10 Invasive Ornamental Grasses To Avoid (And 10 That Behave Beautifully)

Ornamental grasses can transform landscape with their texture and colors , but not all are garden - friendly . While some species enhance gardens without causing harm , others are notorious for their trespassing nature . This guidebook explore ten invasive grasses to avoid and ten that are garden - dependable , ply gardeners with inform choices .

1. Japanese Blood Grass (Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’)

Nipponese Blood Grass , with its tempting carmine - tipped blades , can be misleadingly charming . However , the raving mad shape ( Imperata cylindrica ) is notorious for its invasive tendency , spreading speedily through rhizome . This aggressive outgrowth can whelm native plants and disrupt ecosystems . In fact , several southerly U.S. states have list it as a noxious Mary Jane due to its propensity to dominate landscapes . nurseryman should be cautious , as its aggressive nature can quickly make it a garden nightmare . While the red variant is slightly less aggressive , its potential difference to escape cultivation remains a concern . Opt for more hold in ornamental skunk alternatives .

2. Ribbon Grass (Phalaris arundinacea)

Ribbon Grass , known for its fast - spreading nature , can be an unwished invitee in many garden . This decorative grass invades wetlands and outcompetes native mintage , create a monoculture that stifles biodiversity . Its preference for moist ground makes it especially problematic in ditch and stream bank , where it can rapidly take hold . The plant ’s vigorous growth and ability to adapt to various conditions make it a formidable invader . gardener should be cognisant of its potential to disrupt natural habitats and search non - invasive alternatives that declare oneself similar ocular appeal without the ecological drawbacks .

3. Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana)

Pampas Grass , with its striking plumage , is often look up to for its striking mien in gardens . However , its monumental size and ability to disperse seed by wind make it a troublesome invader . This grass can rapidly colonize roadsides and wild areas , pushing out native vegetation . Its encroaching nature is particularly prevalent in places like California , Australia , and New Zealand , where it has become a meaning ecologic concern . Despite its allure , gardeners should consider the environmental impact and opt for less invasive alternative that still provide decorative lulu without the danger to local ecosystem .

4. Chinese Silver Grass (Miscanthus sinensis)

Formosan Silver Grass , with its feathery plumes , is a favorite among gardeners seeking texture and campaign in landscapes . However , some variety show of this forage are infamous for self - seeding aggressively , leading to the intrusion of innate areas . As it disseminate , it can preempt native fauna and flora , interrupt the ecological balance . good choices include sterile hybrid like Miscanthus sinensis ‘ Strictus ’ or ‘ Morning Light , ’ which offer exchangeable aesthetic appeal without the invasive risk of infection . Gardeners should prioritize these option to maintain the wholeness of their gardens and surrounding surroundings .

5. Giant Reed (Arundo donax)

Giant Reed is often considered one of the worst invasive cosmetic Gunter Wilhelm Grass . With its tower height and robust outgrowth , it can foul waterways and displace native flora with simpleness . This aggressive spread has led to banning in states like Texas , where its impact on local ecosystem is especially severe . Its ability to quickly forge heavy stand further exacerbates its invasive potential , making it a significant ecological threat . nurseryman are propose to avoid introducing this Mary Jane into their landscapes , opting instead for ornamental options that do not pose such a substantial risk to natural habitats .

6. Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum)

Fountain Grass is known for its graceful plumes and lush foliage , get it a popular alternative for decorative garden . However , in warm clime like Arizona and Florida , it becomes highly invasive , spreading rapidly and outcompeting local plants . Its power to adapt to various environs and regurgitate quickly makes it a formidable invader . For those seek the charm of Fountain Grass without the invasive danger , Pennisetum alopecuroides , a non - invasive alternative , is commend . This pick retains the aesthetic collection while ensuring the preservation of local ecosystem and biodiversity .

7. Zebra Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’)

Zebra Grass , with its distinctive striping , add visual pursuit to gardens . However , like other Miscanthus sinensis varieties , it has potential drop to elude refinement and intrude on natural areas . Its ability to distribute and establish in various environments makes it a vexation for gardeners seek sustainable landscape gardening resolution . An alternative such as Miscanthus transmorrisonensis , which is sterile and clunk - forming , can provide similar decorative character without the risk of invasion . gardener should deliberate these substitute option to prevent the feast of invasive species and protect aboriginal ecosystems from disruption .

8. Dwarf Bamboo (Pleioblastus spp.)

Dwarf Bamboo , with its compact size and plushy verdure , can seem like an idealistic cosmetic choice for shady gardens . However , it is have it off for its aggressive underground spreading through runners , make it a challenge to control . This can lead to it consume over garden spaces and outcompeting other plants . Its persistency in shaded field tally to the difficulty of make do its growth . Gardeners should be cautious when planting Dwarf Bamboo and consider alternatives that are easier to conserve and less probable to overpower other planting in the landscape .

9. Johnson Grass (Sorghum halepense)

Johnson Grass is spot as a noxious weed that poses pregnant challenges in farming and rude environments . Its power to snuff it crop and form dense stands makes it a troublesome invader . Many agricultural area have banned this grass due to its impact on harvest yields and biodiversity . Its fast - growing nature and adaptability allow it to spread quickly , often requiring extensive efforts for dominance . Gardeners and farmers alike must be vigilant in cope its presence to protect native ecosystems and agricultural productivity from its invasive leaning .

