Apart from the known landscaping uses, the also play an important role in agriculture and the stability of numerous ecosystems. 

That said, distinguishing between the grasses can prove difficult for landscapers and farmers looking to plant or eradicate them.

In this post, we’ll explore different tropical grasses, their common names, distinct physical features, and pictures to help you learn more about them and for easier identification. 

1. Carpet Grass (Axonopus Compressus)

• Scientific Name: Axonopus Compressus
• English Name: Blanket Grass
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 
• Grass, Sedge, or Broadleaf: Grass

Carpet Grass is a perennial stoloniferous grass that can reach 15 cm in height. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and wet to acidic soils. 

The leaves are opposite, oblong, smooth on both surfaces, and about 4-15cm long. Its unique stem culms are shallow-rooted and grow close to the ground, giving it a lush mat-formation.

This native American grass is commonly used as pasture or turf grass for its grazing tolerance and low-maintenance needs. 

2. Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum)

• Scientific Name: Pennisetum purpureum
• English Name: Napier Grass
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial
• Grass, Sedge, or Broadleaf: Grass

Pennisetum purpureum is a vigorous grass that achieves an impressive height of 3-5m. It has broad, flat, and long leaves measuring 2 meters, robust stems that are covered with fine hairs, and well-developed roots.

Elephant Grass, also called Napier Grass, is one of the most versatile and high-yielding tropical grasses. It thrives in a variety of extreme conditions, including dry and wet environments, which can also make it an invasive weed in many ecosystems. 

Elephant grass is mainly grown for livestock feed, especially in cut-and-carry systems, due to its high biomass yield, for erosion control, and biofuel production.

3. Buffalo Grass (Paspalum conjugatum)

• Scientific Name: Paspalum conjugatum
• English Name: Carabao Grass
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 
• Grass, Sedge, or Broadleaf: Grass

Buffalo Grass is a tropical perennial grass that is native to tropical and subtropical Americas. It produces short culms about 60 cm high, short and soft-textured leaves with a distinct midrib.

Buffalo Grass reproduces by seeds and vegetative means, making it a high-yielding turf. It can tolerate waterlogging and shade, and is commonly found in pastures, open areas, vineyards, irrigation channels, and forest clearings. 

The grass is popular in landscaping due to its high mowing and traffic tolerance. It is also grown for fodder in cut-and-carry systems, as ground cover in shaded areas, and for weed control. 

4. Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon)

• Scientific Name: Cynodon dactylon
• English Name: Couch Grass
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 
• Grass, Sedge, or Broadleaf: Grass

Bermuda Grass is a rapidly growing tropical grass that springs up in the warmer seasons. The African native grass has unique green to dark-green, bladelike leaves that can grow up to 5 cm long. 

You can also recognize its flattened, purplish, slightly hairy stems and deep rhizomes that typically penetrate 40-50 cm into the soil. It thrives in full sun, is drought-tolerant, and can also withstand high traffic. 

For these reasons, it is a popular turf grass in residential areas, golf courses, and gardens. It is also used in soil erosion control and as feed for livestock. 

5. Kikuyu Grass (Cenchrus clandestinus)

• Scientific Name: Cenchrus clandestinus
• English Name: Kikuyu Grass
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 
• Grass, Sedge, or Broadleaf: Grass

Kikuyu Grass, previously classified as Pennisetum clandestinum, is a perennial tropical grass native to East Africa, and can be identified by its flattened, coarsely-textured leaves, heavily branched stolons, and dense foliage.

It thrives in sunny and warm climates and rapidly grows through rhizomes and stolons. Kikuyu Grass is a valuable pasture grass due to its high grazing tolerance and is a common turfgrass for residential lawns and golf courses.

However, it is also an invasive weed in many regions globally, especially because of its high seed dormancy and rapid growth. It can climb, shade, or release toxins that inhibit the growth of other plant species.

6. Para Grass (Urochloa mutica)

• Scientific Name: Urochloa mutica 
• English Name: Scotch Grass
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 
• Grass, Sedge, or Broadleaf: Grass

Para Grass is a creeping, fast-growing, semi-aquatic perennial grass that grows 2-5m tall. It is native to parts of the Middle East and Central Africa. 

The leaf blades are broad, sparsely or densely haired, and about 30 cm long. Stems are hairy and semi-prostrate and have distinct swollen nodes as well as green to purplish glumes. 

