Types of Tall Grass

Big Bluestem grass is a solid stemmed grass, which sets it apart from most grass species that have hollow stems. It is a perennial grass that spreads by rhizomes and seed. The stems are flat and have a bluish coloring at the base of the plant.

Silberfeder (Silver Feather) silver grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberfeder'): This cultivar grows 5 feet tall (7 feet when in flower) and has a more relaxed, arching habit; large clusters of silvery flowers in late summer, held well above the foliage; hardy to zone 5.

Feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora) is a clumping ornamental grass with numerous cultivars. It is a deciduous plant but is one of the first of the family to show foliage in early spring. Feather red plant may grow 3 to 5 feet tall and produces an inflorescence in June that starts green and slowly blushes to purple or pink.

Big bluestem grass (Andropogon gerardii) is a warm season grass suited for arid climates. The grass was once widespread across North America prairies. Planting big bluestem has become an important part of erosion control on land that has been over grazed or farmed.

Pampas grass is known for its large, showy flower plumes, which appear in late summer. ‘Pumila’ is a dwarf version that grows 4 to 6 feet tall and only 3 to 4 feet wide. Flower heads are still large and fluffy, though, perfect for dried arrangements. Pampas grass can be invasive in some areas. Hardy in Zones 5 to 10.

Pearl Millet is a very tall grass that can reach 15 feet. Perfect used for hay, pasture, and silage for feeding livestock.

Saccharum ravennae, commonly called ravenna grass or plume grass, is a very tall, erect, ornamental grass which forms clumps which typically grow 9-12' tall and 4-6' wide. Similar in appearance to the less hardy Pampas grass.

Switchgrass is an upright prairie grass that produces feathery delicate flowers from July to September. There are several switchgrass varieties to choose from and this article will provide more information.