Ornamental Grasses in Oklahoma

Many diverse varieties of ornamental grasses thrive in Oklahoma's dry, temperate environment. Ornamental grasses are a popular landscaping plant due to their hardy, resilient nature and easy maintenance. Popular ornamental grasses of Oklahoma include giant reed grass, Mexican feather grass, Hakone grass, and fountain grass. Most ornamental grasses of Oklahoma are tolerant to a variety of soil conditions, are drought-resistant, and require full to partial sunlight for optimum growth.

Giant Reed Grass

Giant reed grass (Arundo donax) is a large, warm season, perennial, ornamental grass with green, corn-like foliage that can extend up to 10 feet in height. Giant reed grass is drought resistant, fast growing, and prefers direct sunlight. Popular in Oklahoma gardens as a background or screening plant, giant reed grass produces colorful flower plumes that extend above the grass line in September.

Mexican Feather Grass

Mexican feather grass (Nassella tenuissima) is a small, cool season, perennial, ornamental grass growing 2 to 3 feet in height. called one of the most beautiful of all ornamental grasses by the Tulsa Garden Center, Mexican Feather Grass has fine, thin green leaves that arch outward from a central clump. Whitish, beige flowers blossom in mid-May, turning a golden-tan color throughout the summer and fall. Mexican feather grass is drought-resistant and used extensively in Oklahoma rock gardens, walkway edge borders, and water features.

Hakone Grass

Hakone grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Alboaurea’) is a small, perennial, cool season grass that can grow up to 2 feet in height. Hakone grass has richly textured green leaves with yellow strips and is best grown in partial sunlight. Considered more challenging to grow than other ornamental grasses, Hakone grass takes one year of relatively slow and unimpressive growth to established itself.

Fountain Grass

Fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides) is a perennial, ornamental grass that can grow to 4 feet high. Long green textured leaves extend upright with white flowers blooming in mid-summer. Fountain grass is used throughout Oklahoma as a low landscaping backdrop or screen and complements flowering annuals and perennials in garden environments.