A bit more about ornamental grasses

Categories: Invasive species Landscape Design and Installation

Look closely for seedling plants

I need to follow up with one more point about an ornamental grasses while it is fresh on our minds-assuming you read my last post.  Mexican Feather Grass, Stipa tenuissima, (commonly called stipa or needle grass) does not have to be cut back like most other species.  Now, If you cut it back based on my previous post, don’t panic.  It will recover just fine.  This grass stays green (mostly) year around for us and never goes truly dormant.  While out at The OSU Botanic Garden this morning, I was reminded by one of the garden’s longtime volunteers that this plant is best cared for with an occasional thinning  out or raking to remove the dead leaves-a leaf rake works quite nicely.  Once the old leaves turn brown, they will easily pull away from the plant.  If you enjoy making arrangements or other garden-themed curios, you might give these leaves a try as they remain somewhat flexible even after dry.

However, the real point I wish to make about this species is it’s tendency to freely reseed.  Only time will tell if it will become a problem for us but I think it sure bears watching closely as it is beginning to show up on some invasive species list.  If you are growing this plant, look closely now for signs of new seedlings and make sure you are prepared for what it might do in your landscape setting.  Personally, I’m fine with some random reseeding as that matches my design personality, but it might not be for you.

If you have quit growing this plant because of reseeding problems, I would like to hear about your experiences.  Real world, real garden experience is invaluable as we try to determine if a plant is indeed invasive in our area.

If you are ok with this tendency to reseed, the small seedlings transplant very easily.  Dig and move, water a few times, and they will usually take off and prosper.