Reimar Grass: A Hidden Gem Among Native Southeastern Grasses
If you’re on the hunt for truly native grasses to add authenticity to your southeastern landscape, you might want to get acquainted with reimar grass (Reimarochloa). This lesser-known native perennial grass is one of those plants that doesn’t show up in every garden center catalog, but it has some interesting qualities that make it worth considering for the right gardener.
What Exactly Is Reimar Grass?
Reimar grass belongs to the graminoid family—that’s botanist-speak for grass and grass-like plants. As a perennial, it’s built to stick around year after year, which is always a plus in my book. Think of it as one of those steady, reliable friends who might not be the life of the party, but you’re always glad they’re around.
Where Does It Call Home?
This grass is a true southeastern native, naturally occurring in Alabama and Florida. It’s perfectly adapted to the climate and conditions of the lower 48 states, which means it’s already programmed to thrive in its home territory without the fuss and bother that non-native plants often require.
Should You Plant Reimar Grass?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky—and honestly refreshing in our age of information overload. Reimar grass is one of those native plants that has flown under the radar of most gardening guides and plant databases. While this means we don’t have detailed growing instructions passed down through generations of gardeners, it also means you’d be working with a truly authentic native species.
The Case for Planting It:
- It’s genuinely native to the Southeast, supporting local ecosystems
- As a perennial, it provides lasting value in the landscape
- Native grasses typically require less water and fertilizer once established
- It adds authenticity to native plant gardens and natural landscapes
Things to Consider:
- Limited availability in the nursery trade
- Minimal documented growing information available
- May require some experimentation to determine best growing practices
Growing Reimar Grass Successfully
Since detailed cultivation information for reimar grass is scarce, you’ll need to rely on general principles that work well for most native southeastern grasses. Think of yourself as a plant detective, working with clues rather than a detailed instruction manual.
General Growing Guidelines:
- Plant in conditions similar to its natural habitat in Alabama and Florida
- Provide well-draining soil, as most native grasses prefer not to sit in soggy conditions
- Choose a location with adequate sunlight—most grasses are sun-lovers
- Water regularly during establishment, then reduce as the plant matures
- Avoid over-fertilizing, which can make native plants too lush and prone to problems
Finding and Sourcing Reimar Grass
Your biggest challenge will likely be finding this grass in the first place. Check with native plant societies in Alabama and Florida, specialty native plant nurseries, or botanical gardens that focus on regional flora. You might also connect with local naturalists or native plant enthusiasts who could point you toward sources.
The Bottom Line
Reimar grass represents something special in the gardening world—a chance to work with a truly native species that hasn’t been commercialized or bred into countless cultivars. If you’re the type of gardener who enjoys being a plant pioneer and supporting authentic native ecosystems, this grass could be an interesting addition to your landscape. Just be prepared to do some detective work along the way!
While we can’t give you a step-by-step care guide like you’d find for more common grasses, that’s part of the adventure. You’d be growing a piece of authentic southeastern heritage—and helping preserve native plant diversity in the process.
