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.

When it comes to landscaping, most people usually go for traditional lawn turf or even flowering plants before considering ornamental grasses.

However, they can be just as effective with their conspicuous colors adding breath-taking beauty to your compound.  

Ornamental grasses can also be used with traditional turf of flowering plants to create a contrasting landscape design.

Below, we have compiled a list of various ornamental grasses you should consider for your landscaping needs. 

1. Mexican feather grass 

Mexican feather grass is a common type of grass in the United States, Mexico, and South America. It is known by several other names such as finestem needlegrass and Argentine needlegrass.

The Mexican feather grass is a perennial grass that grows in bushes, with its stem rising as high as 40 inches tall.

It is mainly used as an ornamental garden plant but can also grow freely in the wild.

It is a fine-textured grass with bright, lime-green foliage. It can maintain its color all year round, only drying and browning a little during the hot season.

It is best suited for growing in USDA zones 6 to 10.  

2. Japanese silver grass 

Japanese silver grass is an ornamental type of grass that grows in thick clumps that can reach 8 feet tall.

It produces feathery, whitish-gray plumes – hence the name – though some varieties have pink or reddish flowers.  

The Japanese silver grass is one of the top ornamental grasses for full sun areas. It does well in moist soils but can tolerate a bit of a drought. It does well in zones 5 to 9.  

3. Pheasant’s tail grass 

The Pheasant’s tail grass is a fast-growing ornamental grass that offers excellent landscaping opportunities. It grows in fountain-like clumps, which provide vibrant colors all year round.

It has bright-green foliage, which turns orange, yellow, or red, providing a pretty scene. The colors are more intense and dramatic as the cold season sets in. 

The Pheasant’s tail grass does well in full or partial sun and prefers moderately fertile to well-drained soils. It is one of the hardiest perennial ornamental grasses, which does well in zone 8 to 10. 

4. Leatherleaf sedge 

Leatherleaf sedge is a perennial grass that grows in thick, dense clumps that can reach up to 3 ft. tall. It is a colorful ornamental grass with vibrant orange to bronze blades.

It is suited for landscaping gardens, yards, or lawns or creating privacy fences. It can offer amazing views in gardens when mixed with other types of grasses or flowering plants.

Leatherleaf sedge grass does well in well-draining fertile soil. It has a moderate growth rate, but is quite hardy, doing well under full sun, hot seasons, and even cold seasons.

Leatherleaf flowers during summer and spring. It is best suited for zones 6 to 9.  

5. Regal mist pink muhly grass 

Regal mist pink muhly grass is a popular grass that is used for ornamental purposes in gardens and yards. It grows in a small form and features glossy green foliage.

However, from late summer to winter, the plant produces airy pink plumes, which offer magnificent views.  

The pink muhly grass plant is hardy and can adapt to various types of soils and climates. However, it does exceptionally well in rich, well-drained soil.

It can also do well in partial shade but requires full sun for fast growth and blooming. It is ideal for growing in zones 6 to 9. 

6. Moor grass 

The moor grass is a grass plant with purple flowers, which is used for ornamental reasons.

It is a native plant in Europe and North Africa but can also be found in other world regions such as the Pacific North West, and Southern America.

It grows in a neat tuft and can reach heights of up to 8 feet. Therefore, it is also a perfect candidate for privacy fences.  

Moor grass does well in fertile, acidic soils. It requires regular watering and does well in partial shade or full sun. It is one of the top perennial ornamental grasses for zone 4 regions.  

7. Switchgrass 

Switchgrass is a perennial upright growing grass which forms tall clumps that reach up to 6 feet tall.

The grass grows in bluish-green foliage with streaks of color that offer exceptional landscape beauty. It also produces feathery plumes during the summer, further adding to its appeal.  

The switchgrass plant is very versatile and hardy. It can do well in dry conditions but enjoys a fast growth in fertile, wet soils. It also enjoys partial shade to full sun.

Switchgrass is one of the low-maintenance ornamental grasses. If the plant dies off due to extreme conditions, it will re-establish itself soon after due to its vast rhizome systems.

Switchgrass is ideal for growing in zones 5 to 9. 

8. Lilyturf

Lilyturf is a type of perennial, broadleaf, evergreen grass used for various landscaping solutions. It is known by several names, such as monkey grass, spider grass, liriope, and more.

Lilyturf grass grows in clusters of tall tufts, which reach up to 45 cm. It has glossy, dark-green foliage and produces attractive purple flowers in late summer.  

