Everyone has their own list of favorite grasses which, understandably, get used again and again from job to job, so sometimes it’s nice to give others a try.
We have two that we’d like to highlight in today’s Weekly Picks: Palm Sedge and Standing Ovation Little Blue Stem. Both are native grasses, or grass-like plants in the case of the Sedge, that will be interesting additions to your go-to list.

Carex muskingumensis (Palm Sedge) is named for the Muskingum River in Missouri which is its native habitat. It will grow into a mass of erect stems with thin, arching, foliage coming from the stem’s end. It will grow about 30″ x 30″ in moist to wet soil. The flower heads appear in May and are not showy but do persist. They’ll add a soft wispy effect to any moist site whether shade or full sun. After a hard frost they’ll turn yellow and could be cut down to a few inches at this time to neaten it up until spring.

Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Standing Ovation’ (Little Blue Stem) is a new variety for us this year. It is one that is sturdy enough to stand up to winds and rain when some varieties may open up under too much irrigation or bad weather. Growing about 3′ high (4′ when in bloom), the blades have interesting hints of purple and pink, then turn red-orange in the fall. It’s a nice choice for the sunny island bed or massed in natural areas.

Look for these and others on your next trip over!