Scotch Grass mainly propagates by creeping stems that produce shoots and roots, spreading several meters along the ground. 

It is commonly grown as fodder for livestock, for soil erosion control, land reclamation, and as an ornamental grass for its lush appearance. 

7. Buffel Grass (Cenchrus ciliaris)

• Scientific Name: Cenchrus ciliaris
• English Name: Foxtail Buffalo Grass
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 
• Grass, Sedge, or Broadleaf: Grass

Buffel Grass is a tussock-forming, perennial grass, native to tropical Africa, the Mediterranean, and Southern Asia. It produces erect or decumbent culms that can reach up to 2m tall. The leaves are linear, bluish-green, about 3-30 cm long. 

C. ciliaris also bears spike-like panicles 2-14 cm long, comprising spikelets surrounded by hairy bristles. It thrives in arid and semi-arid areas and will commonly be located in grasslands and open areas.

Buffel Grass is a highly valued pasture and forage grass in the tropics. It is also used for land reclamation and soil erosion control. 

Due to its deep root system (a rootstock that can penetrate 2m in the soil), the grass can spread extensively and outcompete native grasses. It has been declared a noxious weed in countries like Australia, the USA, and Mexico. 

8. Signal Grass (Brachiaria decumbens)

• Scientific Name: Brachiaria decumbens or Urochloa decumbens
• English Name: Signal Grass/Kenya Sheep Grass
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial
• Grass, Sedge, or Broadleaf: Grass

Signal Grass is a perennial tropical grass native to the Eastern and Central African highlands. It can be decumbent or erect, growing up to 60cm tall. 

The leaves are short, soft, and bright green, with bent tips. Stems give rise to rhizomes and stolons, which can root down as deep as 2m in the deep soil. It thrives in all soil types except heavy clay soils and can tolerate shade. 

The grass is mainly grown as a permanent pasture for beef grazing or fodder in cut-and-carry systems due to its high palatability and heavy grazing tolerance. Additionally, Signal Grass can also be used in soil erosion control efforts and weed suppression. 

9. Guinea Grass (Megathyrsus maximus)

9. Guinea Grass (Megathyrsus maximus)

• Scientific Name: Megathyrsus maximus
• English Name: Guinea Grass/Tanganyika Grass
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 
• Grass, Sedge, or Broadleaf: Grass

Guinea Grass is a large tufted grass that can grow between 50 and 350 cm tall, depending on the prevailing conditions. It is native to tropical Africa and Yemen. 

M. maximus produces blade-shaped leaves that can be up to 100 cm long, cylindrical, erect culms, a panicle 15-50 cm long with green to purple spikelets, and a short creeping rootstock.

The fast-growing grass is mainly grown for pasture, silage, and hay and is also used for soil erosion control. 

Due to its rapid growth and space uptake, it can become weedy in some regions, outcompeting native plant species in grasslands and woodlands. It is also considered a fire hazard in wildfire-prone areas globally.

10. BahiaGrass (Paspalum notatum)

• Scientific Name: Paspalum notatum
• English Name: Bahiagrass/Common Bahia
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial
• Grass, Sedge, or Broadleaf: Grass

Bahiagrass is a perennial warm-season grass, native to Mexico and South America. You can identify it by its flat, light-green, coarse-textured foliage and V-shaped inflorescence, comprising two racemes. 

It also produces low-growing stolons that are pressed to the ground and root at the internodes, forming dense mats. The stems can grow between 20 and 70 cm tall.

P. notatum thrives in sandy loam soils and full sun but can tolerate shade, saline conditions, and drought. It is primarily established as forage for grazing animals and soil erosion control.

Sylvia Kiragu

Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.

insightweeds.com/

The post Tropical Grasses With Their Names, Characteristics, and Pictures appeared first on InsightWeeds.

It’s a valuable and versatile grass species known for its tall size, fast growth, and diversity in agriculture and other industries. The grass grows on the edges of turbulent waters, shrubs, swamps, and other wetland habitats.

While elephant grass offers many benefits in the agriculture and manufacturing industries, it has a few disadvantages that may prohibit proper vegetation growth.

We’ve covered more about elephant grass’s characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks.

What is special about elephant grass?

Elephant grass, scientifically called Pennisetum purpureum or Cenchrus purpureus, is a grass species common in African grasslands.

It’s special compared to other grass species because it requires low nutrients and water, making it suitable for growth in uncultivated land.

