Ornamental Grasses
Botanical Name and Common NameWater Use ZoneNC Hardiness Zone TextureHeight and SpreadPanicle LengthExposure
Arundo donax var. vericolor
Varigated Giant Reed
1,2,36b to 8 Coarse9 ft/30 ft24 inSun
Calamagrostis x acutiflora
'stricta,' Feather Reed Grass
1,2,36b to 8 Fine5 ft/3 ft12 inSun
Carex morrowii
Japanese Sedge Grass
1,2,36b to8Fine 1 ft/ 1ft3 inSun/Semi-Shade
Chasmanthum latifolium
Northern Sea Oats
1,2,36b to 8 Fine3 ft/2 ft8 inSun/Semi-Shade
Cortaderia selloeana
Pampas Grass
1,2,37b to 8Fine to Medium 8 ft/6 ft20 inSun
Elymus glauous
Blue Wild Rye
1,2,36b to 8Medium 5 ft/4 ft10 inSun
Erianthus ravennae
Ravenna Grass
1,2,36b to 8Medium to Coarse 9 ft/4 ft20 inSun
Miscanthus sinensis
Chinese Silver Grass
1,2,36b to 8Medium 6 ft/3 ft10 inSun
Miscanthus sinensis
'Gracillimus,' Maiden Grass
1,2,36b to 8 Fine6 ft/3 ft11 inSun
Miscanthus sinensis
'Strictus,' Porcupine Grass
1,2,36b to 8 Medium7 ft/4 ft12 inSun
Miscanthus sinensis
'Varigatus,' Varigated Equalia
1,2,36b to 8 Fine6 ft/3 ft11 inSun
Miscanthus sinensis
'Zebrinus,' Zebra Grass
1,26b to 8 Fine6 ft/3 ft12 inSun
Pennisetum alopecuroides
Australian Fountain Grass
1,2,36b to 8 Fine 3 ft/2 ft3 inSun
Pennisetum setaceum
Fountain Grass
1,2Use Like an annualFine 4 ft/4 ft12 inSun
Pennisetum setaceum
'Rubrum,' Crimson Fountain Grass
1,2Use like an annual Fine4 ft/4 ft12 inSun
Pennisetum villosum
Feathertop Grass
1,2,36b to 8Fine 3 ft/2 ft3 inSun
Phalaris arundinacea
'Picta,' Ribbongrass
1,2,36b to 8 Fine2 ft/3 ft6 inLight Shade


Return to AG 508-3