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Ornamental grasses

Grasses for movement, texture, and structure in planting design.

199 plants

Ornamental grasses in the database

Dwarf Golden Variegated Sweet Flag (Acorus gramineus 'Minimus Aureus') — Hardy in zones 5-11, it requires minimal maintenance and is resistant to deer

Grass

Dwarf Golden Variegated Sweet Flag

Acorus gramineus 'Minimus Aureus'

FullUSDA 5–10
Dwarf Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon Japonicus 'Nana') — It forms dense, dark green, grass-like clumps and thrives in partial to full shade

Grass

Dwarf Mondo Grass

Ophiopogon Japonicus 'Nana'

Deep ShadeUSDA 7–10
Eastern Gamagrass (Tripsacum Dactyloides) — It is ideal for naturalistic plantings and erosion control, requiring minimal upkeep once established

Grass

Eastern Gamagrass

Tripsacum Dactyloides

FullUSDA 5–10
Eastern Star Sedge (Carex Radiata) — though it will tolerate dappled sunlight

Grass

Eastern Star Sedge

Carex Radiata

FullUSDA 3–9
Elijah Blue Fescue (Festuca Glauca 'Elijah Blue') — Elijah Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue') is a perennial ornamental grass

Grass

Elijah Blue Fescue

Festuca Glauca 'Elijah Blue'

FullUSDA 4–8
Encore Grass (Miscanthus Sinensis 'Encore') — Its growth habit and textural contrast make it an excellent choice for mass plantings

Grass

Encore Grass

Miscanthus Sinensis 'Encore'

FullUSDA 4–9
Esparto Grass (Lygeum Spartum) — Minimal maintenance is required, principally in the form of occasional trimming to keep it looking neat; gold flowers in the

Grass

Esparto Grass

Lygeum Spartum

HalfUSDA 7–10
Eulalia (Miscanthus Transmorrisonensis) — initially displaying a light pink color which matures to a creamy tan as the seasons progress

Grass

Eulalia

Miscanthus Transmorrisonensis

FullUSDA 6–9
Evergold Japanese Sedge (Carex Oshimensis 'Evergold') — This evergreen perennial thrives in partial to full shade

Grass

Evergold Japanese Sedge

Carex Oshimensis 'Evergold'

HalfUSDA 6–10
Feathertop Grass (Pennisetum Villosum) — is an eye-catching ornamental grass widely appreciated for its fuzzy

Grass

Feathertop Grass

Pennisetum Villosum

FullUSDA 5–10
Ferner Osten Dwarf Maiden Grass (Miscanthus Sinensis 'Ferner Osten') — This compact variety reaches 3-4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide, showcasing narrow, arching

Grass

Ferner Osten Dwarf Maiden Grass

Miscanthus Sinensis 'Ferner Osten'

FullUSDA 4–9
Fireworks Dwarf Fountain Grass (Pennisetum 'Fireworks') — Pennisetum 'Fireworks' is a vibrant perennial grass

Grass

Fireworks Dwarf Fountain Grass

Pennisetum 'Fireworks'

FullUSDA 8–10
Flame Grass (Miscanthus 'Purpurascens') — thriving in Zones 4-9 and requiring minimal maintenance

Grass

Flame Grass

Miscanthus 'Purpurascens'

FullUSDA 5–10
Florida Gamagrass (Tripsacum Floridanum) — commonly known as Florida Gamagrass

Grass

Florida Gamagrass

Tripsacum Floridanum

FullUSDA 5–10
Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Alopecuroides) — Its lush, green foliage turns a golden-bronze hue in fall; requiring a minimum of six hours of direct light per day

Grass

Fountain Grass

Pennisetum Alopecuroides

FullUSDA 3–10
Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Messiacum) — Red Paintbrush Grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum')

Grass

Fountain Grass

Pennisetum Messiacum

FullUSDA 7–9
Fox Sedge (Carex Vulpinoidea) — When integrating Fox Sedge into a landscape

Grass

Fox Sedge

Carex Vulpinoidea

FullUSDA 3–9
Frosty Curls Sedge (Carex 'Frosty Curls') — Carex 'Frosty Curls' is an ornamental grass known for its fine, curling leaves that provide a unique texture

Grass

Frosty Curls Sedge

Carex 'Frosty Curls'

FullUSDA 6–9
Giant Chinese Miscanthus (Miscanthus Hybridus 'Sentinel') — Giant Chinese Miscanthus 'Sentinel' is a stately ornamental grass that brings vertical accents to

Grass

Giant Chinese Miscanthus

Miscanthus Hybridus 'Sentinel'

FullUSDA 5–10
Giant Feather Grass (Stipa Gigantea) — is an ornamental grass that makes a striking statement in the landscape with its imposing size and elegant

Grass

Giant Feather Grass

Stipa Gigantea

FullUSDA 7–9
Giant Reed, Arundo Reed (Arundo Donax) — well-drained loams but maintains a hardy disposition; it forms dense stands with cane-like stems of 0.75 to 1 inch in

Grass

Giant Reed, Arundo Reed

Arundo Donax

FullUSDA 6–10
Giant Wild Rye (Leymus Condensatus) — The Giant Wild Rye, Leymus condensatus, is a robust perennial grass, reaching up to 8 ft tall and 6 ft wide

Grass

Giant Wild Rye

Leymus Condensatus

FullUSDA 7–10
Golden Dew Tufted Hair Grass (Deschampsia Cespitosa 'Goldtau') — In summer, it boasts delicate, airy panicles of golden-yellow flowers that reach heights up to

Grass

Golden Dew Tufted Hair Grass

Deschampsia Cespitosa 'Goldtau'

FullUSDA 4–9
Golden Tussock Grass (Poa Cita) — Tolerant to wind and coastal conditions, it thrives in well-drained soils under full sun to partial shade

Grass

Golden Tussock Grass

Poa Cita

FullUSDA 8–11

Photographs are credited on each plant’s page.