Protective ornamental grasses
Ornamental grasses should have a place in a well designed landscape. Many grasses put out tiny blooms and seed head plumes that offer a range of visual interest. These are a few showy varieties that have sharp, saw-like edges.
- Lemongrass
- Pampas grass
- Sea oat grass
- Zebra grass
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) aka Cochin or Malabar grass, is a hardy perennial that will reseed and spread in the right conditions. Lemongrass grows in clumps that normally reach 3 to 5 feet in height. It has a variety of culinary and medicinal uses, and is prized for its antimicrobial properties. We love it for it’s sharp blades.
Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is a showy ornamental perennial that reaches a height of 8 to 12 feet and spreads to about 6 feet. It makes a lovely border backdrop with 3 to 5 planted together, but can be invasive if left to spread. Pampas grass is razor sharp and will slice the skin open.
Sea oats (Uniola paniculata) is another showy perennial with narrow, sharp blades. Sea oats form dense clumps that grow 3.5 to 8 feet high, and which grow best in sandy dunes and beaches. They are highly drought tolerant. The seeds are also edible and can be cooked as cereal or ground and made into bread.
Zebra grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’) is another clumping grass that stands green all summer, then puts out tiny white blooms, followed by large plumes in late fall. The variegated leaves reach between 4 to 6 feet, and the flower stalks stand 2 feet above the foliage, reaching up to 8 feet. You’ll see gold and green hues in summer, and by late fall, turns to more of a beige. The sharp edges can easily cut open exposed skin.