Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates North Central Regional Extension P Ublication 573

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\ Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates North Central Regional Extension P ublication 573

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I • • I M. Hockenberry Meyer is an assistant professor and extension horticulturist who specializes in research on ornamental and native grasses. D. B. White is a professor of turfgrass science. H. Pellett is a professor who has done extensive research on cold hardiness. All authors are in the Department of Horticultural Science.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA Extension SE R VICE

The Minnesota Experiment Station provided financial support for this research under project number 21-55. Additional funding was provided by the College of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences.

Editor/Product Manager: Richard Sherman Graphic Designer: Deb Thayer Photographers: Dave Hansen, Mary Meyer Illustrators: Kristine Kirkeby, John Molstad ~

CD< ~ ll> ~ ~ 3 ;;;· C') ll> :, ~ Cen ~ ~ CD s:: s· :, enCD 0 5j" r ll> :, a. en C') ll> -0 CD a-)> ro0 C: 3 Introduction Desirable Traits Culture and Maintenance 2 Research in Minnesota 2 USDA Hardiness Map 3 Research Results 4 Snow Cover and Minimum Temperatures for the Six-Year Trial 4 Group 1. Recommended for Cold Climates Including USDA Zone 4a 5 Group 2. Marginally Hardy in USDA Zone 4a 16 Group 3. Not Recommended as Perennials for USDA Zone 4a 19 Miscanthus for Cold Climates 20 What About Pampasgrass? 21 Grasses for Different Landscape Needs 22 22 Water Gardens and Standing Water Miscanthus sinensis 'Malepartus' Shady Locations 22 Erosion Control/Invasive Rhizomes 23 Perennial Grasses That Can Be Grown as Annuals 23 The ruler symbol appears Fall Color and Winter Interest 24 25 throughout this Alternative Lawns bulletin as a Native Ornamental Grasses 26 height reference for illustrations. Sources 27 It is equal to Further Information 28 12 inches. Nomenclature References 28 Orname ntal grasses have been used in European and Asian gardens for centuries. Ornamental grasses are attractive It is only in recent years that they have become popular in the United States. Their landscape plants that can give gardens varied forms, colors, and textures make them attractive, but lack of information on a new look. hardiness and performance in the northern states has limited their use. A six-year (1987-1993) winter hardiness study at the Minnesota Landscape Arbore Desirable traits include: tum of 165 ornamental grasses found 85 that can be grown successfully in USDA Zone • Very few insect or disease problems 4a (see map, page 3). Minimum annual temperatures during the study ranged from • Low nutrient requirements -20° to -30°F (-29° to -34°C). These temperatures are typical of many states, ranging • Little maintenance (except spring from Maine to Montana. This bulletin reports on the results of the study and makes cutback) once established cold-climate recommendations for culture, maintenance, and special landscape uses. • More than one season of interest; flowering in spring, summer, or fall, with beauty and color lasting into winter • Fast growth; for example, some large plants grow 5 to 8 feet tall by the second year • Varied textures, from fin e fescues to coarse giant miscanthus • Foliage colors of blue, yellow, bronze, and red, as well as variegated white and yellow • Movement with the wind, which provides inte resting sounds as well as beauty

Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberfeder' (silverfeather) Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates In cold climates, planl orname ntal grasses in Lh e spring. Fall plan ting can be suc In early J uly 1987, four plan LS each of 157 cessful if containe r plan LS are used , but winter proteclion may be n ecessary. Local ornamental grasses were planted at the Minnesota nurseries a nd garden centers often sell grasses a nd usually supply large plan ts, but Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen , Minnesota. Lypically do noL have the va ri ety that is available from mail orde r nurseries. (See Thirty of the more popular grasses were also Sources, page 27.) planted al the University of Minnesota, St. Paul De te rmine spacing needs according Lo the desired landscape effect and the plant's campus. In May 1988, fo ur cultivars each of little setting. A rule o f thumb is to space plan ts equal to the ir m ature height (thus, plan ts 4 bluestem, Schizachyriurn scoparium, and In dian fee t tall are spaced 4 feet apart), but you can use more or less space to achieve a desired grass, Sorghastrum nutans, were obtained from effect. For example, grasses used as a hedge or screen are usually plan ted closer to local sources and planted at the arbo re tum. gether, while individual specimens are typically spaced furthe r apart. The plan ts were mulched with wood chips Division (digging the plant and cutting the crown and roots) is Lhe most common over a landscape mat to control weeds. T hey were me thod of propagation, especially for cullivars. Seed propagation , although successful, spaced a distance equal to their mature he ight. usually resul ts in undesirable fl ower and foliage color va riali on, and requires several Irrigation was applied as necessary during estab years to produce mature plan ts. lishment. A natural organic fe rtilizer (6-3-0) was Large, mature grasses may benefit fro m spring divisio n, especially if the cen ter of applied in mid-summer at Lh e rate of 1 pound of the plant is dead . However, this can be a maj o r j ob requiring a sharp ax or spade and a n itrogen pe r 1,000 square feet. T he plan ts were strong back. cut back o r burned to remove the previo us year's Cul o rname ntal grasses back to the gro und to remove Lhe previous year's growth. growth in earl y April of each year. T his musL be done each year in late winter or early spring, before new growth starts. If Visual observati ons we re made each spring, the grasses are not cut back, spring growth will be delayed and the plan LS will be unat aboutj une l. tractive late into Lh e growing season. Manual trimming with a string or electric hedge trim me r works well for small areas. Large areas can be burned , if burning is permiued and closely supe rvised. Do not cut or burn in the fa ll , because winter injury may result, and Lh e winte r beauty o f' the plan LS will be lost. Established o rnamental grasses rare ly need fertilization or irrigalion except in cases of extreme dro ught or very sandy soil. Mosl grasses prefe r full sun. Grasses that can grow in special garden locatio ns a re listed on pages 22-26 .

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I Om=enral G,as,es fo, Cold Climate• USDA Hardiness Map

The winter hardiness study reported in this bulletin was conducted in Zone 4a where the average annual minimum temperature ranges from -25° to -30°F (-32° to -34"C).

