.
'Blaufink' (blue finch). Foliage soft blue.
'Blaufuchs' (blue fox). Foliage green-blue.
'Blauglut' (blue glow). Foliage intense blue.
'Blausilber' (blue silver). Foliage intensely glaucous and nearly silver in appearance.
'Blue Note'. Foliage blue-green.
'Boulder Blue'. The intensely blue foliage color rivals 'Elijah Blue'. Relatively new to commerce, this decades-old selection originated in Ted Kuettel's nursery in Colorado and was noticed and named by Steve Schmidt. It has proved well adapted to steppe climate conditions.
'Daumling' ('Tom Thumb'). Only 4 inches (10 cm) tall.
'Elijah Blue'. If in doubt, choose this one. More silver-blue than 'Boulder Blue', it has proved to be one of the most durable of the common blue fescues. Discovered and named by Lois Woodhill of The Plantage Nursery on Long Island, New York.
'Fruhlingsblau' (spring blue). Foliage light blue.
'Golden Toupee'. Not blue at all, but with new foliage bright, light yellow, turning yellow-green as the season progresses. The yellow color is most pronounced and longest-lasting in cooler, milder climates such as England or the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Somewhat compact, with soft but needlelike leaves.
'Meerblau' (sea blue). Foliage silver-blue.
'Seeigel' (sea urchin). Compact habit, with silver-blue foliage.
'Silberreiher' (silver egret). Foliage silver-blue.
'Siskiyou Blue'. Though long offered commercially as Festuca idahoensis, a California species, this very silver-blue selection has been determined to belong to the common blue fescue group. No matter whether it's a California native or not, it is a superb selection.
'Solling'. Foliage silver-blue. Rarely blooms.
Festuca glauca shares a pot with Lonicera nitida 'Baggesen's Gold' at the Royal Horticultural Society's garden, Wisley, in Surrey, England, in mid July.
Festuca glauca 'Blaufink' blooms in early June at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania.
Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue' in mid June at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania
Festuca glauca 'Golden Toupee' in early May in Portland, Oregon.
Festuca glauca 'Blaufuchs' in light rain at the Friendship Island garden in Pots dam, Germany, in late August.
Festuca glauca 'Sis-kiyou Blue' with Aloe plicatilis in early April at Leaning Pine Arboretum in San Luis Obispo, California.
Festuca idahoensis Elmer
Idaho fescue
Despite the common name, this clump-forming species is native to open woods and rocky slopes from British Columbia to Alberta south to central California and Colorado. A cool-season grower with gray-green or blue-gray foliage, occurring from sea level up to alpine meadows. The best-known selection associated with this species, 'Siskiyou Blue' in fact represents Festuca glauca Villars; however, other correctly identified selections are available. Zone 4.
'Snow Mountain'. A slightly larger blue-gray selection by Nevin Smith from Snow Mountain in California.
'Stony Creek'. A blue-gray selection introduced by California's East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden from a population in Del Norte County.
Festuca longifolia Thuiller [Festuca caesia J. E. Smith]
This species name is often used incorrectly to refer to hard fescue, Festuca trachyphylla, but correctly refers to this European species which has foliage often strongly glaucous blue-green and is very similar to the commonly cultivated blue fescue, F. glauca Villars. It often has pronounced pink coloration in the flowering stems similar to F. amethystina. Clump-forming, typically 1 foot (30 cm) tall in flower. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring. Zone 6.
Festuca mairei St. Yves
Atlas fescue
Native to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, at elevations to 7500 feet (2300 m). Well-known to German grass pioneer Karl Foerster, this unique and useful mid-sized grass is handsome and still generally underappreciated. It forms a neat mound of flat, gray-green foliage 2 to 2% feet (60-75 cm) tall, topped by very slender flower panicles in June. A cool-season grower, but much more tolerant of hot summers than many fescues. Slow-growing but durable and long-lived. Fully evergreen in milder climates, where a hand-combing to remove spent foliage in spring is the only recommended maintenance. Prefers full sun. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring. Zone 5.
