Matgrass (Nardus): A European Grass That’s Made Its Way to North America
If you’ve ever wandered through acidic grasslands or mountainous regions and noticed dense clumps of wiry, somewhat uninspiring grass, you might have encountered matgrass. This European native has quietly established itself across parts of North America, though it’s hardly the showstopper of the grass world.
What Exactly Is Matgrass?
Matgrass, scientifically known as Nardus, is a perennial grass that forms tight, coarse tufts. Originally from Europe’s uplands and moorlands, this hardy grass has found its way to various locations across North America. It’s part of the larger grass family, sharing characteristics with other grasses, sedges, and rush-like plants.
The plant gets its name from its tendency to form dense mats of vegetation, though these mats are more like stubborn clumps that seem determined to survive in places where other plants might give up.
Where You’ll Find Matgrass
In North America, matgrass has established populations in several provinces and states, including Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, Idaho, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Newfoundland. It’s considered a non-native species that has naturalized in these areas, reproducing and persisting without human intervention.
Should You Plant Matgrass in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting – or perhaps not so interesting. Matgrass isn’t exactly what you’d call a garden showstopper. This grass thrives in conditions that most other plants find challenging: acidic, nutrient-poor soils in exposed locations. While this makes it incredibly hardy, it also means it has limited ornamental appeal.
The Case Against Matgrass
- Limited aesthetic value compared to native ornamental grasses
- Forms coarse, wiry clumps that many find unattractive
- As a non-native species, it doesn’t support local ecosystems as effectively as native alternatives
- Can be challenging to establish in typical garden conditions
When Matgrass Might Make Sense
- Restoration projects in acidic, degraded soils
- Areas with extremely harsh growing conditions where native options have failed
- Academic or research purposes
Growing Conditions and Care
If you’re determined to grow matgrass, it actually prefers conditions that would stress most garden plants. It thrives in acidic soils with low fertility and can handle exposed, windy locations. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-7, making it suitable for cooler climates.
Ironically, matgrass can be difficult to establish in rich garden soils – it’s one of those plants that actually performs better when you neglect it. Once established, it requires virtually no care, though it also provides little in return aesthetically.
Wildlife and Pollinator Considerations
As a wind-pollinated grass, matgrass doesn’t offer much to pollinators like bees and butterflies. While some birds might use it for nesting material, its value to North American wildlife is limited compared to native grass species that have evolved alongside local fauna.
Better Native Alternatives
Instead of matgrass, consider these native grass alternatives that offer similar hardiness with greater ecological benefits:
- Buffalo grass for prairie regions
- Little bluestem for diverse conditions
- Sheep fescue for cooler, acidic sites
- Hair grass species native to your region
The Bottom Line
While matgrass isn’t invasive or harmful, it’s also not particularly beneficial in most garden settings. Its greatest strength – surviving in harsh, nutrient-poor conditions – is also what limits its garden appeal. For most gardeners, native grass alternatives will provide better aesthetic value, wildlife support, and ecological benefits while being just as tough when conditions get challenging.
If you’re dealing with severely degraded acidic soils and native options aren’t establishing, matgrass might serve as a temporary ground cover while you work to improve conditions for more desirable native species. But for typical landscaping needs, you’ll likely be happier with grasses that evolved right in your backyard.
