Matgrass: A Hardy European Import for Challenging Garden Spots
If you’ve got a problem spot in your garden where nothing seems to thrive—think acidic soil, poor drainage, or a slope that’s slowly washing away—you might want to meet matgrass (Nardus stricta). This unassuming European perennial grass has quietly made itself at home across parts of North America, and while it won’t win any beauty contests, it’s got some tricks up its sleeve for gardeners dealing with difficult conditions.
What Exactly Is Matgrass?
Matgrass is a perennial grass that forms dense, wiry tufts of narrow, stiff leaves. Think of it as nature’s answer to tough love gardening—it’s not particularly pretty, but it gets the job done. This hardy little grass originally hails from Europe, where it thrives in mountainous regions and moorlands with poor, acidic soils.
Where You’ll Find It Growing
As a non-native species, matgrass has established itself in various regions across North America. You can find it growing in several Canadian provinces including Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec, as well as in U.S. states like Idaho, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, and Vermont. It’s also present in Newfoundland.
Should You Plant Matgrass in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting. Matgrass isn’t going to be the star of your flower border, but it has some specific uses that might make it worth considering:
- Erosion control: Those dense tufts are excellent for stabilizing slopes and preventing soil erosion
- Problem soil solutions: Thrives in acidic, nutrient-poor conditions where other plants struggle
- Low maintenance: Once established, it pretty much takes care of itself
- Cold hardy: Suitable for USDA zones 3-7, making it a tough choice for northern gardens
The Downsides to Consider
Before you get too excited, let’s talk about why matgrass might not be your garden’s best friend:
- Limited aesthetic appeal: It’s functional, not beautiful
- Minimal wildlife value: As a wind-pollinated grass, it offers little to pollinators
- Non-native status: While not currently listed as invasive, it’s still an introduced species
Native Alternatives Worth Considering
Since matgrass is non-native, you might want to explore some native options that can handle similar tough conditions while supporting local ecosystems:
- Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) – drought tolerant and beautiful in fall
- Buffalo grass (Poaceae dactyloides) – excellent for dry, poor soils
- Sedges (Carex species) – many native options for various soil conditions
How to Grow Matgrass Successfully
If you decide matgrass is right for your specific situation, here’s how to give it the best start:
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Soil: Prefers acidic, nutrient-poor soils (perfect for those challenging spots)
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, but appreciates some moisture during establishment
- Climate: Hardy in zones 3-7
Planting and Care Tips
- Plant in spring after the last frost
- Space plants about 12 inches apart for erosion control purposes
- Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish roots
- Once established, minimal care is needed—this grass is pretty self-sufficient
- It spreads slowly by rhizomes, so don’t expect rapid coverage
The Bottom Line
Matgrass is one of those plants that serves a specific purpose rather than adding ornamental value to your garden. If you’re dealing with erosion issues, poor acidic soil, or need something tough for a naturalized area, it might be worth considering. However, given its non-native status and limited ecological benefits, exploring native alternatives first is always a good approach. Remember, the best garden is one that not only meets your needs but also supports local wildlife and ecosystems.