Festuca longifolia in mid July at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in Surrey, England.
Festuca mairei in light late-August rain in Berlin, Germany.
A drift of Festuca mairei at Leaning Pine Arboretum in San Luis Obispo, California, in early April.
Festuca novae-zelandiae (Hackel) Cockayne
Fescue tussock, hard tussock Endemic to New Zealand, occurring on both North and South Islands, typically in tussock grasslands and also in river bottoms. Upright and clump-forming, to 16 inches (40 cm) in height. Leaves are green when young, turning tawny with age. This and accumulated dead foliage result in an overall tawny color, attractive and characteristic of tussock grasslands. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 6, possibly colder.
Festuca ovina Linnaeus Sheep's fescue
Typically green-leaved, this widespread European species is weedy and naturalized in other parts of the world, including disturbed ground in North America, but is not often deliberately cultivated, especially in gardens and other designed landscapes. The common blue fescues, often offered commercially as "Festuca ovina glauca" correctly belong in F. glauca Villars. Zone 5.
Festuca rubra Linnaeus
Creeping red fescue This widespread species is native throughout Europe and North America. Spreads by short rhizomes and is best known for the many selections that have been developed for use as mown turfgrasses. These green-leaved varieties generally require generous moisture for good growth, and many are escaped and naturalized. This species is also often included in "hard fescue" mixes with Festuca trachyphylla for use in soil stabilization and conservation, and for no-mow or periodically mown water-conserving alternative lawns. Because of the variability of the species, it is best to choose selections that are adapted to your regional conditions. For example, selections from California populations have proved especially drought-tolerant and are well suited to drier climates. Prefers sun but will tolerate light shade. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 4.
'Jughandle'. Compact, with dense blue-gray foliage. A David Amme selection from California's Mendocino County coast. Needs protection from excessive heat and drought.
'Molate Blue'. Foliage gray-green. An especially drought tolerant selection by David Amme from a population in Contra Costa County, California.
'Patrick's Point'. Compact, with blue-gray foliage. A selection by Roger Raiche from California's Humboldt County coast.
Festuca trachyphylla (Hackel) Krajina [Festuca longifolia auctor, non Thuiller, F. duriuscula auctor, non Linnaeus] Hard fescue
This European species has been widely introduced in North America for forage and low maintenance turf or ground-cover use. Hard fescue is often sold as Festuca longifolia or F. duriuscula; however, these names correctly refer to different grasses. It is often sold in mixes including other species, especially F. rubra. Tufted and clump-forming, typically with blue-green foliage 6 to 12 inches (15-30 cm) tall. Grows best on fertile clay soil, weakly acidic or alkaline, but will grow on lighter soils and is somewhat salt-tolerant. Best on drier sites. Will not endure inundation. A cool-season grower, it may become semidormant in summer heat but will resume growth in autumn when temperatures drop and moisture increases. Will tolerate periodic mowing or can be left un-mowed to create a durable, water-conserving alternative to traditional turf. Propagate by seed sown in early spring, or in fall when moisture is available. Zone 4.
Festuca valesiaca Schleicher ex Gaudin Wallis fescue
This widespread Eurasian species is a cool-season clump-forming fescue, similar in most practical respects to the common blue fescues but typically more compact. Zone 5.
'Glaucantha'. Compact, under 6 inches (15 cm) tall with blue-green foliage.
'Silbersee' (silverlake). To 9 inches (23 cm) tall with silver-blue foliage.
Festuca vivipara (Linnaeus) Smith
This grass is unusual for its means of vegetative reproduction in which new plantlets are formed within the inflorescences. It is recognized by many taxonomists as a circumpolar species, occurring in northern and eastern Europe, cold-temperate Asia including Siberia, and subarctic North America. Others consider this a catchall name for viviparous fescue grasses. Prefers sun and well-drained soil. Propagate by plantlets or by division. Zone 3.