Napier grass is adaptable and resilient to growing conditions such as climate and soil. The grass species can withstand drought, poor soil fertility, and high temperatures compared to other forage crops.

This feature enables the grass to grow in diverse environments and areas with challenging agricultural conditions.

It also has an environmental impact, such as an erosion control ability due to its extensive root system. The deep network of roots binds the soil and prevents erosion from water or wind.

Because of this, elephant grass is used as a soil control strategy, especially on slopes or areas prone to erosion.

Does elephant grass make good hay?

Yes, elephant grass can make good hay for livestock. Hay is made from dried grass or other forage crops cut and stored to serve as animal feed.

To make good hay, elephant grass should be cut at an early stage of maturity since the stem becomes too rough as the plant matures.

In addition, elephant grass usually has a high quality and nutritional value at an early vegetative stage before it produces seed heads. It has higher protein content and is more esculent, making it suitable for animal consumption.

It’s also a good source of nutrition for animals since it contains fiber, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Animal feed industries use it to produce dehydrated grass pellets and sold as supplementary animal feed to be consumed by goats, cows, sheep, and other herbivores.

However, the quality of elephant grass hay differs depending on the stage of growth it was harvested, drying methods, and storage conditions.

Therefore, practicing proper harvesting and drying techniques is important to get the best quality and nutritional value from elephant grass hay.

Characteristics of elephant grass

There is no difference between elephant grass and Napier grass since they are the same grass species and have the same characteristics.

However, it has distinctive features that separate it from other forage crops, and they include the following:

1. Tall height

Elephant grass has an impressive height of about 3-5 meters (10-16 feet) or even higher.

It’s among the tallest grass species because of its striking and commanding presence.

2. Long leaves

The leaves of Napier grass are several feet long, up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) in length.

They are also broad and flat with rich-green color, enabling photosynthesis and contributing to the plant’s high biomass production.

3. Robust stem

Elephant grass has thick and rough stems to provide firm structural support to the tall plant.

The stems are covered in layers of fine hair and have a coarse texture to give the grass resilience and the ability to withstand harsh physical conditions. 

4. Deep roots

Elephant grass has a well-developed and deep network of root systems. The extensive and deep roots aid the plant in obtaining water and nutrients from the soil.

Doing so enhances its ability to withstand drought and other harsh growing conditions. The deep roots also contribute to soil erosion and stabilization control.

5. High biomass production

Elephant grass has rapid growth and biomass production. This makes it suitable for animal forage, soil stabilization, and biochemical production.

Is elephant grass invasive?

Elephant grass is considered invasive in certain country regions or areas where they grow beyond their native regions. In various parts of Africa, elephant grass coexists with other native plant species and is part of the ecosystem.

However, it becomes invasive and competes with other vegetation when introduced to new habitats such as tropical and subtropical areas.

Its invasiveness may cause negative impacts such as reduced biodiversity and water flow and affect native animal and plant communities.

This can be prevented by managing and controlling elephant grass growth and spread.

Disadvantages of elephant grass

While elephant grass offers many benefits to the ecosystem, agriculture, and industries, it has disadvantages and drawbacks. Here are a few disadvantages of elephant grass:

• Invasive nature: Due to its rapid growth, elephant grass tends to be invasive in certain regions, especially in a new environment. It can quickly and wildly spread when not controlled and managed, causing an imbalance in the ecosystem, displacement, and competition with native plantations for resources.
• Required management: Due to its tall structure and rapid growth, the grass species requires regular maintenance and maintenance. Lack of management may cause it to lose its nutritional value over time and grow without control.

Elephant grass is a good forage crop for making hay as it has great nutritional value during its early stages of maturity. In addition, it offers many benefits besides making hay, like acting as a soil conservative and creating biochemical products.

However, it requires regular maintenance and may be invasive in other regions. Overall, elephant grass is best for livestock feed and as a soil erosion control tool.

Carter

IW’s Chief Editor and a lover of green spaces.

The post Why is Napier called Elephant Grass? appeared first on InsightWeeds.

Ideally, grasses vary in size from small species that grow between 0.75 inches (1.9 centimeters) and 1.20 inches (3.04 centimeters) to tall grasses that can have heights of over 100 feet (30.48 meters). But what is the tallest type of grass?

When people talk of the tallest grasses, the best examples that come to mind are the bluestems, switchgrasses, and Indian grasses.

