These perennials have gray-green foliage that turns bold shades of purple, red and orange in fall. Aug 9, 2014 - How I want to change my area surrounding my house in the woods. Switchgrass. Grass, long-awned wood (Brachyelytrum erectum)Often encountered in upland woods, this grass is named for the long bristles (awns) that make up its sleek arching seedhead. These are our recommendations for ornamental grass varieties best-suited to containers, moist soils, shady areas, adding late-season color to the landscape, creating privacy screens and creating wildlife habitat. Conditions: full or partial sun and well-drained soil. Shenandoah is a popular cultivar but a new Panicum known as Prairie Fire has an even better fall display. They grow well and require little care. See more ideas about Plants, Native plants, Native garden. Native plants can require less maintenance and have the best chance of survival. -Joy Wells Tarter. Bottlebrush grass (Hystrix patula)This woodland grass can be found in a variety of soil types and moisture situations from moist to quite dry. In a larger landscape, grasses can be the foundation of a design that incorporates a succession of flowering perennials. This grass grows in a variety of conditions throughout the prairie range including poor, dry, rocky soils. And watch how it catches eyes with its slender, bobbing blades tipped with ball-like seed heads. Go local Michigan’s native plants are unique and beautiful, Stems are round, dark green, and vertical with red-brown flowers at the tip of arching stalks from mid- to late summer. Our plants are used by wholesale growers and landscape contractors. 'Dallas Blues' has blue-gray summer foliage that also turns orange-red in fall. Bluestem, little (Andropogon scoparius)Little bluestem is another clump-forming member of the tallgrass prairie. This allows the gradually longer daylight hours to reach the root crown and stimulate new growth. There are many varieties available, so finding one to suit your garden style and growing conditions as well as your taste should be easy. Conditions: partial shade and well-drained soil, Best for: adding bright color to shade gardens. Nearly all ornamental grasses can be cut back anytime from early fall to late Spring. Plant this bulrush with other marsh species such as cattail and wool-grass. Deciduous Shrubs. A mounding plant with a lovely shape, its name refers to its graceful spray of foliage and late-summer plumes of fuzzy flowers. Rush, path (Juncus tenuis)In nature this rush is commonly found along trails through meadows or prairies. Ornamental grasses are a popular choice in the garden, where their textures and colors provide distinct visual interest. This plant, reaching 1–2' tall, has flowerheads that stand straight up when they first emerge in May, then droop over gracefully as the plant matures. About Native Grasses. Ornamental grasses are sometimes overlooked as plants that can add interest to the landscape. The perennial offers airy plumes in late summer and fall. Top off your Thanksgiving feast with our recipes for pumpkin pie, apple crisp, pecan bar cookies, praline layer cake and other holiday favorites. The small seedhead is held above narrow tubular leaves that are borne only on the lower part of the stem. Once you start landscaping with ornamental grasses you'll be amazed by how many varieties, sizes, shapes, and colors are available. With graceful motion, attractive form, interesting texture, and striking colors, their appeal is immediate. Few roadsides in northern Michigan are without grand summer displays of this native, golden gem. Switch grass (Panicum virgatum) This grass, also a member of the tallgrass prairie, grows in a wide variety of moisture and light conditions. Choose the best ornamental grasses for your climate, soil and growing purpose. For more on our history with native seeds, check out “Our Roots” in our 2020 Catalog. Plants have dark green leaves and narrow, tan plumes in early summer. Big bluestem is also a good accent plant in a perennial border. A sedge of riverbanks and floodplain forests, this robust species will tolerate shade and moisture quite well. An exuberant garden uses grasses with companion plants Cattle producers often need a native warm season grass for livestock to graze in warmer months when Virginia’s cool season grasses … Its nodding seedheads are adorned with long, soft bristles and grow to 1–3' tall. However, this grass prefers moist soils in the growing season to look its best. This bulrush produces its most striking effect when massed on shores and pond edges. In fall, brownish spikelets reach for the sky. The narrow leaves add to the subtly beguiling aspect of the graceful sedge. Each stem, reaching 2–3' tall, supports a dense tuft of leaves at the top, giving an individual plant the appearance of a small palm tree. Sioux Blue Indian Grass: Arguably one of North America’s most beautiful native grasses. Growing Ornamental & Native Grass Since 1986. Its bronze fall color persists into winter and looks wonderful against the snow. If you do decide to cut them back, do not attempt to divide or transplant clumps until spring. We strive to bring you high quality at the lowest cost in the shortest time. ORNAMENTAL GRASS. Midwest Living November/December 2020 Recipes, 50 Quick and Easy Holiday Decorating Ideas. Small to medium tree, grows well in acidic, moist soils and is very slow growing. Ornamental grasses add easy, airy beauty to Midwest gardens. Vary ornamental, growing to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall. This ornamental grass provides remarkable contrast with grayish-blue foliage and chestnut plumes. As a wholesale propagation nursery, we specialize in growing starter plants or plugs of perennials, ornamental grasses, ferns, vines and shrubs with an emphasis on Eastern US native plants. Like many grasses, this tough plant tolerates a wide range of conditions. Even if a grass becomes too large during the growing season, they can be pruned for shape. Sedge, fringed (Carex crinita)Fringed sedge may be found in open marshes or in wet depressions in woodland settings. Ornamental grasses are available in a range of hues and heights and can be used in a variety of ways—from lining walkways, to planting in containers, to incorporating into mixed perennial flowerbeds. Indian Grass. Garden Grasses can add bright, distinctive touches to any landscape, lawn, or garden. It can be used in borders or planted against a darker background to emphasize its soft flower clusters. Blue fescue are one of the smallest of the ornamental grasses (under 1 foot tall), which makes them perfect for many different uses in the garden. It is effective in both fresh and dried flower arrangements. Evergreen in all buts its northernmost range, the bluish foliage looks best in early summer. Sedge, Pennsylvania (Carex pensylvanica)This is a lovely woodland sedge that typically grows in dry, sandy soils. This grass looks simply wonderful against the snow. In late summer, lightly branched spikelets appear above the foliage for more altitude. 