Gahnia J. R. Forster & G. Forster Sedge family, Cyperaceae Cutty-grass, saw sedge The genus is named for eighteenth-century Swedish botanist Henricus Gahn, a student of Linnaeus. Comprises approximately 40 perennial species centered in New Zealand and Australia and extending through to Pacific Islands including Hawaii to eastern Asia. The common name refers to the often finely toothed leaves, which are familiar to bush walkers for the cuts they can make to exposed arms and legs. Though uncommon in cultivation, these plants are distinctive in their native habitats and anyone who encounters them there will be impressed by their grace and architectural qualities. Progressive regional nurseries such as Taupo Native Plant Nursery in New Zealand are working to improve propagation techniques, and Gahnia species are likely to become more available commercially. They are of relatively easy culture and can be divided, though established plants resent root disturbance and transplanting can be difficult. Plants can be propagated by seed, though germination often takes months. Most species are clump-forming, although a few including G. lacera are rhizomatous spreaders. All have conspicuous inflorescences, often arching above and out from the foliage and becoming quite conspicuous as the nutlike seeds mature to various shades of brown and near black. Gahnia species often provide important habitat for local fauna, and in some cases are the main food supply for specialist species.
Gahnia lacera (A. Richard) Steudel
Saw-sedge, tarangarara Native to New Zealand's North Island, typically occurring in open forests or coastal scrub. Leaves soft and bright yellow-green. Grows 3 to 5 feet (90-150 cm) tall, spreading slowly by rhizomes. Of relatively easy cultivation in light shade. Prefers average to moist soil but is drought-tolerant once established. Zone 8, possibly colder.
Gahnia procera J. R. Forster & G. Forster Cutty-grass
Native to high mountain forest and scrub on New Zealand's North Island and also on the South Island in subalpine scrub and descending to sea level at the island's southernmost (coldest) tip. Among the smaller species, producing a neat tussock of fountainlike foliage 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) tall. Leaves are deep green in shade and tend to be lighter yellow-green or olive-green in full sun at high altitudes. The inflorescences are held within the foliage and are not as conspicuous as those of many other species, though the dark-brown color of the maturing seedheads is noticeably attractive. Prefers shade in warmer regions but will grow in full sun in cool climates or upper elevations. Best in average to moist soil but is drought-tolerant once established. Zone 8, possibly colder.
Gahnia setifolia (A. Richard) Hooker f.
Saw-sedge, cutty-grass, mapere Native primarily to New Zealand's North Island and the northern part of South Island, this large species reaches up to 8 feet (2.4 m) tall in light forests and open scrub. It grows most luxuriant with plentiful moisture, but is widely adaptable and drought-tolerant, often occurring on relatively dry cuts and roadbanks. A sculptural plant with gracefully arching inflorescences, it deserves more attention in gardens and other designed landscapes. Zone 8, possibly colder.
Festuca vivipara in late July at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in England
Gahnia lacera grows in light shade in late August (winter) in the Waitakere Ranges west of Auckland, New Zealand.
Gahnia procera in early September (spring) in high mountain scrub forest in Tongariro National Park on New Zealand's North Island.
Foliage of Gahnia procera growing partly shaded by southern beech, Nothofagus solan-dri, is deeper green than that of plants in full sun.
Gahnia sieberiana J. R. Forster & G. Forster
Red-fruited saw-sedge, sword-grass This is the most commonly cultivated of the Australian native species. It typically grows in damp habitats including swamp margins and coastal wet heaths, there often in association with swamp banksia, Banksia robur. It is the main food plant for larvae of Australia's sword-grass brown butterfly, Tisiphone abeona albifascia, and is being planted to enhance and conserve this butterfly population in parts of Australia. More upright than many of the New Zealand species, with upright-arching inflorescences and seeds that are red-colored for a period as they mature. Prefers sun or light shade and average to moist soil. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 8, possibly colder.
