Achnatherum hymenoides

Indian Rice Grass

Native to dry regions of the Southwest and northward to Canada. Forms a clump 1-2 ft. tall and wide; tight at the base, spreading and open above. Very narrow, 6–8-in.-long leaves are bright g...

Acorus

Sweet Flag

Found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, these bog or aquatic plants will succeed in water or in rich,well-irrigated soil. They look like clumps or tufts of iris but are related to calla (Zantedes...

Acorus gramineus 'Ogon'

Japanese Sweet Flag

This popular acorus variety has narrow (1/4 in.), arching, 10-in.-long leaves of golden yellow.

Alopecurus pratensis 'Aureus'

Foxtail Grass

Golden-variegated selection of a cool-season grass. Smaller and less vigorous than plain (green-leafed) species. To 1 ft. high; spreads slowly to form mats 1 1/2 ft. wide. Translucent foliage is chartreuse.

When flower spikes form in midspring, shear them off to keep foliage attractive longer (as summer heat pushes it toward dormancy) and to prevent the appearance of volunteer seedlings, which would be green leafed. Fresh new growth resumes in fall and persists until the first

Andropogon gerardii

Big Bluestem

This is the classic tall prairie grass of the Midwest, where it can reach 8 ft. high. In drier climates, it’s more likely to grow 3–5 ft. tall. A  clump former (to about 3 ft. wide...

Arrhenatherum elatius bulbosum 'Variegatum'

Bulbous Oat Grass

Variety of a European species, with narrow leaves boldly edged and striped in white. Good looking in a perennial border or large rock garden; useful for brightening dark places under trees or big shrubs. Makes a graceful clump about 1 ft. high and wide. Flowering stems in summer double the plant’s height. Goes dormant in summer in hot climates; performs best in cool seasons and cool climates. If it flops over in heat, shear for fresh growth in fall. Bulbous structures at stem bases

Arundo donax

Giant Reed

Native to the Mediterranean region. Once valued for its bold effect in garden fringes and near water and for use as a fast-growing windbreak. Now, however, it has run wild in many areas, particular...

Bouteloua

Grama Grass

These natives of dry North American grasslands form clumps of narrow gray-green leaves. These tough, heat- and drought-tolerant plants are characterized by oddly attractive flowering stems that car...

Bouteloua gracilis

Blue Grama Grass

This native bunch grass grows up to 1 1/2 to 2 ft. high, 1 ft. wide. Flowering stems have odd inflorescences springing out at right angles and said to resemble hovering mosquitoes. Reddish in summer, they bleach to white. Tolerates sunny, arid, alkaline conditions in the High Plains and Rocky Mountain areas. Makes a fair low-water-use lawn if mowed to 1 1/2 in. high. Irrigate to a depth of 1 ft. until established; thereafter, it needs virtually no water.

Calamagrostis

Reed grass

These Eurasian natives are sturdy, clumping grasses with feathery flower plumes that fade from purple-tinted green to yellow, then buff. These persist into winter and can be used for fresh or dried...

Calamagrostis brachytricha

Fall-Blooming Reed Grass

Deciduous. This grass forms an upright, arching clump 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 ft. tall, 2 ft. wide. In late summer or early fall, broad flower spikes bring plant height to 4 ft. This is one of the best grasses for partial shade. Great in containers.

Calamagrostis x acutiflora

Feather Reed Grass

This is a naturally occurring, sterile European hybrid between Calamagrostis arundinacea and Calamagrostis epigejos. It is known mainly through its evergreen to semievergreen sele...