Field Guide for Grasses

Short Grasses

• Little quaking grass is a dwarf variety of quaking grass. It is also known as rattlesnake grass, due to its blossoms that resemble rattlesnake tails. Birdsfoot sedge grows slowly and is ideal for rock gardens. Elijah Blue fescue tolerates dry soil well and has an indigo tint.

Medium-Height Grasses

• Tufted hair grass is at home in a shrub border or a perennial border. True to its name, Japanese blood grass features crimson-tinted leaves throughout the summer. Feather grass produces its airy, open flower clusters early in the summer and continues until fall.

Tall Grasses

• Switchgrass turns from blue-green in the summer to golden yellow in the fall. Skyracer moor grass also has attractive autumn color and grows slowly. Strictus maiden grass is also called porcupine grass because of its tall, stiff leaves. Pampas grass is dramatic in height and appearance, boasting frothy silver or white plumes.