# Fast Growth Alternatives to Grass
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Ornamental Grasses
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Ornamental grasses make an elegant alternative to traditional lawn grass. These grasses can grow to 12 feet high and will need top-cutting to show the green colors of new growth. Pampas grass, Cortoderia sellanoa, is easy to grow and produces fluffy plumes by the third year. It prefers the sun and is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 6 to 9. Zebra grass, botanical name Miscanthus sinensis "zebrinus," has narrow, fine-textured blades and an upright growing habit. The long, green leaves bear yellow, horizontal bands which give its name. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9, according to North Carolina State University horticulturist Erv Evans. It grows in either sun or partial shade.
Groundcover Plants
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Many groundcover plants are available that will fill in yard areas quickly with easy-maintenance plants that do not need mowing or watering. Vinca minor is a fast-growing perennial groundcover plant that grows in partial sun to full shade. It is hardy in zones 3 through 8, according to the Ohio State University site. It flowers in the spring with small purple or white flowers. It needs little maintenance but can be invasive. Virginia creeper, Parthenocisis quinquefolia, is a perennial vine that is fast-growing and fills in ground areas easily. It turns a vivid purple-red color in the fall and produces berries that draw birds to yards. Control Virginia creeper to keep it from encroaching on other plants.
Clover
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Clover, Trifolium spp., makes a good lawn alternative that is fast-growing and attractive, with small white or purple flowers in the spring. It does not recuperate from foot traffic as fast as turfgrass, according to Colorado State University Cooperative Extension horticulturist Robert Cox. It is hardy in zones 5 to 8 and will grow in partial sun or shade.
Moss
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Mosses of several species are available as a lawn alternative for shady yards that have problems growing grass. Moss gets its nutrients from the air and only requires a shady area, moisture and slightly acidic soil. It actually prefers a poor-quality soil in which to grow. Moss can grow anywhere in the United States, according to the Moss Acres site.
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