Lilyturf is one of the easiest-growing ornamental grasses. It does well in medium to well-drained soil. It can also thrive in full sun or partial shade, tolerant of drought and heat.

The grass is ideal for growing in zones 6 to 10 and zone 5 with proper winter protection.  

9. Hardy fountain grass (Pennisetum) 

Hardy Fountain grass is a perennial ornamental plant that is used in various landscape settings.

It is a warm-season grass, native to Asia and Australia but well adapted to the climate of various regions around the world.  

Hardy fountain grass has deep green foliage with dense upright clumps that reach up to 48 inches. However, as the leaves mature, they curve up, appearing like a fountain.

The leaves also change color with the season, turning orange in autumn and beige in summer.  The grass is ideal for growing in zones 5 to 10. 

10. Pampas grass 

Pampas grass is a perennial ornamental grass native to Asia and regions of South America. It is known by several other names, such as Cortaderia (meaning cutter) due to its sharp leaf blades.  

Pampas grass grows in big tufts of green foliage and produces white flowers. It is a tall-growing plant, which can reach heights of 10 feet.

Therefore, aside from ornamental uses during landscaping, it makes for a very good privacy fence. 

Pampas grass thrives in well-drained soils, but it is very versatile and does well in any soil type. It tolerates partial shade but thrives in full sunlight.

It is ideal for growing in zones 7 to 11 but can also be cultivated in zone 6. 

The grass is considered a weed in some areas where it has to be eliminated quickly to prevent it from spreading.

11. Overdam feather reed grass 

Overdam Feather Reed Grass is a perennial ornamental grass that grows in bushy tufts. It is a cool-season grass with bright green foliage with attractive white streaks.

The grass plant is native to the Asian and European regions but has become naturalized in several regions, including the Americas.  

Overdam Feather Reed grass has low maintenance. It thrives in full sun and can tolerate a hot and dry climate (but with a bit of shade).

The grass plant grows well in fertile, moist soils but can also grow in clay soil.

It is also very hardy. It survives even through the winter season. It is ideal for growing in zone 4 to 9. 

12. Purple fountain grass 

Purple fountain grass is one of the most popular ornamental grasses used for landscaping.

It has burgundy or purple-colored foliage with fuzzy, purplish bloom, which offers breathtaking views of your garden.  

Purple fountain grass is a perennial plant which keeps on coming back each year. It is low maintenance and can do well in nearly every type of soil.

It is also drought-resistant and can survive dry conditions. However, it will thrive in moist, well-drained soils with regular watering.  

The purple fountain grass does not take much effort to grow. Also, once established, it can keep coming back year after year with little maintenance.

However, for the best performance, it is ideal for growing in zones 7 to 9 (but with winter protection in zones 7 and 8).  

13. Giant oat grass 

Giant Oat grass is a fast-growing tufted grass that is green all year round. It is tall growing, reaching up to 2 meters high.

It has upright leaves with large, purplish flowers that turn to a golden color when they ripen. As a result, it is a great candidate for landscaping work. 

The Giant Oat grass is a sun-loving plant that is quite hardy and can do well in nearly any soil type.

However, for the best results, you should grow it in moist, well-drained soil. It also does best when grown in zones 6 to 9. 

14. Blood grass 

The Japanese Blood Grass is the ornamental grass of choice if you need bold and vibrant colors for your garden.

The attractive red accent adds unique beauty to your garden regardless of the season.  

The blood grass does well in full sunlight, and the red accent will be more intense when it receives ample sunlight, such as in autumn and winter.

It is also perennial, coming back year after year.

However, it often dies back during the winter season, only to sprout again. It is hardy to USDA zones 5 to 9.  

15. Japanese forest grass 

The Japanese Forest Grass is another amazing ornamental grass. It is native to Japan but can be found in several other regions across the world.

Homeowners love the plant for its beautiful clumps and the evergreen leaves with a gold accent.

It is perfect for landscaping, whether grown in containers or color accent in the garden or along the border. 

The Japanese Forest Grass is not very hardy, requiring fertile, moist, well-drained soils. It also requires regular watering, especially during hot weather.

On top of that, it thrives in partial shade and not full sunlight. It does best when grown in USDA zones 5 to 9 

16. New Zealand flax 

New Zealand Flax is another popular ornamental grass to consider when looking to spruce up the curb appeal of your home.

