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Types of Wetland Grass

Grasses that flourish in wetlands conditions can prove useful to landscapers who have ponds, bogs, swamps or similar wetlands on their property. Many wetland grass species make excellent ornamentals. Wetlands grasses can hide unsightly ditches or swampy areas, making these features the highlight of your acreage.

Gamma Grass

Gamma grass adapts readily to areas that retain or detain water. The grass grows on wet ground and in multiple soil types. Despite being a wetland grass, it can withstand extensive periods of drought. Gamma grass grows to 5 feet high and has arching leaves. The grass is evergreen in very warm climates, but dies to the ground in frost. Gamma grass grows wild in the eastern United States from parts of New England to Florida. The plant will grow in full sun or in partial shade. Use it as an edging species near ponds and brooks, or to prevent erosion on hillsides and the banks of waterways. Divide the clumps in springtime to plant them elsewhere. Consider using gamma grass as a container plant, but always keep the dirt in the pot moist.

  • Grasses that flourish in wetlands conditions can prove useful to landscapers who have ponds, bogs, swamps or similar wetlands on their property.
  • Despite being a wetland grass, it can withstand extensive periods of drought.

Sand Cordgrass

Sand cordgrass is a familiar landscaping grass on golf courses. Sand cordgrass attains heights between 4 and 6 feet and has leaves that are almost like wire, with a rough texture.The leaves are a light green on the lower surface and a darker green on the upper surface. Sand cordgrass is a brown-green color, with the green more prominent in summer and the brown the main hue in winter. The mature plants can grow in bunches as wide as 20 inches. The species does best in the full sun and can grow in the water. Sand cordgrass thrives near ponds and marshes but can also grow in dry soil, making it a versatile plant. Some of the leaves close to the base will stay green through winter in southern climates. Sand cordgrass helps control erosion. Use it to divide sections of your property and camouflage ditches and drainage areas.

  • Sand cordgrass is a familiar landscaping grass on golf courses.
  • Sand cordgrass thrives near ponds and marshes but can also grow in dry soil, making it a versatile plant.

Giant Miscanthus

Giant miscanthus, native to Japan, Taiwan and other Pacific venues, can grow to be 15 feet tall and have a spread of some 8 feet. The plant features dark green flat leaves 1 1/2 inches in width and as long as 3 feet. A silver plume develops in the latter part of summer or early fall on the top of the stem. This plume will persist through the winter months. The leaves fall off in winter after turning shades of reddish-purple and tan. Giant miscanthus thrives in full sun and moist soil, but it will grow with few problems in soils of all kinds. Putting giant miscanthus in the shade reduces its erectness and flowering ability. Giant miscanthus works as a specimen plant, along pond borders and as a privacy screen. This species withstands the salty breeze from the ocean, making it a potential plant for coastal landscapes.

  • Giant miscanthus, native to Japan, Taiwan and other Pacific venues, can grow to be 15 feet tall and have a spread of some 8 feet.
  • Giant miscanthus thrives in full sun and moist soil, but it will grow with few problems in soils of all kinds.

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