Boldly architectural and nearly 5 feet (1.5 m) tall, Gahnia setifolia grows naturally on a steep, sunny embankment near Otaki on New Zealand's South Island in late August (winter)
Detail of arching-pendulous seedheads of Gahnia setifolia.
Gahnia sieberiana at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cran-bourne in Victoria, Australia, in early September (spring).
Gahnia xanthocarpa (Hooker f.) Hooker f. This large species can grow more than 10 feet (3 m) tall in flower. The foliage is relatively broad and usually glossy dark green. It occurs on both the North and South Islands of New Zealand, typically in forest habitats. Prefers shade but will grow in sun with adequate moisture and is fairly drought tolerant once established. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 8, possibly colder.
Glyceria R. Brown
Grass family, Poaceae
Manna grass, sweet grass, sweet hay, reed sweet grass The genus name is derived from the Greek glykeros, sweet, referring to the sweetness of the grain, which is attractive to waterfowl, and the foliage, which is favored by grazing livestock. Comprises approximately 40 perennial species native to wet places in temperate zones throughout the world. Most are strongly rhizomatous.
Glyceria grandis S. Watson
American manna grass, reed manna grass, tall manna grass Native in swamps, marshes, streambanks, and other habitats with shallow water from Quebec and Nova Scotia south to Virginia and west to the Pacific Coast. Blooms in mid to late summer, to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall. Leaves medium green. Spreads by rhizomes, sometimes forming extensive masses. Prefers full sun and constant moisture. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 3.
Glyceria maxima (Hartman) Holmboe [Glyceria aquatica Linnaeus]
Manna grass, great water grass, reed sweet grass, sweet hay Native to Europe and temperate Asia, occurring primarily on wet soils and shallow water in marshes and at the edges of rivers, ponds, and lakes. Green-leaved, with erect, airy flower panicles 6 to 8 feet (1.8-2.4 m) tall, appearing in mid to late summer. Spreads aggressively by stout rhizomes, covering large areas if unchecked. It has been introduced widely beyond its native range as livestock forage in seasonally inundated meadows and has naturalized in some areas. Attractive to waterfowl for food and cover. Requires full sun or very light shade and constant moisture. Grows on a wide range of soil types. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring. Zone 6.
'Variegata'. Variegated manna grass. Differs from the species in having leaves with bright cream-yellow stripes, often tinted pink during cool periods in spring and autumn. The overall effect is a pleasing light yellow. Much lower growing than the species, usually less 20 inches (50 cm) in height, and rarely flowering. A strong runner that can overpower less hardy companion plants, it can be a low-maintenance cover in pond gardens and other low wet places when sited properly with defined limits. Foliage is deciduous in winter and somewhat unkempt in appearance. Of easy culture in full sun or light shade in moist soil or shallow water. Makes a fine container subject. Propagate by division in spring. Zone 5.
Gahnia xanthocarpa in kauri (Agathis australis) forest in the Waitakere Ranges of New Zealand's North Island in late August (winter).
Pendant seedhead of Gahnia xanthocarpa in late August (winter).
Glyceria maxima at the Munich Botanic Garden in late August.
Glyceria obtusa (Muhlenberg) Trinius
Atlantic manna grass, blunt manna grass Native to bogs and marshy places from Nova Scotia south along the coast through the New Jersey Pine Barrens to North Carolina, and inland to eastern Pennsylvania. Relatively low-growing, less than 2 feet (60 cm) tall when blooming in early summer. Runs by rhizomes, often creating sweeping lines of bright green foliage at water's edge. Inflorescences open green, turning chocolate brown by autumn as seeds mature, and eventually bleaching to light straw and standing above the surface through winter. An important food source for native waterfowl. Prefers full sun. Requires constant moisture. Tolerates acidic conditions. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring. Zone 4.
Stepping stones pass through Glyceria maxima 'Var-iegata' in a wet section of Linda Cochran's garden, Froggy Bottom, near Seattle, Washington, in mid May.
Glyceria obtusa reads as a bright green line across the naturally dark waters of the New Jersey Pine Barrens in mid August.