Zone

.. ..• 8b ,. ..7lt ..• Ill

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Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates

I.. Snow Cover and Minimum Temperatures for the Six-Year Trial

Minimal snow cover, low air Note especially the winter of 1989-90, when low soil temperatures contributed to the death of many of temperatures, and very low soil the less hardy species. (Temperatures are given in Fahrenheit and snow depth in inches.) temperatures the winter of 1989-90 damaged many ornamental plants, - Snow Cover including ornamental grasses. - Minimum Soll Temperature (at 2 inches) Additionally, in December 1992, a combination of little snow cover and - Minimum Air Temperature sub-zero air temperatures damaged All data shown on the chart represent weekly averages. some grasses. The other four winters in this study resulted in average or typical winter air and soil tempera 90 tures with adequate snow cover on 80 the test sites. At the end of the study, the 70 grasses were placed in three groups, according to winter hardiness. Group 60 1, the most winter hardy, contains the 50 85 species or cultivars that survived all six winters. Plants in this group 40 are therefore considered hardy in USDA Zone 4a. Group 2 contains the 30 35 grasses that survived four or five 20 of the six winters, but died or showed major injury some years, especially 10 in 1989-90 or 1992-93. Grasses in 0 group 2 are classified as marginally hardy. Finally, group 3 grasses -10 survived only one or two winters and are not recommended as perennials -20 for Zone 4a. 7-87 7-88 7-89 7-90 7-91 7-92 7-93

Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates Name Height Origin Season of Interest Comments Acorus calamus 2-4 ft. N. Hemisphere June-frost Tolerates shade; usually grown in sweet flag water. Acorus calamus 'Variegatus' 2-3 ft. Horticultural selection June-frost Same as above. variegated sweet flag Alopecurus pratensis 'Aureus' 1-2 ft. Europe June-October Forms a dense clump of yellow yellow foxtail foliage. Arrhenatherum elatius 8-12in. Europe June-October Slow growing; tolerates poor 'Variegatum' bu lbous oatgrass and dry soils. Bouteloua curtipendula 12-30 in. N. America August-winter A dominant grass of the shortgrass side oats grama prairie; prefers dry soil, full sun. Calamagrostis x acutiflora 4½ ft. Europe July-winter Stiff, upright flowers are pink in July, 'Karl Foerster' turning beige by August. Wheat-like (synonym Calamagrostis x acutif/ora 'Stricta') appearance. feather reedgrass

Alopecurus pratensis 'Aureus' Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates ' Name Height Origin Season of Interest Comments Calamagrostis brachytricha 4 ft. Europe September-winter Pink and purple flowers in Septem ber. fall blooming reedgrass Beautiful in fal l. Carex digitata 12-14 in. Europe June-winter Prefers shade and moist soil. finger sedge

Carex flacca 14 in. Europe June-winter Reported to be invasive but was not blue sedge in our trials. Tolerates drier soil than most sedges. Carex flava 24 in. Europe June-winter Beautiful ye llow-striped foliage. yellow sedge N. America Tolerates very wet soil; needs shade. Carex grayi 30 in. N. America June-winter Irregular growth habit, coarse foliage, Grays sedge conspicuous flowers. Good for shady naturalized wet areas.

Calamagrostis brachytricha Carex flava Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates ' Name Height Origin Season of Interest Comments Carex montana 10 in. Europe year-round Forms a fine, dense mound of foliage. mountain sedge Tolerates sun and shade. Carex muskingumensis 2-3 ft. Europe June-winter Attractive dark green foliage grows palm sedge at right angles to the stem. Plants are yellow if grown in full sun.

Carex nigra 12-14 in. N. America June-winter Blue-green foliage; likes wet soil and black flowering sedge light shade.

Carex speciosa * 'Velebit Humilis' 12 in. Europe June-winter Forms a beautiful mound of dense, grass-like foliage. Prefers light shade. velvet sedge Carex umbrosa 10-12 in. Europe June-winter Forms a dense mound of foliage. umbrosa sedge Prefers light shade. Deschampsia caespitosa 31 /2-4 ft. N. Hemisphere June-October Large beige flowers make a soft tufted hairgrass mound of "hair" above almost evergreen foliage. Prefers moist and shady sites; can be difficult to establish in full sun.

1, Deschampsia caespitosa Carex muskingumensis

* Species name is used in 1he 1rade, bw has no botanical reference. Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates Name Height Origin Season of Interest Comments 'Bronzeschleier' 40 in. N. Hemisphere June-October Flowers slightly darker than the bronze veil hairgrass species. 'Fairy's Joke' 3 ft. N. Hemisphere June-September Small plantlets are formed in the fairy's joke hairgrass flowers in place of seeds, causing the heads to fall over. 'Goldgehaenge' 3 ft. N. Hemisphere June-October Flowers slightly yellow. gold pendant hairgrass

'Scottland' 3 ft. N. Hemisphere June-October Very similar to species. Scotland hairgrass

Festuca amethystina 12-14 in. Europe year-round Dense mounds of fine blue-green 'Bronzeglanz' foliage , slightly larger than F. cinerea. bronzeluster fescue Full sun; well-drained soil. 'Klose' 12-14 in. Europe year-round Light blue foliage. klose fescue

'Superba' 12-14 in. Europe year-round Blue-green foliage. supurba fescue

Festuca cinerea 8-10 in. Europe year-round This species is very similar to the 'Blaufink' blue finch fescue ;;,_ '+' N. American Festuca ovina 'Glauca'. 'Blauglut' blue ember fescue All cultivars listed form a dense, 'Blausilber' blue silver fescue finely textured mound of short 'Daeumling' tom thumb fescue glaucous blue or blue-green foliage ••,, -- ti! ' '., 'Elijah Blue' that retains some of its color through 'Fruehlingsblau' spring blue fescue the winter. Tan or beige flowers are 'Harz' harz blue fescue borne 6-24 inches above the foliage. 'Meerblau' ocean blue fescue 'Soiling' has been selected fo r its lack 'Sea Urchin' sea urchin blue fescue of flowers, which some people feel 'Soiling' soiling blue fescue detract from the uniform blue 'Superba' supurba blue fescue appearance. All prefer fu ll sun and well-drained or dry soil. Even with the best of conditions the dwarf blue fescues are short lived and may need to be replanted every few years.

