Ornamental Grasses of the Gulf Coast

Native Grasses

• Seashore saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) is a hardy grass found in all types of water, from saline to fresh. Also called marsh spikegrass and desert saltgrass, this native grass grows as far inland as Minnesota and as far north as Canada. Gulf cordgrass (Spartina spartinae) is a very different kind of grass. Cordgrass is native to, and only found in, the Gulf region's brackish and freshwater marshes. Cordgrass is a perennial, mounding grass with deep green leaves. Unlike seashore saltgrass, cordgrass does not display prominent plumes.

Ornamental Grasses

• Homeowners interested in planting native grasses in their front gardens or backyards may find some native grasses ill-adapted to inland conditions and cultivation. Gulf Coast grasses suited for yards and gardens include: mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus), fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) and giant seaoats (Chasmanthium paniculata). Each of these species has its own merits. Mondo grass is a fine textured mounding grass that reaches heights up to 10 inches. This low-profile ornamental is used as a border plant. Arching fountain grass is marked by a large, white plumes. Reaching heights of 4 feet, this clumping grass provides a garden with architectural interest. Giant seaoats, a native grass with a root system capable of stabilizing eroding soils, have a seed head capable of providing visual interest.

Benefits

• Ornamental grasses are low-maintenance additions to a landscape. Their texture and height break up an otherwise mundane landscape. Shrubs and flowers brighten a garden by day, but ornamental grass casts intriguing silhouettes at dawn and dusk.

Precautions

• Grass seed is disseminated by wind, making it a very hard plant to control. When non-native ornamental grass seeds spread and root, indigenous plants are put at risk. Before choosing an ornamental grass for your landscape, find out from your local master gardener whether or not the plant is invasive.