“Sedges have edges” (note: some non-Carex species do, too). The stem is usually triangular in cross-section. Sedges are easiest to tell apart by their reproductive parts, so try to view a flowering or fruiting plant. The seed-bearing flowers and their fruits are enclosed inside a sack-like scale called a perigynium. A more-or-less flat scale is positioned close to the perigynium. View these under a microscope and note their color, relative size, and shape. Note the color of the sheath, where the leaf encloses the stem.
Some close relatives of sedges (in the family Cyperaceae) also have triangular stems but produce seed-bearing flowers and fruits that are subtended by a flat scale only (the perigynium is absent). In this key, they are in the group “All Other Grass-like Plants.” Some sedges are very small and it is hard to feel their edges, so try to look at plants with flowers or fruits.
These very common plants are variable in height and form but most. have hollow, circular stems with alternate, narrow leaves that have parallel veins. The lower portion of the leaf consists of a tubular sheath that surrounds the stem. At the base of the sheath is the point where the leaf connects to the stem; this point is called the node and is often swollen. Sometimes there is a flange-like ligule at the top of the sheath. Grasses are easiest to tell apart by their reproductive parts, so try to view a flowering or fruiting plant. Grass flowers are reduced, specialized and grouped into spikelets. Two scale-like bracts called glumes enclose the base of the spikelet. Two bracts, the lemma and palea, enclose each tiny flower in the spikelet. Grasses may grow in tight clumps or as tillers connected by long rhizomes.
Many plants resemble grasses, with long narrow leaves and parallel veins. A true grass will have hollow stems, swollen nodes, and unique tiny groups of flowers.
Add Delicate Texture to Your Garden with these 9 Flowers That Look Like Grass
Grassy looking flowers are a delightful way to incorporate lovely greenery and fascinating textures into your garden beds and borders Many also produce fragile plumes, spikes or panicles that sway gracefully in the breeze. These grassy plants come in a wide scope of sizes, shapes, and foliage tones to suit any scene need.
Bluestem (Andropogon)
This tall prairie grass local to North America is great for the rear of a radiant border Bluestems develop in clusters with curving stems and intriguing seed heads The blue-green foliage frequently turns rich shades of red and purple in fall, Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and huge bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) are famous ornamental assortments, They develop 3 to 5 feet tall,
Fescue (Festuca)
Fescues are fine-textured grasses with clean foliage. Dwarf blue fescue (Festuca glauca) is a top edging plant gratitude to its frosty blue leaves It structures thick 8 to 12 inch mounds that join pleasantly with other enduring plants. Taller assortments like sheep fescue (Festuca ovina) work well in meadow gardens
Wellspring Grass (Pennisetum)
Perhaps the most attractive grass-like blooms, wellspring grass enchants with downy plumes moving over the foliage. It carries development and surface to garden beds in zones 5 to 10. For full sun regions go with the 3 to 5 foot tall purple wellspring grass (Pennisetum setaceum). ‘Hameln’ and ‘Little Bunny’ are two dwarf wellsprings grasses that develop simply 1 to 2 feet tall.
Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra)
Here’s an elegant grass that flourishes in shade. Japanese forest grass structures lush mounds of bending grassy foliage around 1 to 2 feet tall. Search for assortments like ‘All Gold’ and ‘Aureola’ with pretty brilliant or yellow striped leaves. Plant it under trees or at the front of a shady border.
Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis)
A top pick for adding show to the fall garden, maiden grass shoots up 6 to 8 foot tall stalks beat with silvery plumes. The curving leaves frequently turn lively shades of red, orange and gold in harvest time also. Since it spreads forcefully, plant this grass away from normal regions. Well known minimal assortments incorporate ‘Little Kitten’ and ‘Yaku Jima’.
Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia)
In late summer, ethereal mists of minuscule pinkish-purple blossoms show up above the fine foliage of pink muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris). This North American prairie local develops simply 2 to 3 feet tall, making it great for the center of a radiant border. Plant white muhly grass (Muhlenbergia reverchonii) for comparable look through plumes in a cool shade garden.
Oat Grass (Chasmanthium)
For gently shaded zones, few grasses can contend with the fragile oat-like spikelets of inland ocean oats (Chasmanthium latifolium). This grass has elegantly curving stems that shudder in the scarcest breeze. Northern ocean oats (C. latifolium) offers wheat-shaded seed heads on 2 to 3 foot tall plants.