Festuca cinerea cultivar ~~/lii,>r:r·i~v ~~·P-' --,i Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates Name Height Origin Season of Interest Comments Festuca muel/eri • 6 in. Europe year-round Fine dense clump. Needs full sun Muellers fescue and well-drained soil. Festuca tenuifolia 4-6 in. Europe year-round Small, fine textured. Needs full sun fine-leaved fescue and well-drained soil. Hakonechloa macra 20-30 in. Japan June-frost Attractive bamboo-like fol iage. Needs hakonegrass shade. Helictotrichon sempervirens 2-3 ft. Europe year-round Forms a blue mound of foliage larger blue oatgrass than dwarf blue fescue. More tolerant of heavy soil , but still prefers full sun and good drainage.

Hystrix patu/a 30-36 in. N. America July-September Native to shady woods, but will grow bottlebrush in full sun; can self-seed. Juncus effusus 2½ ft. N. America June-October Common in swamps and wetlands. common rush

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Hakonechloa macra Helictotrichon sempervirens Festuca tenuifo/ia

* Species name is used in rhe trade, but has no botanical reference. Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates Name Height Origin Season of Interest Comments Koe/eria brevis 6-12 in. Europe May-October Dense clumps of blue-green fol iage. blue hairgrass Likes full sun and good drainage. May be short lived. Leymus arenarius 24-30 in. Europe June-November Coarse blue foliage; irregular growth (synonym Elymus arenarius) habit and invasive rhizomes. Can be blue lymegrass used along lake or sea shores. Heavy soils confine rhizomes. Leymus racemosus 30 in. Europe June-November Same as above. (synonym Elymus giganteous) giant blue rye Luzula sylvatica 1-2 ft. Europe June-November Needs shade and moist soi l. Almost greater woodrush evergreen. Miscanthus floridulus 8-10 ft. Asia June-winter Huge, bamboo-like, long coarse giant miscanthus leaves; rarely flowers ; slightly spreading clump.

Koeleria brevis Luzu/a sy/vatica Leymus racemosus Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates Name Height Origin Season of Interest Comments Miscanthus oligostachyus 3½-4 ft. Japan July-winter Short, wide bamboo-like leaves; small Japanese silvergrass earliest flowering miscanthus in Minnesota, forms a dense clump. Miscanthus saccharif/orus 6-8 ft. Asia August-winter Invasive rhizomes, hardy in Zone 3. Chinese silvergrass Naturalized in ditches and waste areas in the Midwest. Miscanthus sinensis 4-5 ft. E. Asia August-winter An excellent grass for cold climates; 'Purpurascens' red flame miscanthus forms clumps; orange fall color. Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberfeder' 6-8 ft. E. Asia September-winter Clump-forming, large silvery wh ite silverfeather miscanthus flowers.

Molinia caerulea 'Heidebraut' 3-4 ft. Europe August-winter Attractive, upright open form; yellow heath bride moorgrass fall color. 'Moorhexe' 3-4 ft. Europe August-winter Same as above. moorwitch moorgrass

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Miscanthus oligostachyus Molinia caerulea 'Heidebraut' Molinia caerulea 'Windspiel' Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates Name Height Origin Season of Interest Comments Mofinia caerulea ssp. arundinacea 6-8 ft. Europe August-winter Tall, open, spreading, pencil-thin tall moorgrass stems atop basal foliage give this grass a unique look. Beautiful yel low fall color. 'Bergfreund' 6-8 ft. Horticultural selection August-winter All cultivars are similar to the mountain friend tall moorgrass subspecies above. 'Skyracer' 6-8 ft. Horticultural selection August-winter skyracer tall moorgrass

'Staefa' 6-8 ft. Horticultural selection August-winter stafa tall moorgrass

'Transparent' 6-8 ft. Horticultural selection August-winter transparent tall moorgrass

'Windspiel' 6-8 ft. Horticultural selection August-winter windplay tall moorgrass

Panicum clandestinum 2½-3 ft. Eastern U.S. July-October Can have invasive rhizomes. deerstongue grass Questionable ornamental. Panicum virgatum 3-8 ft. N. America July-winter One of the predominant grasses in the switchgrass tallgrass prairie. Quite variable in height, foliage, and flower color. Tolerates wet or dry soil. 'Haense Herms' 5 ft. Horticultural selection July-winter Red-tinged foliage and red flowers. red switchgrass

'Rehbraun' 5 ft. Horticultural selection July-winter Same as above. red-brown switchgrass

'Rotstrahlbusch' 5 ft. Horticultural selection July-winter Same as above. red-rays switchgrass

'Squaw'* 5 ft. Horticultural selection July-winter Similar to species. squaw switchgrass

'Strictum' 4-5 ft. Horticultural selection July-winter A stiffer, shorter form of switchgrass, tall switchgrass with blue-gray foliage. 'Warrior'* 5 ft. Horticultural selection July-winter Similar to species.

Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates *Plamed in 1989 -

Name Height Origin Season of Interest Comments Pennisetum f/accidum 3-4 ft. E. Asia July-October Very aggressive rhizomes; ~ (synonym Pennisetum incomptum) can self-seed. Not recommended. meadow pennisetum Phataris arundinacea 'Picta' 2-4 ft. Europe June-frost Hardy in Zone 3, but invasive ribbongrass rhizomes make it difficult to contain. Phataris arundinacea 2-4 ft. Horticultural selection June-frost Yellow and pink stripes on the new var. tuteo-picta foilage, turns green by midsummer yellow ribbongrass when it can be mowed or cut back to encourage new growth. Invasive.