Glyceria obtusa is light green in mid July.
Three images show the seasonal progression of Atlantic manna grass, Glyceria obtusa, growing in the New Jersey Pine Barrens.
Seedheads of Glyceria ob-tusa are chocolate brown in mid September.
Glyceria obtusa has been bleached by winter sun but is still standing in early March.
Hakonechloa Makino ex Honda Grass family, Poaceae Hakone grass, urahagusa A monotypic genus comprising only one species native to moist mountain habitats in Japan.
Hakonechloa macra (Munro) Makino
Hakone grass, urahagusa Native to wet, rocky cliffs in the mountains of Japan's main island, Honshu, including the region near Mount Hakone, from which the genus name is derived. The graceful, arching stems of this slow spreader form loose, cascading mounds 1 to 3 feet (30-90 cm) high. The soft foliage is rich green and quite reminiscent of bamboo. Plants form clumps that increase slowly by rhizomes. Subtle inflorescences appear in mid summer between the leaves toward the ends of the stems.
Though a warm-season species, Hakone grass requires a cool, moist environment similar to its native habitat for best growth. In cooler, moist climates such as England or the U.S. Pacific Northwest, it will grow luxuriant even in full sun, but in warm, dry climates it requires substantial shade and supplemental moisture.
The boldly variegated cultivar 'Aureola' was the first Ha-kone grass introduced to Western horticulture, and though a superb garden plant, its popularity has overshadowed the merits of the typical green-leaved form, which is more sun-tolerant, drought-tolerant, and cold hardy, faster growing, and easier to propagate.
Suitable for use as a groundcover if planted closely, since the rate of spread is relatively slow. Hakone grass has historically been a favorite pot-plant in Japan, often displayed as a companion to bonsai. A number of Japanese cultivated varieties are now readily available to Western gardeners.
Requires moist, organic, well-drained soils. Best propagated by division in spring. Spring is also the best time for transplanting, The roots are shallow, and fall transplants are prone to cold damage and frost heaving. Zone 4.
'Albovariegata' ('Albostriata'). White-variegated Ha-kone grass, white-striped Hakone grass. Leaves are green with many fine longitudinal white stripes of varying widths. Larger and much more vigorous than 'Aureola', growing 3 feet (90 cm) tall. Also more tolerant of warm, sunny sites and easier to propagate by division. Most material in the United States can be traced to the introduction of plants from the private garden of Masato Yokoi, a Japanese specialist in variegated plants. A number of other white-striped selections are in collectors' gardens in Japan and some of these have been exported to other countries. Though they are usually lumped under the cultivar names 'Albovariegata' or 'Albos-triata', not all are equally striped or equally vigorous. Zone 4.
'All Gold'. Leaves solid, bright yellow, especially when grown in sun. Named by Masato Yokoi of Japan. Growth rate and size are slightly greater than 'Aureola'. Requires partial shade in warm climates. Zone 6.
'Aureola' ('Albo-aurea'). Golden-variegated Hakone grass. Leaves almost entirely yellow-variegated with only a few slender stripes of green remaining, especially at the margins. The variegation is affected by siting and climatic conditions. When the plant is grown in deep shade, the leaf variegation is yellow-green. When grown in partial sun in warm regions, the variegation is a strong golden yellow. When grown in sun in cool climates, the variegation is more cream-white than yellow. Suffusions of pink and red are common during cool periods in spring, and especially in autumn and early winter. Grows shorter than typical, usually under 18 inches (45 cm) in height. Zone 6.
'Beni Fuchi'. Foliage is bronze in summer and red in autumn, especially toward the tips. There is more than one clone in Japan having these characteristics. Uncommon in cultivation outside Japan. Zone 5.
Hakonechloa macra used as a groundcover in partial shade at the Chicago Botanic Garden in early October.
Hakonechloa macra 'Albovariegata' in mid September in the author's Pennsylvania garden.
