MAKE THE SWITCH
Horticulture|May - June 2023
NATIVE GRASSES OFFER THE PERFECT ALTERNATIVE TO INVASIVE EXOTICS
CATHERINE LUDDEN
MAKE THE SWITCH

Ornamental grasses have become increasingly popular as modern tastes have shifted to more naturalistic garden designs. Grasses bring year-round interest, movement, structure and seasonal changes of palette that enhance every garden.

Unfortunately, several popular non-native grasses have escaped gardens to invade natural areas, where they can displace native species. Exotic grasses do not support wildlife in the same way native plants do, and recent studies point to invasive grasses’ potential to worsen wildfires and their effects.

Two common ornamental grasses to omit from the garden are Chinese silver grass (Miscanthus sinensis) and fountain grasses (Pennisetum).

Miscanthus sinensis, also known as zebra grass, porcupine grass or maiden grass, has many cultivars, including ‘Morning Light’, ‘Flamingo’, ‘Ghana’ and ‘Adagio’ among many others. Though some of these are advertised to be sterile, cross-pollination with other cultivars has been shown to result in fertile, windborne seeds.

Despite being listed as an invasive species in more than a dozen states, and regulated or even banned in several, M. sinensis is still being sold and planted widely.

Two other popular ornamental grasses, African fountaingrass (Pennisetum setaceum) and Chinese fountain grass (P.alopecuroides), are also now recognized as invasive.

This story is from the May - June 2023 edition of Horticulture.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the May - June 2023 edition of Horticulture.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HORTICULTUREView All
GAGA FOR GALANTHUS
Horticulture

GAGA FOR GALANTHUS

As easy as they are irresistible, snowdrops boast a devoted and growing following

time-read
6 mins  |
September - October 2024
NEW PLANTS
Horticulture

NEW PLANTS

Multiseason Marvels

time-read
4 mins  |
September - October 2024
BLUEBERRIES & CO.
Horticulture

BLUEBERRIES & CO.

Members of the genus Vaccinium provide sweet flavor, health benefits and beauty in the garden

time-read
5 mins  |
September - October 2024
AN ECOLOGICAL AGREEMENT
Horticulture

AN ECOLOGICAL AGREEMENT

How three great minds think alike

time-read
4 mins  |
September - October 2024
Take It Indoors
Horticulture

Take It Indoors

Cs the growing season dwindles, _ potted cittus became a summer souuenir

time-read
4 mins  |
September - October 2024
ROOTED IN PLACE
Horticulture

ROOTED IN PLACE

LAYERING IS A PROPAGATION TECHNIQUE THAT TAKES A WHILE TO COMPLETE, BUT IT DEMANDS LITTLE EFFORT FROM THE GARDENER

time-read
4 mins  |
September - October 2024
AT HOME WITH PLANTS
Horticulture

AT HOME WITH PLANTS

Business travel and pleasure trips helped inspire this Cincinnati garden

time-read
6 mins  |
September - October 2024
THE GARDEN GOES DARK
Horticulture

THE GARDEN GOES DARK

Yes, gardens have their dark side. But-surprise! A garden's darkness can be good, not sinister.

time-read
7 mins  |
September - October 2024
LOW-WATER WONDERS
Horticulture

LOW-WATER WONDERS

EXPLORE ONE PLANTSMAN'S DROUGHT-TOLERANT FAVORITES FOR EACH LEVEL OF THE GARDEN

time-read
4 mins  |
September - October 2024
Succeed With Succession- The best crops to plant throughout summer, plus how to time them right
Horticulture

Succeed With Succession- The best crops to plant throughout summer, plus how to time them right

The best crops to plant throughout summer, plus how to time them right. Once a crop like spring turnips or snap peas has finished, I tidy up the bed, amend the soil with a thin layer of compost and replant. Depending on the new crop, I may be sowing seeds or transplanting seedlings.

time-read
5 mins  |
July - August 2024