Native Grasses
Andropogon
gerardii -Big Bluestem, Turkey Foot
Ht. 4-8' Sun/Part Sun; Drought tolerant
The king of native greases, bound in moist meadows and along side roads
and rivers. Very tolerant of diverse conditions in full sun, dry and
sandy to clay. Distinctive three-fingered seed heads in August, handsome
red stems in the fall.
Andropogon virginicus -Broom Sedge
Ht. 2-3'; Sun/Part Shade; Native; Deer Resistant; Drought Tolerant
Golden clump forming native warm season grass found in open fields
with dry or poor soil. A pioneer soil stabilizing plant. Tolerant of
dry or average conditions as well as flood plains.
Carex flaccasperma -Blue Wood Sedge
Ht. 6-10"; Shade/Part Shade; Native
A good shady ground cover. This is a strong clump-forming sedge with
blue to blue-green, slightly quilted leaves that are up to half and
inch wide. An excellent companion for ferns and other woodland natives.
Spreads slowly and is quite drought tolerant and bright shade tolerant
once established.
Carex Lurida-Shallow Sedge
Ht. up to 3’; Part shade to Shade; Moist soil
Excellen plant for wetland restoration. Also a good choice for ornamental
ponds due to the interesting seed heads formed. Grows in clumps in
wet soil. Blooms in June.
Carex pennsylvanica- Native Sedge
Ht. 8"; Part Shade/Shade; Native
This sedge is a wonderful native ground cover for average to dry, deciduous
shade. Slow, spreading clump former. Happiest in the company of Oaks.
Native to open woods.
Carex stricta-Tussock Sedge
Ht. 2-3’; Part sun to shade; Moist soil
The plants form big tussocks in wet places. The flowering stalks appear
from May to August but are short lived. The best way to recognize these
plants is by the big leafy tussocks and triangular stems. The female
flower clusters are thin and narrow; reddish to purple-brown; made
up of small flat sacs.
Eragrostis spectabilis-Purple Love Grass
Ht. 1’; Sun: Native
Fields come alive with clouds of purple in late summer when this species
is in bloom. Drought tolerant.
Panicum virgatum -Switch Grass
Ht. 3-5'; Sun/Part Sun; Native; Drought tolerant; Deer Resistant
Bluish green foliage with airy panicles. Prefers average to moist soils.
Occurs in moist meadows, fields, along riverbanks and sandy shores.
Schizachyrium scoparium -Little Blue Stem
Ht. 3-4";Sun; Native; Drought Tolerant; Deer Resistant
Native warm season grass for poor, dry soils. Often associated with
high magnesium levels in the soil. Some lovely blue and red forms appear.
Thinner leaved, and redder, skinnier bladed than Andropogon virginicus.
Best not to plant after mid-September.
Sorghastrum nutans -Indian Grass
Ht. 3-4'; Sun; Native; Drought Tolerant
Native warm season grass for average to dry meadows. Translucent yellow-deep
gold fall color. Found in moist or dry fields and roadsides.
Native Ferns
Athyrium
filix-femina -Lady Fern
Ht. 12-18"; Part Shade/Shade.
Handsome crowns of feathery fronds are typical of this genus. Strong
growing, the Lady Ferns are dependable garden plants for moist to average
shady spots. The Lady Fern is know for its sultry red stems.
Dennstaedtia punctilobula-Hayscented Fern
Ht. 2’; Light Shade to Shade; Moist to moderately moist soil
Deciduous fern with finely divided fronds to 2ft tall. Spreads quickly
to make an attractive groundcover. Crushed fonds smell like freshly
cut hay, hence the name. If given adequate water, it will do well in
poor, rocky soil.
Dryopteris erythrosora-Autumn Fern
Ht. 18-24”; Part Shade/Shade; Moist soil;
A colorful groundcover with coppery new growth and pink fiddle=heads.
Lustrous dark green leaves remain through winter. It needs good drainage,
but is very adaptable to a variety of soil types. Native to seepage
slopes, moist, humus-rich woods in neutral soils.
Onoclea sensibilis -Sensitive Fern
Ht. 1-2'; Part Sun/Shade; Native
A freely running, deciduous fern with broad smooth leaves. It spreads
in moist soil and stays low to the ground, usually not more than 12-18",
though heights of up to 3' are possible in ideal conditions. Very effective
as a moist shade groundcover. Wet meadows, swamps and open woods.
Polystichum acrostichoides -Christmas Fern
Ht. 12-18"; Part Shade/Shade; Native; Deer Resistant
While not as showy as some others, this fern makes up for it with its
neat habit, easy culture and lustrous, nearly evergreen leaves. Often
used in Christmas floral arrangements because it is still attractive
in December. It is a wonderful companion for spring blooming bulbs.
Found in acid to neutral soils on shaded slopes and well-drained flats.