Hakonechloa macra 'Albovariegata' in late October in the author's Pennsylvania garden
Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold' growing in full sun in a well-watered pot in early April in Jamie Collins's New Jersey garden.
Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' brightens the ground in a woodland section of Chanticleer garden in Wayne, Pennsylvania, growing with Ligularia dentata 'Othello' and L. przew-alskii.
Detail of Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' in late June at Chanticleer.
The red-bronze color of Hakonechloa macra 'Beni Fuchi' is accentuated by cool late autumn temperatures in Takayama, Japan.
A small clump of Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' provides a bright color accent in Karl Wienke's garden in Suhl, Germany, in late August.
Helictotrichon Besser ex Roemer & Schultes Grass family, Poaceae Oat-grass
The genus name is from the Greek heliktos, twisted, and trichon, hair or bristle, referring to the shape of the awns. Comprises nearly 100 perennial species, mostly native to dry hillsides, meadows, and margins of woods in temperate Eurasia, but extending to other temperate and subtropical regions throughout the world, including Africa and North America.
Helictotrichon sempervirens (Villars) Pilger [Avena sempervirens Pilger] Blue oat-grass
Native to open, often rocky habitats, primarily in Europe's southern Alps. Strictly clump-forming, producing a dense tuft of erect, silver-blue foliage to 30 inches (75 cm) high. Foliage of this cool-season grower is evergreen in mild climates and semievergreen in colder climates. Blooms in late spring, with flowers held more than 2 feet (60 cm) above the foliage on slender, arching stems. Flowering is best on plants in climates where springtime conditions are cool and steadily moist; however, this grass is worth growing just for the foliage. Susceptible to foliar rusts during periods of heat and high humidity. Prefers full sun and requires well-drained soil for long life and healthy growth. Among the very best of the mid-sized blue-leaved grasses for gardens. Superb singly, in sweeps, or displayed in a pot. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring. Zone 4.
The bright silver-blue of Helictotrichon sempervirens is complemented by red roses and chartreuse Alchemilla mollis in this combination by Lynden Miller in Battery Park City, New York.
Helictotrichon sempervirens blooms profusely in mid June at Chanticleer in Wayne, Pennsylvania
Helictotrichon sempervirens is a vibrant color note in this sophisticated suite at the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, in early November.
Helictotrichon sempervirens drifts through Dave Fross's California garden in early April.
'Pendula'. Blooms more heavily, with strongly nodding inflorescences.
'Robust'. A rust-resistant selection by Eckhard Schimana. 'Saphirsprudel' (sapphire fountain). Has bright silver-blue foliage and improved rust resistance. Selected and introduced by Heinz Klose Nursery of Germany.
Hesperostipa (Elias) Barkworth Grass family, Poaceae Needle grass, western stipa The genus name is derived from the Greek esperis, western, and Stipa, the grass genus from which Hesperostipa was segregated. Comprises four or perhaps five perennial species, all endemic to drier habitats, often at higher elevations, in western and southwestern North America. Most have conspicuously long, needlelike awns. All are pronounced cool-season growers. Closely related to Nassella and Piptochaetium.
Hesperostipa comata (Trinius & Ruprecht) Barkworth [Stipa comata Trinius & Ruprecht] Needle and thread, needle grass Native mostly to higher-mountain habitats including deserts, sagebrush, pinyon-juniper forests, and open grasslands in western North America. This delicate, luminous species can be difficult to grow at lower elevations. Reaches 2 to 2% feet (60-75 cm) tall with gray-green foliage, blooming in spring and early summer with long, slender, luminous awns that are subtly spectacular when sunlit. Requires full sun. Grows best in well-drained soil. Very drought tolerant. Best propagated by seed. Zone 4.
Hesperostipa spartea (Trinius) Barkworth [Stipa spartea Trinius]
Porcupine grass Native to plains and prairies at middle to upper elevations in central North America. Clump-forming and upright, to 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) tall in flower. Nodding at the tops of the flowering culms, the inflorescences are remarkable for their flowing awns. Nearly 8 inches (20 cm) long, threadlike, and translucent, they shimmer and sparkle in strong sun as breezes blow across the surface of the prairies. Plants of this species are much easier to grow at lower elevations than Hesperostipa comata. Prefers full sun on most soils of average moisture. Self-sows manageably. Propagate by seed. Zone 3.