'Karl Foerster' is a popular cultivar noted for its adaptability and attractive plumes. It is a small cool season grass growing to 12-18” high and is great for tough sights. Little flaps, or “ears”, protrude from the base of each leaf blade, giving the plant its common name. Many have showy plumes of airy seedheads that move gracefully in the breeze and offer winter interest even after they age to their seasonal hues of tan and brown. Native grasses were present in Michigan when Europeans arrived. Use these fantastic perennial grasses in the landscape and gardens as vertical accents, in groupings, as mass plantings, as privacy screens, and as centerpieces and accents in container gardens. This species is easily propagated by seed and division. The exposed roots are an easy target to freeze out. Historical records may be inaccurate or unclear, and the reader should not interpret this information as being an endorsement of that use being safe. Size: To … Its seedheads are held upright above the slender leaves, which are 2–3' tall. Because of their color, texture and movement, ornamental grasses are wonderful additions to our landscapes. There are lots of benefits to using native plants — plants original to your area of the country. Beloved for its interesting seed heads, this is one of the most ornamental native grasses. Narrow, arching foliage makes a perfect backdrop to showcase other perennials. About Native Grasses. Sedge, Gray’s (Carex grayi)Gray’s sedge is usually found in deciduous woods and will do best when planted in partial or full shade. In the last twenty years, it has become a common site in home and commercial landscapes, paired with popular ornamental grass. Jun 6, 2017 - Explore Palpino's board "Native Michigan Plants" on Pinterest. In May the emerging foliage looks like blue-green needles poking out of the top of the mound. Ornamental grasses are a wonderful and simple addition to the landscape. We grow a wide variety of Ornamental grasses. The most popular ornamental grass, feather reed grass offers a distinct upright habit that looks fantastic all winter long. (Pictured: 'Zebrinus' miscanthus), Size: 5-10 feet tall and 2-5 feet wide, depending on variety, Conditions: sun or partial sun and well-drained soil. Also look for 'Overdam', a cultivar with variegated foliage. In a larger landscape, grasses can be the foundation of a design that incorporates a succession of flowering perennials. They're hardy plants that add year round interest, especially when natural and artificial lighting highlights their unique texture and color. Makes a good companion to ferns, shade-loving wildflowers and shrubs. Great products and service! A spreading prairie grass that thrives in moist or wet soils, it's a good choice to plant along a pond or stream. Evaluate the kind of sunlight and irrigation the ornamental grass has available. Choose the best ornamental grasses for your climate, soil and growing purpose. Easily grown on mist or periodically wet soils in full sun or light shade. The wide leaves are clumped together at the base and reach almost the same height as the seedhead at 1–3' tall. Chose a variety based on your garden size, then plant in masses for impact. Little bluestem holds this color to varying degrees throughout the winter. Indian Grass. Its pretty, delicate, light green, arching leaves usually stay below 8". Often called hardy pampas grass, this massive, fast-growing perennial commands attention when in flower in late summer because of its great height. Big bluestem was used medicinally by Native Americans to treat digestive problems. Wholesale Only. Long, slender seedheads look like woodland jewels as they dangle from the 2–3’ tall stems. The stem gradually tapers to a pointed tip, below which the seedhead is borne directly on the side of the stem. But its fine texture and low, mounding growth make it perfect for containers. Its fall and winter colors are a nice backdrop for a perennial border and it is an excellent species to use in fresh and dried flower arrangements. In standing water it will form mounds, or tussocks, over time. Very adaptable, it thrives in sun or shade, while the bobbing flat seedheads add interest, giving the plant its nickname: “fish on a line.” (They do look like little fish!) One of the many advantages of ornamental grasses are they extremely hardy and tolerant. It will grow well in both sun and shade, but must have adequate moisture. Sedge, tussock (Carex stricta)Tussock sedge is often the dominant sedge in wetland habitats. A non-exhaustive list of native plants that do well in ornamental landscapes can be found here: Suggested Native Plants List Participants are also encouraged to post signs near native plant stock and in demonstration gardens to educate visitors about habitat roles of native plants, our region’s natural heritage, and site suitability. Best for: its blue-gray color and neat appearance. It is a wonderful grass to add drama in the landscape or to hide an unsightly view. Here’s a rundown on how to plant and care for these pretty grasses. It is a popular native grass, having many ornamental characteristics including upright clump form, bright yellow fall color, and an extremely attractive winter silhouette. June Grass: Koeleria macrantha June Grass is a hardy perennial to zone 3 and is tough enough to take some foot traffic. Each plant is linked to its profile at the The white, pink or red plumes (according to variety) continue into fall and bring an informal look to gardens. “Native” Versus “Ornamental” Grasses. They're hardy plants that add year round interest, especially when natural and artificial lighting highlights their unique texture and color. With leaves up to 15" long, the blue-green foliage contrasts well with other perennials in the border. Attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and honeybees by adding native flowering plants or better yet—select “host plants” that each species of butterfly and moth requires to reproduce. Over 90 flowering plants range from the dainty Allium cernuum, or nodding onion, to the giant Silphium laciniatum or compass plant, which can live for over a century. Feather reedgrass is one of the most popular ornamental grasses. 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