Reed Grass (Calamagrostis)
Upstanding plumes rising over pointedly leaves give reed grass an intense, engineering structure. ‘Karl Foerster’ quill reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora) is a famous assortment gratitude to its vertical propensity and tan plumes that keep going into winter. Search for the pink-tinted plumes of Korean reed grass (Calamagrostis brachytricha) to light up shady spots.
Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum)
A local prairie grass, switch grass handles an assortment of soils, even wet regions. Use it in masses or as a screen gratitude to its 5 foot tall size. Red switch grass (Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’) shows off burgundy-red tips while cloud nine switch grass (P. virgatum ‘Cloud Nine’) includes a more open structure with light blue leaves.
The fine surfaces and elegant development of grassy blossoms make them fantastic decisions for any garden. Use bunching assortments in enduring beds and borders or amassed as groundcovers. Plant a couple of various grassy plants together for a meadow impact. Simply make certain to give spreading kinds like maiden grass a lot of room. With the wide determination accessible, you’re certain to observe wonderful grass-like blooms ideal for your scene.
All other grass-like plants
Bulrushes, rushes, cat-tails, and other narrow-leaved plants
A broad variety of plants with long, narrow leaves that sheath the stem, some of which may be hollow or have compartments with air spaces. They may resemble grasses or sedges, but do not have a perigynium like sedges, or flowers arranged in spikelets as in true grasses.
If you cannot find your plant in this group, see if it is a grass or a sedge (Carex species).
My plant isnt in these subgroups.
If youre not sure what to do from here, take a look at this Help page for instructions.
10 Perennial Grasses I Absolutely Love! // Garden Answer
FAQ
What is the flower that looks like grass?
Here are a few examples: Sedge (Carex): Sedges come in various species and offer fine, grassy foliage in shades of green, bronze, or variegated patterns. Fountain Grass (Pennisetum): These tall, arching grasses produce feathery plumes, adding a touch of elegance to your landscape.
What plants look like grass?
- Acorus gramineus ‘Ogon’ Log in for pricing.
- Acorus gramineus ‘Variegatus’ Log in for pricing.
- Anemanthele lessoniana. Log in for pricing.
- Aristida purpurea. …
- Baumea rubiginosa ‘Variegata’ …
- Bouteloua gracilis. …
- Bouteloua gracilis ‘Blonde Ambition’ …
- Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’
What is a plant that looks like grass but isn t?
Nutsedges, or “nutgrasses,” look like grass but are perennial weeds that out-compete many other plants, including garden vegetables, by diminishing crop yields. They produce light brown or reddish flowers and black or brown seeds. You can identify them by their triangular stems.
What are grass flowers called?
The three basic arrangements in grasses are spike, raceme, and panicle flower heads.
Which grass is best for a garden?
1. Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana) With foot-long feathery inflorescence, pampas is probably the best option if you are looking to plant something to provide you a little privacy. It can tolerate drought conditions but does well with weekly watering during hot summers.
What color is grass foliage?
Foliage provides additional interest with a range of fine to coarse textured leaf blades, softly arching or upright forms, and deep green, blue, red or purple, yellow, or variegated leaf colors. Many grasses have good fall color, changing to golden yellow, orange, red, or purple before fading to tan or straw hues in the winter.
Which grass is shade tolerant?
Here’s the shade-tolerant grass that you’ve been looking for. The low-growing species, also known as Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra) has a nearly-perfect mounding habit. Variegated selections such as ‘Aureola’ or ‘All Gold’ have brightly colored foliage that light up shady corners.
Is ornamental grass a perennial?
Ornamental grasses are valued additions in landscape designs. Ornamental grasses refers to both true grasses and plants that have a grass-like appearance, such as sedges, that are used for similar purposes in gardens. Most ornamental grasses are perennials, living for two or more years.
What does zebra grass look like?
Zebra Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’) With its dramatic green and yellow variegated foliage, this award-winning tall maiden grass cultivar can grow in various kinds of moist and well-drained soil. The foliage takes on a golden-green appearance in fall. It produces purple or pinkish flowers in summer.