Hierochloe R. Brown Grass family, Poaceae Holy grass, sweetgrass, vanilla grass The genus name is derived from the Greek hieros, sacred or holy, and chloe, grass. The fragrant leaves of some species, particularly Hierochloe odorata, have traditionally been used to scent churches on holy days. Plants have also traditionally been braided and used as incense. Comprises 30 perennial species of woods, marshes, grasslands, and tundra in temperate and subarctic regions.
Needlelike awns of Hesperostipa spartea catch the late afternoon light in mid June in a Minnesota prairie.
Hierochloe occidentalis Buckley
California sweetgrass Native to coniferous forests in California and Washington, mostly in moist habitats. Crushed leaves and stems are sweetly fragrant. Upright and mostly clump-forming with short rhizomes, to 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) tall in flower. Prefers light or dense shade and regular moisture. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 7.
Hierochloe odorata (Linnaeus) P. Beauvois
Vanilla grass, sweetgrass, holy grass, Seneca grass A circumboreal species occurring in moist meadows, bog margins, and other damp places in North America and Eurasia. Upright, to 2 feet (60 cm) tall in flower, running by rhizomes. Called Seneca grass by American tribal people and used to make fragrant baskets. Of easy culture in sun or partial shade on average to moist soils. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 4.
Holcus Linnaeus Grass family, Poaceae Velvet grass
Comprises nine mostly perennial species native to grasslands and open woods in Europe, temperate Asia, Africa, and the Canary Islands.
Holcus lanatus Linnaeus
Velvet grass, Yorkshire fog Native to moist or dry meadows and open woodlands throughout the British Isles, continental Europe, temperate Asia, and northern Africa, and introduced and widely naturalized in North and South America. The leaves and stems of this grass are densely covered with fine hairs and feel like the softest velvet when touched. Clump-forming and upright to 12 to 30 inches (30-75 cm) tall when blooming in spring or early summer. Inflorescence opens white to pale green, often with pink or purple tints, and dries narrower but fluffy and cream-white. A cool-season grower, often semidormant in the heat of mid summer. Easy to grow in full sun on any soil. Self-sows readily. Best propagated by seed, or by division in spring or fall. Zone 5.
Holcus mollis Linnaeus
Creeping softgrass Native to woods and poor grasslands in Europe, especially on acidic soils. Similar to velvet grass but not as softly hairy, and creeping by rhizomes to form extensive mats. Because of its vigorous spread and tendency to self-sow, the green-leaved typical form is rarely cultivated. Zone 5.
Holcus lanatus blooms in late June on Martha's Vineyard off the Massachusetts coast.
Holcus mollis 'Variegatus' in early October (mid spring) at the Christchurch Botanic Garden on New Zealand's South Island.
'Variegatus' ('Albovariegatus'). Leaves heavily striped white. Much less vigorous than the typical form and easily managed in the garden. Creeps by rhizomes and can serve as a durable groundcover in cooler, milder climates. Foliage is usually only 4 to 8 inches (10-20 cm) high and looks best in cooler seasons. Summer heat and drought can induce dormancy. Not a strong bloomer. Best in full sun in cooler climates or slightly shaded sites in warmer regions. Propagate by division in spring or fall. Zone 6.
'White Fog'. Compact, with especially pronounced variegation. Less heat-tolerant.
Hordeum Linnaeus Grass family, Poaceae Barley
Name from the old Latin word for barley, hordeum. Comprises approximately 40 annual and perennial species widely distributed in the world's temperate regions. Includes cultivated barley, Hordeum vulgare, an important cereal crop valued for its short growing season and salt tolerance.
