Sharp Cupgrass: A Lesser-Known Native Grass Worth Understanding
If you’ve stumbled across the name sharp cupgrass in your native plant research, you’re not alone in wondering what exactly this grass is all about. Eremochloa leersioides, commonly known as sharp cupgrass, is one of those plants that keeps a low profile in the gardening world – sometimes literally and figuratively!
What Exactly Is Sharp Cupgrass?
Sharp cupgrass belongs to the Poaceae family, making it a true grass rather than a grass-like impostor. Like its grass cousins, it’s a monocot that grows in the characteristic way we expect from grasses. However, unlike the well-documented prairie grasses we often celebrate in native gardening, sharp cupgrass remains something of a botanical mystery in terms of detailed growing information.
Where Does Sharp Cupgrass Come From?
The geographic origins and current distribution of sharp cupgrass aren’t well-documented in readily available horticultural resources. This lack of clear information about its native range makes it challenging to determine whether it would be appropriate for specific regional native plant gardens.
Should You Grow Sharp Cupgrass?
Here’s where things get tricky – and honest. With limited information available about sharp cupgrass’s growing requirements, native status in specific regions, and garden performance, it’s difficult to make a strong recommendation either way. When we don’t have clear data about a plant’s behavior, origins, or cultivation needs, it’s generally wiser to look toward better-documented alternatives.
Better-Documented Native Grass Alternatives
If you’re drawn to native grasses (and who isn’t – they’re fantastic!), consider these well-researched options instead:
- Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) – gorgeous fall color and excellent wildlife value
- Buffalo grass (Poaceae dactyloides) – drought-tolerant and low-maintenance
- Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) – fragrant and beautiful in mass plantings
- Sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) – unique seed heads and good erosion control
The Importance of Choosing Well-Documented Plants
While botanical curiosities like sharp cupgrass certainly have their place in the plant kingdom, successful native gardening usually benefits from selecting plants with:
- Clear documentation of native range and growing requirements
- Established records of garden performance
- Known wildlife and pollinator benefits
- Available cultivation information for successful establishment
Moving Forward With Your Native Grass Selection
Rather than taking a chance on sharp cupgrass with its limited available information, consider researching native grasses that are documented as native to your specific region. Your local native plant society, extension office, or experienced native plant nursery can help you identify grasses that will thrive in your garden while supporting local ecosystems.
Remember, the goal of native gardening is to create thriving plant communities that support wildlife and fit naturally into your landscape. Sometimes that means passing on the botanical mysteries in favor of the tried-and-true native plants that we know will deliver results!
