Hardy Ornamental Grasses for Shady Areas

Meadow Foxtail

• Meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis), also called golden foxtail, is a European native commonly found in open fields and meadows. It is found throughout the Pacific coast of the United States and into Canada, where it is used as a dense form of sod or sown grass. It grows to be less than 24 inches tall with green-to-yellow growth good for adding texture and visual interest to shady parts of a garden. This grass requires a moist, nutrient-rich soil and does best in partial to full shade. If exposed to sunlight, frequent watering is required. The meadow foxtail is not harmful to pets, although the similarly named foxtail barley may be harmful if ingested.

Blue Moor Grass

• Blue moor grass (Sesleria caerulea) is an easy-to-grow ornamental that sprouts in 6- to 12-inch tufts. It does best in nutrient-rich soil with average moisture. This grass prefers areas with full sun or partial shade. It needs additional watering in extremely hot or sunny weather. Blue moor grass originated in Europe but is found throughout the United States and Canada. Blue moor grows approximately 8 inches tall and produces purple blossoms in early spring. It is commonly used as groundcover in areas with little to no foot traffic. It does well as a filler or border plant in a garden.

Greater Wood Rush

• Greater wood rush (Luzula sylvatica) is a mild-weather specimen doing best in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. It is a moderately tall ornamental growing to a mature height of about 16 inches. During early to midspring, it produces flowering stalks with white blooms. Greater wood rush is common as a shade-loving groundcover and fills in areas without much wear and tear. It requires moist, nutrient-rich, slightly acidic soil. It is one of the more drought-tolerant ornamentals but may still require watering in extreme heat or dry temperatures.

Japanese Blood Grass

• Japanese blood grass (Imperatata cylindrical) adds color and visual interest to a garden. It produces striking foliage with red stripes that may be as tall as 12 inches tall. It is not recommended for warmer regions, as it grows and spreads quickly and may become invasive. It does well in partial or full shade, particularly in hot or sunny areas, and is moderately drought tolerant. It prefers a moist, nutrient-rich soil that and is resistant to most pests and diseases.