UACES Facebook Ornamental Grasses by Scientific Name
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Ornamental Grasses by Scientific Name

Scientific Name Common Name Comments 
Carex sp.
Thumbnail picture of Ornamental Sedge (Carex sp.) clump. Select for larger images and more information.

Ornamental Sedge
  • Usually a low (12"), clump forming grass
  • Many species and cultivars (mainly for variegated leaves)
  • Full sun
Cortaderia selloana
Thumbnail picture of Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana) clump. Select for larger images and more information.

Pampas Grass
  • Large (10'), clump forming grass
  • Full sun
  • Dramatic plumes
  • Invasive in western U.S.
Festuca ovina 'Glauca' 
Thumbnail picture of Japanese Bloodgrass (Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron') bed. Select for larger images and more information.		 Blue Fescue
  • 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
Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron'
Thumbnail picture of Japanese Bloodgrass (Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron') showing red leaves Select for larger image and more information.

Japanese Bloodgrass
  • Size: 15 to 18"
  • Leaves red in full sun
  • Spreads by rhizomes to form patch
Miscanthus sinensis
Thumbnail picture of Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis) clump. Select for larger images and more information.

Maiden Grass
  • Medium sized (4 to 5'), clump forming grass
  • Cultivars: 'Gracillimus', 'Zebrinus', 'Strictus'
Pennisetum alopecuroides
Thumbnail picture of Fountaingrass (Pennisetum alopecuroides) clump. Select for larger images and more information.

Fountaingrass
  • Low (18 to 24"), clump forming grass
  • Cultivars: 'Hameln', 'Moudry'
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