These grasses can grow up to eight feet in height. While many people prefer cutting them, the tallest grasses can be ornamental. For this purpose, you should go for the perennial grasses.

In other words, the advantage of tall grasses is that you can use them as screens to provide privacy, accents, or focal points. Furthermore, some grasses add texture and color to your landscape year-round.

Is bamboo the tallest grass?

Bamboo is the tallest grass in the world, with a height of 137.9 feet (42.03 meters). It can also grow to a diameter of one foot (30.48 centimeters).

But since bamboo has wide varieties, the tallest is the dragon bamboo, which measures between 75 and 90 feet on average.

However, if the conditions permit, including rich soil, humid air, and plenty of water or rainfall, it can grow over 100 feet.

What are the tallest grasses apart from bamboo?

Many grass species grow more than two meters tall. Here are seven of the tallest grasses known today.

1. Giant reed grass (Arundo donax)

The giant reed grass (Arundo donax) is the second tallest grass in the world after the bamboo.

On average, the grass can grow to a height of between 12 and 16 feet but can also reach over 20 feet. Furthermore, it is one of the fastest-growing plants, growing at about four inches daily.

The giant reed uses a lot of water to grow. Thus, it is common in wetlands and riparian habitats, including ditches, riversides, and marshlands.

In the USA, the grass is perennial, invasive, and grows well in zones 6-10.

2. Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum)

The elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is a tufted perennial grass that can reach up to four meters (13 inches) tall.

It has green leaves with a width of four centimeters (1.6 inches) and a strong midrib. Initially, the elephant grass grew in Africa’s riverbeds and rainforest margins.

Today, the grass grows in many parts of the world and is common in pastures, open woodlands, wastelands, and lakes.

Although people nowadays use it as forage for livestock, the grass can also work as ornamental and structural landscaping.

Furthermore, it can work as a windbreak to protect crops, livestock, wildlife, or people from the wind’s harmful consequences.

3. Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana)

The pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is a large perennial grass that can grow to heights of up to ten feet and widths of six feet.

However, the grass requires well-drained soil and full sun to reach its maximum heights, but it can also do well in dappled shade.

The plant is native to Brazil, Argentina, and Chile but is common in USA hardiness zones 6 and 7.

Nowadays, people use Pampas grass for different purposes, mainly decorating. Ideally, you can use it to create a living screen or a border backdrop in your home.

4. Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)

The big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) is a perennial warm-season bunchgrass that can grow between six and eight feet tall.

It also has tall roots that extend to ten feet, and its leaf blades range between 0.5 feet (15 centimeters and 2.0 feet (60 centimeters) long.

Although it is not the tallest grass in North America, its maximum height is shorter in the northern range and taller in the southern range.

For the plant to thrive well, it requires sandy to loamy soils, preferably in zones 4-9.

5. Giant silvergrass (Miscanthus floridulus)

The giant silvergrass (Miscanthus floridulus) is a perennial grass that grows to a height of up to seven feet (2.11 meters) when matured and can spread to about four feet (1.22 meters).

However, the plant only reaches its maximum height when grown in full to partial shade and moist conditions.

The giant silvergrass is also the tallest privacy grass to grow at home. It has enormous silvery-tinged plumes of rose flowers rising above the foliage in late summer.

The plumes are perfect for hiding fences but require you to grow them at least four feet apart.

6. Frost grass (Spodiopogon sibiricus)

The Frost grass (Spodiopogon sibiricus) is a perennial ornamental grass that grows to five feet (152 centimeters) tall.

When matured, the grass displays purplish or wine tints, and its flowers grow up to four inches wide. But the plant requires moist, well-drained, and fertile soil in full sun or partial shade for the plant to grow well.

Thus, the plant is hardy in zones 4-9. Furthermore, it can work well at home as an accent or border.

7. Ravenna grass (Saccharum ravennae)

The Ravenna grass may not be the tallest and fastest-growing grass, but it is the best for achieving beauty in a compound.

The plant is big and bold and can grow between eight (2.4 meters) and twelve feet (3.7 meters) tall. As a warm-season grass, Ravenna grows well in sunny, fertile, moist, and well-drained soil, hence common in zones 6-9.

Nowadays, people use the plant as ornamental grass in gardens and for stabilizing soil to prevent erosion.

