Arisitida purpurea
Purple Three Awn
This is a fine-textured, ornamental grass that grows in a clumping form, adding interest during the summer and fall months. If possible, locate where it will be backlit by the sun to best enjoy the dramatic colors of the seedheads. Photo courtesy of Mountain States Wholesale Nursery. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
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Bouteloua curtipendula
Sideoats Grama
Sideoats Grama is an upright, clumping grass. Leaves are blue-green then turn tan in winter. Tolerates heat and drought. The large seeds develop on one side of the stalk and are loved by birds. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
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Bouteloua gracilis
Blue Grama Grass
As the green leaves of Blue Grama Grass go dormant in fall, they turn a tan color. The delicate seedheads on tall spikes look like eyelashes. Accepts some shade. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
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Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'
Feather Reed Grass
Feather Reed Grass displays something of interest practically year-round, with flowering seedheads that remain on the plant late into the year. This popular grass provides strong vertical element in the landscape. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
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Dasylirion longissimum
Mexican Grass Tree
Consider Mexican Grass Tree a memorable accent due to its color, texture and intricate globe-shaped form. Canopy coverage: 20 square feet.
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Dianella tasmanica
Tasman Flax Lily
A grasslike perennial. Plants can become invasive if located near well-irrigated planting beds. ‘Variegata’ (see photo) is often a preferred choice with leaves that feature wide white stripes along its margins, adding brightness to shady corners. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
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Festuca glauca
Blue Fescue
Its rounded shape makes Blue Fescue appealing as a border or pattern planting. 'Elijah Blue', single plant shown in photos, is a popular selection. Canopy coverage: 1 square foot.
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Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra'
Japanese Blood Grass
This is an improved selection that spreads by underground runners. Leaves of 'Rubra' emerge green in spring and redden as the weather warms. The species, Imperata cylindrica, should not be grown: it is considered one of the world's worst weeds and is highly invasive. Canopy coverage: 1 square foot.
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Miscanthus sinensis
Japanese Silver Grass
Many selections of Japanese Silver Grass are available. 'Variegata' has attractive variegated leaves (shown). In hot summer regions locate plants where they will receive some afternoon shade. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet.
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Muhlenbergia capillaris
Pink Muhly
Seedheads are the attraction of Pink Muhly. 'Regal Mist' is an improved selection with fine-textured seedheads that present an airy "mist" of deep pink. Plants may be semievergreen. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet.
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Muhlenbergia dubia
Pine Muhly, Mexican Deergrass
Pine Muhly grows in a dense, clumping form to about 2 feet high, but seedheads in summer and fall add an additional 3 feet in height. Similar to Deergrass but it presents as a smaller version, useful for today's smaller lots. Drought tolerant; best planted in well draining soil. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
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Muhlenbergia dumosa
Bamboo Muhly
The clumping form of Bamboo Muhly is casual. It does remind one of bamboo, with thin, airy, bamboolike stems. Provide with extra water during summer for better appearance. Canopy coverage: 20 square feet.
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Muhlenbergia emersleyi
Bull Grass
The flowers and seedheads of Bull Grass are borne on tall spikes up to 3 feet above leaves. The selection 'El Toro' has striking, rose-purple flower spikes. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet. Photo bottom left courtesy Mountain States Wholesale Nursery.
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Muhlenbergia lindheimeri 'Autumn Glow'
Autumn Glow Muhly
The mounding form of 'Autumn Glow' can perform the duties of a shrub in the landscape. Canopy coverage: 20 square feet.
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Muhlenbergia rigens
Deer Grass
The symmetrical mounding form of the popular Deer Grass can perform the functions of a small shrub. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet.
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Nolina bigelovii
Bigelow's Nolina, Beargrass
This yuccalike accent plant is a member of the lily family. It grows in a large rosette form with a trunk to 3 feet high. This is topped with 3- to 4-foot-long narrow leaves. Accepts most soils as long as it is well draining. Canopy coverage: 28 square feet.
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Nolina matapensis
Tree Bear Grass
After many years Tree Bear Grass can take on a form reminiscent of the iconic Joshua Tree. Canopy coverage: 28 square feet.
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Nolina microcarpa
Bear Grass
The form of Beargrass is a wide-spreading, grasslike clump. Not a plant for close-up viewing, but valued for its ability to thrive in less-than-ideal conditions. Canopy coverage: 50 square feet.
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Nolina texana
Texas Bear Grass
The thin leaves of Texas Bear Grass are long, up to 4 feet, and leathery in texture. Showy when allowed to drape and trail over an edge or bank. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
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Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'
Red Fountain Grass
This cultivated variety is a striking, easy-to-grow ornamental grass. Be certain you have the selection 'Rubrum' and not the species, which is extremely invasive. 'Rubrum' seldom sets seed. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet.
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Schizachyrium scoparium
Little Bluestem
Little Bluestem changes color with the seasons, beginning with bright green, then blue-green in spring, aging to copper or tan in fall and winter. Seedheads add a silvery hue in summer. Will not tolerate shade and requires well drained soil. A clump-forming grass, it makes a dramatic statement when planted in masses. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
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