meadow grass ID

4 years ago

Kent county Delaware, zone 7

Hi, my sister and I recently started a meadow garden and we are looking for local plants to put in it. Along the ditch near where we live is this grass growing and we like it's appeara

nce but want to know what it is before we collect it. Can anyone ID it for us?

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Comments (5)

jekeesl (south-central Arkansas)
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
The small stature and clasping leaves remind me of the non-native Arthraxon hispidus. If that is the right plant, it doesn't stay green very long and isn't showy. I'm sure that others will recommend better options.
carol23_gw
4 years ago
I think it's the invasive Japanese stiltgrass.

https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/japanese-stiltgrass-identification-and-management
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jekeesl (south-central Arkansas)
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Well, Microstegium vimineum does look similar but that that plant has leaves that are merely sessile. The leaves above sure appear to be clasping, to me. And … neither species would make a good landscape plant, because they would spread to every somewhat damp nook and cranny in the yard.
Charles Samardza
4 years ago
Jekeesl called it, small carpet grass, it doesn't appear to be banned in Delaware but since it's only been in the US for about 50 years we aren't going to put it in the garden. Thanks for the help
jekeesl (south-central Arkansas)
4 years ago
You're welcome, Charles. I like the grasses, so am glad that you are considering some of those for inclusion in your meadow garden. Normally, people would be chiming in with all kinds of options and advice. They must be dozing, or something. ;>)

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meadow grass ID

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jekeesl (south-central Arkansas)

carol23_gw

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