common genera of grasses & grasslike plants

Popular Plant Groups

Panicum

Commonly called Switchgrasses, our North American Panicum and cultivars are tough, beautiful, and functional. Panicum virgatum was one of the major grasses in the tall grass prairie of North America. It is the most common Panicum species found in the horticultural trade. Learn more

Muhlenbergia

Muhly Grasses are some of our most beautiful native grasses. Found primarily in the Western Hemisphere, most make their home in the southern U.S. and Mexico. Muhly grasses grow just as easily in inhospitable areas as in well-tended gardens. Plus they’re drought tolerant and undemanding. Learn more.

Calamagrostis

Found in Europe, Asia, and Central and North America, the genus Calamagrostis includes roughly 250 species. They grow in a range of habitats—low-density forests, fields, and the edges of lakes and streams. This genus includes the beloved and popular Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’. Learn more.

<i>Muhlenbergia capillaris</i> 'White Cloud' — *Muhlenbergia capillaris* 'White Cloud'

Schizachyrium

We grow one species of Schizachyrium, the North American native Schizachyrium scoparium, known as Little Bluestem. The foliage offers a kaleidoscope of pastel colors in summer and rich, copper tones in fall. It’s tough, adaptable, and tolerates a range of soil conditions. Learn more.

Pennisetum

Members of the genus Pennisetum are exquisite grasses with vibrant foliage, picturesque bottlebrush plumes, and elegant fountain shapes. They’re native to Africa, Asia, and other tropical, subtropical, and temperate environments worldwide. They thrive in sun, heat and humidity and require little maintenance. Learn more.

Andropogon

A close cousin of Schizachyrium, the genus Andropogon offers clear choices for sustainable landscapes. Tough and resilient, their deep, fibrous root systems allow them to endure drought, neglect, and poor soil. And this North American native provides food and shelter for wildlife. Learn more.

<i>Pennisetum alopecuroides</i> 'Cassian' — *Pennisetum alopecuroides* 'Cassian'

Miscanthus

Native to Asia, Miscanthus has been an icon in Europe and North America for well over a hundred years. The lush plumes and arching foliage have inspired generations of plant breeders. An abundance of cultivars makes it possible to find a Miscanthus for a range of landscapes. And they make stunning plants for containers. Learn more.

Carex (Sedges)

They look similar to grasses, but sedges reside in the Cyperaceae family and are not true grasses. In the trade, most of the plants we call sedges are in the genus Carex. It’s a genus marked by its diversity in color, texture, and cultural adaptation. We grow three relatively distinct groups of Carex. Learn more.

Juncus (Rushes)

Plants in the genus Juncus are known as rushes. Juncus is the largest genus in the Juncaceae family, which contains approximately eight genera. Juncus favor the edges of ponds, bogs, and low, moist areas. But, they also ride out intermittent dry spells, making them useful for rain gardens and bioretention. Learn more.