10. Common Reed (Phragmites australis)

Common Reed is infamous for obtrude upon wetlands and constitute dense monoculture that crowd out aboriginal works . Its tall , feathery plumes may look likable , but the ecological wallop is severe , as it disrupt habitat and reduces biodiversity . In response , region have worked to keep in line its spread , often turning to aboriginal option like Switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum ) , which offer exchangeable ecologic benefit without the trespassing downsides . Gardeners and conservationists should prioritize these native metal money to uphold healthy , balanced ecosystem and preserve the integrity of wetland environments .

1. Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca)

Blue Fescue , with its silvery - low tufts , is a charming plus to any garden . This compact Mary Jane is not only visually prominent but also drought - tolerant , defecate it hone for low - upkeep landscape . Its clump - mould riding habit ensures it wo n’t catch garden space , admit other industrial plant to thrive alongside it . Blue Fescue ’s adaptability to various grunge types and climates further enhances its appeal for gardener seeking true and attractive ground cover selection . Its gentle front adds texture and pursuit without the risk of invasive spread , making it a garden - friendly pick .

2. Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’)

Maiden Grass , known for its refined arching plume , render elegance to garden landscapes . Unlike some of its relatives , ‘ Gracillimus ’ is clump - forming and less prone to spreading sharply . This have it a suited choice for nurseryman wanting the beauty of Miscanthus without the worry of invasiveness . Its adaptability to different condition and prominent appearance make it a favorite for borders and screens . By choose ‘ Gracillimus ’ , gardeners can love the ornamental appealingness of Maiden Grass while protect the ecological proportion of their garden outer space .

3. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

Switchgrass is a native grass that offer both ecological and ornamental benefits . Its tall , aeriform plumes leave trend and texture in garden while supporting local wildlife . This grass is drought - resistant and adaptable , thriving in a range of conditions and making it a low-toned - maintenance pick . As a aboriginal species , it plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and brace stain . gardener seeking a sustainable and attractive choice will find Switchgrass to be an ideal summation , offering beauty and ecological value without the risks associated with trespassing pasturage .

4. Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Little Bluestem stands out for its vibrant fall colour , make it a favourite among gardeners seek seasonal interest . This low - care sens take shape neat clumps , check it wo n’t invade nearby plantings . Its adaptability to various filth types and climate further adds to its appeal . Little Bluestem is not only visually stunning but also plays a role in supporting wildlife , make it a valuable addition to any garden focused on sustainability . Its non - invasive nature and ease of caution make it a top choice for those wanting both beauty and bionomic concord .

5. Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora)

Feather Reed Grass is celebrated for its magniloquent , just outgrowth and feathery plume that add together elegance to garden mete . Its uninspired germ prevent undesirable spreading , ensuring it rest a goodish and manageable addition to landscape . This grass flourish in a form of conditions , making it various for use in dissimilar garden mise en scene . Its power to maintain anatomical structure and dish throughout the seasons makes it a popular choice for gardeners search reliable , ornamental grasses . Feather Reed Grass offer both esthetical and practical benefits without the risk of becoming trespassing .

6. Purple Moor Grass (Molinia caerulea)

Purple Moor Grass brings elegance to shaded garden with its delicate , arching foliage . This easy - growing sess is well - behaved , organize keen clumps that enhance garden pattern without overwhelming other plant life . Its druthers for moist , well - drained filth makes it worthy for a variety of background . The subtle mantrap of its summer blooms adds a touch of charm to any garden . Purple Moor Grass is perfect for gardener seeking an ornamental grass that offer visual pursuit and harmony without the challenges connect with more aggressive species .

7. Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)

Prairie Dropseed is cherished for its finely - textured leaf and airy seminal fluid heads that bring movement to gardens . As a aboriginal North American species , it plays a full of life role in local ecosystems , supporting wildlife and boost biodiversity . Its fragrant , delicate appearance belies its hardy nature , thriving in a potpourri of conditions with minimum care . Prairie Dropseed makes an first-class choice for gardener concerned in sustainable landscaping , offering both aesthetic appeal and bionomic benefits . Its non - invasive , graceful presence ensure it complements rather than competes with neighboring plant life .

8. Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima)

Mexican Feather Grass , with its wispy , delicate foliage , brings a soft grain to garden landscapes . Safe in cold zones , it can become invasive in lovesome regions , so nurseryman should be cautious where they plant it . Its drought - tolerant nature make it an appealing pick for xeriscaping and down - water garden . The gentle movement of its feather in the wind adds a active element to any scope . When implant in control climates , Mexican Feather Grass provides an graceful and sustainable selection , immingle beauty with practicality in a garden - well-disposed fashion .

9. Tufted Hair Grass (Deschampsia cespitosa)

Tufted Hair Grass offers a delicate , airy comportment with its fine tuft of leaf , perfect for lend texture to shaded gardens . This shade - tolerant locoweed forms neat clumps , ensuring it remains a well - behaved plus to any landscape . Its adaptability to moist soils and coolheaded climates bring in it a versatile pick for garden design . The aristocratic careen of its seed heads in the breeze add a tranquil , rude feel to garden spaces . Tufted Hair Grass is idealistic for nurseryman assay to create serene , downplay beauty in their landscape without the jeopardy of spreading .

10. Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)

Northern Sea Oats captivates with its unique , flat come heads that dangle gracefully from arching stems , bestow optic sake to shaded gardens . This non - invasive grass forms clumps , making it easy to bring off and mix into various landscape painting designs . Its adaptability to different ground types and leeway for tad make it a various addition to gardens . The aristocratic rustling of its seed head in the wind adds a soothing ambience . Northern Sea Oats is a perfect alternative for those seeking a decorative , downhearted - maintenance grass that enhances garden esthetics without bionomical concerns .