Beardgrass: A Feathery Addition to Your Garden Landscape
If you’ve ever admired those graceful, silvery plumes dancing in the breeze at botanical gardens or naturalized landscapes, you might have been looking at beardgrass (Bothriochloa). This perennial grass brings texture and movement to gardens with its distinctive feathery seed heads that catch the light and sway with even the gentlest wind.
What Is Beardgrass?
Beardgrass is a genus of perennial grasses known for their ornamental value and adaptability to various growing conditions. The name beardgrass comes from the distinctive hairy or bristly appearance of their seed heads, which create an almost ethereal quality in the landscape when backlit by sun.
Native Status and Distribution
Here’s where things get a bit complicated with beardgrass. This genus is considered non-native throughout most of the United States, including Hawaii, Pacific territories, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, it has established itself across a remarkable range of states, from Alabama and Arizona to Texas and Utah, and everywhere in between. You’ll find various Bothriochloa species growing in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, as well as in Palau, Puerto Rico, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands, Virgin Islands, and Navassa Island.
Should You Plant Beardgrass?
The decision to plant beardgrass comes down to your gardening goals and local ecosystem considerations. While it’s not native to most areas where it grows, it’s also not currently listed as invasive or noxious in most regions. However, as a responsible gardener, you might want to consider native grass alternatives first.
Garden Design and Landscape Role
When used thoughtfully, beardgrass can serve several roles in your landscape:
- Creates texture and movement in perennial borders
- Adds vertical interest to rock gardens and dry landscapes
- Works well in naturalized or prairie-style plantings
- Provides winter interest with persistent seed heads
- Excellent for low-maintenance areas
Growing Conditions and Care
One of beardgrass’s appealing qualities is its relatively low-maintenance nature. Here’s what you need to know:
Light Requirements: Full sun is preferred, though some species can tolerate partial shade.
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil is essential. Beardgrass is quite adaptable to different soil types, from sandy to clay, but doesn’t appreciate waterlogged conditions.
Water Requirements: Once established, most beardgrass species are quite drought tolerant, making them suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
Hardiness: Most species are hardy in USDA zones 6-10, though this can vary depending on the specific species.
Planting and Maintenance Tips
- Plant in spring after the last frost date
- Space plants according to their mature size (varies by species)
- Water regularly during establishment, then reduce frequency
- Cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges
- Be aware that beardgrass can self-seed readily
Consider Native Alternatives
Before planting beardgrass, consider exploring native grass options for your region. Native grasses often provide better wildlife habitat, require fewer resources once established, and support local ecosystems more effectively. Some excellent native alternatives might include little bluestem, buffalo grass, or regional bunch grasses, depending on your location.
The Bottom Line
Beardgrass can be an attractive addition to certain garden styles, particularly if you’re looking for a low-maintenance grass with ornamental appeal. However, as with any non-native plant, it’s worth researching native alternatives first and being mindful of how it might spread in your local environment. If you do choose to grow beardgrass, enjoy its graceful movement and texture while keeping an eye on its growth habits to ensure it doesn’t become problematic in your garden or surrounding natural areas.