Phataris arundinacea 2-4 ft. Horticultural selection June-frost A superior selection grown for its 'Feeseys Form' nearly white foliage, pink or reddish in the spring. Not as invasive as above. Feeseys form ribbongrass \ ' I I I

I Phalaris arundinacea 'Feeseys Form' Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates .' Name Height Origin Season of Interest Comments Schizachyrium scoparium 3-4 ft. N. America August-winter Predominant prairie species, blue- (synonym Andropogon scoparius) green foliage turning red-orange 'Aldos', 'Little Camper', 'Blaze' in September. Variable in form , height, little bluestem and lodging. Ses/eria caerulea 12-18 in. Europe year-round Semi-evergreen blue-gray foliage. blue moorgrass Ses/eria heufeliana 14-20 in. Europe year-round Light green clumps. green moorgrass Sesleria nitida 20 in. Europe year-round Gray-green clumps. gray moorgrass Sorghastrum nutans 4-6 ft. N. America August-winter Very common in the prairie; beautiful 'Holt', 'Osage', 'Rumsey' yellow brown flowers variable in Indian grass height, flowering time, and lodging.

Sesleria nitida Schizachyrium scoparium Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates Name Height Origin Season of Interest Comments Spartina pectinata 6-7 ft. N. America July-winter Wide tolerance of soil types, prefers cord grass wet soils; lodging may be a problem. Invasive, especially in light sandy soil.

Spartina pectinata 'Aureo-Marginata' 6-7 ft. Horticultural selection July-winter Same as above but with yellow variegated cordgrass stripes along leaf margins. Spodiopogon sibericus 4-4½ ft. Horticultural selection July-winter Thick clump of bamboo-like foliage; silver spikegrass bronze fall color. Sporobo/us heterolepsis 3-3½ ft. N. America August-winter Beautiful fine texture with airy cloud- prairie dropseed like flowers; reddish fall color.

Stipa extremorientalis 4½-5 ft. Europe August-October Large, open flowers; may lodge. eastern feathergrass Themeda triandra 5-5½ ft. Japan/China September-November Open-spreading to irregular growth 'Japonica' habit; bronze fall color. Japanese themeda ... Sporobolus heterolepsis

Spodiopogon sibericus Name Height Origin Season of Interest Comments Carex sylvatica 6 in. Europe June-winter Needs shade. forest sedge

Carex x 'The Beatles' 4 in. hybrid June-frost Needs shade; curly mound of leaves. mop-head sedge

Festuca amethystina 8-14 in. Europe year-round Olive green foliage. 'April Green' April green fescue

Festuca cinerea 'Silberreiher' 6 in. Europe year-round Fine, dainty. silver heron fescue

Festuca mairei 2-2"2 ft. N. Africa year-round Olive green foliage. atlas fescue

Festuca pa/lens 4-6 in. Europe year-round Clear blue foliage. pallens fescue

Festuca pseudeskia 6 in. N. America year-round Dense blue foliage; 15-inch flowers. Sierra Nevada fescue

Miscanthus sinensis Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus' Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates Name Height Origin Season of Interest Comments Festuca vallesiaca 'Glaucantha' 6-10 in. Asia year-round Fine, dense blue foliage. wallis fescue Koeleria glauca 12 in. Eurasia June-winter Blue-green foliage. blue June grass Luzula purpurea 8 in. Europe June-winter Shade; moist soil. purple woodrush Luzula sylvatica 'Hohe Tatra' 12 in. Europe June-winter Shade; moist soil. high tatra mountain rush Miscanthus sinensis 6-8 ft. Asia September-winter Coarse foliage; cultivars are usual ly Japanese silvergrass; miscanthus superior to the species. 'Autumn Light' 5-7 ft. Horticultural selection September-winter Narrow, upright, medium-textured autumn light miscanthus foilage. Red flowe rs in September. 'Condensatus' 5-7 ft. Horticultural selection September-winter Reddish-purple flowers. purple blooming Japanese silvergrass 'Gracillimus' 5-6 ft. Horticultural selection August-winter Very fine, stiff, upright narrow plants. maidengrass October flowers are rare in Upper Midwest.

'Graziella'* 4-5½ ft. Horticultural selection August-winter Smaller, upright with medium-fine graziella miscanthus textured foliage. White flowers in September. 'Malepartus'* 6-7 ft. Horticultural selection August-winter Showy red flowers. Yellow-orange malepartus miscanthus fall color. 'Morning Light' 4-5 ft. Horticultural selection July-winter A variegated form of maidengrass. morning light miscanthus 'November Sunset' 5-7 ft. Horticultural selection September-winter Late September flowers. November sunset miscanthus 'Sarabande'* 4-5 ft. Horticultural selection September-winter Fine, silvery foliage. Very slow growth sarabande miscanthus in our trials. 'Silberpfeil' 5-7 ft. Horticultural selection September-winter Late September flowers. silverarrow miscanthus

* Planted in 1990. O.-namental G...,... fo, Cold Climates I Name Height Origin Season of Interest Comments 'Strictus' 6-8 ft. Horticultural selection July-winter Upright zebragrass. porcupine grass 'Variegatus' 5-6 ft. Horticultural selection July-winter Forms a large clump of beautiful variegated miscanthus foliage. Almost hardy in Zone 4a. 'Zebrinus' 6-8 ft. Horticultural selection July-winter Very similar to 'Strictus'. zebragrass Molin/a caerulea 'Strahlenquelle' 3-4 ft. Europe August-winter Uncertain why this form of moorgrass fountain spray moorgrass died and others lived. Pennisetum alopecuroides 3-4 ft. E. Asia, Australia August-winter Most plants died in 1989; many (synonym Pennisetum caudatum) showed injury in 1993. fountain grass 'Hameln' 24-32 in. Horticultural selection July-winter Fine-textured foliage; earlier flowers. dwarf fountain grass 'Weserbergland' 24-32 in. Horticultural selection July-winter Same as above. dwarf fountain grass Pennisetum orientate 2-3 ft. Asia July-winter Pink flowers, not as hardy as oriental fountain grass P. alopecuroides. Poa caesia 6 in. Europe June-winter Small green bunchgrass. alpine bluegrass Poa chaixii 2 ft. Europe June-winter Questionable ornamental. forest bluegrass Sesler/a autumnalis 12-18 in . Europe June-winter Light olive-green fo liage. autumn moorgrass Stipa gigantea 4-5 ft. Spain June-October Showy flowers, may be short lived. giant feathergrass Stipa pennata 3-4 ft. Europe July Conspicuous flowers with long fluffy feathergrass awn. Short lived.

Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates Botanical Name Common Name Botanical Name Common Name Arundo donax giant reed Hakonechloa macra aurea golden hakonechloa Arundo donax 'Variegata' variegated giant reed Ho/cus /anatus velvetgrass Arundo plinii dwarf reed Holcus /anatus 'Variegatus' variegated velvetgrass Briza media quaking grass lmperata cylindrica 'Red Baron' Japanese bloodgrass Carex buchananii leatherleaf sedge Luzu/a nivea snowy woodrush Carex comans New Zealand sedge Melica ciliata hairy mellic Carex f/agelifera weeping brown New Millium effusum wood millet Zealand sedge Mil/ium effusum 'Aureum' golden wood millet Carex morrowi 'Old Gold' yellow variegated sedge Miscanthus sinensis 'Yaku Jima' Yaku Jima miscanthus Carex morrowi 'Variegata' variegated sedge Miscanthus transmorrisonensis evergreen miscanthus Carex ornithopoda birdsfoot sedge Molinia caerulea 'Variegata' variegated moorgrass Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata' variegated birdsfoot sedge Pennisetum alopecuroides Carex pendu/a drooping sedge 'Moudry' ('Viridescens') black flowering Carex pilulifera 'Tinney's Princess' silver striped sedge fountaingrass Carex plantaginea plantain leaved sedge Poa alpina 'Vivipara' alpine bluegrass Chasmanthium latifolium northern seaoats Poa glauca greenland bluegrass Oactylis glomerata 'Variegata' variegated orchardgrass Saccharum ravennae plumegrass Eragrostis trichodes lovegrass Schizachyrium scoparium (Erianthus ravennae) 'Cimarron' (Andropogon scoparius) little bluestem see Saccharum Stipa barbata feathergrass Erianthus contortus bent-awn plumegrass Stipa capillata feathergrass Festuca a/pestris 'Aureola' alpine fescue Festuca elegans • elegans fescue Festuca gautieri bearskin fescue (Festuca scoparia) (Festuca scoparia) 'Pie Carlit' dwarf bearskin fescue Festuca gigantea giant fescue Festuca glacialis glacier fescue Festuca rupicaprina• fescue

*Species name is used in the trade, but has no botanical ref erence. Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates Miscanthus sacchariflorus

MiscanLhus is o ne of the most popular and diverse grasses for use in landscaping. Ma ny diffe rent species, varie ties, and cultivars are available from nurseries. Height, flowe ring time, flower color, and hardiness vary widely between different species and No awn extends from spikelet cultivars, so identification is very important. One popular and fairly common species is Miscanthus sacchariflorus, ofte n called pampasgrass (see box on next page), Chinese silvergrass, or silver bannergrass. Freque ntly, Miscanthus sacchariflorus is wrongly identified as Miscanthus sinensis; the points listed below clarify the differe nces between the two species.

Miscanthus sacchariflorus has the following ide ntifying cha racteristi cs: • Plants have lo ng, invasive rhizom es, which can be a nuisance. • No awn extends from the spikelet (see inset illustration ). • Silky white hairs surrounding the spikelet are 2-4 times as lo ng as the spikelet, and become fluffy with age. • In Minnesota, this species sets no seed ; is apparently ste rile. • Litt.le variatio n; all plants are very similar. • Ve ry good hardiness, through Zone 3.

In contrasl, Miscanthus sinensis is distinguished by the following features: • Plan ts have no o r weak rhizomes and fo rm de nse clumps. • Awn exLends from the spikeleL (see inseLillu sLraLion). • Hairs surrounding Lhe spikele La re equal to or slightly shorter tlian Lhe spike lc L. T he hairs are La n, pink, purple, or reddish and become beige with age. • Self-seeding can be a proble m, especially in Zone 6 and warmer . .. 'iscanthus 11 clima tes. ,/1 sinensis • Flowe r and fo li age vary greatly in color, he ight, and fl oweri ng time. • Hardiness varies by cultivar. See group 1 and group 2. Awn extends 1!/ from spikelet Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates tJ Two cultivars of M. sinensis that were hardy for six years in Zone 4a were 'Purpurascens' and 'Silberfeder'. 'Purpurascens' grows to 4-5 feet and flowers in late August or early Septem ber. The leaves develop a reddish cast beginning in late Depending on where you live, a reference to June, a nd by mid-Septembe r they are bright "pampasgrass" could mean any one of three orange and finally change to a dull pumpkin color totally different grasses. In the southern United that lasts all winter. 'Silberfede r' grows to 6-8 feet States, Cortaderia sel/oana is pampasgrass. and has silvery white flowers in September and In the Upper Midwest, Miscanthus saccharif/orus beige fall color. is pampasgrass. In some catalogs, Saccharum Two other winter hardy species of miscanthus ravennae (Erianthus ravennae) is pampasgrass. are Miscanthus Jloridulus, giant miscanthus, and Common names alone can't tell you what a plant Miscanthus oligostachyus, small J apanese silvergrass. really is! Giant miscanthus grows in a large clump, 3-4 feet in diameter and 8-10 feet tall. It does not usually flower in Minnesota. Its long coarse leaves continually rustle in the wind. Children find this giant plant particularly attractive. SmallJapanese silvergrass Miscanthus sinensis 'Purpurascens' flowers in late July, earlier than other miscanthus. Its short, bamboo-like leaves form a dense clump. The mature plants are o nly 3½--4 feet tall. The less hardy types of miscan thus such as zebragrass or maidengrass can be grown as annuals in Zone 4a because they develop so quickly into their mature size. If they do overwinter it is an added bonus. Microclimates, on the protected north side of buildings, are good locations for miscanthus, if they still get four to six hours of sun in the summer.

Miscanthus floridulus; person is five feet tal l. To left is Miscanthus Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus' oligostachyus and P a/opecuroides 'Hameln' is in right foreground. Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates 1~· I

Shady Locations

Grasses for Different Landscape Needs Some grasses will LO lerate shade or actually prefer little direct sun. Deschampsia can tolerate sun o r shade.

