Grass family.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Graminoid

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

Direct sun

Water

Every 2 to 7 days

Mature size

Varies by species from inches to over 100 feet

Growth rate

Fast

Hardiness

USDA 3 to 10

Bloom time

Mid to late summer

Care

Keep your grasses in a spot with plenty of sun and ensure the soil drains well. Watch for yellowing leaves, which often signal that the plant needs more light or a nutrient boost. Consistent moisture is usually preferred, but avoid letting the roots sit in standing water.

Watering

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Feeding

Apply a balanced fertilizer during the active growing season.

Pruning

Cut back dead foliage in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.

Repotting

Move to a larger container once the roots become crowded or start circling the pot.

Soil

Well-draining loamy soil

Soil pH

5.5 to 7.5

Temperature

-20 to 40°C

Humidity

30 to 70%

Safety

People

Most ornamental grasses are non toxic to humans, though sharp leaf edges can cause minor cuts.

Pets

Most grasses are non-toxic, though some species may cause mild digestive upset if ingested in large quantities.

Children

The sharp, serrated foliage of many grasses can easily cut a child's skin if handled improperly.

Contact allergens

The sharp, serrated edges of many grass blades can cause skin irritation or small cuts.

Airborne allergens

Grass pollen is a primary cause of seasonal allergic rhinitis for many people.

Edibility

Most ornamental grasses are not intended for human consumption and may contain high silica levels.

How to identify it

• Hollow stems with nodes
• Narrow leaves with parallel veins
• Small inconspicuous flowers
• Fibrous root systems

Height

0.2 to 3m

Spread

0.3 to 1.5m

Leaves

green, blue, variegated, deciduous

Flowers

tan, silver, purple, 1 to 30cm

Fruit

brown, Autumn

Problems to watch for

• AphidsCommon
• Dollar SpotCommon
• Red ThreadCommon
• RustCommon
• Bermudagrass MiteUncommon
• BillbugsUncommon
• Root RotUncommon
• SmutUncommon

Growing it

Propagation

division, seed

When to plant

spring, autumn

Group grasses with perennials that have similar light and water requirements to ensure they do not shade each other out.

Grows well with

• Coneflower — The vertical texture of grass contrasts beautifully with the broad petals of coneflowers.
• Russian Sage — The airy, blue flowers of sage complement the fine texture of many ornamental grasses.

Similar species

• Sedge — Often confused with grass, but sedges have triangular stems.
• Rush — Rushes typically prefer much wetter soil conditions than most ornamental grasses.

Science

Family

Poaceae

Order

Poales

Class

Liliopsida

Native range

Found globally on every continent except Antarctica.

Conservation

None of the common ornamental grasses are currently listed as endangered.

Grasses are highly resilient, often dominating open landscapes by spreading through rhizomes or stolons.

Value to wildlife

larval host plant, nesting material, winter cover

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Uses

ornamental landscaping, erosion control, dried flower arrangements

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

When should I cut back my ornamental grass?

It is best to prune them in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.

Do grasses need fertilizer?

Most ornamental grasses prefer lean soil and rarely need supplemental feeding.

Where the name comes from

Poaceae is derived from the Greek word poa, meaning fodder or grass. The common name grass refers to the vast family of monocotyledonous plants.

Good to know

• Grasses have evolved to grow from the base rather than the tips, allowing them to survive grazing.
• Bamboo is actually a member of the grass family.
• Grasses are wind pollinated, which is why they produce so much pollen.