It is used for landscaping due to its deep red or purplish bronze foliage.

In addition, it is a tall and wide growing grass, which can grow up to 4 feet wide and 5 feet tall. Therefore, you can also use it for fencing.  

The New Zealand Flax is low-maintenance, aside from the regular de-clumping every few years or so.

The grass does well in fertile, well-drained soils and partial shade to full sun. It is recommended for growing in zones 8 to 10. 

17. Zebra grass 

The zebra grass is an ornamental grass that gets its name from the vibrant green leaves with patches of pale yellow.

It is a beautiful plant that offers an exotic look that works perfectly with other flowering plants.  

The zebra grass is a tall-growing, bushy grass, which can reach up to 5 feet high and 5 feet wide. It is perennial, coming back year after year.

However, it dies back in the winter season, only to sprout back vigorously during spring.

Therefore, it is ideal for growing in USDA zones 5 to 9. 

18. Blue fescue 

Blue Fescue is a low-growing ornamental grass which is used for edging or borders. Some species of Fescue grass are even grown as lawn grass sometimes.

However, the blue foliage in the Blue Fescue and the yellow flowers make it perfect for landscaping.  

Blue Fescue is a hardy perennial plant which does well in sandy soil and prefers full sun to part shade.

The plant will thrive with supplemental water in the driest conditions, but the soil should not become too wet.

It is ideal for growing in zones 4 and 5, though some varieties can be grown even in zone 3. 

19. June grass 

June Grass is a hardy perennial grass that is native to Eurasia and North America. It is also known as crested hair grass in the UK, where it is quite common.

It is a short-growing, tuft grass that only reaches about 20 to 70 cm.

The grass has beautiful blue-green leaves with shiny tan spikes that sometimes bloom with purple hues.

It is also a good host for butterfly larvae, which adds further to the beauty of your garden.  

The June Grass is a hardy perennial grass which grows on average in dry soil.

It also grows easily in tough environments and thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. Therefore, it is ideal for growing in USDA zone 3. 

20. Purple millet  

Purple Millet is a warm-season ornamental grass that is popular for various landscaping scenes. It has beautiful green, broad leaves with attractive golden and purple hues.

It also produces a visually striking purple millet, creating a rare sight in your garden.  

Purple Millet can grow in any soil type, but it does best in light, well-drained soil.

It also performs well when exposed to full sun, especially the purple leaves variety, which needs maximum sun to develop a deep hue.

Therefore, it is recommended for planting in USADA zones 10 and 11. 

FAQs

These are the most commonly asked questions about ornamental grasses.

What ornamental grasses stay green year-round? 

Are you looking for evergreen ornamental grasses? While some ornamental grasses tend to change color or die out in some seasons, some stay green all year round.

These are a great idea for your garden as they maintain vibrant colors regardless of the season.  

Some of the top evergreen ornamental grasses you can find include Mexican feather grass, Japanese forest grass, pampas grass, and pink muhly grass.

NOTE: You might have to put in some winter protection with some of these grasses, depending on the zone.  

Are all ornamental grasses perennial? 

The most ornamental grasses you will come across are perennials. They live for two or more years and keep coming back year after year when they are cut or die off due to extreme weather.  

However, there are some annual ornamental grasses, which only survive for one season before dying off.

Examples include skyrocket grass, fireworks grass, and Red Riding Hood Pennisetum.

Some perennial grass might also behave as annuals when grown in zones where they are not hardy.  

What is the hardiest ornamental grass? 

Hardy ornamental grasses are a good idea when looking to boost the appearance of your garden/yard.

They have low maintenance and will grow easily with minimum effort. They are also tolerant to severe conditions such as drought, sun, and poor soils.  

There are several hardy ornamental types of grass you can find for your landscaping needs.

The hardiest ones include June grass, blue fescue grass, switchgrass, and needlegrass.  

Summary  

Ornamental perennial grasses are one of the best ideas for any landscaping work.

They add unique, round-the-year beauty to your garden, with some staying all-green year-round. Most of them are also hardy and require very little maintenance.  

Ornamental grasses can also be used for various other purposes, such as providing contrast to other landscape plants or even on fences.

If you are looking for some good perennial ornamental grasses, the above are some of the top ones that will keep coming year after year.  

Related Posts

• Common ornamental flowers with names and pictures

Carter

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

The post 20 best perennial ornamental grasses for landscaping 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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