LmP\ ~pccies most sedges Water Gardens and Standing Water Deschampsia caespitosa tufted hairgrass Hakonechloa macra hakonegrass These plants will grow in wet or poorly drained soils. Spartina,Juncus, and Acorus can Hystrix patula bottle brush tolerate standing water. juncus ejfusus common rush Acorns ca/mnus and A. calarnus 'Variegatus' sweet flag Luzula species most woodrushes juncus effusus common rush Miscanlhus floridulus giant miscanthus Miscanlhus saccharijlorus Chinese silve rgrass Miscanthus sinensis 'Purpurascens' red name miscanthus Miscanthus sinensis most cultivars Panicum virgatwn switch grass ~ Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta' ribbongrass Phalaris arundinacea var. luleo-picla yellow ribbongrass Phalari.s arundinacea • ' Feeseys Form ' Feescys form ribbongrass Spartina pectinala cord grass Spartina pectinala \ variegated cordgrass 'Aureo-Marginata'

, Acorus calamus Carexgray, Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates • Erosion Control/Invasive Rhizomes Perennials That Can Be Grown as Annuals

Most o rnamental grasses do no t have invasive rhi zom es. T he grasses listed below will not survive most winters in USDA The exceptio ns incl ude two of the most widely grown grasses ,one 4a. However, most will grow to their mature height in a single (ribbongrass and Chinese silvcrgrass), and their popularity has led season and arc effective enough to consider using them as annual to a common misconception that all grasses have rhizomes. T he pla nts in the landscape. Pennisetum selaceum and Pennisetum villosum few grasses that do have rhizom es are listed below. All othe rs will are often sold as annual bedding plants in local n urseries or seed not creep or become troublesome. catalogues. Arundo donax giant reed Controlling invasive grasses may be difficult. Proper location is Briza media quaking grass important when selecting grasses with invasive rhizomes. Carex morrowi 'Old Gold' yellow va1iegated sedge Ribbongrass can be ke pt in bounds with a lawn mower, but larger Carex morrowi 'Variegata' variegated sedge grasses require cement barrie rs, blacktop, or othe r structural Eragrostis trichodes lovegrass confinement to keep them in ch eck. Festuw gautieri bearskin fescue (synonym Festuca scoparia) In areas whe re ground covers a re desired or to control erosion on Festuca gautieri ' Pie Carl it' dwarf bearskin fescue slopes and alo ng lakeshores, invasive rhizomes can be an asset. H alwnechloa macra a urea golden hako nechloa Leymus arenarius blue lymegrass Imperala cylind-rica 'Red Baron ' J apanese bloodgrass (syno nym Elymus arenarius) Pennisetum orientate oriental fountain grass Leymus racemosus gian L blue rye Pn, n isel um .\e/aau 111 crimson or annual (synonym Elymus giganleous) fo untain grass Misccmthus saccharijlorus Chinese sil vc rgrass Pennisetum set aceum 'Rub rum' purple-leaved or red Phalaris arundinarea 'Picta' ribbongrass fo untain grass Phalaris arundinacea var. luteo-jJirta yellow ribbongrass Penn is et urn villoswn feathertop Phalaris anmdinacea ' Fccsey's form' Feeseys form Saccharum ravennae plumegrass ribbongrass (synonym Erianthus ravennae) Spartin a /Jecli nala cord grass Sparlina pectin ala variegated cordgrass 'Aureo-Marginata'

Penn,setum setaceum I Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates Fall Color and Winter Interest

Name Comments Name Comments

Calamagrostis x acutijlora Tan foliage; upright form. Panicum virgatum Tan foliage; upright fo rm. 'Karl Foerster' switchgrass feather reedgrass Panicum virgatum Red fall foliage a nd fl owers; tan Calamagrostis brachytricha Pink fl owers; tan foliage; 'H aense H erms','Rotstrahlbusch ' winter foliage. fall blooming reedg rass upright form. 'Rehbraun' red switchgrass Miscanthus Jloridulus Tan foliage; huge leaves giant miscanthus and culms p rovide winter Pennisetum alopecuroides Yellow o r tan fall foliage. sound and moveme nt. fountain grass Miscanthus oligostachyus Silve r flowers; tan foliage; Schizachyrium scoparium Orange fall and winter smalljapanese silvergrass uprigh t form. little bluestem foliage; silvery white flowers. Miscanthus saccharijlorus Silver plumes; fa ll o range Sorghastrum nutans Yellow fall fl owers; tan; uprig ht Chinese sil vergrass foliage. Ind ian grass form. Miscanthus sinensis ' Purpurascens' White, plume-like flowers; Spartina /Jectinata Yellow fall color. red flame miscanlhus orange-ta n fo liage. cordgrass Miscanthus sinensis 'Sil berfeder' Be ige plumes; tan foliage; Spartina pectinata Yellow fa ll color. silverfeather miscanthus uprigh t fo rm. 'Aureo-Marginata' variegated cordgrass Molin ia caf>rulNt Ye llow foliage; upright and all cul Livars form. SjJodio/Jogon sibericus Bro nze fall fo liage; upright form. moorgrass silver spikegrass SjJorobol us heterolej;sis Ye llow-o range fall foliage. prairie dropseed

.,.

