Tallest Grasses

Maiden Grass

• There are several varieties of maiden grass, or Miscanthus sinensis, that grow generally around 6 feet tall, though "giant" varieties may grow up to 12 feet tall. Maiden grass, also known as Miscanthus grass, has upright narrow leaves in bright or silvery green that grow in dense clumps, and some varieties have variegated or striped leaves. Flowers are white or purplish, and there are many different varieties with ornamental flowers. Miscanthus grasses are native to Asia and have common names such as maiden grass, Chinese silver grass, zebra grass, or porcupine grass. These grasses are hardy in Zones 5 to 11.

Pampas Grasses

• Hardiest in Zones 8 to 11, Pampas grass has the scientific name Cortaderia selloana, and these grasses are native to South America. They have slender, sharp edged leaves that grow up to 6 feet and tall feathery flower tufts that grow up to 10 feet. Pampas grass leaves are usually bluish green, but some varieties have silver green or green and white striped leaves. Tufts are white or cream in color, and they are widely used in dried flower arrangements.

Giant Reeds

• Ornamental grasses in the Arundo family are called giant reeds, and common names include Taiwan grass, elephant grass, arundo grass or bamboo grass. These extremely tall, bamboo-like grasses can get up to 12 feet tall. Most of these grasses are hardy in Zones 7 to 9. Many produce long silvery gray leaves, but some variegated varieties like "Golden Chain" have yellow stripes along the leaves.

Feather Reed Grass

• Feather reed grasses in the Calamagrostis family can grow up to 6 feet tall fronds. These grasses are more cold hardy, growing in Zones 5 to 8, and they have arching dark green leaves that grow around 3 feet tall. Feather reed grass produces up to 6 feet tall flower stalks with bronze, gold or purple fronds in late summer or early fall.