Native grasses and sedges certainly do not get as much attention as the many colorful native wildflower species but perhaps understanding their ecological value will pique your interest as you’re planning what to plant.

Like wildflowers, native grasses and sedges are adapted to the local climate—they require less maintenance and provide a habitat for beneficial insects and other wildlife. Their deep root systems improve soil structure, increase water retention, and prevent erosion. They can also add aesthetic value to a garden by creating a more naturalistic planting design and providing texture, movement, and interest, particularly in the winter.

When planted densely, they can act as ground cover to outcompete weeds, and many have attractive seed heads that are used by as a fall/winter food source by birds.

Another advantage of using native grasses and sedges in landscaping is their versatility. They can be used in a variety of settings, from large-scale restoration projects to small backyard gardens. They can be planted in meadows/prairies, rain gardens and even as an understory layer in forests, providing habitat for a range of species in each of these settings.

For these reasons, there is a growing demand for grasses and sedges in the horticulture industry, and as part of our Native Plant Propagation Program, we plan to produce more of these valuable species in the future.