I_Om.unental Gn,ses lo, Cold Climate, Alternative Lawns

Can ornamental grasses be used to replace a conventional lawn? Pe rhaps, but they SUNNY, DRY LOCATIONS wi ll not look like the Kentucky bluegrass we are familiar with. Except for Deschampsia Arrhenatherum elatius bulbous oatgrass caespitosa, all plants listed on this page are low-growing (2 feet or less, so you do not 'Variegatum' need to mow them) and may be suitable as turfgrass alternatives. These plants form bunches or mounds and are not invasive. Buffalograss, Buchloe dactyloides, another low Bouteloua curlipendula side oats grama growing grass often suggested as a turfgrass alternative, was not in the hardiness test, Bouteloua gracilis blue grama and although it is winter hardy in Zone 4a, it is adapted to drier areas in the West and Festuca amethystina most cultivars of this South. A main drawback is that buffalograss is a warm season plant that turns brown species with the first frost and is straw-colored all winter and late into the spring. Some maintenance is required when ornamental grasses are planted as turf substi Festuca cinerea or F. ovina most cultivars of tutes: weeding of undesirable species and mowing o r burning off the previous year's dwarf blue fescue growth in the spring. Burning may be inappropriate near buildings and requires a Festuca muelleri Muellers fescue pe rmit in most municipalities. Also, some towns have weed ordinances prohibiting tall grasses (12 inches or more) in lawns. Small animals, such as mice and gophers as well as Festuca tenuifolia fine-leaved fescue birds, may be attracted to these turfgrasses, which may be viewed as a positive or nega Helictotrichon sempervirens blue oatgrass tive feature. Grasses m ore tha n 3 inch es tall provide attractive cover for field mice and Koeleria brevis blue hairgrass voles. Try a dozen or so of these grasses in a Koeleria macrantha June grass portion of yo ur lawn or in a pe re nnial garde n to see if they are appropriate for SHADY, MOIST SITES your front or back yard. Remember that most of these cannot tolerate Carex species most sedges foot traffic like a conve ntio nal and best-suited species lawn. Carex montana Carex speciosa 'Velebit Humilis' of Carex For large r areas, one alte rna tive may be to plant native Deschampsia caesf1itosa tufted hairgrass prairie grasses to resemble an (3½-4 ft. tall) original prairie. (See the list of H akonechloa macra hakonegrass native orname ntals and refer e nces for further information.) Luzula sylvatica greater woodrush Sesleria species most moorgrasses, I light shade only Bouteloua curtipendula Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates

~ Fall Color and Winter Interest

Name Comments Name Comments

Calamagrostis x acutiflora Tan foliage; upright form. Panicum virgatum Tan foliage; upright form. 'Karl Foerster' switch grass feaLher reedgrass Panicum virgatum Red fa ll foliage a nd flowers; tan Calamagrostis brachytricha Pink flowe rs; Lan fo liage; 'Haense H erms','RoLstrahlbusch ' winter foliage. fall blooming reedgrass upright form. 'Rehbraun' red swiLchgrass Miscanlhus jloridulus Tan foliage; h uge leaves giant miscanthus and culms provide winter Pennisetum alopecuroides Yellow or tan fa ll foliage. sound and move ment. fountain grass Miscanthus oligostachyus Silver flowers; tan foliage; Schizachyriwn scopariwn Orange fall and winter small J apanese sil vergrass uprigh Lform. liLtle bl uestem foliage; silvery white flowers. Miscanthus sacchariflorus Sil ver plumes; fa ll orange Sorghastrum nutans Yellow fa ll nowers; tan; upright Chinese silvergrass fo liage. India n grass form. Miscanthus sinrnsis 'Purpurascens' White, plume-like flowers; Spartina jJPClinata Yellow fa ll color. red flame miscamhus orange-Lan foliage. cordgrass Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberfeder' Beige plumes; Lan fo li age; S/Jartina jJPClinata Yellow fall color. si lverfeather miscanthus upright form. 'Aureo-MarginaLa' variegaLed cordgrass Molinia rapru[pa Yellow fol iage; uprighL and all cultivars form. Spodio/1ogo11 sibPrirns Bronze fa ll foliage; upright form. moorgrass silver spikegrass S/1orobolus luterolPpsis Yellow-orange fa ll foliage. prairie dropseed

Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates Alternative Lawns

Can ornamental grasses be used to replace a conventional lawn? Perhaps, but they SUNNY, DRY LOCATIONS will not look like the Kentucky bluegrass we are familiar with. Except for Deschampsia A rrhenatherum elatius bulbous oatgrass , caespitosa, all plants listed on this page are low-growing (2 feet or less, so you do not 'Variegatum need to mow them) and may be suitable as turfgrass alternatives. These plants form bunches or mounds and are not invasive. Buffalograss, Buchloe dactyloides, another low Boulfloua rurtipmdula side oats grama growing grass often suggested as a turfgrass alternative, was not in the hardiness test, Bouteloua gracilis blue grama and although it is winter hardy in Zone 4a, it is adapted to drier areas in the West and most cultivars of this South. A main drawback is that buffalograss is a warm season plant that turns brown Festuca amethystina species with the first frost and is straw-colored all winter and late into the spring. Some maintenance is required when ornamental grasses are planted as turf substi Fesluca cinerea or F ovina most cultivars of tutes: weeding of undesirable species and mowing or burning off the previous year's dwarf blue fescue growth in the spring. Burning may be inappropriate near buildings and requires a Festuca muelleri Muellers fescue permit in most municipalities. Also, some towns have weed ordinances prohibiting tall grasses (12 inches or more) in lawns. Small animals, such as mice and gophers as well as Festuca lenuifolia fine-leaved fescue birds, may be attracted to these turfgrasses, which may be viewed as a positive or nega Heliclotrichon semjJervirens blue oatgrass tive feature. Grasses more than 3 inches tall provide attractive cover for field mice and Koeleria brevis blue hairgrass voles. Try a dozen or so of these grasses in a Koeleria macrantha June grass portion of your lawn or in a perennial garden to see if they are appropriate for SHADY, MOIST SITES your front or back yard. Remember that most of these cannot tolerate Carex species most sedges foot traffic like a conventional lawn. Carex montana and Carex best-suited species For larger areas, one alte rna speciosa 'Velebit Humilis' of Carex tive may be to plant native Deschampsia caespitosa tufted hairgrass prairie grasses to resemble an ( 3½-4 ft. tall) original prairie. (See the list of Hakonechloa macra hakonegrass native ornamentals and refer ences for further information.) Luzula sylvatica greater wood rush Sesleria species most moorgrasses, I light shade only Bouteloua curtipendula " Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates Native Ornamental Grasses

These grasses are native Lo Lhe prairie that once covered the north central states. They are important in prairie restorations and can be attractive ornamentals wilh other flowering perennials.