Conclusion

The tallest type of grass worldwide is the dragon bamboo, with 137.9 feet tall. Other grasses over two meters tall are elephant grass, pampas grass, big bluestem, giant silver grass, frost grass, and Ravenna grass.

Depending on your location, you can use these grasses as accents, screens, or focal points. Furthermore, the grasses can add texture and color to your compound year-round.

However, the grasses require the right growing conditions to achieve maximum heights.

Related guides

• How to get rid of pampas grass permanently
• How to kill weeds in Bermuda grass
• Ways to get rid of vine weeds in grass
• Steps to get rid of nutsedge grass from your lawn

Carla Etheridge

Carla is a student pursuing a B.S in Agricultural Systems Technology. With a passion for landscaping for over 4 years, Carla loves plants. She has previously contributed to several other sites in the space before joining InsightWeeds.

The post What is the tallest type of grass? appeared first on InsightWeeds.

Many kinds of grass exist today, and they have unique characteristics that distinguish them. The most common factors are their structure and leaves.

This is what makes other types suitable for lawns while others are preferred for décor.

These are the 20 most common types of grasses, their scientific names, and photos.

1. Napier grass – Pennisetum purpureum

It’s scientifically referred to as Pennisetum purpureum or Cenchrus purpureus. Napier grass is also known as Uganda grass or elephant grass.

This kind of perennial tropical grass originally grows in the African grasslands.

The plant is popular in uncultivated land since it utilizes low nutrients and water. Napier grass is harvested for grazing and agricultural pest management.

In some instances, the grass is grown in order to improve the fertility of the soil and protect bare land against soil erosion.

2. Pampas grass – Cortaderia selloana

Pampas grass is scientifically identified as Cortaderia selloana and belongs to the Poaceae family.

It’s a native plant that grows in the southern South America region. It is named Pampas because it majorly grows in the Pampas region of South America.

Pampas grass has creamy white feathery plumes, clumps of lush and grass-like foliage. This kind of grass can be grown in your home.

Pampas is one of the most preferred types of grass for landscaping since it is considered attractive. Its plums are dried then used for decorations in interior design.

3. Lawn grass

There are various types of lawn grass, and each has its individual scientific name. Lawn grasses are categorized into either warm-season grasses or cool-season grasses. You can use these two categories to identify different types of lawn grass.

Here’s a list of the most common lawn grasses and their scientific names.

• Centipede grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides)
• Fescues (Festuca)
• Zoysia grass (Zoysia)
• Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum)
• Grama grass (Bouteloua)
• Turfed hair grass (Deschampsia)

Lawn grasses are mainly used for aesthetic purposes. They are planted in gardens, public spaces, and parks to give them an appealing aesthetic.

The grasses also prevent soil erosion, and control dust spread brought about by high foot traffic. Other grasses, such as Zoysia, can choke out weeds too.

4. Lemongrass – Cymbopogon citratus

Lemongrass is one of those plants that can be confusing since it has so many names. Scientifically, it’s referred to as Cymbopogon citratus, but locally, it has names that will require a list.

Lemongrass is also known as:

• Barbed wiregrass
• Citronella grass
• Cochin grass
• Fever grass
• Malabar grass
• Oily heads
• Silky heads.

Most of these names originated from either its appearance, function, or where it grows.

Lemongrass is native to Australia, Asia, Africa, and the tropical islands. It is significantly grown and harvested for culinary and medicinal uses. It has a strong scent that resembles that of lemons.

5. Kentucky bluegrass – Poa pratensis

You can also refer to this type of perennial grass as Common Meadow-grass and scientifically as Poa pratensis. 

Its foliage is basal with narrow v-shaped blades. The grass natively grows in North Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America.

Kentucky bluegrass grows in ditches, roadsides, and lawns. When grown in well-drained fertile soil, it makes a valuable pasture plant. Additionally, the grass is used to set up park lawns and gardens.

However, in the native grasslands of Canada, the presence of Kentucky bluegrass indicates a disrupted and degraded landscape. Hence, it is considered an unwelcomed exotic species.

6. Silvergrass – Miscanthus

Silvergrass natively grows in the Pacific Island, Africa, and Eurasia and is scientifically named Miscanthus and has other local names like fairy grass, Eulalia, maiden grass, and morning grass.

The grass produces beautiful flowers that are large and with feathery plumes. They also have attractive foliage that starts out as green then turns to orange or bronze in autumn.

