Don't Plant a Pest

Ornamental grasses of the Sierra Foothills region

Invasive plants are listed in red boxes. Alternatives are listed below in green.
Invasive plants that are also a fire hazard are identified by this symbol: 

Invasive! Do Not Plant! Invasive!

More/larger photos giant reed or giant cane Arundo donax This grass grows along streamsides, where it can reach over 20 feet tall. It grows in dense thickets that clog waterways and is a fire hazard. When clumps of arundo are washed downstream during storms, they become trapped against bridges and create a maintenance problem where they land. Arundo creates less shade than the native trees it replaces, increasing water temperatures to a level that is dangerous for native fish.

Invasive!   Do Not Plant!   Invasive!
More/larger photos jubatagrass or pampasgrass Cortaderia jubata or Cortaderia selloana Wind can carry the tiny seeds of these plants up to 20 miles. The massive size of each pampas grass plant with its accumulated litter reduces wildlife habitat, limits recreational opportunities in conservation areas, and creates a fire hazard.

Try these plants instead
More/larger photos California fescue Festuca californica Flowering stalks rise to 5 feet above large clumped grass (2-3 feet tall) in late spring, early summer. Striking appearance, good adaptability, with clumps holding their shape well throughout the year.

More/larger photos blue oat grass Helictotrichon sempervirens Evergreen, bright blue-gray, with narrow leaves in fountain-like clump. Grows 2 to 3 feet high and wide. Stems bear straw-colored flower clusters.

More/larger photos giant wild rye Leymus condensatus Large clumping grass 4 to 5 feet across and reaches 6 to 8 feet tall in bloom. Distinct silver-gray foliage. Prune annually to encourage new growth.

More/larger photos deer grass Muhlenbergia rigens This large, perennial, California native has dense clusters of narrow, bright green leaf blades and tall, slender flower stalks. Bold enough to be used as a focal point of the garden, it also partners well with other perennials, flowers, and shrubs. Once established, deer grass is extremely drought tolerant and fits in well with a water-conscious California garden. Other Muhlenbergia species can also be good choices.

More/larger photos New Zealand flax Phormium tenas Although not a true grass, New Zealand flax fills a function in the landscape similar to many of popular ornamental grasses. Individual plants are large, hardy, and require minimal care while offering a bold point of interest to any garden. Numerous varieties and hybrids are available in a range of sizes and leaf colors, including many with striking stripes of red, yellow, and green. Deer resistant.

More/larger photos bamboo (clumping species only) Bambusa multiplex Rhizomes of clumping bamboo stay close to the plant, making it less invasive than the running species.

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