Plumegrass: An Uncommon Grass with Limited Garden Presence
If you’ve stumbled across the name plumegrass in your gardening research, you might be wondering what exactly this grass is all about. Plumegrass (Dichelachne micrantha) is one of those plants that exists more in botanical literature than in actual gardens, and there’s a good reason for that.
What Is Plumegrass?
Plumegrass is a perennial grass that belongs to the large Poaceae family, which includes all true grasses. Originally from Australia and New Zealand, this grass somehow made its way to Hawaii, where it has established itself as a naturalized species. You might also see it referenced by its botanical synonym, Dichelachne sciurea, in older plant references.
Where You’ll Find It
In the United States, plumegrass is currently documented only in Hawaii, where it grows as an introduced species that reproduces on its own in the wild. This limited distribution tells us quite a bit about why you won’t find it at your local garden center.
The Garden Reality Check
Here’s where things get interesting (or perhaps disappointing, depending on your perspective): plumegrass isn’t really a garden plant. Despite having plume in its common name, which sounds rather ornamental, this grass has virtually no presence in cultivation. There’s precious little information available about its appearance, growing requirements, or garden performance.
Why This Matters for Your Garden
As a non-native species with unknown invasive potential, plumegrass falls into that gray area where we simply don’t know enough to make confident recommendations. While it’s not currently listed as invasive or noxious, its limited distribution and lack of cultivation history suggest it’s not the best choice for home gardens.
Better Alternatives
If you’re looking for ornamental grasses with feathery, plume-like seed heads, consider these better-documented and more readily available options:
- Native bunch grasses specific to your region
- Fountain grass varieties (where appropriate for your climate)
- Native sedges with interesting seed heads
- Regional prairie grasses with ornamental value
The Bottom Line
Sometimes in gardening, the most interesting plants are the ones that remain mysteries. Plumegrass appears to be one of those species that’s perfectly content existing in its naturalized Hawaiian habitat without bothering to charm gardeners elsewhere. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with obscure plants, your garden (and your sanity) will likely benefit more from choosing grasses with proven garden performance and readily available growing information.
If you’re drawn to unusual grasses, focus your energy on discovering native species in your area that might be underused in gardens. These local treasures often provide better wildlife benefits and are more likely to thrive with less fuss than mysterious introductions from distant lands.
