UACES Facebook Ornamental Grasses by Common Name
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Ornamental Grasses by Common Name

Common Name Scientific Name Comments 
Blue Fescue
Thumbnail picture of Japanese Bloodgrass (Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron') bed. Select for larger images and more information.		 Festuca ovina 'Glauca'
  • Small (8 to 10"), clump forming grass
  • Full sun
  • Selections for improved blue color; 'Elijah Blue', 'Boulder Blue'
  • May also be listed as Festuca cinerea
Fountaingrass
Thumbnail picture of Fountaingrass (Pennisetum alopecuroides) clump. Select for larger images and more information.		 Pennisetum alopecuroides
  • Low (18 to 24"), clump forming grass
  • Cultivars: 'Hameln', 'Moudry'
Japanese Bloodgrass
Thumbnail picture of Japanese Bloodgrass (Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron') showing red leaves Select for larger image and more information.		 Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron'
  • Size: 15 to 18"
  • Leaves red in full sun
  • Spreads by rhizomes to form patch
Maiden Grass
Thumbnail picture of Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis) clump. Select for larger images and more information.		 Miscanthus sinensis
  • Medium sized (4 to 5'), clump forming grass
  • Cultivars: 'Gracillimus', 'Zebrinus', 'Strictus'
Ornamental Sedge
Thumbnail picture of Ornamental Sedge (Carex sp.) clump. Select for larger images and more information.		 Carex sp.
  • Usually a low (12"), clump forming grass
  • Many species and cultivars (mainly for variegated leaves)
  • Full sun
Pampas Grass
Thumbnail picture of Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana) clump. Select for larger images and more information.		 Cortaderia selloana
  • Large (10'), clump forming grass
  • Full sun
  • Dramatic plumes
  • Invasive in western U.S.
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