Silvergrass grows in well-drained fertile soil and in an area that receives maximum sunlight. Placing it in a shed will lead to the production of fewer flowers.

Although it can be cultivated throughout the year, it is best to plant it during autumn or spring.

7. Buffalo grass – Bouteloua dactyloides

The scientific name for buffalo grass is Bouteloua dactyloides. It natively grows in North America, especially in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

The grass is short. This characteristic makes it perfect for use as a turfgrass in lawns and for forage.

Something interesting about this type of grass is that in history, settlers used buffalo grass’s sod to construct sod houses.

8. Fountain grass – Pennisetum setaceum

Fountain grass natively grows in America, Africa, Latin, Australia, and Asia. Its scientific name is Pennisetum setaceum, and it is a perennial plant. The grass is cultivated in tropical and warm temperature areas in the world.

Species of the fountain grass, such as pearl millet, are used as food crops, while others are used for grazing cattle. Some are grown as ornamental grass.

9. Perennial ryegrass – Lolium perenne

Perennial ryegrass is also locally known as ray grass, English ryegrass, or winter ryegrass. Its scientific name is Lolium perenne.

It is natively from the northern part of America, Asia, and Europe. However, perennial ryegrass is grown and naturalized all over the world.

The grass is grown on fertile soil to produce high yields for it to be used as a pasture and forage plant as well as in many pasture seed mixes. It has other benefits, such as its attractive turf that is used in lawns, baseball fields, and golf course fairways.

Compared to other cool-season grasses, perennial ryegrass can tolerate high foot traffic, making it suitable for use in schools and parks.

10. Common couch – Elymus repens

This kind of grass is scientifically referred to as Elymus repens. It has other common local names such as quick grass, scotch grass, witch grass, twitch, quack grass, and dog grass. 

Common couch grows in most parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is mainly used to control soil erosion and forage and is considered a weed in areas outside the native regions.

11. Bentgrass – Agrostis

This plant from the Poaceae family grows in temperate and cool areas in the world as well as at high altitudes in the tropical and subtropical regions.

In its native regions like North America, it is grown as forage and turf plants. In other places, it is considered a weed and an invasive species.

The grass has been bred to GMO creeping bentgrass that can be found anywhere globally. Its primary use is as lawn grass, and for this reason, bentgrass is one of the types of grass for landscaping fairways, greens, and golf courses.

Its advantages allow it to be used for turf since bentgrass has an appeasing deep green appearance, can handle foot traffic, has a shallow root system that is dense and thick for seeding and fast-growing, and can be mowed to a short length without any damage.

12. St. Augustine grass – Stenotaphrum secundatum

The botanical name for St. Augustine grass is Stenotaphrum secundatum. Its local names in Australia and South Africa are buffalo turf and buffalo grass, respectively.

It is one of the most common lawn grasses and is commonly grown in warm temperature areas like the tropical and subtropical regions.

It is the best choice of grass for pasture and ranching compared to other grasses like zoysia grass and Bermuda grass. This is because the blue-green color of its broad grass blades makes it attractive.

In addition, the grass thrives in well-drained soil and is able to maintain its color in extreme temperatures. The downside to it is St. Augustine won’t grow into thick grass under shade. Instead, the lawn will be thin and spindly.

13. Cogon grass – Imperata cylindrical

Cogon grass’s alternative names are blady grass, Japanese blood grass, and kunai grass, or if you prefer to use its scientific name, Imperata cylindrica. It is native to Asia, South Europe, Australia, Africa, and Melanesia.

Cogon grass is cultivated for its extensive uses and benefits in its native countries. In the southeast of Asia, cogon grass is used to thatch roofs of traditional houses.

It is widely grown for the purpose of covering ground in order to stabilize soil in beaches and other areas that are prone to soil erosion.

Cogon grass is also used in weaving mats and bags, paper-making, and as a traditional medicine for the Chinese.

14. Ryegrass – Lolium

The ryegrass is a turfgrass that is characterized by its bunch-like growth habit. It is natively cultivated in Asia, Europe, and North Africa.

This type of grass is naturalized in Australia, America, and the oceanic islands. Its botanical name is Lolium, and some of its species are grouped into different types of lawn grass.

Its high nutritional value makes it a good livestock feed that is used as pasture, hay, and grazing. Ryegrass is also fundamental in controlling soil erosion.

