Native Grasses and Sedges

Perennials A-E | Perennials F - L | Perennials M - R | Perennials S - Z |

Ferns | Grasses

Please note: we do not ship plants. We sell retail to the area only.

See notes on nativity at bottom of list. indicates host plants for butterflies and moths found in PA

Andropogon gerardii, Big Bluestem | PA Native | moderate distribution

A classic native grass with distinctive, airy "bird's foot"-like flowers that tower above the narrow, strappy foliage. Foliage turns copper to orange in the fall against reddish stems. One of the dominant prairie grasses in the US. Genus (Andropogon) is a host plant for Crossline Skipper, Delaware Skipper, and Swarthy Skipper butterflies.

Culture: Plant in full sun in moist, well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Height: 3'-8' h in flower.

Carex appalachica, Appalachian Sedge | PA Native | limited distribution

Genus (Carex) is a host plant for Appalachian Brown, Black Dash, Broad-winged Skipper, Dun Skipper, Long Dash, and Mulberry Wing butterflies.

Culture: moist, rocky woods Height: .

Carex platyphylla, Silver Sedge | PA Native | limited distribution

This low-growing, clump-forming sedge adds a dash of blue and a unique texture to shady gardens. An occasional plant in the woods, silver sedge makes a nice accent next to a woodland path, where it can be appreciated up close. Genus (Carex) is a host plant for Appalachian Brown, Black Dash, Broad-winged Skipper, Dun Skipper, Long Dash, and Mulberry Wing butterflies.

Culture: Plant in full shade to partial shade in average to moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates drier soils once established. Height: 8-12"h x 12-18"w.

Carex woodii, Sedge | PA Native | limited distribution

Genus (Carex) is a host plant for Appalachian Brown, Black Dash, Broad-winged Skipper, Dun Skipper, Long Dash, and Mulberry Wing butterflies.

Chasmanthium latifolium, Northern Sea Oats, Wild-oats | PA Native | V. Limited, protected in PA

This rarely-seen native grass looks like a small, well-behaved bamboo. The foliage turns a burnished bronze in the fall, and the flat, oatlike spikelets of seeds are a show-stopper from July through winter. Adaptable to sun or shade, this is a grass that deserves much wider use! Genus (Chasmanthium) is a host plant for Northern Pearly Eye butterflies.

Culture: Plant in sun to shade in average to moist soil. If in full sun, keep moist. Warning!: Wild-oats self-sows with abandon; pull out unwanted seedlings. Height: 3-4'h x 18"w.

Deschampsia cespitosa, Tutfted Hair Grass | PA Native | limited distribution

A clump-former that reaches 2-3' high, tufted hair grass is excellent for its energetic, early green texture in the garden. In early June, fine, wispy seedheads develop which give the grass a cloud-like appearance through the end of summer. Tolerates partial shade – unusual for a grass!

Culture: Plant in full sun to light shade, in average soil. Very tolerant of a range of soil and moisture conditions. Cut back at the end of August to about 1". Height: 2-3'h x 2'w.

Muhlenbergia capillaris, Pink Muhly Grass | PA Native | native populations now extinct

Here's a PA native grass that is no longer found naturally in PA - a real shame, since it's a show-stopper in late August to September, when airy plumes of rose-pink flowers erupt from the base of narrow, strappy foliage. Many uses in the garden, due to its short stature. Uncommon!

Culture: Plant in full sun in average soil that is well-drained. Tolerates heat and drought once established. Reportedly can be difficult to establish. Height: 3'h x w.

Panicum virgatum, Switch Grass | PA Native | moderate distribution

Switchgrass is one of the predominant grasses of the American prairie, and is native to most of the U.S. A number of cultivars have been developed to accent a unique leaf or flower color; most will turn shades of yellow to red in the fall. This is a warm-season grass. Genus (Panicum) is a host plant for Delaware Skipper, Hobomok Skipper, Indian Skipper, Least Skipper, Leonard's Skipper, Northern Broken-Dash, Northern Pearly Eye, Ocola Skipper, and Tawny-Edged Skipper butterflies.

Culture: Plant in full sun to light shade in average to moist soil. Cut back in late winter/early spring to 4". Height: 3'-6'h x 2'w.

Schizachyrium scoparium, Little Bluestem | PA Native | moderate distribution

A very ornamental, clump-forming smaller grass for the home garden. Attractive, blue-green foliage turns a brilliant reddish-orange in the fall, keeping its color well into the winter. Silvery-white seedheads are also ornamental, and provide food for birds. Genus (Schizachyrium) is a host plant for Cobweb Skipper, Crossline Skipper, Indian Skipper, and Swarthy Skipper butterflies.

Culture: Plant in full sun to partial shade in average soil. Tolerant of a wide range of conditions. Often re-seeds itself. Height: 3'h x 2'w.

Sporobolus heterolepis, Prairie Dropseed | PA Native | v. limited - a few sites in southern PA, protected in PA

A warm-season grass which greens up early in the spring, and flowers in late summer. This grass has a wonderful mounded form, with thin, strappy leaves, and fragrant pink to brown flowers - very unusual for a grass! Fall color is a pretty golden orange.

Culture: Plant in full sun to light shade in average soil; tolerates clay soils and drought, once established. Height: 18"h x 18"w. Other images: at the foot of the Ruin Garden at Chanticleer in August