Stipa
Feather Grass
Poaceae (Gramineae)
Ornamental grasses and grasslike plants
These clump-forming grasses produce large, open, airy inflorescences that can add lightness and motion to the garden. The genus has undergone much revision by botanists, and some of its former members are now known by other names; see Nassella for descriptions of California native needle grasses and the highly ornamental Mexican feather grass.
Native to Spain, Portugal, Morocco. Narrow, arching, evergreen leaves form a clump 2 to 3 ft. tall and slightly wider. Open, airy sheaves of yellowish flowers bloom in summer, forming a broad, shimmering cloud that rises 6 ft. tall and as wide or slightly wider. Little to moderate water.
Stipa lessingianaNative to Turkey, Caucasus, Siberia, China. This grass grows 30 in. tall, 20 in. wide. Open, airy sheaves of creamy flowers bloom in early summer, last into winter.
Vigna caracalla
Perennial vine sometimes grown as an annual. Tropical American native that generally resembles pole be...
Maackia chinensis
Chinese nativereaches 20–30 ft. high andwide. Shrubbier than M. amurensis, with leaves divide...
Solidago hybrid 'Crown of Rays'
Grows 2 to 3 ft. tall, 1 to 2 ft. wide, producing flattish sprays of yellow flowers from mid or late s...
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