However, some of its species are regarded as weeds and threaten wheat production and the cultivation of other crops.

15. Switch grass – Pancium virgatum

Switch grass’s scientific name is Panicum virgatum. The grass natively grows in Canada, the United States of America, and Mexico. It is also found in central North America along roadsides, in prairies, and native grass pastures.

It is useful in the production of biomass energy, control soil erosion, grazing, forage, and as ground cover for soil conservation.

Farmers use it in multiple ways, including as a substitute for white straw in making hay and pasture for cattle. They also use it as a substrate to grow mushrooms, livestock bedding, and straw bale housing.

16. Feather reed grass – Calamagrostis acutiflora

Feather reed grass is a perennial grass that originates from Europe. It joins the group of different grass types that are hybrids.

The grass is a hybrid of Calamagrostis epigejos and Calamagrostis arundinacea. Scientifically, it is identified as Calamagrostis acutiflora.

The grass is known for its clumping nature and its resistance to heavy storms. Feather reed grass remains upright even after a substantial amount of wing or storm blows over it.

It has various uses that include as a specimen, mass planting, and growing in borders and narrow spaces as it has an excellent vertical accent.

17. Chinese fountain – Pennisetum alopecuroides

This Asian and Australian native perennial grass is known to many by other names.

You can refer to it as foxtail fountain grass, Chinese Pennisetum, dwarf fountain grass, or swamp foxtail grass. Its scientific name is Pennisetum alopecuroides.

The grass type thrives in moist, well-drained soil and a shade that receives sunlight. Favorable conditions for the growth of the Chinese fountain is in an area where temperatures don’t fall below -5 degrees centigrade, like the coastal areas.

The color of the leaves and flowers changes with the annual seasons. The flowers are normally yellow-green but turn dark purple in summer.

Its foliage is mid-green in spring and summer, then turns yellow-brown in autumn and winter.

18. Big bluestem – Andropogon gerardi

Others call it turkey foot, tall bluestem, and bluejoint, but it is scientifically referred to as Andropogon gerardi.

This type of grass is known for its tall length and is familiar in central and eastern North America. It is cultivated in the Great Plains and grasslands.

Big bluestem’s tall appearance makes it suitable for use as cattle and horse forage as it is cut to become hay. In addition, its high protein content makes it a preferred choice for ranching by ecologists and cattle ranchers.

The grass is also popular among landscapers since it is beautiful on lawns and gardens.

19. Beach grass – Ammophila

Ammophila, commonly known as beach grass, bentgrass, or marram grass, grows in coastal regions, particularly on the North Atlantic Ocean coastal line.

Its stems creep underground, allowing it to flourish under the high winds and shifting sand conditions. The stems also stabilize and prevent erosion in the coastal region.

Back in the day, around the 18th century, beach grass was used for cattle fodder, fuel, and thatch.

Women used the grass to make mats, covers for haystacks, and whitewashing brushes. It was mainly for thatching in areas near the sea in Britain.

20. Vetiver – Chrysopogon zizanioides

The perennial bunchgrass is also known as khus, and its scientific name is Chrysopogon zizanioides. It is native to India and grows in tropical regions like Indonesia and Haiti. The grass has tall stems with long, thin, rigid leaves and purple-brownish flowers.

Vetiver grass has versatile uses in soil, food, animals, and skin. For skincare, oil is extracted from the roots and used for cosmetics to make perfumes, soaps, and creams. It is also used in Ayurvedic soap and aromatherapy.

Its leaves are fed to goats, sheep, horses, and cows for their nutritional value. Vetiver is a key ingredient in the kitchen. It is used as a flavoring agent in drinks such as milkshakes, yogurt, iced drinks, and other beverages in the form of khus syrup.

Vetiver grass also conserves soils by controlling soil erosion. This is made possible by its roots that grow downwards, stabilizing river banks, terraces, and rice paddies, eventually preventing sheet erosion.

In conclusion

Lawn grass is the most common type of grass. The most popular types of lawn grass grow depending on the season.

For example, Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and perennial ryegrass are suitable in the cool season. Others, such as zoysia grass, centipede grass, Bahia grass, and Bermuda grass, are suitable for the warm season.

Whether you are looking for the best types of grass for landscaping, fencing, or livestock, you have plenty of options to select from the above list.

Related

• Different types of lawn grass in Australia

Carter

IW’s Chief Editor and a lover of green spaces.

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