Grassland Plants

Grassland

Grass is amazing.  It covers more area on the earth than any other plant.  It also feeds more animals than any other plant.  Without grass, huge dust storms would change the climate the world over.  Grass is hardy and can grow about anywhere.  It makes a beautiful “living carpet” for us to look at.  There is much diversity in grass and wildlife dependent on it.  In return, so do we. 

We plant grass at our homes.  It helps keep our cities cool and beautiful.  There are also taller grasses with beautiful blossoms that keep our flower beds looking great.  In addition, grasses can make  a nice privacy screen from your neighbors. 

Grass Quotes
And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, ... upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, ... and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the third day. -- God
Grass is the forgiveness of Nature - her constant Benediction ... Forests decay, harvests perish, flowers vanish, But grass is immortal.  -- John J. Ingalls
"Grass is the hair of the earth" -- Karl Foerster

Yard Grasses
Man has cultivated the use of grass for home use.  The primary grasses we use are bluegrass, ryegrass, fescue, buffalo, bentgrass, bermuda, and johnson grass.

The most popular grass by far is Kentucky Bluegrass.  It is superior in resisting diseases and due to its rhizome root structure it can repair itself and grow over dead patches in the lawn. 

Popular Ornamental Grasses

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass 
This grass may be the most popular of all the grasses.  It blooms for a long time and can grow around six feet tall.  The structure looks similar to wheat. 

Blue Oat Grass
Blue oat grass is low growing.  It has a fine needle structure.  It is used primarily as ground cover and to bring in blue color. 

Fountain Grass
Fountain grass is an upright-open, mound forming plant. This is an excellent ornamental grass. Flowering occurs in July and goes through the fall.  The blooms are larger than other grasses.  They bloom a very light white and yellow color.  Then they can change, over time, to a purplish color.

Cattails
Cattails require a lot of water.  They typically grow in swampy areas.  The top or corn cob like tops can be eaten.  They can grow very tall. 

Grassland on The Earth