Hordeum jubatum Linnaeus Foxtail barley
Native to meadows and open ground from Newfoundland to Alaska south to Maryland, Texas, California, and Mexico, and widely introduced and naturalized elsewhere. Though perennial, this species is often short-lived. The most ornamental of the wild barleys, with long-awned, translucent pink-suffused inflorescences. A cool-season grower to 30 inches (75 cm) tall, flowering in June and July. Makes superb cut material. Self-sows prolifically and should be introduced with caution near sensitive areas. It is considered a noxious weed in irrigated pastures in the western United States. Easily grown from seed in full sun on any soil, even on salt-laden coastal sands. Zone 4.
Hordeum jubatum blooms in early August along the coast of Maine.
Hordeum jubatum in a sunny border at the Sichtungs-garten in Weihenstephan, Germany, in late August.
Imperata Cirillo
Grass family, Poaceae Comprises nine species widely distributed from warm-temperate to tropical regions of both hemispheres. All are strongly rhizomatous perennials and some are notoriously weedy.
Imperata brevifolia Vasey
Satintail
This innocuous grass is native to moist meadows within otherwise arid desert regions from western Texas through Utah, Nevada, and California. It has been eliminated from most of its original habitat by development, and is now rare and possibly threatened. Curiously, California for a while included it on the state's noxious weed list in a fine example of well-intentioned bureaucratic ignorance in dealing with the issue of invasive plants. It has since been removed from the list, but the only explanation for its inclusion in the first place is confusion with introduced Imperata species. Grows 2 to 4 feet (60-120 cm) tall when flowering in summer, with satiny inflorescences held upright above bright green foliage. A subtly attractive addition to wet or moist meadows, in sun or light shade. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 7.
Imperata cylindrica (Linnaeus) P. Beauvois Modern classification takes a broad approach to this exceptionally variable species, which exhibits different behavioral patterns related to provenance. At one time the temperate phase, which is common to lowlands in Japan, China, Korea, and Manchuria, was segregated as Imperata koenigii (Retzius) Beauvois or as a botanical variety, I. cylindrica var. koenigii (Retzius) Perkins. This phase is low-growing and common in open, moist and dry, often disturbed habitats within its native range.
California native Imperata brevifolia in the Theodore Payne native plant garden at Descanso in Southern California in mid October.
Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron' blooms in late May in Pennsylvania
Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron' with Sedum 'Frosty Morn' (foreground) in late June at Seaside Gardens in Carpinteria, California.
Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron' erupts like flames from a groundcover of black Ophiopogon planiscapus in early August at the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania.
A tropical phase, once segregated as Imperata cylindrica var. major (Nees) C. E. Hubb, is large and very aggressive, and is a notorious and widespread ecological invasive in tropical and warm-temperate environments. This phase was introduced to the southeastern United States and has since naturalized, and the United States Department of Agriculture lists the species, I. cylindrica, as a noxious weed. The cultivar 'Red Baron' is of Japanese origin and clearly represents the less aggressive temperate phase; however, it is included in the listing. There is reasonable concern that tissue culture propagation of 'Red Baron' results in a percentage of plants having the aggressive traits of the tropical phase. Zone 7.
'Red Baron' ('Rubra'). Japanese blood grass. Leaves suffused red, especially at the tips, with red color increasing over the course of the growing season. The form most common in cultivation has been known for more than a century in Japan, where it is most often grown in shallow containers as a companion plant to bonsai. The name 'Red Baron' was coined by nurseryman Kurt Bluemel. This grass never blooms when grown in shallow containers. When plants are grown in the ground, the foliage is typically less than 1 foot (30 cm) tall, and flowering is occasional. Occasionally reverts to solid green. Deciduous in winter in colder climates. Prefers full sun and moist, fertile soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Propagate by division in spring. Fall transplants are vulnerable to frost-heaving in cool climates. Zone 6.
Locally native, Im-perata cylindrica grows on disturbed slopes and between rice fields on Awaji Island in Japan. The red color in this mid-December photo is typical for this time of year.