Sandgrass: A Delicate European Import for Specialized Gardens
Meet sandgrass (Mibora), a petite perennial grass that’s quietly made its way from the Mediterranean to a few corners of the northeastern United States. While you won’t find this dainty grass carpeting prairies or meadows, it has carved out a niche among specialty gardeners who appreciate its fine-textured, understated charm.
What is Sandgrass?
Sandgrass is a small, tufted perennial grass that belongs to the graminoid family—that’s botanist-speak for grass and grass-like plants. Originally from southern Europe and the Mediterranean region, this non-native species has established itself in Massachusetts and New York, where it reproduces on its own in the wild.
True to its common name, sandgrass thrives in sandy, well-drained soils and forms delicate clumps that rarely command attention but add subtle texture to specialized plantings.
Where Does Sandgrass Grow?
In the United States, you’ll find sandgrass growing in Massachusetts and New York. It’s not widespread, preferring specific conditions that remind it of its Mediterranean homeland.
Should You Grow Sandgrass in Your Garden?
The honest answer? It depends on what you’re trying to achieve. Here’s the scoop on when sandgrass might (or might not) work for you:
Reasons You Might Want Sandgrass:
- You’re creating a specialized rock garden or alpine collection
- You need a low-maintenance ground cover for sandy, difficult soils
- You appreciate subtle, fine-textured grasses
- You’re collecting Mediterranean or European plant species
Reasons to Skip Sandgrass:
- You want plants that benefit local wildlife and pollinators
- You prefer native species that support local ecosystems
- You need a showy, attention-grabbing plant
- You have heavy clay or poorly drained soil
Growing Conditions and Care
If you decide to grow sandgrass, here’s what it needs to thrive:
- Soil: Well-drained, sandy soil is essential—this grass will sulk in heavy clay
- Sun: Full sun exposure
- Water: Drought tolerant once established; actually prefers dry conditions
- Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 6-9
- Planting: Direct seed in fall for best results
Maintenance Tips:
- Ensure excellent drainage—wet feet are sandgrass’s biggest enemy
- Once established, avoid overwatering
- Little to no fertilization needed
- Allow natural reseeding if desired
Wildlife and Pollinator Value
Let’s be honest here: sandgrass isn’t going to win any awards for supporting local wildlife. Like most grasses, it’s wind-pollinated, so it doesn’t offer much for bees, butterflies, or other pollinators. Its wildlife benefits are minimal compared to native alternatives.
Consider Native Alternatives
While sandgrass isn’t invasive or harmful, consider these native grass alternatives that provide similar aesthetic appeal while supporting local ecosystems:
- Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
- Buffalo grass (Poaceae dactyloides)
- Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica)
The Bottom Line
Sandgrass is a perfectly harmless, low-maintenance option for specialized gardens, particularly if you’re working with challenging sandy soils or creating Mediterranean-themed plantings. However, if you’re looking to support local wildlife or create a more ecologically beneficial landscape, you’ll get more bang for your buck with native grass alternatives.
Whether you choose sandgrass or go native, the key is selecting plants that match both your garden’s conditions and your personal gardening goals. Happy planting!
