10 Facts About Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses have been used in landscaping for decades, and it’s no wonder why. These versatile and hardy plants are easy to care for and come in a wide variety of colors, textures, and sizes. Here are 10 fascinating facts about ornamental grasses that will make you appreciate these plants even more.

Ornamental grasses are not actually grasses at all. They belong to the Poaceae family, which includes cereal crops such as wheat, oats, and barley.

Grasses are one of the oldest plant families on Earth, with fossils dating back over 65 million years. They are found on every continent except Antarctica.

Ornamental grasses come in a wide range of colors, including green, blue, purple, bronze, and even black. Some varieties also have variegated leaves with stripes or spots of different colors.

Many ornamental grasses are drought-tolerant and can survive in hot, dry conditions that other plants cannot. This makes them an excellent choice for water-wise landscaping.

Ornamental grasses come in a variety of sizes, from small clumps to tall and majestic specimens that can reach up to 10 feet tall. This means that they can be used in a wide range of landscaping applications, from small gardens to large commercial landscapes.

Some ornamental grasses are evergreen, which means they retain their leaves all year round. Others are deciduous, which means they lose their leaves in the fall.

Ornamental grasses are low-maintenance plants that require little care. They do not need to be watered as often as other plants, and they rarely need to be fertilized.

Ornamental grasses are not just for aesthetics. They can also be used for erosion control, to stabilize soil on hillsides or in areas with heavy rainfall.

Many species of ornamental grasses are native to North America, including prairie grasses like big bluestem, switchgrass, and little bluestem. These grasses were once the dominant plants in the Great Plains and played a vital role in the ecosystem.

Ornamental grasses are not just for traditional landscaping. They are also used in modern and contemporary landscapes, where their simple, elegant forms are valued for their sculptural qualities.

In conclusion, ornamental grasses are fascinating plants that have been used in landscaping for centuries. They come in a wide range of colors, sizes, and textures and are incredibly versatile and low-maintenance.

Whether you’re looking for a plant that can survive in hot, dry conditions or one that adds visual interest to your garden, ornamental grasses are an excellent choice.