Turf

(2/3" wide) which grow 6-12" long and panicles of whitish to pale pinkish flowers which bloomwell above the foliage in early summer. Flowers are quite conspicuous but not particularlyshowy. Grass is extremely attractive in spring to early summer, but turns an unattractive brownby late summer. If cut back hard (e.g., 6" from the ground), it will produce fresh, variegatedfoliage. Lacks the winter interest that many other ornamental grasses provide. Sometimescommonly called ribbon grass, reed canary grass or gardener's garters.Problems:No serious insect or disease problems. Extremely invasive spreader that is difficult to eradicateonce established because any tiny segment of root or rhizome left behind can sprout and spread.Use of soil barriers should be considered at the time of planting to prevent rhizomes fromtraveling into unwanted areas.Uses:Probably not a good candidate for the border because of the aforementioned invasivecharacteristics. Will quickly colonize and serve as a dense, weed-free ground cover in areaswhere invasiveness in not a concern. Effective in boggy areas, in water gardens (submerged inseveral inches of water) or in wet areas along streams or ponds where it also can help stabilizebanks. Also effective in dry locations, including desert gardens, where it is somewhat lessinvasive.Back to plant list- 18 -