A ndropogon gerardii big bluestem Bouteloua curtipendula side oats grama Bouteloua glauca blue grama Koel,eria macrantha June grass Panicum virgatum switchgrass Schizachyrium swparium little bluestem (synonym Andropogon scoparius)

.\01J!:hmlmm 111tlrm1 Indian grass Spartina /Jectinata cordgrass Sprghastrum nutans

\/JUmbolu I hr>tnvft,psiJ prairie dropseed

I Koeleria brevis Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates .,

Local garden centers and nurseries sell ornamental grasses. Such grasses usually have a well-developed root system and, in the case of native plants, may be adapted to local growing conditions. Mail order sources may supply smaller unadapted bare root plants, but offer a wider variety. Below is a partial list of sources; it is given for convenience only and does not constitute an endorsement. A reference for more sources is the Andersen Horticultural Library's Source List of Plants and Seeds , 1989; edited by Richard T. Isaacson. Andersen Horticultural Library: Chanhassen, MN.

Ambergate Gardens Blue Mount Nurseries, Inc. Limerock Ornamental Grasses Prairie Ridge Nursery 8015 Krey Ave. 2103 Blue Mount Road 70 Sawmill Rd R.R. 2 Waconia, MN 55387 Monkton, MD 21111 Port Matilda, PA 16870 9738 Overland Road (612) 443-2248 (wholesale only) (814) 692-2272 Mount Horeb, WI 53572-2832 ( 410) 329-6226 (608) 437-5245 American Ornamental Plant Deligh ts Nursery Perennials Busse Gardens 9241 Sauls Road Prairie Seed Source 29977 S.E.Weitz Lane 5873 Oliver Ave. SW Raleigh, NC 27603 P.O. Box 83 Eagle Creek, OR 97022 Cokato, Mn 55321-4229 (919) 772-4794 North Lake, WI 53064-0083 (503) 637-3095 (800) 544-3192 Prairie Moon Nursery Rice Creek Gardens, Inc. Bailey Nursery Crystal Palace Pe rennials Ro ute 3, Box 163 11506 Highway 65 1325 Bailey Road P.O. Box 154 Winona, MN 55987 Blaine, MN 55434 St. Paul, MN 55119 St. J ohn, IN 46373 (507) 452-1362 (no mail orders) (wholesale only) (219) 374-9419 (612) 754-8090 (651) 459-9744 Prairie Nursery Greenlee Nursery P.O. Box 306 Andre Viette Farm and Nursery Bluebird Nursery, Inc. 257 E. Franklin Ave. Westfield, WI 53964 PO Box 1109 P.O. Box 460 Pomona, CA 91766 (608) 296-3679 Fische rsville, VA 22939 519 Bryan St. (909) 629-9045 (540) 943-2315 Clarkson, NE 68629 Prairie Restorations (wholesale only) Landscape Alternatives P.O. Box 327 ( 402) 892-3457 1705 St. Alba ns St. N Princeton , MN 55371 Roseville, Mn 5511 3 (612) 389-4342 Kurt Bluemel, Inc., Nurseries (612) 488-3142 2740 Greene Lane Baldwin, MD 2101 3 ( 410) 557-7229

Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates Meyer, M. Hoc ke nberry. 1975. Smith be rg, M. 1960. Ornamental grasses Ornamental grasses. New York: Cha rles for Minnesota. Misc. Report 93. The Scribner's Sons. Landscape Arboretum, Agricultural Experiment Station. Meyer, M. H ockenberry, and R. G. Ahrenhoe rster, R., a nd T. Wilson. 1981. Mowe r. 1986. Ornamental grasses for U.S. Department of Agriculture. 1990. Prairie restoration for the beginner. the home and garden. I.B. #64. USDA plant hardiness zone map. M isc. North Lake, Wl: Prairie Seed Source. Resource Center-GP, 7 Business and Pub. No. 1475. Washington, DC 20002. Technology Park, Cornell University, Bailey, L. H. 1949. Manual ofcu ltivated Ithaca, NY 14850. plants. New Yo rk: Macmillan Co. Oakes, A. J. 1990. Ornamental grasses Darke, Rich ard. 1994. Ornamental and grasslike plants. New York: grasses. New York: Mich ael Friedman Nomenclature References Van Nostrand Reinhold Co. Publishing Gro up. O e hme, W. , andj. Van Sweden. 1990. Hitchcock, A. S. 1950. Manual of the Foerster, K. 1982. Einzugder Graeserund Bold romantic gardens. Reston, VA: grasses of the United States. Revised by Fame in die Gaerten. Melsungen, E. Acropolis Books. Agn es Chase. Washington, DC: Germany: Verlag]. Neumann Government Printing Office. Neuda mn. Ottesen, C. 1989. Ornamental grasses, the amber wave. New York: Huxley, A., editor. 1992. R.oyal Greenlee,]. 1992. The mcyclopedia of McGraw-Hill. horticultural society's dictionary of ornamental grasses. New Yo rk: Mi chael gardening. Londo n: Macmill a n Press. Friedman Publishing Gro up. Rock, H. W. 1981. Prairie propagation handbook Avai lable fro m We hr Index H orte nsis. 1989. Vol. 1: Grounds, Roger. 1979. Omamental Nature Cente r, 5879 S. 92nd St., Perennials. Wimborne, England: grasses. New Yo rk: Van Nostrand Hales Corne rs, Wl 53130. Quarterjack Publishing. Re inho ld Co. Roe, R., N. Agnew, L. Naeve, a nd N. Liberty H yde Bailey Hortorium. 1976. Hitc hcock, A. S. 1950. Manual of the Christia ns. 1992. Ornamental grasses Hortus third: A concise dictionary of grasses of the United States. Revised by for the Midwest. Iowa State U niversity, plants cultivated in the United States Agnes Chase. Washington, DC: 11 2 Printing and Publicatio ns and Canada. 3rd ed . New Yo rk: Governme nt Printing Office. Building, Ames, IA 50011-1050. Macmilla n Co.

Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates

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North Central Regional Ex tension resources are subject to peer review and prepared as a part of extension activities of the N.O. thi rteen land-grant universities in twelve North Central States, in cooperation with the Cooperati ve State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES) - U.S. Department of Agricul ture, Washington, D.C. The fo llowing universities have s.o. approved this resource for regional status: Iowa State University, Kansas State University, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, University of Missouri, University of Nebraska, North Dakota State Uni versity, Ohio State Univer NEB. sity, South Dakota State Uni versity, and the University of Wisconsin.

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